cbuzz: The Business of Creating Memorable Experiences with La’Zendra Danforth of Konfetti Carts

How do you build a business people truly love? Letha Pugh and Wendy Miller Pugh, co-owners of Bake Me Happy, share how creativity, community, and a commitment to inclusion have helped turn their gluten-free bakery into a beloved Columbus brand.

Tune in today as Mikaela Hunt sits down with Kristin Schaub & Janae Miller, Greenleaf Job Training Services to answer one big question: What Could Your Business Gain by Creating Opportunity Through Inclusive Employment?

How do you turn a simple idea into an unforgettable brand? La'Zendra Danforth, founder of Konfetti Carts, shares how intentionality, customer experience, and thoughtful branding have transformed celebrations across Central Ohio.

In this episode of CBuzz, host Mikaela Hunt sits down with Julie Granillo, President and CEO of Werth PR, to discuss the future of public relations, reputation management, crisis communications, and the growing influence of AI on business strategy. Julie shares practical insights on strengthening your brand, earning credibility, and preparing your organization for an evolving communications landscape.

How do you build one of Columbus’s fastest-growing food brands? In this episode of CBuzz, the Columbus Chamber’s podcast, Shanika and Jomar Sheppard of Marlowe’s Cheesesteaks and the Water Ice Shop share how they turned a food cart into a thriving business built on authenticity, community, and growth.

What does the future of business education actually look like—and how do we prepare leaders for it? In this episode of cbuzz, the Columbus Chamber’s podcast, we sit down with Aravind Chandrasekaran, Interim Dean at the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, to explore how experiential-driven learning, responsible AI, and leadership development are shaping the next generation of business talent. Fisher is taking a hands-on approach to education—connecting students directly to real-world business challenges, integrating AI in ways that are both innovative and responsible, and redefining what leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving economy. This conversation offers a closer look at how education and business are aligning to build a workforce that is not only prepared—but adaptable, thoughtful, and ready to lead. For employers, founders, and decision-makers, this isn’t just about education—it’s about the future of talent in the Columbus Region and beyond. Aravind Chandrasekaran, Interim Dean | OSU Fisher College of Business Aravind Chandrasekaran (AC) was named interim dean of Ohio State Fisher College of Business in June 2025, bringing more than 15 years of experience as an operations management expert and academic leader at the college. He holds the John Berry Sr. Chair in Business. Prior to this role, he served as senior associate dean for faculty, research, and executive education, leading key initiatives across teaching, research, and industry engagement. He also previously oversaw Fisher’s graduate and executive programs, including MBA and specialized master’s offerings. A recognized educator and researcher, his work focuses on innovation, organizational learning, and the intersection of AI, ethics, and operational excellence. His research has been featured in leading academic and industry publications, including Harvard Business Review. He holds a PhD in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Chimdi Chekwa, Co-founder | BILT Connections  Chimdi is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. He is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he was an All-American Cornerback from 2006-2011. He went on to play for 6 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He received his MBA from the University of Miami during his time spent playing with the Miami Dolphins. Chimdi and BILT Connections’ third co-founder, Bryant Browning, owned and operated "The Pit" barbecue restaurant. Chimdi and his wife, Xia, reside in Lewis Center with their 3 children.  To learn more about Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, please visit https://fisher.osu.edu/ Tune in today as Mikaela Hunt sits down with Aravind Chandrasekaran, from OSU Fisher College of Business, to discuss the future of business: Experiential Learning, Responsible AI, and Leadership. A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in collaboration with the Convergent Media Center at Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Favor, Former Senior Director of Community Engagement at Orange Barrel Media / IKE Smart City. Orange Barrel Media is redefining outdoor advertising by pairing bold creativity with meaningful community impact. Through its IKE Smart City kiosks, the company provides more than advertising — offering local restaurant listings, transportation information, cultural resources, free Wi-Fi, and wayfinding to help residents and visitors better navigate the city. With a focus on enhancing the urban environment, Orange Barrel Media partners closely with cities, supports grassroots nonprofits, and amplifies local artists through strategic visibility and creative campaigns. Their work reflects a model where advertising doesn’t just occupy space — it contributes to it. As a Columbus Chamber member benefit, businesses also have the opportunity to access advertising on IKE Smart City kiosks at discounted rates, helping them increase visibility while supporting a platform designed to serve the community. Learn more at columbus.org/orange-barrel-media. Corey Favor, Former Senior Director of Community Engagement | Orange Barrel Media Corey Favor was the Senior Director of Community Engagement at Orange Barrel Media / IKE Smart City, where he led a national team driving partnerships across arts, small business, education, and nonprofit sectors in more than 30 markets. He oversees community programming, strategic initiatives, and charitable efforts that advance the company’s mission to enhance urban life through media and smart-city technology. With a multidisciplinary background spanning design, product management, marketing, and user experience, Corey has held roles at OhioHealth, Radio One, Who’s Who Publishing, and The Ohio State University. He is also the co-founder of Creative Control Fest, a nationally recognized platform elevating creatives of color, and serves on several prominent boards, including the Columbus College of Art & Design, Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, Gateway Film Center, Creative Ohio, and the Atlanta Contemporary. Corey has received numerous honors, including the Emerging Arts Leader Award and the Spirit of Columbus Award, and lives on the Near East Side of Columbus with his wife, Shayla. Chimdi Chekwa, Co-founder | BILT Connections  Chimdi is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. He is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he was an All-American Cornerback from 2006-2011. He went on to play for 6 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He received his MBA from the University of Miami during his time spent playing with the Miami Dolphins. Chimdi and BILT Connections’ third co-founder, Bryant Browning, owned and operated "The Pit" barbecue restaurant. Chimdi and his wife, Xia, reside in Lewis Center with their 3 children.  To learn more about Orange Barrel Media, please visit https://obm.com/ Tune in today as Mikaela Hunt sits down with Corey Favor, formerly from Orange Barrel Media to discuss how they have created community impact by redefining outdoor advertising. A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in collaboration with the Convergent Media Center at Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

Name, Image, and Likeness has transformed college athletics, but what if NIL could do more than endorsements and sponsorship deals? What if it could build businesses, create equity opportunities, and strengthen entire communities?  In this episode of cbuzz, host Mikaela Hunt sits down with Sam Storts and Chimdi Chekwa, co-founders of BILT Connections, to explore how they are redefining the NIL landscape. Their model moves beyond transactional payments toward equity-based partnerships that position student-athletes as business owners, venture partners, and community investors.  From licensing university technology to supporting small businesses and future real estate development, BILT is creating a new ecosystem where athletes, entrepreneurs, and communities grow together. Sam and Chimdi share their vision for the future of NIL, why Columbus is the ideal place to launch innovation like this, and how business leaders can get involved in this emerging opportunity.  If you are interested in entrepreneurship, investment, workforce development, or the future of sports and business, this conversation offers a compelling look at what comes next.  Sam Storts, Co-founder | BILT Connections  Sam is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. From Sugar Grove, a small town in rural southeast Ohio, he is a 2018 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he majored in Biological Engineering with a minor in Science, Engineering, and Public Policy. Sam worked several jobs while he was in college, which exposed him to a variety of individuals and resources that led him to help develop the concept behind BILT Connections. He was able to connect with Chimdi after hearing him speak on a podcast, and the mutual ideologies sparked a business. Sam and his wife, Jenna, reside in Reynoldsburg with their daughter, Mason, and rescue dog, Cricket.  Chimdi Chekwa, Co-founder | BILT Connections  Chimdi is one of the original co-founders of BILT Connections, joining in June of 2023. He is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he was an All-American Cornerback from 2006-2011. He went on to play for 6 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He received his MBA from the University of Miami during his time spent playing with the Miami Dolphins. Chimdi and BILT Connections’ third co-founder, Bryant Browning, owned and operated "The Pit" barbecue restaurant. Chimdi and his wife, Xia, reside in Lewis Center with their 3 children.  To learn more about BILT Connections, please visit www.biltconnections.com. Tune in today as Mikaela Hunt sits down with Sam Storts and Chimdi Chekwa, co-founders of BILT Connections, to explore how they are redefining the NIL landscape. A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in collaboration with the Convergent Media Center at Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

In this episode, we sit down with Annalies Corbin, Founder & CEO, the PAST Foundation. Since 2000, PAST Foundation has been designing and delivering real-world learning experiences that prepare students and educators for the future of work. PAST connects education, business, and community to create hands-on, problem-based learning that is engaging, equitable, and grounded in research. From Microschools and teacher training to student STEM camps and national evaluation projects, we work to ensure learning is meaningful, measurable, and transformative. Annalies Corbin, Founder & CEO | The PAST Foundation Annalies is the Chief Goddess and CEO of the PAST Foundation, which she founded in 2000 to bridge scientific research with classrooms and communities. After teaching at East Carolina University, she dedicated herself fully to PAST, expanding it from a single school partnership to a national leader in transforming education. Under her leadership, PAST has reached over 2.3 million students and 20,000 teachers across 42 states, fostering hands-on learning through the PAST Innovation Lab and professional development programs. In 2019, she launched the Learning Unboxed podcast to challenge traditional education models and explore innovative ways to prepare for the future of work. To learn more about The PAST Foundation, visit https://www.pastfoundation.org/. Tune in today as Annalies Corbin sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: Reimagining Education A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in collaboration with the Convergent Media Center at Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Walton, Chief Brand Officer, Sky Nile Consulting. Sky Nile Consulting's mission is to craft compelling stories, elevate unique voices, and empower communities. They strive to transform brands through innovative marketing strategies and impactful brand development. Their commitment to excellence and integrity ensures that every client can continue to operate in their purpose. Jennifer Walton, Chief Brand Officer | Sky Nile Consulting Jennifer Walton is a brand builder, creative strategist, and unapologetic voice for impact. As the Chief Brand Officer of Sky Nile Consulting and the co-founder of GRND, she builds brands that move people and shape culture, from grassroots initiatives to government agencies. Beyond the titles, she's also a community builder, a champion for Women and working mothers, a former corporate marketing exec who traded in the boardroom to help reshape the future through storytelling, strategy, and cultural intelligence. Whether she’s advising C-suite leaders, building statewide campaigns, or raising her daughters with intention and joy, Jennifer is always asking one question: how do we build something better, for all of us? Jennifer doesn’t aspire to be in the rooms and at the tables, she aspires to redefine it all.  To learn more about Sky Nile Consulting, visit https://skynileconsulting.com/. Tune in today as Jennifer Walton sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: From Storytelling to Service A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in collaboration with the Convergent Media Center at Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.