CEO's You Should Know - Pittsburgh

This week on CEO’s You Should Know, Jonny Hartwell sits down with Mike and Lizzy Connors, the husband-and-wife team behind Leacon Digital, one of Pittsburgh’s fastest-growing creative and marketing agencies. From reimagining brand identities to building high-performance websites, Mike and Lizzy have helped more than 100 businesses sharpen their message and expand their reach. Their approach blends strategy, storytelling, and clean, modern design—powered by a 92% client-retention rate and a reputation for treating every project like a partnership. In this episode, they talk about how Leacon Digital began, why authenticity matters more than ever in marketing, the challenges of growing a creative business in a crowded digital landscape, and how small and mid-sized companies can use powerful branding, video, photography, and targeted digital campaigns to level up. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, teamwork, and building a business that lifts other businesses. https://www.leacondigital.com/ CEO’s You Should Know — spotlighting the leaders shaping Pittsburgh’s future.

In today’s episode of CEO’s You Should Know, Val Porter sits down with Rachel Petrucelli – a passionate and visionary leader whose 25-year career in development, fundraising and operations spans pediatric healthcare and higher education. Rachel serves as President & Chief Development Officer of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, where she leads more than 55 mission-driven professionals to advance major gifts, capital campaigns and philanthropic innovation. https://www.chp.edu/about/executive-leadership/rachel-petrucelli

Major Marcus Jugenheimer serves as Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania, overseeing programs and services across 28 counties. A lifelong Salvationist ordained in 1994, he most recently served as General Secretary of The Salvation Army’s Greater New York Division and has also held key leadership roles in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio. Alongside his wife, Major Joy Jugenheimer, he is focused on expanding community partnerships, strengthening local outreach, and leading the annual Red Kettle Campaign to help neighbors in need throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Ronnie Esposito is the co-founder of Acton Academy Pittsburgh, a learner-driven school transforming education. Inspired by a podcast that challenged traditional schooling, Ronnie and his wife, Meghan, founded Acton to nurture every child’s genius through curiosity, challenge, and real-world experiences. Motivated by their own children’s educational journey, they built a thriving community where learners take ownership of their growth and purpose. Passionate about innovation and empowering youth, Ronnie helps students discover their gifts and prepares them for their own hero’s journey. He also collaborates with Acton founders nationwide to reimagine what education can be. https://actonacademypittsburgh.com/

In this episode of CEO You Should Know, we sit down with Dr. Nikki Helbling, the founder of Nikki Helbling Wellness—a functional medicine practice dedicated to helping women and men uncover the root causes of their health challenges and reclaim lasting vitality. With a background that spans emergency and critical care, endocrinology, geriatrics, and palliative medicine, Nikki brings both deep clinical expertise and a compassionate, whole-person approach to healing. Now a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (FMACP) through the Functional Medicine Academy™, she combines advanced lab testing, personalized protocols, and evidence-based strategies to help clients move beyond symptom management and into true wellness. Discover how Dr. Helbling is redefining modern healthcare—one patient, one plan, and one spark at a time. Learn more at www.NikkiHelbling.com

Brien Murphy is the owner and driving force behind EZ Home Exteriors, a Pittsburgh-area exterior remodeling firm rooted in quality, transparency, and integrity. Since taking the helm in 2005, Brien has grown the business into one of the region’s premier exterior specialists, offering roofing, siding, windows, doors and full home exterior renovations. With deep experience in the window and remodeling sectors, he emphasizes a no-games approach—no commission sales, no deposits—just honest work and direct engagement with clients. Brien holds a B.S. from Penn State, is a lifelong Pittsburgher, and leads his team with a belief that excellence should be expected—not negotiated.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States and is home to more than 8,000 animals representing over 600 species. The organization’s research and conservation projects are recognized globally and represented on all seven continents and five oceans. As a regional attraction with a global impact, the Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, earning the Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating. The Zoo is American Humane Conservation-certified and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Jeff Hancher is a military veteran turned leadership developer, keynote speaker, and national bestselling author dedicated to empowering leaders to “lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.” Jeff Hancher He’s the author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, and he designs workshops and tools to help organizations build trust, improve team performance, and navigate difficult conversations. https://www.jeffhancher.com/

Christopher H. Franklin is chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG). A 30-year company veteran, he joined in 1992 and became CEO in 2015, leading the $4.2 billion acquisition of Peoples Natural Gas that created Essential in 2020. He serves on the board of CenterPoint Energy and is active on regional civic boards; he has also been named the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s Chair-Elect for 2025. Franklin holds a B.S. from West Chester University and an MBA from Villanova University.

Nick Subich is President & CEO of YTS Wealth Management, an LPL Financial–affiliated firm he co-founded in 2019. A Lock Haven University alum and former Pennsylvania Army National Guard infantry officer, he leads a fast-growing team serving clients nationwide, now managing more than $1.6 billion in assets. Recognized on Forbes’ Best-in-State and Top Next-Gen lists, Nick is known for decisive execution, accountability, and a community-first approach across Western PA

The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center, where holistic care meets family empowerment. Our goal is to make sure every person who walks through our doors feels empowered whether it be to take care of their medically fragile child, or to make a life changing decision. We’re here to support the community; our family. What We Do: We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that any setbacks can usually be addressed by listening and teaching in a way that is conducive to the family unit.Togetherness and strong communication is incorporated in everything we do from the environment in which we teach families in our Pediatric Specialty Hospital, the care we provide to children in Child’s Way daycare expecting, and the supportive, nurturing accommodations we make for a birthparent considering adoption. We speak to and care for our patients and clients as if they were our own family.

Chelsea Musial is the Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association in Pittsburgh, where she leads efforts to fund research, support families, and advocate for those affected by diabetes. A passionate community builder, Chelsea is also the team captain of “Chelsea’s ChampYinz” in the ADA’s Step Out® Walk. Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to health equity and empowering others to take bold steps toward a diabetes-free future. https://stepout.diabetes.org/participants/48203

Meet Michael Costello, CEO of GNC—a dynamic leader driving innovation in global wellness right here in Pittsburgh! With decades of retail expertise and a bold vision for the future, he’s transforming how the world thinks about health and performance. Don’t miss our conversation on the CEOs You Should Know podcast!

What do mermaids, tuna, and Pittsburgh have in common? Find out in our conversation with Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea! We’re talkin’ leadership, seafood, and how this hometown guy made waves in the industry.

As a family-owned, community-first insurance agency, Rupp-Fiore Insurance strives to form relationships with our clients built on trust and understanding. We don’t just sell you a product and disappear. We want you to understand what’s protecting you, your loved ones, your business, your employees, and the assets you own and depend on. We make suggestions and provide explanations based on our full understanding of your unique insurance needs, allowing you to make the most informed decisions possible for your family or your business. https://ruppfiore.com/

Meet Samantha Rawagah, President of Stahl Plumbing & HVAC. From aspiring medical examiner to property management pro, her journey led her to modernize one of Pittsburgh’s legacy businesses. Now she’s building an employee-owned future where plumbers and HVAC techs have a real stake in success. Hear her inspiring story on the podcast! https://stahlplumbingpittsburgh.com/

OUR MISSION We transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness through the love of Christ. OUR VISION We are a model community providing hope and healing to Pittsburgh's homeless and hurting. OUR WEBSITE https://www.lightoflife.org/

Meet Dr. Pounds of Cherry Way Dental—an award-winning dentist, mentor, and mom. With advanced training in bioesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, she’s one of just four Level IV certified dentists in PA. When not creating smiles, she’s exploring nature with her family or mentoring fellow dentists across the region. https://cherrywaydental.com/

CASA of Westmoreland, Inc., is a volunteer-based organization providing a voice in the courts on behalf of abused and neglected children in Westmoreland County. The recommendations of these volunteers assist the courts in determining the child’s placement in safe, permanent and nurturing homes. https://www.casaofwestmoreland.org/

Dogs are more than companions—they’re family. That’s why every Bully Max product is designed for performance and well-being. From muscle-building formulas to everyday care, we offer everything your dog needs to thrive. https://shop.bullymax.com/