Revitalizing Warren: Entertainment, Real Estate, and Economic Opportunity with Ken Haidaris

Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Haidaris—owner of the historic Sunrise Inn, concert promoter, and real estate investor—to discuss the past, present, and future of Warren, Ohio. Ken shares the remarkable history behind some of Warren’s most iconic venues, his role in expanding live entertainment in the city, and why he remains deeply invested in the community’s economic revival.

From speakeasies and pizza recipes brought straight from Chicago to amphitheaters, restored theaters, and new business ventures, this conversation explores how entertainment, real estate, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive growth and opportunity in a city on the rise.

Guest Bio
Ken Haidaris is the owner of the Sunrise Inn, a concert promoter, and a real estate investor with deep roots in Warren, Ohio. He is actively involved in revitalizing local landmarks, developing entertainment venues, and investing in projects that contribute to job creation and long-term economic impact in the region.

What We Cover in This Episode

• The 97-year history of the Sunrise Inn, including its roots as an old speakeasy
• How the Sunrise Inn became Warren’s first pizza shop, featuring a recipe brought from Chicago
• Why the Sunrise Inn is known for its Reubens, including the fan-favorite Rusty Reuben
• Updates on the Westlawn warehouse project and its anticipated opening timeline
• Why entertainment is critical to attracting new businesses and talent to Warren
• How Ken got started as a concert promoter and grew the local amphitheater
• Job creation and economic development tied to entertainment and real estate projects
• The restoration of the 105-year-old Robins Theatre and its importance to the community
• The positive economic outlook for Warren and the surrounding metro area
• What it takes to be a successful promoter
• Getting started in real estate investing and the types of properties Ken focuses on
• The launch of Sunrise InnSurance and the motivation behind the new venture
• A thoughtful discussion on Warren’s history—not just as a “bedroom community,” but as a former industrial hub, evidenced by its abandoned industrial buildings
• A lighter moment we had a brief discussion on the Cleveland Browns and their uncertain future

Key Takeaways
Entertainment can be a powerful catalyst for economic development and job growth

Preserving historic venues while modernizing them can drive long-term community value

Successful promotion and real estate investing require vision, persistence, and local commitment

Warren’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who believe in its potential

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone interested in local business, real estate investing, or the revitalization of American cities.

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Stringer from the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) to talk about the incredible work he and his team are doing to improve housing and strengthen our community.

We cover a range of important topics, including:

• 🏚 Emergency Home Repair Program – Learn how you can get help with urgent home repairs.
  📞 Contact Kevin at 330.647.6301 ext. 111 or kevin@tnpwarren.org
  for more info.
• 🏠 Tangled Titles Program – A partnership between TNP and Community Legal Aid that helps resolve ownership issues after the death of a homeowner or complications from land contracts.
  🔗 More info: communitylegalaid.org
  
  
• 🏡 New Homes Coming to Warren – TNP is building four brand-new homes in the Drexel Park neighborhood! Requirements apply, so reach out to Kevin if you’re interested.
• 🌿 Warren Farmers Market – Stop by the North Park Commons at 347 North Park Ave., Warren, Ohio, every Tuesday from 3–6 PM through September 30th.
• 🏙️ Downtown Revitalization – Big things are happening downtown—stay tuned for updates!

And a quick callout to University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic: it’s time to bring more resources to Warren. Lets go!!!

This episode is dedicated to Korey Stinger ❤️

We’re excited to introduce a new segment to the Defend Warren podcast focused on helping people understand the mortgage process. Joining us regularly will be Mattie Easton, who brings valuable insight and experience to guide listeners through the home-buying journey.

Mattie grew up in Bristolville with her two sisters and graduated in a close-knit class of just 30 students. As a teen, she loved dancing at local clubs and community spots. She attended Kent State University and later earned her accounting degree from Hiram College.

In this episode, you’ll hear the entertaining story of how Mattie met her husband and learn how she got started in the mortgage industry back in 2004. She emphasizes that qualifying for a mortgage involves more than just having a good credit score.

Mattie shares practical advice on:

• Understanding PMI and down payment requirements
• The basics of conventional loans
• Why being transparent with your lender matters
• How you can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580
• Simple tips to build or improve credit
• The difference between a hard and soft credit pull
• What separates being pre-qualified from being pre-approved
• How self-employed individuals can navigate the mortgage process

Most importantly, she outlines the best ways to prepare financially and mentally for buying a home.

If you’d like to speak with Mattie about your mortgage questions, you can reach her directly at:
📞 330.307.1015
📧 measton@alcova.com

Music: Keepers of the Faith by Terror