Featured Speakers

National and local experts brought together to deliver actionable insights on social business, content marketing, leadership, and more.

2014 Keynote Presenters

The 2014 Ohio Growth Summit featured six distinguished keynote speakers, each bringing a unique perspective on business growth, prospecting, entrepreneurship, and communication.

A carved linocut relief print of a confident speaker at a podium, warm ochre and charcoal tones, energetic and professional mood

Chris Brogan

Owner Magazine

CEO of Owner Media Group, Chris Brogan helps businesses grow through owned audiences and modern marketing strategies. A New York Times bestselling author, he has advised companies including Disney, Microsoft, and Google.

A carved linocut relief print of a person engaged in conversation, deep blue and warm gray tones, approachable and consultative mood

Steve Kloyda

Prospecting Expert

Founder of The Prospecting Expert, Steve Kloyda has spent over 30 years helping sales professionals master the art of connecting with prospects and building lasting business relationships.

A carved linocut relief print of a creative workspace with bold typographic elements, vibrant orange and charcoal, inventive and playful mood

Jason SurfrApp

IWearYourShirt.com

Jason Sadler, known as Jason SurfrApp, is the founder of IWearYourShirt.com and a recognized voice in creative marketing, brand storytelling, and unconventional revenue generation.

A carved linocut relief print of a mentor guiding a small group, earthy brown and cream tones, supportive and visionary mood

Jerry Ross

National Entrepreneurship Center

Jerry Ross is a champion of entrepreneurship education, working through the National Entrepreneurship Center to equip aspiring business owners with the tools and mindset needed to launch and grow.

A carved linocut relief print of a woman presenting to an audience, soft teal and slate gray tones, confident and engaging mood

Heather Whaling

Geben Communication

Founder and president of Geben Communication, Heather Whaling is a PR and social media strategist known for helping brands build authentic connections in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

A carved linocut relief print of a calm professional organizing a workspace, muted green and charcoal tones, composed and reassuring mood

Jess Ostroff

Don't Panic Management

Jess Ostroff is the founder of Don't Panic Management, where she helps busy leaders reclaim their time through effective delegation and virtual executive assistant strategies.

Topics Covered: Social Business Content Marketing Pitching Leadership Prospecting Brand Storytelling Entrepreneurship PR & Social Media

Past Keynote Speakers

The Ohio Growth Summit has welcomed an impressive roster of keynote presenters over the years, each contributing to the summit's reputation for high-impact, practical programming.

Nate Riggs

Social Business Strategy

Jay Baer

Content Marketing & Customer Experience

Amber Naslund

Social Media & Digital Leadership

Joe Pulizzi

Content Marketing

Chris Brogan

Owned Audiences & Marketing

Mike Figliuolo

Leadership & Decision-Making

The Ohio Growth Summit brings together an impressive lineup of speakers who represent the best in business innovation and leadership. These featured speakers come from diverse industries, each bringing a unique perspective on what it takes to build a thriving organization in today's competitive landscape. Attendees can expect to hear from individuals who have navigated the challenges of scaling a company, building a powerful brand, and fostering a culture of growth. The summit curates these voices carefully, ensuring that every presentation delivers tangible, actionable insights rather than just theoretical concepts. Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned executive, the speaker roster offers something valuable for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

National thought leaders and local experts share the stage at the Ohio Growth Summit, creating a dynamic blend of big-picture strategy and on-the-ground wisdom. These speakers have been selected for their ability to connect with audiences and deliver content that sticks. Topics range from content marketing and social business to leadership development and operational excellence. Each session is designed to challenge conventional thinking and inspire new approaches to common business problems. The interactive nature of these presentations allows for real dialogue between speakers and attendees, making the experience far more engaging than a typical conference lecture. This exchange of ideas is at the heart of what makes the summit a standout event.

The carefully curated speaker sessions at the Ohio Growth Summit go beyond surface-level advice to explore the deeper principles of sustainable business growth. Presenters share real stories of triumph and setback, giving attendees a honest look at what it truly takes to succeed. Breakout sessions allow for more intimate discussions where speakers can dive deeper into specialized topics like prospecting, relationship building, and company culture. These smaller settings foster meaningful connections between presenters and participants, often leading to continued conversations long after the summit ends. The emphasis on practical, applicable knowledge ensures that every attendee walks away with concrete strategies they can implement immediately in their own organizations.

Beyond the main stage presentations, the Ohio Growth Summit offers unique opportunities for attendees to engage with speakers on a more personal level. Networking breaks and dedicated Q&A periods create space for meaningful interaction, allowing participants to ask specific questions related to their own business challenges. Many speakers also participate in panel discussions, where multiple perspectives on a single topic create a richer, more nuanced conversation. This multi-format approach ensures that different learning styles are accommodated throughout the event. The result is an environment where knowledge flows freely between the stage and the audience, reinforcing the summit's commitment to practical, community-driven professional development that extends well beyond the event itself.

Ready to learn from experts like these?

Register Now