Sound Track | The Chamber Podcast
<p>Welcome to Sound Track, where we dive into the heart of Tacoma and Pierce County's business landscape. From local entrepreneurs to industry leaders, we bring you stories, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in Tacoma's thriving business community.</p><p></p><p>Sound Track is the evolution of the Chamber's previous podcast: "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/miitss">Making It In the South Sound</a>."</p>
All Episodes
Ep. 9 From Winning a Horse to Telling the South Sound's Stories. With Josh Dunn.
<p>What do a middle school writing contest, a horse, and one of the Pacific Northwest's leading regional media companies have in common? Josh Dunn.</p> <p>In this episode of <em>The Chamber Pod</em>, Anna and Pachia sit down with Josh Dunn, Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group, to explore the remarkable journey behind one of the South Sound's most influential storytellers. From an unforgettable middle school writing competition that earned him a horse to building a media company that reaches communities across Washington, Josh's story is one of vision, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of local stories.</p> <p>Josh shares how he recognized opportunity during a rapidly changing media landscape, took a leap of faith, and built Premier Media Group into a trusted voice for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout the region. His entrepreneurial mindset is matched by a genuine passion for storytelling—not just to inform, but to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make the South Sound a remarkable place to live and work.</p> <p>Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the mentors who shaped his journey, the lessons he's learned as a business owner, and why giving back has always been at the heart of his work. Whether serving on nonprofit and business boards, supporting local initiatives, or using his publications to shine a light on community leaders, Josh believes that success means helping others succeed, too.</p> <p>In this episode, you'll hear about:</p> <ul> <li>The incredible story of winning a horse through a middle school writing contest.</li> <li>The entrepreneurial leap that led to founding Premier Media Group.</li> <li>Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building stronger communities.</li> <li>How embracing change and innovation helped his company thrive through decades of media transformation.</li> <li>The role mentorship, relationships, and curiosity have played throughout his career.</li> <li>Why investing in local businesses and celebrating community success stories continues to drive his work today.</li> </ul> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This episode is a reminder that great leaders don't just build businesses—they build communities. Josh's passion for storytelling, his entrepreneurial vision, and his commitment to elevating the South Sound make this a conversation you won't want to miss.</p>
Ep 8. Building More Than a Business: Leadership, Culture, and Lasting Success with John Wiborg
<p>On this episode of <em>The Chamber Pod</em>, we're joined by <strong>John Wiborg</strong>, President & CEO of Stellar Industrial Supply, for a conversation about the principles that build enduring companies—and the leaders behind them.</p> <p>As Stellar Industrial Supply has grown through acquisitions and expanded across multiple locations, John shares how the company's success has never been about simply selling industrial tools and supplies. Instead, it's about creating value through trusted relationships, deep expertise, exceptional service, and a genuine commitment to helping customers solve problems. That philosophy has shaped the way Stellar grows, integrates acquired businesses, and retains the people who helped build those organizations in the first place.</p> <p>We also explore what it takes to preserve a strong culture across multiple locations, why leadership begins with investing in people, and how organizations can stay connected to a shared purpose as they continue to grow.</p> <p>One of the most thought-provoking moments of the conversation centers on John's philosophy of <strong>life integration</strong>. Rather than viewing work and personal life as competing priorities, he encourages people to identify the handful of areas that matter most—whether that's family, hobbies, spiritual growth, community, career, or personal growth—and intentionally nurture each of them. Like the spokes of a wheel, those priorities work together to create stability and momentum, offering a more sustainable approach to leadership and success than the traditional idea of work-life balance.</p> <p>John also reflects on what leadership teaches you about yourself, the responsibility business leaders have to help educate their communities on important issues, and the mindset required to build an organization that lasts for generations.</p>
Ep. 7 Navigating AI and Cybersecurity in Today's Business World. With Janine Terrano.
<p>On this episode of <em>The Chamber Pod</em>, we're joined by <strong>Janine Terrano</strong>, CEO of Topia Technology, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and building a business with purpose.</p> <p>Janine shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on what it was like to come from humble beginnings and navigate the challenges of starting a company without traditional resources. Through determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in her vision, she found unconventional ways to raise capital and transform an idea into a thriving technology company.</p> <p>At the heart of Janine's story is the deeply personal experience that sparked her entrepreneurial path. While searching for answers to help save her son through medical research, she witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of the internet at a time when few people understood how profoundly it would change the world. That realization became the foundation for a career dedicated to building technology that solves meaningful problems.</p> <p>We also explore the invaluable role mentors have played throughout her journey and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge, encourage, and believe in your vision can make all the difference. Janine reflects on the lessons she's learned as both an entrepreneur and a leader, offering honest insight into perseverance, taking calculated risks, and remaining mission-driven through every stage of growth.</p> <p>The conversation also examines the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and the ethical questions that come with it. Rather than focusing solely on what AI <em>can</em> do, we discuss what it <em>should</em> do—exploring the moral implications of emerging technologies, the responsibility of innovators, and why human values must remain at the center of technological advancement.</p> <p>Whether discussing the future of AI, the power of innovation, or the realities of building a company from the ground up, Janine's story is a testament to what's possible when curiosity, grit, and purpose come together.</p>
Ep. 6 From Tacoma to the World Cup: Community, Business, and Doyle's Public House
<p>In this episode, we sit down with Russ, owner of Doyle's Public House, to discuss what it takes to build a successful neighborhood pub, foster community, and navigate the realities of owning a restaurant in Tacoma-Pierce County. Russ shares the story behind Doyle's, his philosophy of creating a true "third place" beyond home and work, and why community connection remains at the heart of everything they do.</p> <p>Russ explains that running a restaurant is about much more than serving food and drinks. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for customers year-round. From supporting local events to preparing for the excitement surrounding FIFA 2026, Doyle's continues to play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening Tacoma's business community.</p> <p>Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or someone who appreciates the value of local gathering places, this conversation offers insight into entrepreneurship, hospitality, and the power of building authentic connections.</p> <p><strong>What You'll Hear in This Episode:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Why Doyle's was founded to be a true neighborhood gathering place</li> <li>The realities of owning and operating a restaurant in Tacoma-Pierce County</li> <li>How community connection contributes to long-term business success</li> <li>The challenges and opportunities facing local restaurants today</li> <li>Why hospitality is about creating experiences, not just serving customers</li> <li>How Doyle's is preparing for FIFA 2026 and welcoming visitors to Tacoma</li> <li>The importance of supporting local businesses and investing in community</li> <li>Lessons Russ has learned from 20 years of entrepreneurship and leadership</li> </ul>