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

Dr. Alisha Lyn
A proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 2004, Alisha began her educational journey at Kent State University before earning her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. She later obtained a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and completed her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 education in 2022.

Alisha's path to success was far from linear. She worked as a lunch aide, in banking, and as a substitute teacher while continuing her education. Her life and career have been defined by resilience and transformation.

She is the author of Overcome, Transform, Soar: The Process of Breaking Barriers and Soaring to New Heights, a powerful testament to her personal journey. Alisha is a three-time traumatic brain injury survivor, a two-time cardiac arrest survivor, and a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. Her first major brain injury occurred while playing basketball at Warren G. Harding—an incident that nearly claimed her life and left doctors fearing she would not recover.

Today, Alisha serves as a member of the Warren City Schools Board of Education and works as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Kent State University. She remains a vocal supporter of Warren G. Harding and the Warren City School District, highlighting the district’s strong academic opportunities for high-achieving students and the new Wellness Center—which goes beyond athletics to support overall student well-being.

In 2009, she launched Alisha Lyn LLC (www.alishalynllc.com), a company built to inspire and empower others. She has also started a business venture for her daughters, continuing her legacy of leadership, education, and empowerment.

Link for her book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Transform-Soar-Breaking-Barriers-ebook/dp/B0CBL3X7BG

www.thelynneetwins.com
www.alishalynnllc.com
www.dralishaalls.com

He currently serves as the Chief Legal Counsel at JP Morgan Law.

Originally from East Liverpool, Ohio, he comes from a family that started a furniture business. In the 7th grade, his family relocated to Mineral Ridge, where he graduated from Mineral Ridge High School. He shares fond memories of growing up in Mineral Ridge, including his first “small” business venture as a child.

He later attended the C.S. Lewis Institute in Youngstown, an organization focused on helping individuals grow as disciples in their faith. Passionate about service, he volunteers with Northeast Ohio Legal Aid and has also given back by coaching high school baseball and basketball at Heartland Christian.

Since 2002, he has operated his law office in downtown Warren, where he practices as a small general attorney with a focus on domestic/family law and criminal law. With over two decades of experience downtown, he offers insightful reflections on how the area has changed—and what steps can be taken to further its growth and revitalization.

He also shares candid thoughts on how Warren can be aggressively developed and grown, offering ideas for progress and positive change.

Side note: Warren’s city income tax rate is 2.5%.

And yes, there’s a brief (and slightly passionate) detour into a discussion about the Cleveland Browns—thanks in advance for your patience.

In closing, I asked him: If you could pull every string necessary to turn Warren around, what would you do?

Also—welcome to Warren, Kimberly-Clark and Rural King.

Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Bob has been a guest before, so go and check out that episode. We are beginning a series of shows that will discuss residental real estate market in Warren, Ohio. This series is being done in conjuction with a series titled: "Move to Warren". We hope to encourage people and business to move to Warren with the information on these episodes.

Also, It looks like Kimberly Clark Project on Warren's south side is moving forward. We shall see.....

Bob Easton - roberteastonrealtor@gmail.com
330.307.3355

Natasha graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1996, earned her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University in 2000, and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron in 2004.

Growing up on the north side of Warren, she developed a strong work ethic early on, delivering newspapers and working at a concession stand from the age of 14.

With a firm belief that mindset shapes one’s future, Natasha shares her determination and personal journey to earning her law degree. She reflects on her family life and the cherished memories of delicious meals prepared by her grandparents.

Her legal career began in Las Vegas, where she specialized in civil litigation. Committed to giving back to her community, she launched the "Steer and Clear – Warren" program at Packard Park, a workshop dedicated to helping individuals regain their suspended driver’s licenses.

Hear the compelling story of how she overcame a major setback just before finals while working at Kahunaville—an event that tested her resilience but didn’t stop her from achieving her goals.

Natasha’s passion for law and love for Warren, Ohio, continue to drive her efforts. Stay tuned for upcoming events she has planned for the community!

Music by Terror
Song - Keepers of the Faith

Dennis is a 1967 graduate of Warren G Harding High School. He is currently the administrator of Fund for Warren's Future.
Dennis graduated from Hiram College with a degree in English and later earned his MBA from Ohio State University.

He began his career at the Federal Trade Commission and has lived in Chicago, New York City, and Columbus, among other places.

Most of his career was spent in publishing with Time Inc., including 15 years at Fortune magazine, along with other notable publications.

Dennis is also the creator of the Warren Expressed blog.

In this episode, we discuss the positive developments in Warren and the progress made over the past 10–15 years.

• He sheds light on the Poggemeyer study, explaining its benefits and how it has been leveraged.
• He shares insights on how Warren is positioned to attract new businesses and encourage economic growth.
• And there’s a not-so-well-kept secret about a major development happening downtown—shhh!

Finally, I have to admit—I was wrong. Rural King is FINALLY opening a store in the Parkman Road plaza, and development for distribution and light manufacturing on the old Westlawn property has officially begun.

As a friend of mine likes to say:
"I hate it when I’m right and love it when I’m wrong."

Thank you for your time, Dennis.
Defend Warren.