Twenty in Their 20S City’S ‘New Normal’ Is Seeing Big Picture

20160822-NEWS--1-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 3:57 PM Page 1

VOL. 37, NO. 34 AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016

Source Lunch Business of Life Megan O’Bryan, Tri-C Fast-paced environment in education is good fit for active executive. Page 28

Mitt repairman known The List CLEVELAND BUSINESS for his great glove work Top employers in Cuyahoga and Summit. Pages 30-31 Page 27 TOURISM Twenty in their 20s City’s ‘new normal’ is seeing big picture

By JAY MILLER Part of their optimism is based on how they believe a week in July is [email protected] helping to change the impression of @millerjh Cleveland nationally and internationally. But part of it, too, is based Now that they can look back on an on the broadening and increasingly event that left 50,000 people gener- skilled civic partnership that pitched ally impressed with Cleveland, some in over the last two years to make the of the leaders of the effort to put on RNC a success. the Republican National Convention And it didn’t hurt that the Cava- are looking ahead. liers won the National Basketball As- They see a future that might in- sociation championship. clude more big, blockbuster events At an event hosted by Crain’s — basketball and baseball All-Star Cleveland Business last Tuesday, Games, they hope, and maybe even Aug. 16, David Gilbert, the president a Democratic National Convention. and CEO of Destination Cleveland, But they also are looking beyond the local convention and visitors bu- big events to a future where Cleve- reau, and the Greater Cleveland land can be seen as a place where Sports Commission; Jon Pinney, people living elsewhere might now managing partner for Kohrman consider the city as a place to live Jackson & Krantz LLP; and Joe Ro- and work because they see the op- man, president and CEO of the portunity for a bright future. SEE CITY, PAGE 3

SERVICE Blooming Davey Tree keeps branching out By DAN SHINGLER their efforts. … A lot people have mission statements and vision state- [email protected] ments in our industry, but few have @DanShingler a well-thought-out and constantly maintained strategic plan,” Davey To the casual observer, Kent- CEO Karl Warnke said. based Davey Tree looks like a nice, The plan’s not all that complex – local operation, exuding a sort of maintain “organic” growth — yeah, old-timey, small-town ethos with its he knows — of 5% a year by increas- grass-green trucks and hard-hatted ing market share, cross-selling new employees. products between regions and sub- And it is. sidiaries, and increasing awareness It’s also a company — more fully of “green assets” by everyone from known as the Davey Tree Expert Co. city governments to U.S. military — that is methodically chasing a bil- bases. lion dollars in annual revenue, with “We need to grow organically, at 8,600 employees from Florida to least 5%, before we will go on with Vancouver. And it’s got a growing our acquisition work,” Warnke said. appetite for acquisitions. But that hasn’t been a problem. “It’s the guy cutting the lawns and Davey’s got $820 million in annual These young Clevelanders do much more climbing the trees that make this sales and growth is on track. So thing go. Our job here is to focus SEE DAVEY, PAGE 14 than simply hang around

Entire contents © 2016 by Crain Communications Inc. This year, Crain’s is singling out 20 up-and-coming professionals who haven’t turned 30 yet. Among this group are teachers, innovators, community activists and philanthropists. While their names might not be top of mind, and they likely haven’t made their first million yet, there’s no denying these young professionals are making a mark on Northeast Ohio. Their stories begin on page 17. Find interactive versions of these portraits on crainscleveland.com 20160822-NEWS--2-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:30 PM Page 1

Imagine the Possibilities When You Make a Big Impression

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CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 3 CITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Greater Cleveland Partnership, talked about their experiences leading the Cleveland 2016 Host Com- mittee and what they believe the civic community is now prepared to tackle to improve life in Cleveland. The event, “Life after the RNC: What’s Next?” attracted an audience of about 200 people to Cleveland Public Auditorium. “I think the biggest change (is that a) switch has finally flipped and Clevelanders are believing in their own town,” said Gilbert, who was president and CEO of the host committee, the local group responsible for preparing the city for the conven- The city has an NBA All-Star Game on its wish list. (Getty Images) tion. “The combination of those two, Gilbert said that until now, in his the convention and the sports cham- role with the sports commission, he pionship, could not have meant had felt that Cleveland was starting a more to any city. They were such cat- half-step behind the starting line in alysts,” Gilbert said. “We’ve been the competition for events. “Now I held back for decades by our own think we’re starting at the starting lack of self-confidence. We now have line like everybody else,” he said. a new normal.” Building a model Work to do Part of that growing familiarity Roman, who was vice president of Cleveland followed a Cavs title with a successful RNC. (Getty Images) comes from how the convention the host committee, said the im- generated publicity for the city. provements downtown in the last Gilbert said Destination Cleve- several years, including a convention land’s tracking of international me- center, new hotels and a revamped dia found 100,000 mentions of the Public Square, that impressed con- city in the months leading up to the vention-goers have to be followed convention. More importantly, he up by improvements beyond the said, the presidential election hoopla central city. produced 1,200 stories about the city “That means schools have to get that was hosting the Republican better; that means infrastructure has convention. to improve,” he said. “We have to at- David Gilbert: “The combination of Another important factor, Roman tract people to this town who see an those two, the convention and the said, was the way all sectors of the opportunity for themselves in this sports championship, could not community worked together — not town.” have meant more to any city.” just the traditional public-private Pinney, the host committee’s partnership, but a broader partner- counsel, secretary and treasurer, Elizabeth McIntyre, publisher and ship that includes the city’s founda- also gave credit to the city of Cleve- editor of Crain’s, to ask about all-star tions and the media. land for the way it helped ensure that games. Pinney agreed, noting that the the Public Square renovation was “We have been working the Cava- community structure that first won completed in time for the conven- liers on a bid for an All-Star Game and then successfully executed the tion, did a thorough job of paving and with the Indians on a (baseball) convention has been evolving since streets and “completed a thousand All-Star Game,” Gilbert said. 2006, when the city first sought a micro-projects — replacing street Cleveland last hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1997. (Getty Images) He continued, saying he’ll be talk- major political convention. lights, painting fire hydrants — it ing soon to a group that puts on an “We built the model to do big things was a remarkable effort. vention) in Cleveland in the near fu- the board of Destination Cleveland international sports event that only in the city,” he said. “Relationships He also said he believes the expe- ture,” he said. “I am convinced the and has been involved in conversa- now is considering bringing 10,000 were formed that will result in better, rience with the RNC gave the city the Democratic National Committee tions about future major events, to 12,000 athletes to Cleveland in bigger projects going forward. Trust means to host major events on a reg- will ask the city to bid on their 2020 hinted at plans for a variety of 2020 or 2021. was built amongst everybody involved. ular basis. convention. Whether that happens events, including several rock con- “This organization is headquar- “The next big project, the ground- “I’ll make the prediction that there or not, we’ll see.” certs. tered in Switzerland and they know work has already been laid in how to will be a (Democratic National Con- Pinney, who is also a member of That comment led moderator about Cleveland,” he said. do it,” Pinney added.

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PAGE 4 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS

Northeast Ohio’s 7% industrial vacancy rate Study has plan to make has never been lower in the 40 years of tracking the market. region a 3D printing hub By RACHEL ABBEY MCCAFFERTY “TechBelt,” it can compete with oth- force training initiatives Contact Terry Coyne to er large regions when necessary. ■ Building out the supply chains in [email protected] “The Northeast Ohio region is ide- the automotive, biomedical and see how this impacts you! @ramccafferty ally suited to become a national aerospace industries leader in additive manufacturing,” ■ Creating a framework for makers Northeast Ohio wants to position the report stated. “There is an un- and entrepreneurs to thrive ASKING RENT AND VACANCY itself as an innovative hub for addi- usually high concentration of uni- Ewing said it will be important to tive manufacturing — think the Sili- versities training design talent, a his- provide some structure — through $4.25 14% con Valley of 3D printing. torically strong manufacturing base events and social media — to the $4.00 12% The region already has a strong of industry and workforce, world- cluster, so people stay interested. Fa- $3.75 manufacturing base, a variety of uni- class materials and biomedical as- hey said that the individual organi- 10% versity and institutional resources sets, and a growing presence of in- zations have some existing funding $3.50 Visit 8% $3.25 TerryCoyne.com and connections to the end-markets novators and innovation service they can direct toward cluster activ- already using 3D printing technolo- providers.” ities, but it’s going to need to seek a $3.00 6% Or Call Terry at 216.453.3001 gy, like biomedical and aerospace. larger source of funding going for- $2.75 4% But there are big hurdles to over- Overcoming barriers ward. Ewing said the U.S. Depart- 2Q11 2Q12 2Q13 2Q14 2Q15 2Q16 come, including a lack of software The main application for additive ment of Commerce is already look- Average Asking Rent (Price/SF) Vacancy (%) initiatives in this space and limited manufacturing right now is proto- ing into ways to support economic venture funding, according to a re- typing, but the study also highlights development around the institutes. cent report from the Youngstown opportunities in direct products and In it for the long term 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 300 Business Incubator and America tooling. The main barriers to the Cleveland, Ohio 44115 Makes in Youngstown and Team continued adoption of this technol- In addition to the economic devel- NEO and Magnet in Cleveland. ogy are related to production and opment groups and the manufactur- This “asset map” offers a compre- cost margins, the report stated. ing and tech-focused organizations hensive look at the existing efforts in Companies also are averse to failure, involved in the study, a number of additive manufacturing in Northeast and more would be interested is they local companies took part as part of Ohio, the barriers to continued the advisory council and “voice-of- adoption of the technology, and the the-customer” interviews. Compa- potential benefits to the region. “The good news: nies like The Technology House in As Team NEO was thinking about Our region is good Streetsboro and rp+m in Avon Lake innovation hubs, the group realized have been working in 3D printing for including additive manufacturing at forming and years and viewed the opportunity as was a “no brainer,” in part because cultivating a good one for networking and mar- of its connection to the automotive keting. and aerospace industries the region partnerships. ... We In the short-term, Fahey said that already serves, said Tim Fahey, the if processors began using more addi- organization’s vice president of in- now have a roadmap tive manufacturing in their tooling dustry and innovation. And the re- on how to take — a high-growth area for the tech- gion already is home to America nology — it would help make them Makes, the National Additive Manu- advantage of this more productive and competitive. facturing Innovation Institute. asset.” That may not create jobs, but it TO YOUR NEW DEAL The institute, established in 2012, could strengthen the manufacturing was the first in a group of national base, Fahey said. Team NEO is fo- It’s simple. We help credit unions deliver exceptional ﬁ nancing — Brad Whitehead, president, institutes designed to speed up in- cused on growing the regional econ- options to businesses and commercial real estate investors. Fund for our Economic Future novation and commercialization in omy, which makes this project a nat- targeted technologies and indus- ural fit. tries. were shown that the process was ef- And if the group is successful in Scott Deutsch, communications fective. positioning Northeast Ohio as an ad- manager for the National Center for Fahey said overcoming these bar- ditive manufacturing hub, it could Defense Manufacturing and Ma- riers will take education. Many of the draw people to the region. Contact Jonathan A. Mokri chining, the Blairsville, Pa.-based processors don’t know how to get “We think this becomes a great at- into additive manufacturing or don’t traction tool long term,” Fahey said. 440.526.8700 • [email protected] group that manages America Makes, www.cbscuso.com said it made sense for the group to see how it applies to their business, This study was supported by a participate and inform the findings so the cluster intends to put on $98,000 grant from the Fund for our of the report. He also said he hopes workshops and other training op- Economic Future, awarded in No- Business Lending in Partnership with Area Credit Unions SM to see more regions do this kind of portunities that highlight the re- vember. President Brad Whitehead mapping across the country. search and demonstrate the busi- said in an emailed statement that a America Makes is an “amazing as- ness cases for additive number of assets help to make the set” in the region, said Barb Ewing, manufacturing. region competitive, but that one — chief operating officer of the Ewing said education at the uni- America Makes — has been “under- Youngstown Business Incubator, but versity level and in professional de- utilized” so far. “This report tells us Is your health it’s mainly focused on the actual velopment settings will be important that the opportunities in additive technology of additive manufactur- to overcoming the design barrier, as manufacturing are immense for our insurance ing, as opposed to the economic de- well. It’s not just about when and region and Northeast Ohio can velopment possibilities highlighted how to use additive manufacturing, strengthen its manufacturing future program in the study. And regardless, it does- but also how to design to best take and establish a leadership role in ad- n’t make sense to depend on just one advantage of the technology. ditive manufacturing by initiating the wrong ﬁ t? organization if Northeast Ohio The study’s seven-year plan in- partnerships with local businesses wants to be known as the national cludes five main goals and steps to and neighboring regions that offer hub for additive manufacturing. In- achieve them. The goals are as fol- complementary assets,” Whitehead Right size it, stead, Ewing said, “you need all of lows: said in the statement. your players on the field.” ■ Forming a regional innovation “The good news: Our region is keep employees Right now, the asset map indicates cluster good at forming and cultivating part- that Northeast Ohio has an opportu- ■ Expanding the use of additive nerships — in fact, it was the pre-ex- healthy and nity to become this hub, as additive manufacturing through “invest- isting partnerships within the region manufacturing work is currently ments in technical support, capital that led to the federal designation of reduce costs. scattered “here, there and every- equipment, workforce development, Youngstown as the host of America where,” Ewing said. In particular, if and industry-based educational pro- Makes,” he said. “We now have a Northeast Ohio can think of itself as grams” roadmap on how to take advantage LEARN MORE J www.ArmadaRisk.us/Private-Exchange part of a larger Cleveland-Pittsburgh ■ Developing education and work- of this asset.” or call 216 350 5050 Volume 37, Number 34 Crain’s Cleveland Business Subscriptions: In Ohio: 1 year - $64, 2 year - $110. Outside Ohio: 1 year - $110, 2 year - $195. Single copy, $2.00. Allow 4 weeks for (ISSN 0197-2375) is published weekly at 700 West change of address. For subscription information and delivery con- CLEVELAND BUSINESS St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113- cerns send correspondence to Audience Development Department, Crain’s Cleveland Business, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 1230. Copyright © 2016 by Crain Communications 48207-9911, or email to [email protected], or 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113 Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, call 877-824-9373 (in the U.S. and Canada) or (313) 446-0450 (all oth- Phone: (216) 522-11383; www.crainscleveland.com and at additional mailing offices. Price per copy: er locations), or fax 313-446-6777. $2.00. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to We Protect. You Grow. Reprints: 212-210-0750 Crain’s Cleveland Business, Circulation Depart- Krista Bora [email protected], ment, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan CLEVELAND TAMPA Customer service and subscriptions 48207-2912. 1-877-824-9373. 877-824-9373 REPRINT INFORMATION: 212-2210-00750 20160822-NEWS--5-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 4:00 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 5 Interim Akron president aims to connect

By RACHEL ABBEY McCAFFERTY mean enrollment and will continue to do, if asked). He growth. Bauer even got a special business card print- [email protected] noted the high ed out for students encouraging them @ramccafferty opinion stu- to contact him with any questions — dents, faculty, with his cell phone number. He finds Matthew J. Wilson has a big job alumni and peo- that kind of connection is “invalu- ahead of him as interim president of ple in the legal able” to students. the University of Akron. community have “Not only so that the student feels The previous president, Scott L. of Wilson. He has connected, but I think it creates a Scarborough, stepped down in May Wilson a “tremendous learning environment where they’re after two tumultuous years with the amount of ener- more comfortable,” Wilson said. “I university. During that time, enroll- gy” and he’s good at forming one- think that they excel, and it really ment and donations fell, and Scar- on-one relationships, Bauer said. does help them as they pursue a de- borough faced heavy criticism for In a statement from the time of Wil- gree. Because they know we all have actions including budget cuts and an son’s appointment, Bauer said the stumbles in life. We all have our own attempted rebranding. board had identified five main priori- challenges. And if they know that, Wilson, professor and the dean of ties the university now needs to ad- hey, they have a family member here the university’s School of Law, was dress: “developing a sustainable budg- at the university that truly cares appointed interim president in July. et; increasing enrollment; accelerating about them, then they’re inclined to He joined the university in 2014, and our progress in increasing student re- work through their problems to turn the two years that followed were tention; rebuilding and strengthening and walk away from them.” strong for the law school. It added relationships with our various con- But Akron has more challenges to new programs, broadened its out- stituencies; and, significantly growing overcome than just repaired rela- reach and become more interna- our development efforts.” tions. tional. Enrollment was up by more Wilson said one of his big priori- There are budget challenges be- than 25% last year, according to in- ties as interim president will be “pol- cause of the decreased enrollment, formation from the school, in an en- ishing off” the university to show- Akron’s enrollment is up slightly under Matthew Wilson. (Shane Wynn) though Wilson said he has been environment that has been challenging case its research, programs, faculty couraged by an uptick of 2% to 3% in for many in legal education. and students. He also wants to im- nity and business leaders, faculty likely will be unveiled on Monday, the enrollment numbers since he’s In an interview with Crain’s last prove the university’s accessibility to and students in Ohio face-to-face. Aug. 29, the first day of school. taken on the role of interim presi- week, Wilson said he sees parallels anyone interested in pursuing high- He intends to continue this kind of “Our students are folks that we dent. One near-term area of focus to between his work at the law school er education. contact going forward, hosting need to be investing in, any way that restore the positive reputation of the and the work he’s taking on now, He’ll be working closely with the meetings with faculty in the different we can,” Wilson said. university will be sharing student and he expects to apply some of community, so the education the colleges and talking to community Wilson said he has spent his aca- success stories, like the recent spots those lessons he’s learned about university is offering has value for organizations. demic career putting students first, that ran during the Olympics, Wilson “enhancing,” instead of changing, students, he said. Wilson said he has also been and he intends to continue to do that. said. But don’t expect a fancy new existing offerings. It’s all about building relation- reaching out to the philanthropic That may mean meeting with stu- slogan or tagline after the “polytech- Board chairman Rollie Bauer said ships. In his first five weeks, Wilson community. The next campaign to dents in their dorms or holding town nic” tag failed to take off last year. Wilson’s successes at the law school made multiple trips from the study be rolled out will be an unrestricted hall meetings, or playing point guard “I’ve got a new slogan for you: The definitely were a factor in the board’s abroad program in Japan and South scholarship campaign for tradition- on their intramural basketball team University of Akron,” Wilson said decision. And success doesn’t just Korea in order to meet with commu- al and non-traditional students. That (which he says he has done in the past with a laugh.

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PAGE 6 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS

Excellent Investment Opportunity 100% Leased Retail Strip Center - 2015 NOI: $99,915 National Interstate has large expansion plans

By STAN BULLARD ing at 3900 Kinross Lakes. Frantz “They’re our said the building has been empty [email protected] since 2009, when Snap-On con- @CrainRltywriter number one structed a new building at 4025 Kin- ross Lakes Parkway. National Interstate Corp. is weigh- employer in Legislation providing a job reten- ing a $17.5 million headquarters ad- tion and attraction grant to Assured- dition, and a nearby empty building Richfield. It could Partners, which does business in will gain a big tenant as the realty Ohio as Dawson, also is pending. 23597 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH pulse picks up at Richfield’s Kinross have been The measure said the company Lakes. would move 128 employees with a Although the Richfield-based spe- devastating if payroll of $10.7 million to the village • Excellent Investment Opportunity! • Stable Tenants cialty insurer has agreed to be pur- and may add as many as 13 full-time • 100% Occupied • Located on NE corner of Lorain Rd. chased by minority owner American they relocated. A jobs and about $1 million in addi- & Brendan Lane • 2015 NOI: $99,915 Financial Group Inc. of Cincinnati in tional payroll in the village. • Great Visibility and High-Traffi c a transaction scheduled to close by board of directors Dawson’s proposed move has al- • 12,030 SF Retail Strip Center counts on Lorain Road: 11,000 VPD (known as Brendan Lane Plaza) year’s end, it’s also pursuing incen- ready triggered a separate transac- tives from the village to construct a has to make the tion in downtown Rocky River. 112,500-square-foot building that Beachcliff Executive Center, the William P. Nice, Jr. Madison Mawby will connect its two existing build- best decision for building at 1340 Depot St. where it 216.839.2010 216.839.2008 ings. The structures are at 3250 In- occupies two floors, was acquired [email protected] [email protected] HannaCRE.com terstate Drive and 4059 Kinross their company. We July 5 by World Group Properties of Lakes Parkway. Ohio, an affiliate of World Group, a Legislation pending before the vil- believe our being logistics firm that occupies two lage council would authorize using floors of the structure. property taxes on the building for 30 involved kept Fred Hunger, CEO of World years to help finance the construc- Group, said his firm is determining tion of the structure. It also would them here.” how it will expand in the building af- authorize Mayor Bobbie Beshara to ter Dawson exits and may move negotiate a payment plan with Re- — Richfield Mayor Bobbie Beshara some of its operations to the third vere Schools to replace the lost prop- and fourth floors, which have views erty taxes for the schools and a job state recoup the cost of replacing 115 of Lake Erie. World Group, which retention and creation incentive parking spaces that its planned ex- provides shipping, trucking and with the company. That incentive pansion will occupy. National Inter- warehousing operations throughout would return to the insurer 5% of the state’s namesake building dates the Great Lakes and internationally, city income tax paid on the existing from the 1990s. The insurer acquired has about 140 of its 550 workers lo- payroll and 30% of the income tax the building next door at 4059 Kin- cated in the structure. paid by additional jobs the company ross in 2006. “We are growing and have been try- creates in the community. National Interstate currently has ing to get control of additional space Although the village council has 513 full-time employees and a pay- to expand,” Hunger said. “We’ve been not passed the legislation, Beshara roll of $32 million yearly, according here 20 years. It’s a wonderful location said in a phone interview she’s con- to the measure before village coun- and a wonderful building.” fident the package will keep the cil. The company told village officials Hunger declined to comment on company in town and help it grow. it expects to add 217 full-time jobs in the $4.4 million price that Cuyahoga “They’re our number one employ- Richfield by 2021, when its payroll County land records show World er in Richfield. It could have been would grow by another $13 million Group Properties paid for the nearly devastating if they relocated,” Be- annually. 50,000-square-foot building. The shara said. “We knew that working Officials at National Interstate de- seller, Beachcliff Executive Center with National Interstate is the best clined to discuss the proposed ex- LLC, is a limited liability corporation way to do this. A board of directors pansion controlled by former Dawson execu- has to make the best decision for Meanwhile, Richfield also stands tive Michael Sherman. Hunger said their company. We believe our being to gain Dawson Cos., a unit of Lake Sherman, who could not be located, involved kept them here.” Mary, Fla.-based AssuredPartners wanted to exit the property. Brian Frantz, Richfield planning Inc., as a tenant for 32,000 square AssuredPartners did not return and zoning director, said the incen- feet in the 90,000-square-foot former three calls. Kyp Ross, president of Daw- tives also will help National Inter- Snap-On Business Solutions build- son Insurance, did not return one.

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CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 7 Local United Way adds Toledo to 2-1-1 partners

By LYDIA COUTRÉ Toledo’s $499,000 contract for the services ultimately saves money, [email protected] said Mathison, whose chapter no @LydiaCoutre longer has to pay for accreditation for the services, technology and sup- Since 2014, United Way of Greater port and may be able to rent out of- Cleveland has added 17 Ohio coun- fice space made available by having ties to the list of communities it employees work from home. serves through 2-1-1, a 24/7 call line Gatto said the contract with Toledo connecting people to resources in covers costs for the Cleveland chapter the community. while also expanding its network of With a new partnership with the United Ways across the state. That United Way of Greater Toledo, the network offers a glimpse into the Cleveland chapter now offers 2-1-1 ser- needs of communities as 2-1-1 docu- vices to 26 counties in the state — by far ments requests in a standardized way, the greatest number any one call cen- allowing United Ways to discuss ter in Ohio serves. The next two largest needs and then fund or discuss initia- call centers each serve six counties. tives to resolve issues, Gatto said. “I think what other United Ways for a way to improve and streamline The addition of the Toledo area is in particular are realizing is it takes a 2-1-1 services. expected to bring United Way of very robust infrastructure to operate “The partnership with the United Greater Cleveland’s annual contacts a 2-1-1 service,” said Diane Gatto, Way of Greater Cleveland seemed to to between 300,000 and 350,000 peo- United Way of Greater Cleveland’s answer all of those touch points for ple reaching out to 2-1-1. director for 2-1-1. us — deeper levels of service, more Ohio United Way, the state-level “That can be expensive for each robust technology than we have cur- agency, is working to get 2-1-1 ser- United Way to maintain on their own, rently, the ability for nearly all of my vices to every county in the state. so what they’ve done is come to us to staff to transition to further employ- The biggest barriers to getting 2-1-1 partner, to utilize the infrastructure ment with them,” Mathison said. services to the remaining 21 counties that we have here,” Gatto said. Through the agreement, the that aren’t currently covered are The model brings efficiencies and Cleveland chapter hired 14 of the 18 costs and the absence of a local Unit- cost savings to other counties while employees in Toledo who had been ed Way chapter or other entity to co- building a network throughout the working for Toledo’s 2-1-1, which ordinate, said Barbara Sykes, presi- state for the organizations to build serves Lucas, Wood and Ottawa dent and CEO of the state relationships and learn from one an- counties. All but one of those em- organization. KNOW-HOW other, Gatto said. ployees will remain in Toledo, work- Models like Cleveland’s can help For the Toledo chapter, which being from home, meaning local calls those smaller counties offer 2-1-1 We have over 75 years of experience as a gan using Cleveland’s infrastructure will be answered locally. Another is services, she said. paving contractor. There isn’t much we haven’t Aug. 1, the partnership has already relocating to Cleveland to work on “What Cleveland’s doing, they’re done. Can your paving contractor say that? shown clear efficiencies. For instance, the technology side building the building a real strong group of Unit- the average speed for a call to be an- database of Toledo resources. ed Ways,” said Nick Roman, 2-1-1 di- swered in Toledo dropped from 78 to “The key thing that we really liked rector for Ohio United Way. “There’s • Asphalt Paving • Pavement Milling • Pavement Marking 45 seconds just since Aug. 1. about this partnership with Cleveland United Ways all over the state now Hot Mix Production Facility Karen Mathison, president and is that it was still local people answer- that are helping to support the • CEO of the United Way of Greater ing the phone locally for people who Cleveland 2-1-1 and just making the • Concrete and Excavating Services Toledo, said her team was looking are calling locally,” Mathison said. entire network stronger.”

R.R. Donnelley buys Precision Quality and Excellence in Asphalt Paving Since 1939 Dialogue from Kirtland Capital 800.PAVE.NOW By CHUCK SODER “We’ve already had two sales calls logue’s headquarters is based about www.RonyakPaving.com scheduled for us that we would not 10 miles from R.R. Donnelley’s head- [email protected] normally have been on,” he said. quarters in downtown Chicago. @ChuckSoder R.R. Donnelley has taken an inter- That relationship helped R.R. est in Precision Dialogue’s ability to Donnelley stand out, according to Precision Dialogue’s 130-some lo- help companies analyze how their Kirtland partner Jim Foley. cal employees now work for a For- customers behave: When R.R. Don- “Their knowledge of the market tune 500 company: R.R. Donnelley of nelley announced the deal on its and of Precision Dialogue really LANDERHAVEN Chicago. website, it stated that the deal will helped to differentiate them as a R.R. Donnelley acquired the mul- help the company “leverage cus- buyer,” he said. ti-channel marketing company from tomer insights to strengthen the re- The deal closed on Aug. 4 — exact- Kirtland Capital Partners, a private lationships between brands and the ly one year after R.R. Donnelley an- equity firm in Beachwood. Terms customers they serve.” The announced a plan to split itself into For life’s were not disclosed. nouncement also stated that R.R. three separate, publicly traded com- most important R.R. Donnelley, which generated Donnelley is trying to expand its panies. $11.26 billion in revenue last year, is ability to help its customers “mea- The spinoff is expected to occur in moments. a printer and publisher, and like Pre- sure communications effectiveness October. Afterward, Precision Dia- cision Dialogue it also provides and audience engagement.” logue will be part of the largest com- email marketing, direct mail market- Precision Dialogue was hunting pany, which will focus on multi- ing and other services. for a buyer, given that Kirtland had channel communications and retain Precision Dialogue has about 500 owned the company for several the R.R. Donnelley name. That por- employees in Chicago, Westlake and years. Kirtland bought Northwest tion of the business brought in $6.8 Indianapolis. Their jobs are safe, ac- Mailing Service, a direct mail com- billion of the $11.26 billion in sales cording to CEO Tom Ragen. He and pany in Chicago, in 2009, and it that R.R. Donnelley generated last New Image Photography the rest of the company’s manage- bought Metrics Marketing Group of year. ment team will remain on board, Westlake in 2010. Kirtland merged The other two companies will be Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Showers, Weddings. and the company will keep its name. the two companies to form Precision Donnelley Financial Solutions, Flexible event space with a variety of rooms and outdoor locations. Ragen expects the company to keep Dialogue in 2011. which will provide financial commu- CONTACT ONE OF OUR EVENT CONSULTANTS TODAY! growing under its new owner. For They didn’t have to go far to find a nications services, and LSC Commu- 440.449.0700 or [email protected] one, he noted that R.R. Donnelley is buyer. R.R. Donnelley had previous- nications, which will focus on print excited to let Precision Dialogue pur- ly approached Precision Dialogue to services for publishers and retailers. sue its three-year growth plan. Plus, talk about a possible acquisition, Ra- Messages left for R.R. Donnelley’s 6111 LANDERHAVEN DRIVE Precision Dialogue already is being gen said. R.R. Donnelley had been a investor relations team were not re- CLEVELAND, OH 44124 exposed to new sales opportunities Northwest Mailing Service’s client turned in time for this story’s dead- through R.R. Donnelley. for years, he added. Precision Dia- line. 20160822-NEWS--8-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 3:19 PM Page 1

PAGE 8 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Immunotherapy results ‘demand’ action’

and demanded action,” Weiner said. trial started about 11 months ago. a grant to study immunotherapy, Northeast Ohio hospitals using Corporate funding in pharmaceu- He’s another 12 months to 18 “federal funding has not kept pace tical companies is “unprecedented,” months away from wrapping up this with the extraordinary improve- and there’s a broader acceptance of trial, but with promising results so ments in clinical outcomes associat- immune system to fight cancer the science behind it for grants from far (one of his first patients from 11 ed with this,” he said. the National Institutes of Health, months ago still has these T-cells cir- The critical difference between Kim said. culating in his blood stream), he and the Cancer Moonshot and putting a By LYDIA COUTRÉ fight cancer has been underway for Funding from philanthropy has his team are already looking at what man on the moon in 1969 is funda- decades, it’s just been in the last cou- also grown, said Kim, whose current the next trial will involve. Likely, it mental knowledge. While the suc- [email protected] ple of years that promising results clinical trial at UH is roughly 80% will be combining the adoptive im- cessful landing of humans on the @LydiaCoutre catapulted the treatment into the funded by philanthropy. munotherapy approach with other moon was an incredible feat requir- national discussion. Most attempts to boost the im- treatments. ing inventiveness and hard work of After other treatments failed to The approach, initially thought to mune system to fight Everyone is look- countless people, the science behind shrink the tumor that filled his blad- treat only melanoma, has seen “a cancer have involved ing for those right it — the physics, materials, engineer- der, Gerald Lyman was consulting very dramatic and unexpected re- administering a drug, “It was a little combinations of ing — was largely understood. surgeons about removing his blad- sponse” in other cancers, like lung, antibody or some- treatments, the right Cancer, however, still has many der entirely when a new clinical trial bladder and lymphoma, said Dr. Ju- thing else that stimu- snowball that point in the timeline unknowns. Nobody in the field, came online. lian Kim, professor of surgery and lates the immune to use immunother- Weiner said, believes science has “At that stage in the game, I was in chief medical officer at University system. Kim’s work turned into an apy, which patients discovered everything needed to the game for anything to keep them Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. has been in adoptive and tumors will re- cure cancer. from removing the bladder,” Lyman Years of seeing exciting laboratory immunotherapy, avalanche spond — and why. “While there’s an enormous said. work or promising preclinical mod- meaning doctors re- From the patient amount of work to do and we’re still Two years ago, the 78-year-old els fail in patients have hardened on- move lymph nodes because the perspective — and not where we want to be in terms of Cleveland Clinic patient with Stage 4 cologists and cancer researchers into or lymph glands that from an economics reliably getting rid of cancers in bladder cancer began taking Ate- skeptics, leaving many unwilling to are close to the site of results of health care per- everybody we treat, this is probably zolizumab, a drug that aims to help take the leap of faith into im- the growing tumor. spective — re- the most important set of advances the body’s immune system fight munotherapy, said Dr. Lewis Wein- These contain T- warranted searchers have to we’ve had in terms of clinical impact cancer cells. er, American Association for Cancer cells or antigen pre- figure these things in the last quarter century when it Within a matter of weeks, he be- Research spokesperson and director senting cells that excitement out, Shepard said. Is comes to cancer therapy,” Weiner gan passing the tumor. Last year, all of the Georgetown Lombardi Com- have been directed there a biomarker said. that remained of the tumor — once prehensive Cancer Center in Wash- toward that pa- and demanded that can predict For Lyman, it certainly worked. so large it necessitated bathroom ington, DC. tients’ specific can- which people will In May, the U.S. Food and Drug trips every 45 minutes — was a small But with the promising results of cer, he said. action.” benefit from treat- Administration approved Ate- spot, either scar tissue or part of the the last few years, people are getting These serve as a ment? What charac- zolizumab, the drug that treated his — Dr. Lewis Weiner, root, Lyman said. But either way, excited, he said. starting point for teristics of a tumor bladder cancer. Side effects are min- American Association for doctors aren’t concerned, he said. Just a decade ago, the Clinic had doctors to grow cul- can indicate how it imal, he said. The active lover of the Cancer Research The incredible responses some no trials in immunotherapy, said Dr. tures of those cells, will respond to im- outdoors is a little weaker and spokesperson and director patients have seen from im- Dale Shepard, medical oncologist at increasing the num- munotherapy? “lazier” than he used to be, but that of the Georgetown munotherapy treatments have creat- the Clinic and director of its Phase 1 ber of cells 500 fold The Cancer could be a factor of age, he said. Lombardi Comprehensive ed an enthusiasm in the public and clinical trial program. Today, he es- in just 16 days. Moonshot initiative For now, Lyman is just happy to Cancer Center among researchers. But many un- timates that a third to a half of all These are then given led by Vice President be back on his bicycle after two years knowns remain. Why do some tu- cancer trials underway or going back to the patient Joe Biden has target- of being unable to ride his daily 10 mors and patients respond to im- through regulation to begin at the through a blood transfusion or bone ed cancer immunotherapy as one of miles. munotherapy treatments like Lyman Clinic involve some aspect of im- marrow transplant. its focus areas. It is certainly a step “What I went through and what did, while others see no response at munotherapy. “There will be many, many more of forward, but moonshots cost money, I’ve got now, it’s a new life,” Lyman all? “It was a little snowball that them and they’ll be much more su- said Weiner, who has been studying said. “I have no complaints. It’s been Though research into harnessing turned into an avalanche because percharged or activated to try to kill immunotherapy since the 1980s. that good. I’ve been one of the very, the power of the immune system to the results warranted excitement the cancer,” said Kim, whose clinical While it’s now much easier to get very fortunate people.”

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PAGE 10 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Opinion

Personal View He’s old, angry and ready to talk politely

Well, it finally happened to me. I became an angry, old white guy. But maybe not how you might think. My main gripes aren’t with employment, taxes, sex, immigration, government rules or most of the other things that are supposed to bother me the most as I palely slip through my 50s. I’m more irked — and yes, I really talk like that — about more basic social norms. I’m angry that we’re becoming a nation of people who do not respect or listen to one another, who revel in hate, who have ceased to consider education an attribute and who, it would seem, really don’t even like one another. We could hardly be accurately described as the “United” States of anything. I know; I’m lucky. I am, after all, an em- ployed journalist. I’m fortunate to have a job at all — especially being the lowest form of life and all. I’m thankful, truly, that I’ve nev- Dan er been out of work for long or felt the real job Shingler insecurity that some constantly face. Editorial But I don’t think I qualify as a member of the elite. I’m the product of a hard-drinking and bar-brawling Ap- palachian with an eighth-grade education. The man had more bad habits than he had fingers, especially after he lost a digit in an Akron bar fight. Work it out My father was born in 1927, and for all of his faults and rough edges, he carried the good values of his generation. He prized Children have just gone back to school or are just about to, nomination, Gov. John Kasich earned a lot of admiration things like education, civility (when he was sober), respect and consideration for others. I never saw my father take joy in an- which means the summer is pretty much over. (Boo!) But it’s for his willingness to talk about how government might other person’s misfortunes, whether he knew the person or not not too early to think about summer 2017 — and specifical- be able to offer assistance — not a hand out, but a hand and regardless of their ethnicity, religion or anything else. ly, the fate of a subsidized summer jobs program for disad- up, as President Bill Clinton used to say — to people in To laugh at someone else’s pain or humiliation was the mark vantaged youth in Ohio. need. of a small man in my family. If I’d done it out loud, I’d have got- The state’s Department of Job and Family Services plans A way to turn that talk into action would be to find a way ten knocked on my can. to shift about $45 million from the Temporary Assistance for to both implement the new program and preserve the TANF I was taught to say “please” and “thank you,” to call a cop Needy Families (TANF) Summer Youth Employment Pro- program. It’s well worth the modest cost to make an impor- “sir” even if the circumstances were less than pleasant, and to tant investment in the future workforce of Ohio. gram, which serves young people ages 14 to 24, to a new, not call anyone more than a few years older than me by their Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Pro- first name. I know, corny, right? gram. Little wonder it makes me angry that disrespect, schaden- The new statewide program sounds just fine. More than freude and outright hate seem to be all around today. It does- fine, actually. It will be a year-round program with a $100 mil- Up and away n’t seem to matter whether it’s white folks, minorities, men, lion budget, and it will offer education and job training sup- women, liberals or conservatives, either. If people can’t find an- port, case management and other services to low-income NASA Glenn Research Center is something of an under- other group deserving of hate, they just hate whoever they youth. It is meant to help young people overcome barriers to the-radar asset to Northeast Ohio, so we wanted to call atten- think hates them. And on and on it goes. work, and implemented the right way, it probably will do tion to a victory for Glenn in a project that has big implica- Maybe I’m old fashioned, naïve even, to think that the sort that. tions for the nation’s space program. of values entrenched in people almost 100 years ago would be One problem: The new program will serve Ohioans ages 16 Glenn last week won a contract to oversee construction of useful today. to 24, meaning the 14- and 15-year-olds served by the TANF up to seven Universal Stage Adapters for the National Aero- But I don’t think I am. I think people, in general, are naïve to program will have to look elsewhere for a way to get early nautics and Space Administration. The adapter is a 33-foot- believe they’ve come up with new workable standards of be- work experience and a valuable summer paycheck. As the tall piece of a rocket that NASA is developing for future Mars havior that require no personal discipline — after we humans economy continues to plod along at an unremarkable growth missions. spent a few thousand years developing the old standards pace, jobs for teens are difficult to find, particularly if there’s Private companies will perform much of the work, but through painful trial and error. not a structure in place that helps match qualified teens with Kathleen Schubert, deputy director of safety and mis- So, yeah, I’m an angry, old white guy. I’m angry with a lot available positions. sion assurance at Glenn, told Crain’s reporter Chuck of you, too — because I know you’re on a course that leads Data (and common sense) show that teens benefit might- Soder that the project will involve Glenn engineers, pro- to more hate, more distrust and less real discussion of impor- ily from summer labor, not just from the money they earn, ject managers, contract administrators and other em- tant issues facing us all. It leads to the same sorts of disasters but the sense of responsibility and accomplishment that’s in- ployees. and suffering that we see in civil wars and conflict zones stilled in them by showing up to work consistently. Many We’ll have to wait awhile to see the fruits of Glenn’s labor, around the world — and you’re trying to take the rest of us teens find valuable workplace mentors who convey lessons as NASA expects the rocket with the adapter to launch in with you. that last a lifetime — and might not be available to them at 2021. But in 2016, it’s gratifying to note that the rocket pro- I’m not going to hate you for it, wish you ill or write off your home. ject underscores the depth of the technological expertise at opinions, even if we do disagree. During his campaign for the Republican presidential Glenn and throughout Northeast Ohio. But I am going to stand up to you. Politely.

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: Elizabeth McIntyre WRITE US: Crain’s welcomes responses from readers. Letters should be as SOUND OFF: Send a Person- ([email protected]) brief as possible and may be edited. Send letters to Crain’s Cleveland al View for the opinion page to Business, 700 West St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113, or by [email protected]. Please MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Suttell ([email protected]) emailing [email protected]. Please include your complete name and city from include a telephone number CLEVELAND BUSINESS SECTIONS EDITOR: Timothy Magaw ([email protected]) which you are writing, and a telephone number for fact-checking purposes. for verification purposes. 20160822-NEWS--11-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 3:31 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 11

Football season is here.

Web Talk Re: Tom Murdough back in the toy game Re: ABA Insurance Services set for Van Aken Plaza Tom Murdough is one of the brightest men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and one of the most successful en- Great, we got an insurance company but lost Van Aken Hard- trepreneurs of our era, with Little Tikes and Step2. ware, The Fresh Market and Los Habeneros. — Janiebakes This new venture will no doubt be a classic Murdough success. — R. Douglas Cowan After eons of gradual deterioration, it can only get better. Looking forward to the facelift at the plaza. — Don- Re: College daze ald Templeman

Elizabeth McIntyre’s Aug. 15 column, “Waving Goodbye,” Re: LeBron’s new deal about preparing to send her son off to college, was a nice read first thing in the morning. We are paying this athlete $31 million per year? I’ll admit that a few tears were shed even though this is According to my math and his overall impact on the PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS my third and final child headed off to college. — Lisa Kay game, region, fans, etc., I think he is worth every penny of that $31 million. — Jim Daniloff I will be doing the exact same thing when I drop off my daughter at THE Ohio State University. Re: Missing Delly already She’s our first to send off to college. I may need to bor- row a few tissues! — Julie Young With everything said, the Cavaliers made a mistake when they let Matthew Dellavedova go. You will have to write another column next May about re- Watching him back in 2013 and seeing his talent, to cap- ceiving back your man-child after a year away. ture the flow of the game and control it will be missed. You will be surprised and amazed at how much both of With him, the Cavs would be a dynasty and nobody would LOATHE you have grown! — Blythe figure out why because it is not obvious. — Joe Eshleman

Vorys appoints new CRM? leader in Akron office Let the CRM experts help.

By JEREMY NOBILE priorities, Treier said, referencing a goal to secure future lateral hires. [email protected] “I know that I have large shoes to fill, but I am look- @JeremyNobile ing forward to that challenge,” Treier said, “and am confident in our ability to maintain the firm’s positive www.trellispoint.com (216) 390-1619 Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP has a solid trajectory in Northeast Ohio.” foothold in the Northeast Ohio legal market, but fur- While the firm wouldn’t disclose specifics on its fi- ther developing the firm’s Akron business will soon nancials, the Akron office managed the last recession Contact us today fall to their newest regional managing partner, Bret that dinged most law firms without making any lay- for a free 30-day trial. Treier. offs. Balmert credits that, at least in part, to a diversi- Treier, a 56-year-old Cambridge, Ohio, native who fication of clients and legal matters. has spent his legal career in Akron, In terms of the outlook for 2016, will become the firm’s Akron of- Treier said he’s optimistic for this fice managing partner at the start market, but added there seems to of 2017. be a recent tempering in demand He will assume the role from for services, which is resulting in a Daniel Balmert, who’s retiring at bit less work. Currently, the mar- the end of this year. ket is in a “second cycle of moder- Balmert has led the office since ate growth,” he said. 2004, when that location opened “Things slowed down after the with eight people, including a recession, then started to pick group of lawyers who transitioned back up. And what most firms — to the firm from Brouse McDowell Balmert Treier in professional services and ac- LPA. counting and similar industries — “In addition to being an extremely talented securi- are seeing is slower growth, if not stagnant growth, ties and corporate lawyer, he (Treier) has leadership over the last year or two,” Treier said. “The outlook for skills I think are going to be necessary to expand the 2016 is still stable … but we are seeing economic growth of this office,” Balmert said. “He has the con- headwinds in all our markets.” fidence of the lawyers here, and he has the ability to According to The National Law Journal and The secure the confidence of those who will come after American Lawyer, Vorys is the 116th-largest firm in the me. I’m very comfortable with the choice.” United States, with about 360 attorneys and gross rev- Treier was also among the first attorneys to open enues of $186 million. The firm is the 19th largest in the Akron location for Vorys. Northeast Ohio with 50 local attorneys between its “Bret has the judgment, integrity, passion, focus Akron and Cleveland offices, according to Crain’s re- and leadership skills necessary to succeed in a man- search. aging partner role,” said Russ Gertmenian, Vorys’ Notably, the firm opened a Pittsburgh office in re- firmwide managing partner, in a statement. “He has cent years. And while Treier will set his own goals for made significant contributions to the firm in the past the office, Balmert said one of the firm’s objectives is and he will be a great asset to our firm in this new to coordinate business between the Ohio offices with role.” those operations in Pennsylvania. The Akron office has grown rather steadily through “I think it’s fair to say that the Cleveland, Akron and the years, and there aren’t necessarily specific growth Pittsburgh offices are perceived to have incredible op- targets to hit. That office has 20 attorneys today. “Or- portunities for working together to continue to grow ganic and opportunistic” growth are among the main the law firm,” Balmert said. 20160822-NEWS--12-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 1:55 PM Page 1

PAGE 12 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Middlefield Bank sizes up Northeast Ohio By JEREMY NOBILE Middlefield, a conservatively op- taining returns to shareholders.” “With this acquisition, we erated yet consistently profitable There’s still some work to do on [email protected] community bank, recently collect- that front. @JeremyNobile are even more intrigued by ed $11.9 million in a common stock Fred Cummings, president of offering in July. And during a recent Elizabeth Park Capital Manage- In a crowded Northeast Ohio mar- opportunities to expand our investor presentation, the bank ment, a bank-focused hedge fund ket loaded with banks large and showed a slide that unveiled a in Pepper Pike, points out that the small, Middlefield Bank wants to be market presence.” gamut of growth strategies, which bank will want to improve its valu- a bigger player. includes everything from amped up ation to be even more competitive — Thomas Caldwell, Middlefield Banc Corp. And if a recent deal is any indica- marketing budgets and de novo of- and further enhance value to share- president and CEO tion, they soon will be. fices to additional acquisitions. holders. The bank was trading pret- The subsidiary of Middlefield This is all in addition to other ty much at book value when they Banc Corp. recently announced moves near the heart of the state, made the Liberty deal. that it’s acquiring Beachwood- Ohio’s Northeast corner but expand- segment of the portfolio Caldwell has which include plans to open a new “They’ve got to work to get that based Liberty Bank N.A. in a $40.8 ed to the Columbus market through said the bank aims to improve. And office in Sunbury next month just multiple up. But this seems like a million deal that establishes a an acquisition of Emerald Bank in with a loan-to-deposit ratio hover- outside Columbus where the com- good opportunity for them,” Cum- physical presence for the commu- 2007. Middlefield will absorb Liber- ing around 84%, there won’t be a pany earlier this year named a re- mings said. “They’ve got good prof- nity bank in both Cuyahoga and ty’s three offices in Twinsburg, Solon dire need for deposits anytime gional president, Charles Moore. itability and are well managed. Summit counties. and Beachwood and the bank’s $223 soon. Middlefield broke into the They’ve really done a nice job.” After operating on the fringes of million in assets. Besides providing some acquisi- Columbus market in 2007 with the Other industry observers see Cleveland for more than 115 years, At the deal’s close, anticipated at tive growth, the deal is particularly acquisition of Emerald Bank — its them making additional moves in doing some lending here over that the end of the year, Middlefield will meaningful for how it positions last bank buy — which established this market as well, possibly even time, that merger is rather notable grow to about $970 million in total Middlefield to gain additional mar- them there through Dublin. A 2008 connecting the dots along the cor- considering it’s coming at a time assets and $820 million in deposits ket share in this region. branch acquisition added a pres- ridor between Central and North- when the local market is ripe with with a footprint spanning 13 branch- Safe to say, the bank is on solid ence in Westerville. east Ohio. volatility following the combination es in seven Ohio counties. ground today, and the Liberty deal The bank is definitely feeling a “It really is a game-changer deal of Akron’s FirstMerit Bank with Meanwhile, its loan portfolio will seems to be a harbinger of more growth spurt coming on. for them,” said Patricia Oliver, a Huntington Bank. get a healthy boost. deals to come. “But we are not in this to be the Cleveland partner at Tucker Ellis It’s a relatively small deal, but The deal not only bolsters Middle- “With this acquisition,” Caldwell biggest bank in Ohio,” Caldwell LLP who works on bank M&A deals. “transformative” all the same, said field’s commercial real estate and res- said, “we are even more intrigued said. “Our goal is to maintain prof- “It makes them more substantial Middlefield president and CEO idential lending streams, but adds a by opportunities to expand our itability and grow the bank pru- and better known — they’ve been a Thomas Caldwell. new channel in education lending. It market presence.” dently. We think, historically, we pretty quiet player. We expect after There’s zero overlap with their also gets an expert in SBA lending That’s a message the bank is ar- did a very good job of that. This ac- this deal, they will probably buy current footprint, which is heavy in from Liberty, which should develop a ticulating to investors. quisition is the next step in main- more banks.”

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CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 13 TAX LIENS The Internal Revenue Service filed Great Lakes Dental Buckeye Tower Services Inc. Beit Hanina Express Inc. A Bar & Kitchen LLC tax liens against the following of Westlake LLC 49 Henry St., Berea 11306 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 850 Euclid Ave., Suite 110, Cleveland businesses in the Cuyahoga Coun- 23550 Center Ridge Road, Suite Date filed: May 20, 2016 Date filed: May 20, 2016 Date filed: May 20, 2016 ty Recorder’s Office. The IRS files a 204, Westlake Type: Employer’s withholding Type: Employer’s withholding, Type: Employer’s withholding tax lien to protect the interests of Date filed: May 26, 2016 Amount: $10,768 unemployment Amount: $6,100 the federal government. The lien is Type: Employer’s withholding, Amount: $7,008 a public notice to creditors that unemployment Premier Marketing Group Inc. LIENS RELEASED the government has a claim Amount: $15,843 13940 Cedar Road, Suite 268, High Point Deli Inc. Hi Point A K S S Inc. against a company’s property. University Heights Memphis 13620 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland Liens reported here are $5,000 Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC Date filed: May 19, 2016 4915 Memphis Ave., Cleveland Date filed: April 14, 2014 and higher. Dates listed are the 479 Elm Court, Seven Hills Type: Unemployment, Date filed: May 19, 2016 Date released: May 26, 2016 dates the documents were filed in Date filed: May 20, 2016 failure to file complete return Type: Employer’s withholding Type: Employer’s withholding, the Recorder’s Office. Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $9,027 Amount: $6,956 corporate income Amount: $15,114 Amount: $15,218 LIENS FILED Four Star Contractors Inc. MRSO Elite LLC Elite Answering Cossmos Industrial Services Inc. NPS Global Systems Inc. 9842 Webster Road, Services Bajan Enterprises LLC 9103 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 866 Beechers Brook Road, Strongsville 20800 Center Ridge Road, Suite 15700 Benhoff Drive, Maple Date filed: May 20, 2016 Mayfield Village Date filed: May 19, 2016 205, Rocky River Heights Type: Employer’s withholding Date filed: May 26, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding, Date filed: May 19, 2016 Date filed: Sept. 3, 2015 Amount: $249,410 Type: Employer’s withholding, unemployment Type: Unemployment Date released: May 26, 2016 failure to file complete return Amount: $7,065 Amount: $6,728 Type: Employer’s withholding NCJ Enterprises Inc. Amount: $14,406 Amount: $10,957 14695 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville Date filed: May 19, 2016 Type: Corporate income Amount: $75,553

Pololu Ltd. Mayfield Italian Meats Dinos Eatery 12018 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Date filed: May 20, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding, unemployment Amount: $53,801

FMI Products LLC 21693 Drake Road, Strongsville Date filed: May 20, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding, unemployment Amount: $53,690

Pattea Kake Embpd LLC 5040 Northfield Road, Maple Heights Date filed: May 20, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding, failure to file complete return Amount: $53,548

Sign Erectors Inc. 1959 W. 112th St., Cleveland Date filed: May 19, 2016 REL ABLE Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $42,000

Security Management Group Inc. 3740 Euclid Ave., Cleveland Date filed: May 26, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $34,792

Marble Builder Direct 4100 Brookpark Road, Cleveland Date filed: May 26, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $32,626

Caliber Jet LLC 29550 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake Date filed: May 20, 2016 Type: Unemployment, quarterly federal excise tax Amount: $31,047

Rolen & Associates Inc. 26100 Broadway Ave., Suite C, You rely on your employees. The feeling is mutual. Oakwood Village Date filed: May 20, 2016 At Aflac, we know the most important ingredient to your success is your employees Type: Employer’s withholding, performing at their best. Which is why we help with costs not covered by major medical corporate income insurance and pay employees directly. And with One Day Pay,SM we make it a priority Amount: $17,863 to pay claims as fast as possible — in 2015, Aflac paid 1.2 million One Day PaySM claims. Treehuggers Café Inc. Give the people you depend on, something they can depend on. See what Aflac can 1330 W, Bagley Road, Berea do for your business at aflac.com/reliable Date filed: May 26, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $16,920 *Aflac pays policyholders directly, unless otherwise assigned. **One Day PaySM available for most properly documented, individual claims submitted online through Aflac SmartClaim® by 3 p.m. ET. Aflac SmartClaim® not available on the following: Disability, Life, Vision, Dental, Medicare Supplement, Long-Term Care/Home Health Care, Aflac Plus Rider, Specified Disease Rider and Group Paul F Smith Jr. DDS Inc. policies. Aflac processes most other claims in about four days. Processing time is based on business days after all required documentation needed to render a decision is received and no further validation and/or research is required. Individual Company Statistic, 2015. Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. 20119 Farnsleigh Road, Shaker In New York, individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road I Columbus, GA 31999. Heights Z160117BR1 3/16 Date filed: May 19, 2016 Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $16,670 20160822-NEWS--14-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 3:32 PM Page 1

PAGE 14 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS

mostly when it can increase its geo- “WSSI helps us expand into the graphic market, Warnke said. The re- environmental programs,” Warnke DAVEY ally good ones that operate where no said, adding that at the same time CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 one’s ever heard of Davey keep their WSSI’s employees also are receiving old names; others get the Davey training in some of Davey’s tree and Warnke’s been free to go after addi- name, the green trucks and a whole horticultural technology. tional growth via acquisitions — also lot of training for their employees. Most recently, in May, Davey pur- a part of the company’s strategic plan Some deals are big and involve es- chased Tennessee-based Jones and something he said Davey sets tablished companies, like the 2008 ac- Bros., a tree company with a strong aside money for each year. Since quisition of The Care of Trees, an Illi- presence in Southern states that Warnke took over as CEO in 2006 — nois-based company with about $50 Warnke said Davey is now targeting he was already president — he figures million in sales and more than 500 for geographic growth. the company has done three dozen employees. That brought Davey new Once it gets some roots in an area, deals. The price Davey pays for each markets in and around Chicago, as Davey’s business extends far beyond company varies, Warnke said, but it’s well as on the East Coast, Warnke said. trees, too. The company’s business is generally equal to about a year’s Other deals have been attractive split basically three ways – about worth of the company’s sales, or less. because they brought Davey into 40% of revenue comes from residen- Most of them are small pickups. new industries or gave it new areas tial care, another 40% comes from The “tree care” industry is full of of expertise — like the 2014 acquisi- work done for commercial and insti- mom-and-pop shops, often run by tion of Wetland Studies and Solu- tutional customers, and the remain- guys who started their business, lit- tions Inc. (WSSI), a Virginia compa- ing 20% is from work done for utility erally, out on a limb — right along- ny focused on wetland remediation companies, said company spokes- side the people they might call em- and other environmental work, with woman Sandra Reid. Davey Tree has an appetite for acquisitions. (Contributed photo) ployees today. Davey buys them about $10 million in annual sales. But the work the company does

CLEVELAND BUSINESS

700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113-11230 Phone: (216) 522-11383 www.crainscleveland.com @CrainsCleveland

Publisher/editor Elizabeth McIntyre Managing editor Scott Suttell Sections editor Tim Magaw You have a plan Associate editor/Akron Sue Walton Assistant editor Kevin Kleps Senior reporter Stan Bullard Real estate/construction for your business. Reporters Jay Miller, Government Chuck Soder, Technology Dan Shingler Does your bank? Energy/steel/auto Rachel McCafferty Manufacturing/energy Jeremy Nobile, Finance Lydia Coutré, Health care Do they see the big picture? Do they understand you Research editor Deborah W. Hillyer Creative director David Kordalski well enough to position you for success? Do they have Cartoonist Rich Williams * * * the insight and resources you need to achieve it? Events manager Jessica Rasmussen Events coordinator Kim Hill Integrated marketing manager Michelle Sustar ® Managing editor At First Commonwealth Bank , our team understands custom/special projects Amy Ann Stoessel Advertising director Nicole Mastrangelo KRZLPSRUWDQWDQLQYHVWHGÀQDQFLDOSDUWQHULVWRD Senior account exec. Dawn Donegan Account executives Lindsie Bowman growing business. That’s why we work to build lasting John Banks Laura Kulber Mintz relationships with the business partners we serve. Office coordinator Denise Donaldson * * * So that we can fully understand the position you’re in Web editor Damon Sims Digital today and your vision for the future, and build a plan strategy/audience development director Nancy Hanus designed to help you succeed every step of the way. Production director Craig L. Mackey Production assistant/ video editor Steven Bennett Billing Peter Iseppi Give us a call at 412.690.2129 today and let’s talk business. Credit Rod Warmsby CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. Chairman Keith E. Crain President Rance Crain Treasurer Mary Kay Crain CIO Anthony DiPonio CFO Bob Recchia Group publisher Mary Kramer Exec. VP/operations William A. Morrow Exec. VP/director of strategic operations Chris Crain Exec. VP/director of corporate operations KC Crain VP of production and manufacturing Dave Kamis * * * G.D. Crain Jr., Founder (1885-1973) Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr., Chairman (1911-1996) EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Member FDIC fcbanking.com * * * Reprints: 212-210-0750 Krista Bora [email protected] Customer service and subscriptions 877-824-9373 20160822-NEWS--15-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 3:33 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 15

includes more than the tree trim- ming most people see along utility lines. It’s the whole science of tree care, from disease and pest management to moving ancient behemoths. It’s golf course management, from the clubhouse to cutting the holes. It’s environmental consulting, assessment of green assets in terms of carbon reduction and other benefits for cities, monitoring and managing the use of power poles by utility and cell phone companies — if it’s got to do with dirt or flora, there’s a good chance Davey’s involved. It’s been a good deal for many employees, too — and the company re- cruits heavily from Kent State Univer- sity and other places around Northeast Ohio. Davey isn’t publicly traded but is owned by more than 4,000 current and former employees who either invested in the company’s buyout in 1978, or have participated in an employee stock ownership program since. Stock that cost a quarter in 1978 was worth $15 in 2007, and more than $32 today. Every year the company treasur- Davey Tree’s history dates back to 1880. The company transitioned to employee ownership in the late 1970s. (Contributed photo) ers pays out $20 million, sometimes more, to retirees and others who re- or a chainsaw in his hand, working on ey. But it’s a challenge to convince ner in education and a potential em- tunities in things like golf course deem shares, Warnke said. Those who a crew. Today he works with and enough young people to consider ployer for graduates of its four-year management, or tree care. They both don’t work at Davey need not get their trains arborists, biologists, engineers, some of the company’s environmen- horticulture program and its two-year also agree that the careers can re- checkbooks out to buy shares, though; conservationists — and the account- tal sciences and services as career urban forestry, turf management and quire, or afford the opportunity, for they’re for employees only. ants, IT people and others similar to choices, he said. landscape design degrees. new entrants to travel. Such benefits — along with an in- those found at most other companies. “There’s not enough awareness of “We do have members from Davey “If the student has the passion, it’s depth training program, a wide-range It’s a high-tech business, too. A the opportunities or breadth of our Tree sitting on our advisory board. hard telling where they can end up. of potential career paths and the walk through the Davey Institute, at industry,” Ina said. “But if you’re 18 Yes, we try to prepare our students for They often have to be willing to chance to, at least for a while, work times, feels like a visit to a CSI set. and came out of high school and jobs with Davey — and even now I move,” Majernik said. “If we’re talk- outside — help attract new talent to Bags of leafy materials, bark and didn’t know what you wanted to do, have a student doing an internship ing about being a golf course super- the company, says Greg Ina, head of twigs sit on the lab shelves, waiting you could enter the Davey Compa- with the Davey Institute, where they intendent … sometimes, the job is- the Davey Tree Institute and vice for experts to test them for diseases, ny, get training and have a career for do the research,” said John Majernik, n’t going to be in your hometown.” president of research, recruitment pests and other health problems. life – you can even take training you a lecturer at Kent State’s horticulture But one thing both they and and training. Like most Davey execu- Those who come to the company get at Davey and use it to earn an as- technology program in Salem. Warnke agree on: The need for trees, tives, including Warnke, Ina started often stay a long time, said Ina — sociate’s degree.” Like Ina, Majernik said students as well as overall land and conserva- life at the company with either a rope himself a 21-year “new guy” at Dav- For Kent State, Davey is both a part- often don’t realize the career oppor- tion services, isn’t going away soon.

Western Reserve Partners is pleased to announce that August 2016 The Robbins Company, headquartered in Solon, Ohio with facilities in Kent, Washington and Fayetteville, West Virginia and operations worldwide, has merged with China’s Northern Heavy Industries Group Co., Ltd. This marks Western Reserve’s third cross-border deal in 2016.

:HVWHUQ 5HVHUYH SURYLGHGÀQDQFLDODGYLVRU\ VHUYLFHV to Robbins in this transaction. M&A International’s has merged with Chinese and German members, Quam Capital Limited and Angermann M&A International GmbH, provided strategic support and international expertise throughout the negotiations.

To learn more about this noteworthy strategic deal visit www.wesrespartners.com/therobbinscompany. 7KHXQGHUVLJQHGDFWHGDVH[FOXVLYHÀQDQFLDODGYLVRU WR7KH5REELQV&RPSDQ\LQWKLVWUDQVDFWLRQ For more information regarding our investment banking services, please call (216) 589-0900 or visit our website www.wesrespartners.com.

Mergers & Acquisitions . Capital Raising . Financial Opinions & Valuations . Restructuring & Bankruptcy

$SURXGPHPEHURI WKHSUHPLHULQWHUQDWLRQDODOOLDQFHRI LQYHVWPHQWEDQNLQJÀUPV 200 Public Square, Suite 3750 . Cleveland . OH . 44114 20160822-NEWS--16-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 1:56 PM Page 1

PAGE 16 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS The Rail’s growth strategy is on track

By JENNIFER KARPUS-ROMAIN Krista Emerson, director of marketing for MMR. [email protected] To generate buzz, The Rail focused on getting the attention of lo- When Mike Mariola opened cals. This included attracting and Wooster-based City Square Steak- following the community on social house in 2008, he knew he ultimate- media and getting involved with lo- ly wanted to expand his business. cal high school sports, Emerson said. But what he didn’t foresee is that to With the increased amount of lo- grow his business, he would have to cations, people may classify The Rail embrace a totally different concept as a local chain restaurant, but MMR — a sit-down burger joint. leadership doesn’t see it that way. And now that concept — The Rail, “We see ourselves as a small busi- with its flagship site in Fairlawn at ness owner,” Emerson said. Summit Mall — is growing by leaps This summer, Mariola took The and bounds. Since the first location Rail to Strongsville, which had been launched in 2010, Mike Mariola on his radar as a possible location for Restaurants (MMR) has opened Rail a while. The chain’s fourth location spots across Northeast Ohio and opened there on Aug. 8. now has his sights set on the Colum- The Strongsville site has a fully bus market. covered year-round patio, which is Mariola, who grew up in Wooster, an “absolute win” for weather in is president of MMR. He started Cleveland, he said. The bar stretches working in kitchens when he was 14. inside and outside, with a garage Before launching his own restau- door separating the indoor and out- rants, he worked as a sous chef for side portions of the restaurant. Parker Bosley at Parker’s in Cleve- While Mariola declined to disclose land’s Ohio City neighborhood. his company’s financial information, In 2002, Mariola opened the South he said The Rail restaurants repre- Market Bistro in downtown Woost- sent 80% of MMR’s revenue. er, right when the area was turning Mariola now is looking to the future. the corner and becoming an established destination. He got his first From burgers to beer taste of growth when he opened City His next target market for The Rail Square Steakhouse (Mariola later is Columbus. There are a few loca- sold the bistro in 2010). tions in mind, but a lease has not yet From there, Mariola knew he could been signed. The goal is to open a take his business to a bigger level. few locations in the Columbus area While the steakhouse format has been in succession in 2017. successful, his expansion aspirations “We feel like the Ohio pride is came in the version of The Rail, a sit- strong there,” Mariola said, fitting in down, casual place known for its local- well with The Rail’s commitment to ly sourced burgers (100% Ohio beef), use locally sourced ingredients. He craft beers and milkshakes. also noted the positive Ohio energy Not only does locally sourced food in Columbus because of Ohio State generally taste better, he said, but University. having that local connection is great. Burgers aren’t the only thing on “We always prefer local ingredi- Mariola’s mind. When the establish- ents,” Mariola said. “We love the ment next to the North Olmsted Rail idea of reinvesting in our communi- location closed, he again saw oppor- ty and supporting local farms. … tunity. When the best quality ingredients The owner gave MMR a good deal, are also local (and they almost al- and the company jumped on it. Young and thriving. ways are), it’s a win-win.” Plans for the Ohio Beer Garden are in the works, with a target opening The Rail gains steam date of early October. When Mariola began to think ex- “It was (completely) opportunistic Time to spread the word. pansion, he turned to the Akron on our part,” Mariola said. market; he knew the area well be- The Ohio Beer Garden will focus on Elevate your 20-something success with cause he had family there. He also craft beer, with at least 12 selections of noticed that while City Square Steak- hard-to-find Ohio brews. The spot custom reprints. house was doing well, what was real- also will serve up pizza and other bar ly booming was the restaurant’s bar snacks. However, this “guest-driven business, which included a more ca- experience” will allow patrons to sual menu. bring in their own food as well. So, when he found a spot in Fair- “It’s not a traditional restaurant,”

35th Anniversary lawn that he liked but was too small for Mariola said. 35th Anniversary a full steakhouse, and given the success Guests can even grab a beer while CLEVELAND BUSINESS CLEVELAND BUSINESS they wait for a table at The Rail or or- VOL. 37, NO. 9 February 29 - March 6, 2016 of City Square’s bar, the idea of a sit- VOL. 37, NO. 14 April 4-10, 2016 Focus Focus HEALTH CARE HEROES down burger place rose to the top. der burgers to go and eat it next door.

Each year, Crain’s Cleveland Business with its Health Care Heroes awards program honors those providing exceptional service and dedication to Northeast Ohio’s health care sector. This year’s class, as selected by Crain’s editorial CIO OF THE YEAR team, is a group of thinkers, innovators and healers. Health care is one of the shining spots of Northeast Ohio’s econo my, and these are just a few of the individuals that make that possible. In selecting this year’s class, the editorial team took into account the nominees’ leadership, accomplishments and c munity service in the categories of advancements in health care; allied health; corporate achievement in health care; vation all-star; nurse; physician; and trustee. It took a while for The Rail, sur- “It’s a very nice complement to what PUBLIC to reliably serve the complex technology needs of 14,000 Timken employ- PHYSICIAN ees operating from 28 countries.” RONALD RIECHERS as a nationally recognized expert in trau- SANDY RAPP Rapp continues working through a matic brain injury. plan to create a leaner organization Medical director of the Timken Co. A former Army doctor, rising to the rounded by well-known national we’re already doing (at The Rail).” through 2018, at which time the IT polytrauma and traumatic brain Sandy Rapp, vice president and CIO department will shift toward new rank of major, Riechers joined the Stokes for the Timken Company, transformed innovations, including reinforcing and injury program; Chief of Center in 2008, after serving as medical Timken’s IT department by focusing aligning the department’s goals with neurology, Louis Stokes director of the traumatic brain injury pro- on agility and flexibility. According to the corporation; building a more flexi- Cleveland VA Medical Center gram and the Defense and Veterans her nomination, she runs her depart- ble and adaptive structure by incorpo- Brain Injury Center at Walter Reed chains in Fairlawn, to get noticed. Mariola does not think this is not ment as a separate business rather rating independent contractors, glob- National Military Medical Center in than as a support service, working al offices and U.S. resources; and con- A veteran himself, Dr. Ronald Riechers Bethesda, Md. proactively to develop products solidating services. has focused his medical career on help- At the Stokes VA, he manages the care aligned with corporate objectives. Outside of Timken, Rapp works ing returning soldiers suffering from of 700 patients, seeing as many as 45 Her nomination lists several notable extensively to promote opportunities traumatic brain injury. patients a week, said Susan Fuehrer, contributions, including the establish- for women in the workplace. She is an At the Stokes VA Center, Riechers director of the medical center. However, in its second year the busi- just a one location opportunity. He ment of a governance process to Excellence in India with hubs in the executive sponsor for the Women’s has created a comprehensive rehabili- “I have seen Dr. Riechers in action and review and approve work requests to United States and Europe, simplifying International Network at Timken and tation program for veterans with brain he is just a phenomenal human being,” ensure transparency and alignment of the IT portfolio through consolidation, helped found chapters in India, China, and other service-related trauma. The Fuehrer said. “We have these young vets IT efforts with business-critical initia- elimination and centralization. The A graduate of the University of Akron Romania and Poland. She also helped program includes an interdisciplinary who have come back — young kids — tives, and a comprehensive engineer- project resulted in multimillion dollar and what is now known as Northeast earn a Timken Foundation grant for a team of neurologists, behavioral med- with part of their brain missing and Dr. ing process and system redesign. She savings, disruption decreases, more mobile mammogram bus to be used in Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, ness grew 10% to 15% in store rev- foresees it being a complement to ical psychologists, nurses, social work- Riechers coordinates the whole team.” also is credited with delivering a glob- targeted skill sets and fewer integra- remote parts of India as well. Riechers is an assistant professor of ers and other physical and occupation- Riechers also does research and writes al customer relationship management tion points. Rapp provides training and career plan- neurology at Case Western Reserve al therapists. for medical journals on brain trauma. system, replacing equipment and “Sandy is a transformational leader, ning for her leaership team and is a School of Medicine and medical director implementing cloud-based software leveraging industry best practices and speaker at various professional women’s “Dr. Riechers is a model leader with Fuehrer said he also has spoken to brain of the Cleveland Functional Electrical for sales and management teams applying out-of-the-box thinking to and CIO conferences. She is on the demonstrated excellence in research, trauma specialists at other medical cen- Stimulation Center, a nonprofit based at training and clinical care and deep com- ters about the differences between other The Rail locations. across the globe. drive business results,” said Philip the Stokes Center that does research enue and patronage, Mariola said. boards for Stewart’s Caring Place and Another major contribution to the Fracassa, executive vice president the University of Akron Center for mitment to the care and well-being of treating veterans and non-vets. on restoring function to veterans and company was right-sizing the IT organ- and CFO. “Since being named to the Information Technologies and eBusiness. veterans,” wrote Dr. Murray Altose, chief As for his teaching, Riechers was hon- others with a central nervous system ization, which resulted in cost savings role in 2014, Sandy has increased the She actively participates with the of staff at the Stokes Center, in a letter ored in 2012 with the Robert B. Daroff injury or disease. exceeding 30% in less than three effectiveness and efficiency of our Society of Information Management and supporting Riechers’ nomination. Excellence in Teaching Award from years. She established an IT Center of global IT operations, finding new ways Habitat for Humanity. Altose described the Cincinnati native University Hospitals. — Jay Miller “We felt like we had a proven con- With various business ventures Reprinted with permission from the Crain's Cleveland Business. © 2016 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from the Crain's Cleveland Business. © 2016 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited. Visit www.crainscleveland.com. #CC16008 Further duplication without permission is prohibited. Visit www.crainscleveland.com. #CC16012 cept,” he said. afoot, MMR recently expanded its With the success of the burger for- headquarters in Wooster. The com- mat, Mariola opened The Rail’s sec- pany outgrew its 1,000-square-foot ond and third locations in December office, and in December 2015 moved 2014 and March 2015 in Canton and into a 4,000 square-foot location. North Olmsted, respectively. With the move, the team added a Contact: Krista Bora Because of Canton’s proximity to full-time bookkeeper. In total, four Akron, there was already a ton of full-time and three-part time employ- Reprint Account Executive brand recognition in that market, but ees work at the office. Additionally, [email protected] • tel 212.210.0750 it took a bit more work to get the name there are three regional positions. Add out in North Olmsted, which is con- in the workers at the restaurants, and nected to the larger Cleveland market. MMR employs 250 people. “We spend a lot of time creating “I hoped we’d get to this point and personalities for the brands,” said beyond,” Mariola said. 20160822-NEWS--17-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 2:15 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 17 Crain’s Twenty in their 20s Carlin D.T. Jackson, 23, Theo. Wyes David Ltd. Founder, principal consultant Carlin Jackson was interested in WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: You Five things system design back when he was a worked with Carlin Jackson in Case’s kid playing with old TVs in Cleveland IT department before hiring him as a Who inspires Heights. contractor at DigitalC. What made you? Apple Which is why he just had to find a you want to work with him again? co-founder way to get two TVs to share a single Steve Wozniak antenna. “Carlin is wickedly Played So it made sense that he ended up smart, but his real Pokémon Go? studying both software development No. But he has and finance at Case Western Reserve strength is his ability to played Ingress, University. They are “two different translate deep technical which served as lenses” for analyzing the world, Jack- the foundation son said. — Chuck Soder geek speak into English. for Pokémon Go.

You’ve worked for Explorys, and That makes him a Favorite movie: you helped DigitalC (formerly pretty special Inception OneCommunity) design a public technologist.” Favorite musical open data platform. Is actual artist: Gospel use of Big Data analytics — Lev Gonick, CEO of DigitalC singer Andraé catching up to the hype? Crouch I like to look at its predecessor, the term ‘cloud,’ in terms of technology they had a nefarious mission state- Any pets? No. buzzwords. After a while it becomes ment — sure, there could be cause But he is ‘dog completely saturated in the news for concern. oriented.’ media. But once society has become so aware of it, you naturally start You’re a member of Rhema thinking about applications of it. Fellowship Church. Was religion Now everyone’s focus is on ‘How do a big part of your upbringing? Photo I use it?’ A huge part of my upbringing. Re- illustrations by ally a family tradition — multiple Tim Harrison and Elon Musk has talked about the generations. I consider it my founda- David Kordalski potential threat of machine tion. It helps me handle day-to-day learning — machines dominating and long-term obstacles. the world. Are you concerned about that? Who is Theo. Wyes David? People always go to the Termina- My full name is Carlin David tor Skynet example. I don’t think Theodore Jackson. The Theo we’re quite to that point (laughs). and David come from my mid- But if there existed an entity that had dle names. Wyes is actually an the ability to be state of the art in amalgamation of my two grand- terms of robotics, surveillance (and fathers’ middle names. One of other Skynet capabilities) — and if them is Wayne, and the other is Tyes.

Benjamin Colas, 25, Cleveland Metropolitan School District Kindergarten teacher and real-time coach

Last year, Benjamin Colas worked kindergarten readiness test that WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: as a kindergarten teacher at Alfred A. every kid takes. The big thing, What makes Benjamin stand out? Benesch School on Quincy Avenue though, that I discovered ” in Cleveland. But starting this fall, throughout the year, and even “He sees an area that he’ll be teaching part-time and serv- throughout my first two years: needs to improve and ing as a real-time teacher coach in the parents care. They want to the classroom, giving his peers im- help their kids. There’s just a comes up with a mediate feedback and pre- and post- huge gap in terms of them not solution, rather than class consultations. knowing what their kids should Colas hasn’t been content with know coming in. complaining about it.” the status quo during his so-far short — Benesch principal Erin Murphy. career in education. The former fi- What drew you to Murphy just took over as principal nance student joined Teach for education? in June, but was already impressed America after realizing the corporate I think I realized I with how involved and engaged world wasn’t a good fit for him. wanted to do some- Colas had been over the summer. And he’s already pitched — and thing where my full- won funding for — an idea for a time job was directly kindergarten readiness kit that uses related to investing in Five things common items parents can find at people, as opposed to What did he want to be when home and shows them how to use doing, say, corporate he grew up? President those items to teach necessary skills. finance and being in- For example, parents could have volved in something Role model: His dad children use shaving cream to trace in the evenings. Favorite book: ‘How to Win letters or Skittles to learn sorting. He Friends and Influence People’ hopes to have 750 of those kits to of- What are some of by Dale Carnegie fer parents this summer. — Rachel your larger goals Abbey McCafferty for your career? Favorite Cleveland spots: I feel like, as a teacher, my Barrio, Punch Bowl Social, Tell me about the idea behind voice is limited. So I feel West Side Market, Metroparks the KinderKits and why you like I’m probably not going to Favorite Cleveland team: think they’re necessary. be in the classroom long-term. As He’s hopped on the Cleveland So, last school year, 25 of my 26 kids far as possibilities down the road, bandwagon for everything. were considered not ready for though, I would love to stay in ed- kindergarten, according to Ohio’s ucation in some capacity. 20160822-NEWS--18-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 2:27 PM Page 1

PAGE 18 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Twenty in their 20s Chelsey Finnimore, 26, Bialosky Cleveland Graphic designer, director of social media

When Chelsey Finnimore was studying communications design at the Cleveland Institute of Art, she had no guess she’d wind up at an architecture firm. “I thought I’d work for a graphics design firm or as an in-house designer.” However, working at the high-profile practice opened new worlds to her. “It is a different scale than I ever expected to work at. Figuring out an eight ½ inch by 11 piece of paper is one thing versus what looks good on a wall,” she said. At the firm, she used her skills in typography and design to create a consistent identity for the brand in everything from business cards and stationery to signage at its new MidTown Cleveland office and over- seeing creation of its new website. — Stan Bullard

What was your first job? At The Winner, a discount women’s store in my home town (Sharon, Pa.) I restocked wedding and prom dresses, something about as far away from who I was in high school as possible. I became the elevator operator in the former department store. I met a lot of neat people every day but heard the same elevator job joke constantly.

Why did you stay in Cleveland? WANTED: I was reluctant to come to Cleveland; I was more familiar with Pittsburgh. I fell in love with the city. My senior project was on attitudes toward Cleve- Dedicated Young Professionals land and confronting the stereotypes of a Rust Belt city. I decided I would rather stick around Cleve- land as it grows than take a bite out of what someone has done in another city.

What ignites your passion in your profession? The most rewarding aspect of what I do is helping people to communicate. With some of the or- The New Partners of Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center ganizations I’ve gotten to work with, they have are seeking dynamic young professionals to join this these great goals they live and breathe 100%. They Associate Board whose goals are to advance the mission have a problem getting them out to a wider audi- ŽĨƚŚĞĞŶƚĞƌƚŚƌŽƵŐŚƐĞƌǀŝĐĞĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐĂŶĚĨƵŶĚƌĂŝƐŝŶŐ͘ ence — and it’s important to help them get to a wider audience. z'ĂŝŶŽĂƌĚĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ zŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚĞƚŽĂŶŶƵĂůŐƌĂŶƚŵĂŬŝŶŐƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ zWĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƚĞŝŶEĞǁWĂƌƚŶĞƌ͞&ƌŝĞŶĚƌĂŝƐĞƌƐ͟ z,ŽƐƚƚŚĞĂŶŶƵĂůŝŐtŚĞĞůZĞůĂǇĨƵŶĚƌĂŝƐŝŶŐĞǀĞŶƚ Courtney A. Gras, 27, &ŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽŵĂƟŽŶĐĂůů Design Flux Technologies LLC Sara Thomas at 216-325-7578 ŽƌĞŵĂŝůƚŽ Co-founder, CEO ŶĞǁƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐΛĐŚƐĐ͘ŽƌŐ Courtney Gras has gone from a dents involved in extracurricular pro- home-schooled science lover to be- jects. One that I was involved with was come the first member of her family to with a local electric vehicle company attain a college degree. called Myers Motors in Tallmadge. Now she wants to change, and pos- They were a small startup funded by sibly save, the world. Jumpstart, and they were looking for The electrical engineer is working students to design a battery manage- HOW BAD IS with Tom Vo, a fellow University of ment system. Then I saw the potential. Akron grad, to develop systems that will enable vast numbers of battery Do you have any business role THAT LEAK? cells to be used far more efficiently models? and effectively. For entrepreneurship, of course, I If they succeed, the “intermittent” love Elon Musk because of all that he’s characteristics that now limit the use of done with Tesla and Space X. I admire solar, wind and other forms of renew- his willingness to go out there and able energy could disappear, as the take a lot of big risks. world would become able to store and call up as much power as it ever need- Where do you see yourself ed using smart battery technology in five years? championed by Gras. — Dan Shingler I’m working now on a project with the Univer- Why science? sity of Akron to devel- What made me want to go into the op educational Keep your assets safe by taking the time to ensure that problems technical fields was living across from workshops to de- Geauga Lake (laughs) — because I just liver to Akron at the top of your building are not damaging your bottom line. loved roller coasters. My parents took Public Schools. me to Akron U and they said ‘If you I’d like to see De- Carey Roofing Corp. has eliminated asset damage due want to design roller coasters, you sign Flux fully have to be an engineer.’ launched and then I to a leaking roof with practical solutions since 1946. can focus my career What got you involved with more on the education CAREY 216 • 881 • 1999 MEMBER: batteries? side and to inspire women National Roofing One of my faculty advisers, Dr. Tom to become tech entrepre- Roofing Corp. www.careyroofing.com Hartley, worked really hard to get stu- neurs. I like being an advocate. founded in 1946 Contractors Association Photo illustrations by Tim Harrison and David Kordalski 20160822-NEWS--19-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 2:30 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 19 Twenty in their 20s Derrick Holifield, 24, Cleveland School of the Fine Arts Middle school language arts teacher Derrick Holifield started out pursu- Where do you see yourself Five things ing a career in acting. Realizing it was in 10 years? Five things more of a hobby than a potential ca- I hope to have established a grow- Hobbies: Reading, poetry, traveling, sports, movies, live shows Favorite bar: Jukebox in reer, he began preparing for law ing, nonprofit business and my own Hingetown school. When some friends recom- school. I feel that I have unlimited cre- Favorite vacation spot: Hilton mended he join Teach for America, he ative ideas that can shake up a few Head Island Last vacation: Anchorage, Alaska found his calling. industries. I want to work to make Some bucket list items: Launch a Favorite typeface: Mr. Eaves “Building great relationships with this world and this city a better families is the most rewarding part of place through educational school and nonprofit; visit each How old were you when you did my profession,” Holifield said. “Build- programming, urban de- continent; write a course book; visit your first website? 12 ing great relationships with my stu- velopment, economic every national park; get a law degree, MBA or Ph.D. Favorite food: Thai dents is an amazing feeling, but when development and I can build on those relationships social activities. Some favorite books: ‘Invisible Man’ through interactions with parents, by Ralph Ellison; ‘The Mis-Education WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: grandparents and guardians, I feel of the Negro’ by Carter G. Woodson ; What is a graphic designer doing at that the impact is maximized and the anything by Mary Higgins Clark, Toni an architecture firm? progress is unparalleled.” — Kimber- Morrison or Sistah Souljah; ‘The ly Bonvissuto Autobiography of Malcom X.’ “We are designing environments, and Why did you get into teaching? Favorite meal: Burgers and brats I believe teaching chose me. It was off the grill graphic design is one more while developing a program that I re- discipline within those alized that I could offer valuable in- WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: sight and learn a great deal from a What makes Derrick stand out? services. Many of us in the profession that is lacking in acquiring firm have experience in the unique perspective of black males. “Derrick has an design but not in her unwavering commitment What do you find most specialty. That type of rewarding/challenging about and belief in kids and the thinking broadened our your profession? city of Cleveland, and his Building relationships with families base of thinking. She is a is the most rewarding part of my pro- passion draws people to confident and competent fession. The biggest challenge is not him — both kids and designer who is wonderful having support from families. It is adults. He’s really able to hard to be the only positive example to be around. You find some kids have. rally people behind a some young people in cause.” What would you say to someone architecture who just get thinking about a teaching career? — Katie Kohn, Teach for America- it far beyond their years Do it! I would tell them that when Northeast Ohio Cleveland, managing director, Teacher of experience.” you are saving lives your intention is critical, but your practice and re- Leadership Development — Jack Bialosky, managing search gives your intention its power partner, Bialosky Cleveland and guidance.

Diana L. Selzer, 28, Westfield Bank Commercial portfolio manager Diana Selzer has accomplished WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: Five things more in her short professional career What makes Diana someone worth Any advice for WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: than most people do in a lifetime, watching? college What makes Courtney a good according to those who know her. students? business partner? She has a strong sense of commu- “For as young as she is, nity and a passion for Northeast Diana’s got a lot of years of Dream big and “When Courtney Ohio, which is evidenced through get to work. her involvement in a variety of orga- understanding financials, puts her mind to What do you do nizations, including the Girl Scouts, what makes a business for fun? She’s an something, whatever Women’s Network of Northeast work, how it’s run. She avid runner and it is — a light goes on Ohio and ATHENA International. can always enjoy Her relentless vision of making brings a positive attitude and boom, she’s an afternoon on her community a better place is to our team and who she the golf course. focused. You know something those around her feed off of and feel compelled to emulate. works with, and If you could visit that light’s on “While her professional experi- everybody sees that.” anywhere, it and she’s just ence is impressive enough, her com- would be … — Krista Dobronos, senior vice Hawaii driving.” munity involvement is a true reflec- tion of who she is,” said Sarah president/market leader for Westfield Bank The bucket list: — Tom Vo, business Vojtek, manager of events for the Attend the partner Greater Akron Chamber of Com- Olympics opening merce. — Kimberly Bonvissuto involved in your community? ceremonies, start Growing up a Girl Scout and ob- a company, run a Why the banking industry? taining my Gold Award, I was marathon Five things I love banking and finance, in gen- taught from a young age the im- Favorite thing, eral. But, more importantly, I love portance of giving back to the An ideal night period. International building relationships. I find great community, being a sister to out: Tacos and travel satisfaction in working with business every Girl Scout and making margaritas with owners by taking the company’s the world a better place. It has her husband, Favorite place: London growth strategies and working to- always been a part of who I am followed by a Foods: Salmon and steaks. gether to make them a reality. and, not to mention, extremely re- side-splitting She runs and lifts weights, so warding. comedy she said she’s big on protein. What keeps you grounded in Northeast Ohio? Where do you see yourself Music for a workout: Electronic It is a great place to call home — to in 10 years? Photo illustrations music raise my three kids with my husband. Inspiring others to be the best ver- by Tim Harrison Recent favorite read: ‘Start with sion of themselves while working in and David Why’ by Simon Sinek Why is it so important to be a leadership role in my company. Kordalski 20160822-NEWS--20-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 3:40 PM Page 1

PAGE 20 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Twenty in their 20s Emely Vallee Oium, 26, HandsOn Northeast Ohio Emily Bacha, 28, Western Reserve Director of programs Director of communications and marketing

After leaving her job in Japanese lot learning from other coworkers Where do you see yourself Many people go their whole lives WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: corporate banking in Chicago and and learning from Jeff Griffiths (ex- in 10 years? without finding that dream job. Emi- What made Emily right fit for the job? moving to Cleveland in 2014, Emely ecutive director of HandsOn) about I’d love to see myself here. I see ly Bacha landed hers in her 20s. Vallee Oium wasted no time getting the management side of it. I’m still HandsOn being an awesome organi- A self-professed “nerd,” Bacha “Emily has already made a involved in local volunteerism. learning, always learning. zation, continuing to be an awesome sees her position with the Western positive impact through She quickly found HandsOn organization, a bigger organization. Reserve Land Conservancy as the Northeast Ohio as an outlet to vol- What keeps you interested in perfect opportunity to put her envi- her professional and civic unteer in her free nights and week- this field, especially with your WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: ronmental education and passion to involvement, but I can ends. The nonprofit’s goal is to make background being so different What do you hope to see her do in good use, making “green space for confidently say she is just it easy for people of all ages and from what you’re doing today? the future? future generations.” lifestyles to volunteer. I like that every day is different, and Outside of the office, the Bedford na- getting started.” It was the perfect way for her to that there’s always room to be bigger “I think the sky’s the limit tive mentors college students through — Rich Cochran, Western Reserve explore Cleveland, meet new people and better and engage more volun- iCleveland, assists in community- Land Conservancy’s president and give back. She loved it so much teers and engage the community fur- for her. Being a small or building events for Ohio City — where and CEO her husband suggested she turn it ther. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot younger organization with she now resides — and serves as the into a career. Last September, she of fun to be able to engage so many our work, I think there are president of Cleveland Young Profes- joined the HandsOn staff as its direc- people in the community, whether sional Senate. — Judy Stringer tor of programs. — Lydia Coutré that’s volunteers or agencies. so many opportunities to continue to make us What inspires you about your How did you transition from work? volunteering here to working here? stronger — she certainly I have opportunity to work with Because I was a volunteer, I un- makes me and the fabulous staff members, as well as derstood the projects. I understood organization better every really passionate land owners and the process of the projects. It was a community leaders who want to single day.” make sure our region is the best it — Jeff Griffiths, HandsOn Northeast can be. I draw a lot of inspiration Ohio’s executive director from working with them. When did you know what you Five things wanted to do professionally? What did you want to be as When I was in middle school, I a kid? Pilot learned about the environmental science field and was able to make the Currently reading: connection between healthy environ- ‘Harry Potter and the ments and city planning and how the Cursed Child’ two should really be tied together. I Favorite Cleveland also had the opportunity to travel to spot: Crust and the Alaska as part of the JASON project Tremont Tap House and see this first hand. It really lit a fire that has continued to grow. Secret skill: Basic plumbing What has surprised you most Favorite project at HandsOn? about working with a nonprofit? GED tutoring Everyone is very mission driven

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CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 21 Twenty in their 20s e Land Conservancy Five things Gabriel A. Malemud, 29, Hobbies: Cleveland sports. He also loves to Key Private Bank and wants to make sure we achieve Five things play golf. Vice president, relationship manager our vision of a region full of vibrant, Favorite TV Favorite book: thriving communities. Everyone show: ‘Ballers’ ‘Last Child in the Many of Gabriel Malemud’s supe- WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: gives 110%, and everyone drives riors at KeyCorp still remember his Woods’ by Favorite How did Gabriel progress each other to be the best that they energy from their first conversa- Richard Louv restaurant: so quickly at Key? can be. I really appreciate that work tions with him. They seemed to Don’s culture. Workout jam: know, even five years ago, he Lighthouse “He has energy and an Anything by would be one of the bank’s ris- Grille — incredible sense of If you could be or do anything Kesha ing stars. He’s been else — what? Highly regarded within the enthusiasm and curiosity Vacation spot: going I want to grow in my role and grow company for his enthusiasm, Acadia National ever since about customers. I just my professional work in this com- Malemud quickly ascended the Park his munity, so I don’t know what corporate ladder at Key where he loved how he mastered parents else I would be. Sometimes I Binge-worthy is currently a vice president — a title the branch manager role went there think just being outside totally show: ‘Scandal’ he earned in 2015, making him the when he was a and really understands would be a fantastic move, so youngest vice president in the com- maybe an environment edu- First job: baby. how to engage with Lifeguard pany. — Jeremy Nobile cator or a professional urban Vacation spot: customers. He embodies a gardener. Lake Cumberland, What inspires you about your Ky. work? lot of the elements I really No matter what you’re doing, your look for in a leader.” Best work comes down to the client and professional — Kip Clarke, Cleveland market their individual situation. It doesn’t advice he’s president for Key Community Bank change — you’re still taking care of received: Don’t individual needs and concerns and bite off more helping people. I’m very coachable with people. Some than you can people here have over 30 years expe- chew. And also, You climbed the corporate ladder rience in wealth management. You don’t be quickly. Considering your age have to learn best practices and accu- consumed with and these roles, do you mulate as much knowledge as possi- work. If you don’t encounter any unique ble. And that’s not just going to a stop and look challenges? meeting or being at a seminar and around, you Our average relationship manager at saying you’re listening, but really might miss Key is over 50. So, you are constantly owning those things and putting something. having to prove yourself, and with those into practice moving forward. clients especially. You have to be at the top of your game at all times and If you weren’t in banking, what proactive as possible in your thinking. do you think you would be doing? I’ve always had aspirations to be a What are some of the keys to sports agent. It’s something that’s al- Photo illustrations your success? ways been at the back of my mind. by Tim Harrison Being an active listener, and not But right now, I’m learning skills in and David just with clients, but with senior lead- wealth management that could Kordalski ership and management. I also think translate to that line of business.

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INSPIRED BY TOMORROW

Forest City congratulates this year's Twenty in their 20s class, including our very own Mackenzie Makepeace.

At Forest City, we’re dedicated to creating exceptional places where people live, work and shop. For more information, visit www.forestcity.net. 1HZV7DON6SRUWV 20160822-NEWS--22-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 5:42 PM Page 1

PAGE 22 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Twenty in their 20s Lauren Budin, 28, Mahall’s 20 Lanes Mackenzie Makepeace, 29, Venue manager/talent buyer Forest City Realty Trust Inc. About five years ago, after coming ly want to see. And the ’90s dance under new ownership, Mahall’s 20 parties we are doing will keep on get- Five things Manager, strategic initiatives Lanes in Lakewood crafted a fresh ting bigger and crazier — probably Favorite music: It changes every and market research identity, coupling classic bowling with more dance parties in general. And day. Meatloaf’s ‘Bat out of Hell’ was Mackenzie Makepeace learned to talking about its need for a young pro- a live-entertainment venue to appeal probably a lot more weird events. the last thing cued up on Spotify, ride at 8 and became a professional fessionals group. I went to a meeting to the West Side’s young, hip crowd. though. Lauren Budin’s efforts on the en- rider and trainer at horse farms dur- with the staff, we put together a plan WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: How Any instruments: She dabbled in ing college at William and Lee Uni- and I became the founder. We have tertainment side helped breathe life has Lauren helped Mahall’s evolve? into a business that not long ago was piano and played some guitar versity in Richmond, Va. She realized more than 300 members. fighting for survival. She also oper- before. so much of her life was tied up in “We’re seeing much more things equestrian she decided to try Do you possess a car? ates a clothing shop called Cattitude As for bowling … ‘I’m energy here. The changes something different. My husband and I share one. He’s Vintage at Mahall’s, which is typical- literally the worst That led her to work for a real es- in his residency at Metro, so he has it ly open during shows. have been subtle, but from bowler that’s ever tate developer in Richmond. She lat- a lot. I’ve found public transporta- “It’s probably not what I’m going bowled a bowling a business standpoint, er got a job at Forest City’s office in tion here is great. I take the Health- to do forever,” she said. “But right ball. ‘ now, this is exactly where I want to they’ve been profound. Richmond and later transferred to Line to Severance Hall for meetings be.” — Jeremy Nobile Favorite bar: If Cleveland, her hometown. and the Rapid Transit to Ohio City. Sales are up. There are she’s not at She insists it was not a master How has Mahall’s changed since more customers, more Mahall’s, she’s plan. She liked working for the com- you started? young people.” probably at pany in Richmond so much she pur- We want people to feel like, if Now That’s sued the job here after she became — Mahall’s co-owner you’re up-and-coming and playing Class. aware of opportunities at the corpo- Colin McEwen rate level. — Stan Bullard in Cleveland at Mahall’s, then you Your friends know you’re going somewhere. might not Why real estate? When they first started doing shows, know … She did I like real estate because you can see they didn’t even have a PA system. It a lot of musicals it. We talk a lot about place-making at took some convincing to show we as a child. ‘I was Forest City. You can see development actually needed that if we were going the Wicked transforming a community. I belong to to be an actual music venue. Witch of the the Urban Land Institute (trade group) West in the because it promotes responsible use of What’s your approach to Wizard of Oz land. And there are a lot of different booking events? once — but that things you can do in real estate. We have some bigger shows with is not that fancy agents, but part of the charm is surprising if you How did you get involved with we have these little shows that are know me. ‘ thrown together, where you can feel The Circle, the Cleveland like you’re in the basement of some Orchestra’s young professional house show. I want us to be profes- organization? sional and well-respected. But I My husband and I had gotten tick- don’t want to lose that funkiness. ets to a concert from the company and were at a preconcert event. What else do you have in store? Camille LaBarre (wife of Musical Arts Bigger, better shows. We are going Association president Dennis W. to keep attracting bands people real- LaBarre) approached us and began

TEACHFORAMERICA

Congratulations Derrick Holifield! 20160822-NEWS--23-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 5:42 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 23 Twenty in their 20s Maura Garven, 29, Destination Cleveland Manager of strategic initiatives WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: Why Maura Garven grew up in Lake- WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: You Five things is she noteworthy? wood, then went off to college at met Maura 10 years ago when she Georgetown University in Washington, was an intern at the Cleveland Favorite bar? Happy Dog “She has emerged as D.C., and started her career in Boston, Foundation. What did you see in her Where do you live? Detroit- leader in our company, working for Partners in Health, a non- then that you see now, when she’s Shoreway, behind Happy Dog profit that brings health care services to working for you? our industry and our remote areas around the world. Last book read? ‘The Silence of community. She continues But she yearned to come back to “Her greatest assets then Bonaventure Arrow’ by Rita Cleveland. are still her greatest Leganski to expand and evolve her “There were always jokes when I assets now: thoughtful, Last vacation? Italy, for a friend’s role within our was in college and working in Boston wedding organization by providing that I should work for the conven- inquisitive, insightful, tion and visitors bureau in Cleveland Favorite place to visit: necessary guidance and because I talked so much about the inclusive, strategic and Charleston, S.C. support on key initiatives city,” she recalled. Now, that’s what kind. She’s a ‘doer.’” across the company.” she does. — Jay Miller — Hannah Belsito, vice president of destination — Stephanie Dorsey, Forest City’s What drew you to the world of development and senior vice president of strategic strategic planning? community affairs at initiatives and corporate operations As a child I was always asking, Destination Cleveland ‘Why?’ (Later), when people would Five things tell me how things worked, I would ask why, and I think through those much of the work of the Last hurry-up conversations I have been able to local committee that assignment: help people think differently about was planning the Brexit’s impact on the things that are their everyday life. Republican convention. real estate What was your role, What is it that you like now As for Forest City jumping in while that about analyzing organizations work was already … It’s never a quiet or situations and setting crowd. No one is underway? objectives? My job was to look at the afraid to speak their I like writing and I like fixing sys- mind. jobs of people who were working tems and thinking through how to for both Destination Cleveland and How long is your make strategic decisions that impact the host committee, to start thinking commute? Five to future event planning. I think the about the future and what they want- eight minutes. I live success of strategic planning is actu- ed to be doing in future years. It was on East Fourth ally daily operations and informing super important to David Gilbert Street. everything you do, and answering (president and CEO of Destination the question, ‘Who are we and what Cleveland) and the board that, while Favorite do we want to do?’ restaurant: the work of planning for the RNC was Greenhouse Tavern an incredible investment of time and You started working at energy, the (Destination Cleveland) Destination Cleveland earlier this Favorite pastime: work continued, and that included Photo illustrations by Tim year, while it was also doing Reading fiction. planning for the future. Harrison and David Kordalski Marchaé Grair, 28, United Church of Christ Social media associate One quote seems to sum up Mar- I don’t think on scale. I think on done my job — even if it’s me and WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: What chaé Grair pretty well. impact. If somebody comes and one person sitting in the meeting. So has Marchaé brought to the UCC? “I’m proud of my faith, I’m proud finds a safe place there, and their al- my hope would be that I can provide of my family, I’m proud of my sexu- ternative was going home and com- that space for as many people who “She’s been able to attract al orientation and I’m proud of being mitting suicide or leaving the church need it, when they need it. people who have never black. Just proud,” said Grair, who forever because they don’t think has been in charge of the United they have a place for them, then I’ve What’s your favorite thing heard of this Church of Christ’s social media for about social media? denomination, and she’s the last couple years. Probably that (Andy) Warhol’s changed the minds of Grair manages the church’s blog, quote comes true. Everybody gets 15 The New Sacred. She also is the minutes of fame. You can do some- people who thought they founder of Safe Space Ministries at thing really obscure, strange, silly or would never go near a the South Euclid United Church of powerful. It can just be anything, Christ. The ministry aims to create and for some reason, at that moment church. Our social media an inclusive community for lesbian, in time, it’s what people needed or numbers have never been gay, bisexual and transgender indi- wanted to see, and then you’re viral. higher, and they keep viduals. — Kevin Kleps Least favorite? growing — surpassing Why did you choose a career in The way that people use social those of churches much faith? media to bully. It’s very easy to hide I have always been a faith-driven behind fake screen names or to hide larger than the UCC.” and spiritual person. I grew up in a behind certain groups in order to be — Tina Villa, the UCC’s director of very traditional church setting, and hateful. It’s kind of like the com- publishing, identity and while I still hold a lot of the values and ments section had an evil baby. communication lessons dear to me that I learned there, I also had to separate myself from certain aspects of that denomi- Five things nation because I identify as a queer Hoop it up: Grair plays on a rec basketball team. woman. I felt like there were a lot of Injury prone: She’s ‘constantly hurting’ herself, including a torn ACL in high people who were like me and who school. were looking for a safe space to be an out queer person and be somebody Early leader: The knee injury ended Grair’s hoops career, but she was also who identifies as a faith-based person. a volleyball and track captain at Ravenna. Favorite musicians: Emily King and The Internet What are your goals for your ministry? Give her a mic: She’s been singing ‘since I could talk.’ 20160822-NEWS--24-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/18/2016 4:54 PM Page 1

PAGE 24 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Twenty in their 20s Michael Katz, 26, Byte Café Michael Bowen, 29, Taft, Stettinius Founder and owner Law clerk Michael Katz entered the food maybe people are used to, Inspired by his late mother’s ser- WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: business with a whole lot of passion with a twist. I’m really big on vice on the Shaker Heights City What impressed you about and a desire to make a change — not flavor impact — so Council, Michael Bowen has seem- Michael? just money. crunchy, sweet, salty, ingly always had an interest in pub- He hopes to gradually grow Byte has all of the great bal- lic policy. “He is as at ease in a board Café, his 2-year-old business in ances in there that And even though he’s not even 30, room as he is in a church he’s hardly a newbie to local politics. Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neigh- something really basement, and he was borhood into a nationally and inter- tasty has. While attending Cleveland-Mar- nationally known fast-casual eatery. shall College of Law, Bowen worked conversant on all sides of But never at the expense of healthy for former Lakewood Mayor Ed town. He really food, fresh ingredients and quality FitzGerald, assisted campaigns for his mother, Lynn Ruffner, and understands the networks customer service. Five things “I see such a huge space in the mar- Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Tim in our community and Favorite sandwich: McGinty and, most recently, served ket for fresher healthier food, with that will take him far.” better service, and a better overall Byte’s Desperado as field director for the May 2015 renewal of the county’s Arts & Cul- brand,” he said. — Lydia Coutré Favorite place to eat in — Chris Ronayne, president, tural Levy, which passed with 73% Northeast Ohio: Greenhouse University Circle Inc. of the vote. — Judy Stringer How do you hope to expand in Tavern this market and grow, while also maintaining that identity Hobbies: Sports, producing music, What do you like most about Five things of artisanal and local? drumming your current job with Taft? Just getting the experience of be- Favorite pastime: There’s no reason it can’t work in Favorite albums: ‘The Dark Side of ing at a firm like Taft and learning Traveling every city in the world. People are the Moon’ by Pink Floyd and “Blood from some of the best lawyers in looking for healthier, fresher options Sugar Sex Magik” by Red Hot Chili Bucket list Northeast Ohio — well, really the for lunch. I want to make this a ca- Peppers destination: San reer for myself, but we’re not state — it’s an experience not a lot of Juan, Puerto Rico really profit-oriented right Favorite vacation spot: Toronto, people get to have. where he lived for a decade. First car: 1999 now. We’re more oriented Eagle Vision on the brand and growing If you could change one thing the brand and making sure about Cleveland, what would it be? Last book that people are getting WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: There is a continuing discrepancy read: ‘The something that is missing in How would you describe Michael? between Cleveland proper and the Conviser the market, which is better suburbs of Cleveland. For all of the Outline’ service, not a dull service, “What probably stands progress Cleveland has made eco- by better brand and just a out the most to me is that nomically, the city still struggles with BARBRI fresher concept. more people with mental challenges he knows enough to know than ever. That divide is something Go-to that he does not know that is worrisome to me. spot: How much of a hand do The you have in the menu, everything.” Where do you see yourself Union the foods, the flavors? Club One of my biggest pas- — James Amendola, a mentor and in 10 years? sions is creating new food the industrial/commercial I see myself continuing to practice products, new specials, manager for St. Clair Superior law, continuing to somehow mold new items — things that Development Corporation my civic life with my professional le-

Nora Mahoney, 28, Carleton McKenna & Co. Peter Spaulding, Associate counsel Vice president, operations

Nora Mahoney knew “the second” here, but I love the work and love the Where do you see yourself in WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: she left for law school she would be client interaction. I bumped into my five years? What is it about Nora that struck BoxCast co-founder Gordon Daily coming back to Cleveland someday. dream job. I’m very content with where I am you? refers to Peter Spaulding as the com- It didn’t take long. now. I certainly hope to still be in in- pany’s “first official employee,” since After getting her degree in biology Six years out of school and vestment banking; I still hope to be “I’ve known her now for the latter was the first non-founder and sustainability at Baldwin Wal- you’re on the board of trustees at Carlton McKenna. I’d like to have about three or four years. to agree to work for the startup in lace University in Berea in 2010, the of BW. What else are you the opportunity, maybe not five August 2013. Strongsville native and Padua High involved in? years from now, to start my own I’m most impressed with Spaulding joined BoxCast, which School graduate headed for the Ver- The Irish Bar Society. It’s a real bar company. I work with a lot of startup how she’s shown an produces technology that helps com- mont Law School, one of the top en- association — for Irish lawyers in companies and entrepreneurs. My interest in the investment panies stream live events, via Venture vironmental law schools in the Cleveland. experience puts me a unique place for America, a program that matches country. for that opportunity banking services that the up startups and impressive graduates. “It was a totally different world someday. I’m still company provides and At Yale University, Spaulding worked than Cleveland,” she said of the searching for the right school in South Royalton, Vt., popu- idea, though. consequently becoming an lation 694. “It made me incredibly important player on the outdoorsy, not by my nature but by deal front.” force.” But soon she was back in Cleve- — Dominic Brault, an adviser to land, living downtown and working Carleton McKenna in investment banking as in-house counsel at Carleton McKenna. “I loved Cleveland before it was cool,” she said. — Jay Miller Five things Favorite restaurant: The Your law school focus was Market Café and Wine Bar environmental law. But you’ve ended up in investment Hobby: Vinyl record collection banking. How did that work? Prized possession: 1972 The part I loved about environ- Rotel turntable mental law was the administrative and procedural stuff. It’s oddly sym- Hunting for: A rare, live Van metrical to what I’m doing in invest- Morrison album ment banking. I’m in-house counsel Coffee shop: Phoenix Coffee dealing with compliance (with secu- Co. on East Ninth Street rities laws) and regulatory issues that come up with being a registered broker-dealer. I never thought I’d be 20160822-NEWS--25-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:32 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 25 Twenty in their 20s & Hollister Patrick Zangardi, 28, Insivia Director of client services gal practice. To do good and well Five things Patrick Zangardi wanted to be an would be ideal. engineer when he arrived at the WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: Bros!: He has a 3- University of Toledo. But he found What makes Patrick stand out? What might most people be year-old named his true calling while taking an in- surprised to know about you? Jackson and his tro to marketing course. “He’s got this wisdom Over the last few years, I’ve be- wife, Vanessa, is “It’s science and art together. It’s beyond his years. He acts due to have come a pretty avid tennis player. I try more personal, which I like,” he with a gravitas that you to play three to four times a week. another boy in said. October. His The decision has worked out don’t expect from What do you do when you aren’t name? ‘Jordan. I well so far: At In- someone in their 20s. working or volunteering? think.’ sivia, the Middle- He’s thoughtful, I spend time with my girlfriend, Favorite band: burg Heights native Sarah, and I also like being active The Avett works on high-lev- confident, really driven and paying close attention to local Brothers. el digital market- and mindful.” politics and local races. They are very Naturally, at his ing strategies “with important, more so than even presi- January 2012 almost every one of — Insivia CEO Andy Halco dential elections. wedding, he and our clients” while his wife danced to also helping the A lot of people say we want too the song ‘January Cleveland-based firm much autonomy or too much flex- Wedding.’ find new customers. ibility. There is some truth behind — Chuck Soder it, but it’s largely inaccurate. Every- Most underrated one wants flexibility. I have a Cleveland What convinced young family. So having the ability athlete: Indians you to come back to be flexible, that’s extremely im- third baseman to Cleveland, other portant to me. José Ramirez than a job opening Podcast: Mixergy, and your family Your LinkedIn says you enjoy an interview show being around? cooking, cycling and featuring people There were a lot of photography. Are those your in the tech startup great things happening top three hobbies? world in art, culture, food and Between personal life and pro- nightlife. Professionally, fessional life, I have limited time Favorite dish to I started to see a lot of for hobbies. I try to run or lift four cook: Pizza, exciting things happen- or five days a week. On the days on the grill ing with companies in when I’ve been active, I have better the region. I wanted to focus and more intensity at work. be part of that. Name someone who’s had a People make lots of huge impact on you — and you sweeping can’t pick a family member. generalizations Andy Halco (Insivia’s CEO). He about millennials. Is gave me a shot when I was super there any truth to young. He trusted me to make deci- them? sions and drive his business forward.

25, BoxCast UPCOMING CUSTOM SUPPLEMENT

for a Washington, D.C. startup and early days, so I’ve had the opportu- WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: How spent time as an aide to Democratic nity to see some of the really hard valuable is Peter’s role at BoxCast? Giving Guide U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer. times — the scratching and clawing. In D.C., he said he “fell in love” It’s been surprising how much work “Peter has a certain calm Use this advertising opportunity to showcase your with how a startup’s “small group it really takes. about him that is rare for dynamic works and how you had to organization along with your commitment to Northeast Ohio. rely on each other a bit more.” — What’s been the most gratifying someone his age. We’ve Kevin Kleps part about helping to get a trusted him with so many ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 31 • AD CLOSE: SEPTEMBER 1 company off the ground? You started working at a We did a customer survey, and responsibilities over the startup right out of college. hearing those responses was over- years because we know What’s that been like? whelming because sometimes you he’ll do great work and I had the opportunity to come in can forget about some of the things at the early stages. I think Gordon’s you do to help these organizations. he’ll do it with grace.” been super-transparent since the It’s nice seeing organizations appre- — Gordon Daily, BoxCast president ciate what the company has done. Being able to wear the different hats has been really nice, too. Five things Activity: He loves being outdoors. You’ve grown into a pretty big role at BoxCast. Have you Side project: A current goal: looked down the line at what Improving his golf game you want to do long term? College sport: The Maryland I don’t really look at that big of a native played lacrosse at Yale. picture. There’s a lot that’s changed in the three years, and we still have a Cleveland connection: He was lot of challenges ahead. Until that never much of an NBA fan, but he’s stops, I think I’m pretty happy with now an avid follower of the Cavs. where I am. I think there’s a lot Favorite part about living of potential still for us to downtown: How easy it is to grow. I feel like we’re hit- navigate ting our stride right now. Contact: Nicole Mastrangelo at 216-771-5158 or [email protected]. It took years of founda- tional work to get to that point. Powered by: Presented by: Photo illustrations by Tim Harrison and David Kordalski 20160822-NEWS--26-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:43 PM Page 1

PAGE 26 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS Twenty in their 20s

Five things Simone Swanson, 27, Favorite author: T.D. Jakes Hobbies: Spending time with The Gathering Place friends and family Community liaison Ideal vacation: Barbados. She said she could be an island girl – the Ever since she was a child, Simone How are you helping to music, the food, the culture, the Swanson had a giving spirit and was move your beautiful weather. always interested in giving back. organization Favorite Cleveland spot: The new She refined that giving nature at forward? and improved Flats the American Cancer Society Cleve- I do a combination of land Hope Lodge, and now at The outreach and develop- Something people don’t know Gathering Place, a local nonprofit or- ment. The Gathering about you: In her car, she has some ganization that offers support ser- Place started in serious, full-fledged concerts. The vices for cancer patients and their 2000, and many of music is loud, and she’s singing at families. She’s also editor of the two- the original peo- the top of her lungs. year-old CL Magazine, a career and ple are retiring lifestyle magazine for women of col- and moving or. into the next WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: “I never felt comfortable having phase of How would you describe Simone? something and not sharing it, their lives. whether it was knowledge or a re- As part of “She is the force behind source,” she said. “I was always pas- the Rising my vision. It has been sionate about helping people who Leaders Council, I need help.” — Kimberly Bonvissuto help to bring in fresh some of her ideas that talent to engage a have spurred on other Where do you draw your younger generation. inspiration from? activities for me to The Gathering Place is a center Where do you see yourself in 10 expand the reach, hone where anyone touched by cancer years? can come for support through pro- I see myself, ideally, as a CEO of in and crystallize the grams and services to cope with a di- my own nonprofit. I’ve always had a content, and thereby agnosis. As an only child, I had a bit passion for helping young girls. I of a princess complex. Seeing people hope to be a mother and a wife. I increase our literally fighting for their lives and want to have it all — the career life advertising.” being positive through the process and a family. I see myself finding the was eye opening. balance between both. — Alexandria Johnson Boone, publisher and chief editorial officer of CL Magazine, a publication of the Women Photo illustrations by Tim Harrison and David Kordalski of Color Foundation Xyla Foxlin, 20, Parihug Founder and CEO Everyone likes hugs, but what if you What inspires you most as an Love is the core part of what ihug is and just love me because Five things were able to receive an embrace from entrepreneur? makes us, us. Technology should I’m crazy and weird. anywhere in the world? Xyla Foxlin One of my favorite things to do reflect that. Favorite Cleveland hang-out: believes she has answered that ques- is demo the bears at events like Where do you see yourself in 10 think[box] makerspace at CWRU tion with Parihug, a startup develop- CES (Consumer Electronics Show) How do you maintain a balance years? Favorite childhood toy: Snowball ing Bluetooth and wi-fi enabled teddy and SXSW. At CES people were among work, school and social I want to see Parihug to fruition the stuffed polar bear bears connected to one another asking why we had teddy bears at activities? and how it can change human com- through the internet. When one bear the world’s biggest electronic It’s really, really hard. I’ve had to munication. Ultimately, I want to be Favorite movie: ‘Tangled’ is hugged, the bear it’s paired with will show. Then this hard busi- make a lot of sacrifices, and being a serial entrepreneur, though my Vacation spot: Disneyland vibrate, sending a virtual “I love you” nessperson personality would go an entrepreneur can be lonely. dream job is to be an over the ether. away, and they’d say how much Luckily I have a group of girls I live ‘imagineer’ with Secret superpower: Flying. She Foxlin, an engineering student at their daughter would love this. with who don’t know what Par- Disney. soloed an airplane for the first time Case Western Reserve University, is in high school. readying a Kickstarter campaign to build more bears, while WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: also showing off her How would you describe Xyla’s tech at various high- work ethic and personality? end conferences. “We’re bringing “When the going gets physical elements into long-distance commu- tough, Xyla puts in more nication,” Foxlin said. — time, energy, and Douglas J. Guth strategic thought. This What about your combination of talent work makes you most proud? and will can be hard to Starting this company find, and Xyla at 19 as a minority female was extremely difficult. I exemplifies it.” had to grow a thick skin — Danielle Strachman, from people saying I was- co-founder of the San n’t enough of an engineer, Francisco-based 1517 Fund, or a businessperson, or I a Parihug investor was too young. The company has been able to overcome all of that. 20160822-NEWS--27-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 2:39 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 27 Business of Life

For the love of the glove

Gordon King’s Parma apartment has a large stack of baseball gloves that will be restored and donated to the military. (Kevin Kleps)

at 10 p.m. because one of their kids Parma resident had a string that ripped or came loose during a game. The glove is dropped off at King’s apartment that night, and builds a biz by the parent has it back in time for the child’s game the following day. repairing mitts Friends and customers also donate old gloves. King restores those By KEVIN KLEPS and ships them to the U.S. Depart- ment of Defense, to be used by the Baseball gloves are stacked troops. against a wall in the living room of John Mengelkamp, president of the the Parma apartment Gordon King Diamond League, said King sets up shares with his wife. shop at some of the many league tour- Spread-out newspapers cover the nament and all-star games his organi- kitchen table, where King sits as he zation hosts in Northeast Ohio. Some- works on his lifelong passion — Gordon King often removes plastic, which can be King works on a mitt in his apartment. He has 15 times, King will provide a quick fix. If restoring and repairing gloves, both uncomfortable, from the gloves he works on. to 20 in need of repair at any given time. the problem is more serious, he’ll take old and new. the glove home and send it back when “Every time I go over to his apart- the work is completed. ment, I tell him, ‘Gordon, I don’t “He does some pretty incredible know how you keep track of every- things,” Mengelkamp said. thing,’ ” said Bobby Sofchek, a re- And it’s reasonable. tired Brook Park police officer who Lacing starts at $12 and can cost has been friends with King for more $40 or $45 (depending on the mitt) than 20 years. “I don’t know how he for a complete overhaul. King also does it, how he remembers every- removes plastic inserts for $7, adds thing, but he does.” padding for $10, and adds custom- When it comes to baseball and made pinky and thumb loops for gloves, no details are too small for $10. King. That’s a stark contrast from the He spreads a ripped portion of sticker prices for brand new gloves, one glove to show a visitor the dryer which often sell for more than $200. lint that serves as the mitt’s padding. “The parents and the players, If the lint is white, it likely comes they’re real satisfied with his work,” from a dry cleaner or hotel chain, King opens a glove to show the dryer lint that is King is restoring a 1942 glove worn by Hall of Famer Mengelkamp said. “A lot of times, King says. If it’s black or black and used for padding. and former Indians standout Lou Boudreau. they’re amazed at what he can do.” gray, it’s probably from the U.S. King will try almost anything to fix Army. (More military branches and great, but can lead to problems At any given time, he is working by the roll. King then uses the string or restore a glove. He even created mitt padding combinations, accord- down the road because it’s so soft. on 15 to 20 gloves. He repairs and re- to strengthen the repaired glove, af- his own mix to condition gloves after ing to King: Silver or gray and blue is “I love what I do,” King said. “I stores more than 200 gloves a year — ter his customers select a color. he found out a commonly sold oil from the Navy, a red and blue mix is love the game.” “They just keep coming,” he says.” “When he first started it, I told him contained an allergen. King’s lotion from the Marines, and gray with King started his business, A1 He also sells new gloves, which he it was going to take off, because contains 11 natural ingredients. navy blue is from the Air Force.) Glove Repair & Sales, in 1999. Later, gets at wholesale prices, but not un- there’s no one else around who does “I don’t think I have any competi- He will tell you which types of cat- after he lost his job as a controller, he til he spends a couple of weeks prop- that sort of thing,” Sofchek said. tors, and I’m not trying to sound like tle hide provide the best material for — at the suggestion of his wife, Joyce erly breaking them in. King — a huge Boston Red Sox fan I’m bragging,” King said. “It’s be- a baseball glove, and why gloves — decided to make baseball gloves Sofchek cuts strings from big who played organized softball for 28 cause no one is as crazy about gloves made with leather from a cow feels his full-time job. pieces of cattle hide that King orders years — says customers will call him as I am.” 20160822-NEWS--28-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:32 PM Page 1

PAGE 28 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS BUSINESS OF LIFE Source Lunch

Megan O’Bryan has been focusing her energy on improving education in Cleveland in recent years. After leading the Cleveland Transformation Al- liance, O’Bryan joined Tri-C as the vice president of development and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation. Community colleges used to be about access, O’Bryan said, but now the focus is on completion and success. The foundation is going to be focusing strongly on the college’s Centers of Excellence, which offer credentials and aca- demic pathways tied to workforce needs. The foundation’s role will be to figure out how to best meet community needs and how to match those needs with philanthropic opportunities, O’Bryan said. The college is a busy, innovative place, O’Bryan said. That’s not a problem for her, as she likes the Megan O’Bryan fast-paced environment. “You’re never standing still there,” she said. EDUCATION — Rachel Abbey McCafferty

What is a typical day like in your wraparound support system for ing into Cuyahoga Community Col- role as vice president of devel- all of our students that has lege well-prepared and on the path FIVE THINGS: opment and the Cuyahoga Com- increased our graduation rate to success in college and in life. munity College Foundation? three-fold and decreased their FAVORITE SPOTS Every day, I collaborate with people time to complete as well as their Before entering the education IN CLEVELAND who want to make a difference in the costs. Tri-C is an economic driver realm, you served as president The Flying Fig is one of lives of our students at Tri-C. I work for Northeast Ohio. We are in the and CEO of the Cleveland Rape her go-to spots, but she with our outstanding faculty, staff business of creating prosperity for Crisis Center. Do you think the and leadership to develop strategies individuals, which has a domino conversation has changed since also likes Bomba Tacos to support student success and effect on families, on employers you took that role in 2004? & Rum in Rocky River, as completion. I also work with generous and across the region. For every Oh wow. Our community has well as Toast in Gordon donors, community and business dollar invested in Tri-C, the college grown by leaps and bounds in Square. leaders to help them make an invest- provides $10.50 back to the terms of how we understand and ment in scholarships and college pro- community in economic benefit. respond to sexual assault. The NOT-TO-MISS LOCAL grams that have great economic Rape Crisis Center helped create a return to individuals and the region. Before coming to Tri-C, you led massive shift in consciousness by EVENTS the Cleveland Transformation collaborating with law enforce- The Believe in CLE yoga What drew you to Cuyahoga Alliance. What are some lessons ment, health care and education event at the Rock and Roll Community College? you took from that experience? institutions to create a sense (of) Hall of Fame and In 2012, I was appointed to the The Cleveland Transformation urgency, as well as compassion- Edgewater Live college’s Board of Trustees by Alliance was created in 2012 to ate solutions that make our then-County Executive Ed Fitzger- advocate for the success of community safer and healthier. ald. Through this role I got to see Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming BEST RIDE AT CEDAR the huge impact Tri-C has on its Schools, which seeks to ensure What are some of the strengths POINT students and in the community. I every child in every neighborhood the community has to offer? Millennium Force LUNCH SPOT gained a deep appreciation and of Cleveland attends a quality Our people are our greatest Pura Vida Restaurant passion for the high-quality and public school. The Cleveland Plan is strength. I am amazed by the MUST-SEE 170 Euclid Ave. life-changing education and (a) national model that fosters generosity, collaborative spirit, The Cleveland Internation- Cleveland training offered by Tri-C. We help unprecedented collaboration be- pride and “grit” our people display. al Film Festival is a must puravidabybrandt.com 55,000 students a year work tween district and charter schools, I think this was demonstrated just toward associates degrees and so that more quality options are a few weeks ago when the spirit for her, as she said it’s the certificates that lead them either available to families. This has led to of our people resulted in a highly only time she gets to in- The meal to transfer to a four-year the creation of great public successful political convention. dulge her “film appetite” Two orders of the African institution or into the workforce. schools for families in Cleveland. in something other than peanut stew, one with What do you like to do on your children’s movies. the “simple” salad and What role do community What would you like to see the days off? one with the quinoa salad colleges play in our society? Cleveland Transformation I spend as much free time as I can WHY YOGA? What role does Tri-C specifically Alliance accomplish? enjoying Northeast Ohio’s restau- The vibe O’Bryan loves the physical play in Northeast Ohio? I hope the vision of the Cleveland rants, nature and arts and culture A bright open space with Community colleges ensure that Plan is realized so that every child in with my family. In the summer, we demands of the practice, plentiful patio seating in higher education is accessible to every neighborhood of our city love Lake Erie and spending time as well as its ability to the heart of downtown everyone. We accept all students attends a great public school. This in Huron, Ohio. I also love my yoga help people gain mental and meet them where they are. is critical to the vitality of our region practice and can be found often stillness. The bill At Tri-C, we have created a and will lead to more students com- at Inner Bliss Yoga Studio. $31.32, plus tip 20160822-NEWS--29-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:33 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 29

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PAGE 30 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS LARGEST CUYAHOGA COUNTY EMPLOYERS The List Ranked by Full-Time Equivalent Local Employees

COMPANY FTE EMPLOYEES THIS ADDRESS CUYAHOGA COUNTY TOTAL NUMBER OF TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE YEAR PHONE/WEBSITE JUNE 30, 2016 EMPLOYEES IN OHIO TYPE OF BUSINESS TITLE

Cleveland Clinic 31,668 34,403 Health care provider Toby Cosgrove, M.D. 1 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44195 president, CEO (216) 444-2200/www.clevelandclinic.org

University Hospitals 16,595 21,519 Nationally recognized, integrated health care system Thomas F. Zenty III 2 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44106 comprised of hospitals and outpatient health centers CEO (216) 844-1000/www.uhhospitals.org throughout Northeast Ohio

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (1) 11,536 49,371 Federal government NA 3 1900 E St., NW, Washington 20415 (202) 606-1800/www.opm.gov

Progressive Group of Insurance Companies 8,765 9,819 Insurance and financial company Tricia Griffith 4 6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village 44143 president, CEO (440) 461-5000/www.progressive.com

Cleveland Metropolitan School District 7,558 7,558 Education Eric S. Gordon 5 1111 Superior Ave., Cleveland 44114 CEO (216) 574-8000/www.clevelandmetroschools.org

Cuyahoga County 7,498 7,498 County government Armond Budish 6 2079 E. Ninth St., Cleveland 44115 county executive (216) 443-7220/www.cuyahogacounty.us

City of Cleveland 6,608 6,608 Municipal government Frank G. Jackson 7 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland 44114 mayor (216) 664-2406/www.city.cleveland.oh.us

The MetroHealth System 6,381 6,381 Health care provider Akram Boutros, M.D. 8 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland 44109 president, CEO (216) 778-7800/www.metrohealth.org

KeyCorp 4,612 5,887 Bank-based financial services company Beth E. Mooney 9 127 Public Square, Cleveland 44114 chairman, CEO (216) 689-6300/www.key.com

Case Western Reserve University 4,455 4,455 Higher education Barbara R. Snyder 10 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44106 president (216) 368-2000/www.case.edu

Swagelok Co. 3,917 3,917 Designer and manufacturer of industrial fluid system Arthur F. Anton 11 29500 Solon Road, Solon 44139 components president, CEO (440) 248-4600/www.swagelok.com

Sherwin-Williams Co. 3,759 5,044 Coatings and related products Christopher M. Connor 12 101 W. Prospect Ave., Cleveland 44115 executive chairman (216) 566-2000/www.sherwin.com

Group Management Services Inc. 3,607 15,677 Professional employer organization Michael Kahoe 13 3296 Columbia Road, Suite 101, Richfield 44286 president (330) 659-0100/www.groupmgmt.com

U.S. Postal Service 3,599 19,543 U.S. postal service Troy Seanor 14 2200 Orange Ave., Cleveland 44101 district manager (800) 275-8777/www.usps.com

Giant Eagle Inc. 3,565 NA Multi-format food, fuel and pharmacy retailer Bill Artman 15 5300 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights 44146 senior vice president, retail operations (216) 292-7000/www.gianteagle.com

UPS 2,694 NA Parcel delivery Dwayne Meeks 16 4300 E. 68th St., Cleveland 44105 president, (216) 641-3027/www.ups.com UPS Great Lakes District

Lincoln Electric 2,670 2,700 Designer, developer and manufacturer of arc welding Christopher L. Mapes 17 22801 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland 44117 products chairman, president, CEO (216) 481-8100/www.lincolnelectric.com

Nestle USA (2) 2,277 3,148 HQ for Nestle USA's Prepared Foods, Baking and Pizza Paul Grimwood 18 30003 Bainbridge Road, Solon 44139 divisions, Nestle USA Business Services and Nestle chairman, CEO (440) 349-5757/www.nestleusa.com Professional's Culinary business

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority 2,101 2,101 Public transportation Joseph A. Calabrese 19 1240 W. Sixth St., Cleveland 44113 CEO, general manager, secretary and (216) 566-5100/www.riderta.com treasurer

JACK Entertainment 2,095 NA JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino are Mark Tricano 20 100 Public Square, Cleveland 44113 part of JACK Entertainment. senior vice president, (216) 297-4777, (216) 662-8600/www.horseshoecleveland.com, Northeast Ohio operations www.thistledown.com

State of Ohio 2,095 52,806 State government John R. Kasich 20 30 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215 governor (614) 466-2000/www.ohio.gov

ArcelorMittal 1,934 3,110 Steel manufacturer Eric Hauge 22 3060 Eggers Ave., Cleveland 44105 vice president, general manager, (216) 429-6000/www.usa.arcelormittal.com ArcelorMittal Cleveland

Medical Mutual of Ohio 1,800 2,400 Mutual company providing health and life insurance, Rick A. Chiricosta 23 2060 E. Ninth St., Cleveland 44115 dental, vision products and TPA services president, CEO, chairman (216) 687-7000/www.medmutual.com

Southwest General 1,702 1,754 Private, not-for-profit 350-bed hospital with a 90 year William A. Young Jr. 24 18697 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights 44130 history president, CEO (440) 816-8000/www.swgeneral.com

Ford Motor Co. 1,607 NA Automobile manufacturer NA 25 One American Road, Dearborn 48126 (800) 392-3673/www.ford.com

Parma City School District 1,579 1,579 Public school system Carl H. Hilling 26 5311 Longwood Ave., Parma 44134 superintendent (440) 842-5300/www.parmacityschools.org

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 1,578 2,750 Residential and commercial real estate Howard W. "Hoby" Hanna IV 27 6000 Parkland Blvd., Mayfield Heights 44124 president (216) 447-4477/www.howardhanna.com

RESEARCHED BY DEBORAH W. HILLYER

Source: Information is supplied by the companies unless footnoted. PNC does not report local employee numbers. Crain's Cleveland Business does not independently verify the information and there is no guarantee these listings are complete or accurate. (1) Information is from the 2015 list of Largest Cuyahoga County Employers. (2) The FTE Cuyahoga County employee number is from the 2015 list of Largest Cuyahoga County Employers. 20160822-NEWS--31-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:34 PM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE 31 LARGEST SUMMIT COUNTY EMPLOYERS The List Ranked by Full-Time Equivalent Local Employees

COMPANY FTE EMPLOYEES THIS ADDRESS SUMMIT COUNTY TOTAL NUMBER OF TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE YEAR PHONE/WEB SITE JUNE 30, 2016 EMPLOYEES IN OHIO TYPE OF BUSINESS TITLE

Summa Health 4,571 NA Integrated health care delivery system encompassing Thomas Malone, M.D. 1 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron 44310 eight hospitals, multiple foundations and a health plan president, CEO (330) 375-3000/www.summahealth.org

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 4,180 4,277 Integrated health care delivery system Janice G. Murphy One Akron General Ave., Akron 44307 acting president, Cleveland Clinic 2 (330) 344-6000/www.akrongeneral.org Akron General; COO, Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals and Family Health Centers

Akron Children's Hospital 3,751 4,585 Pediatric health system William H. Considine 3 One Perkins Square, Akron 44308 president, CEO (330) 543-1000/www.akronchildrens.org

Akron Public Schools 3,615 3,615 Public school district David W. James 4 70 N. Broadway, Akron 44308 superintendent (330) 761-1661/www.akronschools.com

Summit County 3,446 3,446 County government Ilene Shapiro 5 175 S. Main St., 8th floor, Akron 44308 interim county executive (330) 926-2525/www.co.summit.oh.us

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 3,000 0 Tire manufacturer Richard J. Kramer 6 200 Innovation Way, Akron 44316 chairman, CEO, president (330) 796-2121/www.goodyear.com

Signet Jewelers Ltd. 2,854 4,148 Specialty jewelry retailer Mark Light 7 375 Ghent Road, Akron 44333 CEO (330) 668-5000/www.signetjewelers.com

FirstEnergy Corp. 2,478 6,975 Electric utility holding company Charles E. Jones 8 76 S. Main St., Akron 44308 president, CEO (800) 736-3402/www.firstenergycorp.com

University of Akron 2,207 2,211 Higher education Matthew J. Wilson 9 302 Buchtel Common, Akron 44325 interim president (330) 972-7111/www.uakron.edu

City of Akron 1,763 1,800 Municipal government Daniel Horrigan 10 166 S. High St., Akron 44308 mayor (330) 375-2330/www.akronohio.gov

Group Management Services Inc. 1,721 15,677 Professional employer organization Michael Kahoe 11 3296 Columbia Road, Suite 101, Richfield 44286 president (330) 659-0100/www.groupmgmt.com

Diebold Nixdorf 1,569 1,790 Innovative self-service technology, software, security Andreas W. Mattes 12 5995 Mayfair Road, North Canton 44720 systems and related services president, CEO (330) 490-4000/www.dieboldnixdorf.com

Giant Eagle Inc. 1,391 NA Multi-format food, fuel and pharmacy retailer Bill Artman 13 5300 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights 44146 senior vice president, (216) 292-7000/www.gianteagle.com retail operations

Fred W. Albrecht Grocery Co. 1,338 1,576 Retail grocery and pharmacy stores Jim Trout 14 2700 Gilchrist Road, Akron 44305 president (330) 733-2263/www.acmestores.com

State of Ohio 1,308 52,806 State government John R. Kasich 15 30 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215 governor (614) 466-2000/www.ohio.gov

Newell Rubbermaid 926 NA Global marketer of consumer and commercial products Joseph Soldano 16 3200 Gilchrist Road, Mogadore 44260 director of operations (330) 733-7771/www.newellrubbermaid.com

U.S. Postal Service 841 19,543 U.S. postal service Troy Seanor 17 2200 Orange Ave., Cleveland 44101 district manager (800) 275-8777/www.usps.com

Bridgestone Americas Inc. 788 2,196 Tire manufacturer Steve Charles 18 10 E. Firestone Blvd., Akron 44317 vice president, product (330) 379-7000/www.bridgestoneamericas.com development, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (1) 682 49,371 Federal government NA 19 1900 E St., NW, Washington 20415 (202) 606-1800/www.opm.gov

FedEx Custom Critical Inc. 639 NA Expedited, temperature-control and brokerage Virginia Albanese 20 1475 Boettler Road, Uniontown 44685 transportation solutions president, CEO (800) 762-3787/customcritical.fedex.com

Dominion East Ohio 601 1,662 Natural gas distribution Jeff Murphy 21 1201 E. 55th St., Cleveland 44103 vice president, general manager (800) 362-7557/www.dom.com

Hudson City School District 570 570 Public school district Phillip T. Herman 22 2400 Hudson-Aurora Road, Hudson 44236 superintendent (330) 653-1200/www.hudson.k12.oh.us

National Interstate Insurance Co. 559 559 Specialty property and casualty insurance company Anthony J. Mercurio 23 3250 Interstate Drive, Richfield 44286 president, CEO (330) 659-8900/www.natl.com

Pepsi Beverages Co. 538 1,486 Manufacturer, seller and distributor of PepsiCo and Dan Hungerman 24 1999 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg 44087 Allied Beverages vice president food service, (330) 963-5300/www.pepsico.com Great Lakes region

Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities 496 496 Provides services to individuals with disabilities and John Trunk 25 89 E. Howe Road, Tallmadge 44278 their families in Summit County superintendent (330) 634-8000/www.summitdd.org

UPS 448 NA Parcel delivery Dwayne Meeks 26 4300 E. 68th St., Cleveland 44105 president, (216) 641-3027/www.ups.com UPS Great Lakes District

RESEARCHED BY DEBORAH W. HILLYER

Source: Information is supplied by the companies unless footnoted. Crain's Cleveland Business does not independently verify the information and there is no guarantee these listings are complete or accurate. We welcome all responses to our lists and will include omitted information or clarifications in coming issues. Individual lists and The Book of Lists are available to purchase at www.crainscleveland.com. (1) Information is from the 2015 list of Largest Summit County Employers. 20160822-NEWS--32-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 1:34 PM Page 1 20160822-NEWS--9-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/19/2016 4:32 PM Page 1

VOL. 37, NO. 34 AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016

Source Lunch THE AKRON EDITION Business of Life Megan O’Bryan, Tri-C Fast-paced environment in education is good fit for active executive. Page 28

Mitt repairman known The List for his great glove work Top employers in Cuyahoga CLEVELAND BUSINESS and Summit. Pages 30-31 Page 27 TOURISM Twenty in their 20s City’s ‘new normal’ is seeing big picture

20160822-NEWS--1-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:26 AM Page 1

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z PAGE A-1

Tobin Buckner Helping entrepreneurs find the support they need. P. A5

Pry’s legacy Main Course Late county executive’s Melt serves meals between work will continue. P. A7 two slices of bread. P. A8

Better Blocks bring redevelopment ideas to life — at least temporarily

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ

[email protected]

Revitalizing an area can take time. Permanent changes require planning, consensus-building, permits, funding and much more. Better Block events, three of which are going on in the Akron area this summer and fall, are a way to give improve- ment ideas a trial run. Typically held over a weekend, a Better Block event might include closing off a lane of traffic to make a bike lane, opening “pop-up” cafes with outdoor seating or adding pot- ted trees to create shade — generally giving people a reason to get out of their cars and imagine what’s possible in a given area in terms of livabil- ity and business development. Of Children play in a swimming pool created out of a discarded billboards. course, organizers hope at least some of the changes they bring to life will stick. helping the community-based lead- Foundation supports the idea of Bet- Jason Roberts, who in 2010 origi- ers in Middlebury and Cuyahoga ter Blocks. It gave $20,000 to the nated the national Better Block Falls, and has offered some consult- Middlebury event. The Cuyahoga movement in Texas, said he has not ing help in Copley. Falls event received $10,000 from a seen three events in succession in an “A lot of people from each (event) grant from Akron Torchbearers that area before. are volunteering for the others to was funded by the foundation. (Both “It’s been incredible to see the help and share knowledge,” he said. events have raised money from oth- neighborhoods come together for “They are all supporting each other.” er sources, too.) these events,” he said. “These are Jason Segedy, director of planning “Too often, we create fancy ren- great ways to bring together people and urban development for Akron derings (for revitalization) instead of and groups that want to do things.” who was involved in a Better Block in just taking 48 hours and showing Roberts was in Akron on July 30 Akron’s North Hill last year, said the people what can be,” said Kyle Ku- and 31 for a Better Block event in the best part of these events is that they let tuchief, the Knight Foundation’s Middlebury neighborhood. Upcom- residents get involved in visualizing Akron program director. “There is ing Better Block events are planned what is possible in their area. value in actually doing something. It for Cuyahoga Falls’ Front Street on “Not all development and plan- helps inform the long-term planning Aug. 26 and 27, and Copley Town- ning decisions need to come from process.” ship’s circle on Sept. 9-11. Roberts’ Middlebury Better Block organizers created a playground out of old the top down,” he said. Some ideas will prove to be a hit, organization has been involved in tires. (Shane Wynn for Crain’s) The John S. and James L. Knight SEE BLOCKS, PAGE A4 Engineer Cara Adams’ drive takes her to dream job

By BETH THOMAS HERTZ time working at the Bridgestone students design, build and race Americas Tire Operations Center open-wheel cars — her plans [email protected] and traveling over 20 times a year to changed. She was hooked on racing. tracks, working with some of the She stayed at UA and received two Cara Adams counts herself lucky world’s best drivers, to see her tires degrees, in mechanical engineering to have a career that combines two put to the test. and Spanish, in 2002. After she did a of her passions in life: science and Adams’ mother, a retired high short stint at Diebold Inc., her home- racing. A couple of added bonuses: school science teacher, taught her to town, with its racing tire tech cen- The Green native was able to build see science as a fun, intriguing puz- ters, provided her the opportunity to that career right in her hometown zle. Her love of science took her to find her dream career. and is helping to break down some the University of Akron’s College of Adams found herself in a unique gender barriers along the way. Engineering, where she thought she position in the beginning of her rac- Adams, 37, is senior project engi- would attend for two years (to take ing career. When she started with the neer for race tire development at advantage of free tuition through her race team in 2008, she was often the Bridgestone Americas Inc. in Akron. father’s job there) then transfer else- only female technical employee at Bridgestone’s racing arm operates as where. But when she was introduced the track. Many drivers assumed she Firestone Racing and is the sole sup- to the Formula SAE Program — a was in marketing. When she asked plier of tires for the Verizon IndyCar competition sponsored by the Soci- them how their tires performed, Series. That means Adams splits her ety of Automotive Engineers where Cara Adams of Bridgestone Americas. (Shane Wynn for Crain’s) SEE ADAMS, PAGE A6 20160822-NEWS--2-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 1:22 PM Page 1

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Accounting firm BCG & Co. is building a new headquarters in White Pond Office Park. (Dan Shingler) Industrial parks giving businesses room to grow

POPULATION HEALTH: By DAN SHINGLER 50,000 square feet of operations and These parks provide that space,” What it means for health care and Northeast Ohio plans to add another 15,000 square Beckert said. “In the parks, we like to [email protected] feet by the end of the year. sell a minimum of 5 acres.” @DanShingler The city has targeted the Massil- While the White Pond and Ascot KEYNOTE SPEAKER lon Road Industrial Park for “light parks are located in Akron, the Mas- DR. NABIL CHEHADE While city officials often work with industrial development and the sillon Road park is in Springfield Senior Vice President, Population Health, advocates to make some of Akron’s creation of manufacturing employ- Township and the Turkeyfoot park is MetroHealth System urban neighborhoods more livable ment opportunities.” It only has in Coventry Township. The city pur- and easier to get around, the city has four companies in it, but one of chased the land, but the parks are in another strategy for new businesses: them is Röchling Automotive, Joint Economic Development Dis- September 28, 2016 • The NEW Center at NEOMED Give them places to build spacious which operates a big plastics injec- tricts, enabling the city to bring its new homes, often in the suburbs, tion-molding plant at the site. It resources and infrastructure assets Register today at CrainsCleveland.com/HCForum with freshly laid streets, modern in- opened in 2012 and employs about to bear in places it would otherwise frastructure and room to expand. 125 people, making OEM parts for not reach. Tax revenues are then PREMIER SPONSOR MAJOR SPONSOR DATA SPONSOR SUPPORTED BY Akron maintains four business U.S. auto plants. split between Akron and the town- parks, with a fifth in the wings, and For white-collar jobs, the city is ships, Beckert said. FERRELL-WHITED PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES among them is nearly 400 acres of counting on its White Pond Office That room to grow was a chief rea- land. So far, about 30 businesses Park, near both I-77 and I-76 off son that Röchling, based in Ger- have made the parks their homes. White Pond Drive. That park an- many, expanded its U.S. operations Those businesses range from an ac- nounced its first tenant, Akron ac- from South Carolina to Akron, said counting firm to food manufacturers counting firm BCG & Co., which is Dave Butler, director of operations to automotive parts makers, but they soon to be part of Illinois-based Si- for North America. all provide the above-minimum- kich LLC as a result of a merger an- “When we were originally up here wage jobs that city economic devel- nounced this year. BCG employs scouting the areas, the city was very opers in Akron, and everywhere else, nearly 100 people and specifically receptive to everything we wanted to crave. sought to stay in Akron with its new do. We were able to find a nice piece Ascot Industrial Park, with 200 34,500-square-foot home, now un- of land, with room to expand. We’ve acres just west of State Road near der construction. actually already doubled our foot- Cuyahoga Falls, is the city’s largest There is a fifth park, the 54-acre print,” said Butler, who added that and most successful park to date. It South Munroe Road Industrial Park, the company now has 14 acres in- houses 22 businesses, including near Gilchrist Road, but the city has side the park. Main Street Gourmet. yet to begin development work It might buy more, too, if business “It’s pretty much full to the brim,” there. continues to expand for the next few said Brad Beckert, who manages the years, he said. parks as development engineering Lots of space “We have the lot adjacent to this, manager and building superinten- The other parks, however, have which is pretty much the same size dent for the mayor’s Office of Eco- seen a good level of activity and con- as this, and we have first right of re- nomic Development. The complex tinue to draw interest from both lo- fusal if someone else tries to buy it,” has only a couple of small parcels cal businesses looking to expand or Butler said. “That was another key left, he said. build new facilities, as well as com- reason we chose this area.” Beckert said Ascot has been a pop- panies from outside the area looking ular site for manufacturers, in part to move in, Beckert said. It’s all about jobs because of its northern location and Local companies are often hard- Normally, the city sells the land in quick access to state Route 8, I-271 pressed to find locations where they the parks. In the case of Röchling, and other major highways. can expand, at least with the acreage however, it gave the company the Akron’s North Turkeyfoot Indus- that the parks offer, according to land to secure the manufacturing trial Park is near Portage Lakes. Lo- Beckert. Add space for parking and jobs it delivered. cated on a former golf course, its 35 easy access to the interstates, and That doesn’t always go over well acres houses food makers Gardner the sites become even more attrac- with commercial real estate profes- Pie Co. and Hickory Harvest Foods. tive, he said. sionals marketing other properties, Hickory Harvest, which already has “Sometimes it’s a challenge inside though. Area professionals say the I I I One South High Akron, OH 44308 330.376.9186 AkronArtMuseum.org expanded twice at the site, has about the city limits to find them the space. SEE PARKS, PAGE A8 20160822-NEWS--3-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:26 AM Page 1

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SarahCare finds niche with aging boomers By JUDY STRINGER process of taking its operation inter- Similar projections are “echoed that is where you start to see a high Expanded services national with new centers going up around the state, around the county,” percentage of dependence on oth- [email protected] in the Middle East. said Albanese. As a result, the strain ers,” she said, though only between As SarahCare’s footprint has grown, Of course, much of the demand is on municipalities and families is only 30% to 35% of those seniors need Griff has added programs and semi- Ever heard of SarahCare? Unless driven by the rapidly growing senior getting more intense. Just last month, full-time care. Most just need help nars aimed at assisting and educating you are caring for an aging loved segment. In Summit County alone, Horrigan re-established Akron’s Se- walking or climbing stairs, for exam- caregivers about the services available one, probably not. Formally known more than 23% of the population is nior Citizens Commission, which had ple, or driving. And, she added, “No- to seniors and, more recently, as Sarah Adult Day Services Inc., it’s over the age of 60, according to Dr. been inactive for nearly a decade and body wants to leave their home.” launched a division that offers geri- an adult day care company based in Terry Albanese, Akron mayor Dan will advocate on behalf of the city’s ex- Day cares are one way to fill that atric care assessments for families in Canton. Horrigan’s assistant in charge of ed- panding senior base. niche, and it’s a less expensive op- Northeast Ohio. Certified geriatric Even those who find themselves ucation, health and families. And the Albanese said that while the poor tion to in-home care via visiting managers come into homes to assess thrust into the caregiver role for a proportion of seniors is projected to elderly are most at risk of bad health nurses or aides. In its most recent the needs of seniors and draw up rec- mother, father or spouse often have climb to 30% by 2030, at which time outcomes related to neglect of care, survey, long-term care cost watcher ommendations based on those needs. the wrong idea about SarahCare and there will be as many baby boomers loneliness and depression are real Genworth found that adult day care Like the centers themselves, the what it does, said CEO Merle Griff. over the age of 60 in the county as concerns for any senior who is iso- averages $1,473 a month nationally, aim is simple, she said: “Keep fami- “People think of it as baby-sit- there are adults between the ages of lated due to health or circumstances. compared with roughly $3,800 for lies together and keep people in their ting,” said Griff, who opened her first 20 and 44. “You will find those over 75 or 80, home health care. homes.” senior health center in 1985. “They worry their loved one will just sit there all day. … When people actually come in and they see the centers, and they see the level of activity, they are just really shocked and surprised.” SarahCare’s main goal is to help older adults remain in their homes — or in a family home — for as long as possible. Most of the clients are This moment brought to you age 60 or older. Some have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Others have by you. suffered a stroke, are managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s, or have mobility challenges. In most of the cases, these are adults who cannot safely stay home alone but are not ready for a nursing home. Clients arrive at the center in the morning and return home in the afternoon, but don’t confuse this with a children’s day care, Griff said. The centers are staffed with registered and licensed nurses, social workers and dietary consultants to see to clients’ physical needs. In addition, an activities director and a full slate of programs — such as book clubs, card games, Wii contests and out- ings — keep the seniors alert and so- cially connected. “We get people out,” she said. “We have golf leagues, bowling leagues, fishing leagues. They go out to restaurants, concerts, movies.” The alternative — especially when the primary caregiver works or has other obligations — is often long days at home alone, which can lead to isolation and depression. “When people get out of the home, it forces them to be more oriented, more social,” Griff said, and “it gives the family caregiver a break.” Booming boomers SarahCare originated as part of a multigenerational project at the McKinley Health Care Center in the former McKinley High School building and operated initially alongside a children’s day care. As Griff became more aware of the challenges facing aging adults and their “ex- hausted” caregivers, she sharpened her focus on the geriatric side of pro- Caring isn’t just reserved for doctors and nurses. Akron Children’s Hospital is gramming and began expanding the SarahCare model, opening a second able to improve the lives of children like Jordan because of caring people like you. site in Canton and smaller satellite Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a positive impact on our patients. centers in Canton and Akron. Today, SarahCare nets roughly $5 What moment will you help make possible? Please give at akronchildrens.org/donate. million in revenues from nearly 35 centers in 11 states. The company owns five Northeast Ohio sites, which employ about 62 people. It has licensed the remaining centers as franchises — a business structure that requires less capital, Griff said, yet still gives SarahCare the opportunity to emerge as a gold standard for adult day services nationally. The company also is in the 20160822-NEWS--4-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:27 AM Page 1

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but others will not, he added. “It’s an experiment,” he said. Middlebury The three Akron-area events each have their own flair and structure, Roberts said. “They are made up of the people and resources and infrastructure that exist in each location,” he said. “You are almost creating a recipe based on the ingredients that are right in the neighborhood.” For example, he said, the Middle- bury event (held in the area bound- ed by South Arlington, Broad, East Market and East Exchange streets) Reggae band Umojah Nation Michelle Davis dances to the live did not have a lot of existing buildings to work with, so organizers had performs at the Middlebury event. music. to import more “infrastructure.” swimming pool was created out of of this community. We want this to One of those things was a jungle discarded billboards and straw. The be a starting point, not the end,” Ble- gym made of discarded tires, said drive-through lanes of an aban- witt said. Marissa Blewitt, a community or- doned bank were converted into ganizer with the Neighborhood Net- mini storefronts for local vendors. Cuyahoga Falls work of University Park, who spear- Crosswalks and bike lanes were The Cuyahoga Falls Better Block is headed much of the Middlebury added. There also was entertain- being led by two friends who grew event, with help from more than 35 ment, tours of the historic area (the up in the community and want to Dancer Sumatra Baraily, with Asian Services in Action, performs. organizations. first settlement in Akron), and free see new life in that city’s downtown. “We are committed to working bike and helmet rentals. Getta Kutuchief (Kyle Ku- the vibrant, walkable streets they a night market, a dog park, food with the community and empower- Because the goal is to create change tuchief’s wife) and Samantha Cold- experienced there. trucks and entertainment. Two va- ing them to be part of the solution to that is not just temporary, the tire pile well both helped with a Better “We imagine how amazing it cant storefronts will be converted problems here, and a survey we did and four crosswalks will remain after Block in North Hill last year and could be,” Coldwell said. into pop-up shops. showed that they wanted this event the event, and organizers formed a thought it was a perfect forum to Their event will be held at the Cuyahoga Falls is one of the larger to be family friendly, so that’s what “What’s Next” committee. bring attention to what they con- north end of the Riverfront Centre Better Block events, Coldwell said, we did,” she said. “We are committed to using the sider a forgotten area along Front pedestrian mall and will include bike and it has been in the planning stages Food trucks at the event were information we collect from this Street. The duo has traveled to Eu- lanes, a pop-up theater, outdoor for more than a year, longer than av- lined up to mimic store fronts. A event to be responsive to the needs rope together and hope to emulate seating, a playground, a beer garden, erage. Part of that time has been spent 20160822-NEWS--5-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:27 AM Page 1

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Copley ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Tobin Buckner The Copley event is sponsored by the Copley Circle Advisory Board, a group that has formed to help revi- New resource guide, website open door talize the circle in the heart of the township located west of Akron. “Our event is similar to the origi- to support available to entrepreneurs nal Better Block events, which were more ‘grassroots’ ” and didn’t have a Akron has long been known for its and the Women’s Network of NEO — major source of funding, said Sylvia historic connection to invention and Tobin Buckner came together to create the Akron is Chinn-Levy, one of the organizers. innovation. But for the past year and a is JumpStart’s for Entrepreneurs resource guide to Organizers hopes to raise about half, there has been a concerted effort Akron entre- give those that desire support for their $5,000 to help fund the event, as well around the idea that strong entrepre- preneurial business an easier way to locate and as get in-kind donations such as hay neurial activity (new startups, growing community aggregate the connections they may bales, trees and paint. small businesses, job creation, etc.) de- manager and need to be successful. Details of the Better Block are still pends heavily on a strong entrepre- contributes a being developed, but a survey found neurial support system. monthly blog On the web that residents would like features According to Jason Segedy, direc- about entre- The next step in our collaborative such as a coffee shop, a dog park, a tor of planning and urban develop- preneurship in the region. efforts has been to take the resource nightclub and a bike lane. ment for Akron, we are witnessing guide online. This new site, “We want to simulate a lively the beginning stages of “the end of www.akronisforentrepreneurs.org, streetscape to bring people back into big.” The era of big corporations, big this has never existed before in our is live, allowing for simple naviga- what used to be the heart of the governments and big regions seems city, but many community leaders tion. community,” Chinn-Levy said. to be giving way to a renewed sense have expressed a desire to create a To get started, you simply tell the One of its challenges is that the cir- of place-making throughout the resource that captures the “spider- site if you are a tech or nontech busi- cle, on Copley and Massillon roads, is United States. People want to feel web” of support partners and what ness. From there, you figure out what not very amenable to walking. Some connected to their local “core” com- they are chartered to do for local en- stage your company is in. Then, you historical buildings have been lost to munity again. That means now is a trepreneurs. click on services you are seeking, such fire over the years. Others are being better time than ever to ensure our Recently, a group of these support as funding, entrepreneur in residence, used for storage or for businesses that entrepreneurial ecosystem is ready partners — Small Business Develop- talent, space, etc. After those selec- (Shane Wynn for Crain’s) do not attract walk-up customers. to lend knowledge and other re- ment Centers, Procurement Techni- tions are made, the organizations that It’s good that there are not too sources to entrepreneurs and small cal Assistance Center, Akron Urban are able to help with the items you se- eeking feedback through a communi- many vacant properties, but it’s also a business owners that call our com- League, Downtown Akron Partner- lected are at your fingertips. ty survey and from local leaders. City challenge because it’s harder to tem- munity home. ship, the city of Akron, Summit Coun- Be sure to visit the site to become Council in late July approved plans to porarily repurpose a building that is in ty, University of Akron, Akron Global more familiar with what Akron has to open the street to through traffic, and use, she said. The resource guide Business Accelerator, International offer entrepreneurs of all types. And be this event will help illustrate the pos- However, many of the property With this concept in mind, what if Institute of Akron, Greater Akron sure to share your questions and com- sibilities. owners are willing to share the front of we could gather information on all of Chamber, Akron SCORE, Economic ments with the site’s new manager — Getta Kutuchief said that the com- their locations for seating. the entrepreneurial resources in the Community Development Institute, and the Fund for Our Economic Fu- mittee’s overall goal is to generate “A lot of people are really stepping Greater Akron area in one easily ac- Bad Girl Ventures, Launch League, ture’s new entrepreneurship fellow — lasting excitement about the area. up to help,” she said. cessible location? Something like OSC Tech Lab, the SAC, ConxusNEO Heather Roszczyk. 20160822-NEWS--6-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:27 AM Page 1

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Green, where she and her husband, one of his four college degrees from Alexis, also live, has been a bonus. the University of Akron and worked ADAMS “I always thought I’d have to move as an engineer for nearly four CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 away to find my dream job,” she decades at Babcock & Wilcox in Bar- said. berton. they’d offer general praise. She “Cara and I are evidence that a quickly learned that if she wanted Paying it forward technical person can live his/her life technical answers, she had to ask While Adams often was the only in the Akron area (and) have a fulfill- specific questions. female engineer at the track in her ing career.” “Once they realize I can help make early days, she now works with more their cars go faster, everything women today and appreciates the A racer by nature changes. It doesn’t matter who you mentors who have helped women It seems like racing — all sorts — are,” she said. advance in the field. really is in Adams’ blood. To help re- Being at the track, Adams said, is She returns the favor by spending lieve the stress of her job, she didn’t how engineers ensure the tires are time mentoring high school and col- pick a quiet pursuit. Nope, she com- performing at their best. Adams an- lege students who are interested in petes in triathlons, and Ironman alyzes how tires wear, talks to drivers engineering. races at that. about how tires handle and offers “I was lucky to have two educator She started competing in 2009 and suggestions on how to maximize Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Center. (Shane Wynn for Crain’s) parents (her father taught Spanish at in 2012 raced in her first Ironman performance. UA), and I want to be there for oth- 70.3 (the total distance of swimming, She travels with a team that in- Mapping her course “I got textbooks to learn more ers like they were there for me,” she biking and running in miles). She’s cludes compounders, chemical and about all three areas and sought out said. trained for various distances since, mechanical engineers, and techni- When Adams started at Bridge- opportunities to do that kind of Her mentoring is not limited to and in September is slated to do the cians. stone in 2003, she was in the Tire Ve- work,” she said girls, she added. Ironman 70.3 Augusta in Georgia. Lisa Boggs, who works closely hicle Dynamics group, which works She invited racing team members “I want to help everyone see the “Training is always a challenge with the engineering team in her with tires to improve the handling of to presentations she made and at- possibilities in their life that maybe since my career requires around 20 role as director of motor sports for passenger vehicles. It was a great job, tended races whenever possible. She they hadn’t seen before,” she said. trips a year, but I am able to be cre- Bridgestone, has seen the role of she said, but didn’t offer the thrill even volunteered to help at a race in Brent C. Sisler, treasurer and pro- ative with planning workouts women in this traditionally male- that the idea of working in racing did. Portland, Ore., because she was “in gram chair in the Akron section of around travel schedules,” Adams dominated field evolve over the So Adams decided to take control the area anyway” — she was actual- American Society of Mechanical En- said. “I … look for YMCAs and other 20-plus years she has been in- of her career course: She asked the ly hours away in Seattle. gineers (ASME), called Adams “one gyms near the places I will visit. I’ve volved. racing hiring manager to define the She laughs now at the long drive of the best local success stories.” likely visited as many YMCA pools as “When you go to the paddock, you skills and traits of what he consid- she put in to spend the weekend He has known Adams since she I have race tracks.” see a lot of women in a lot of key ered an ideal engineering hire. working with and getting to know graduated from UA and got involved She said the discipline of training roles,” she said. He gave her a list of three areas: an the team, but knows it was key to with the local ASME chapter. helps her recover from what can be Women who are drawn into rac- understanding of vehicle dynamics, getting her current job in 2008, three “She judges science fairs for us, a high-stress job. ing have a passion for what they are the ability to perform computer pro- years after that conversation with talks to university engineering classes “I’ve learned that I’m capable of doing, she said. gramming and knowledge about the hiring manager. about their career prospects, mentors more than I originally believed my- “If you have the skill set and the race car suspension. She knew she “You have to make opportunities those following her, and always seems self to be. That confidence has en- passion and desire, there is no rea- had strength in the first one, but not for yourself,” she said. willing to fit more things into her over- abled me to take on more challenges son a woman can’t make a career in the other two. So she got to work to Being able to find such a perfect ly busy schedule,” he said. in my professional and personal racing,” she said. gain those skills. career so close to her family in Sisler is from Akron. He received life.”

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Pry’s initiatives on behalf of Same personalized working folk, kids will endure business services... Late Summit County executive’s signature programs instilled now enhanced with the scope and broad community backing and much-needed collaboration resources of a national firm.

By DAN SHINGLER Yuhasz said. “It is sustainable.” Summit County Juvenile Court [email protected] judge Linda Teodosio, who worked @DanShingler with Pry for years on children’s issues, agreed. She particularly gave Ask anyone in Summit County who Pry credit for organizing Summit for knew Russ Pry, and they’re likely to Kids into a premier event, one that tell you two things: He was a devoted she said drew 14,000 children last public servant who lent his time and year. talents to causes that served the entire “I’ve got some convening power community, with an emphasis on ear- as a juvenile court judge, but without Accounting | Technology | Advisory Services ly childhood and workforce develop- his convening and convincing be- 877.279.1900 | www.sikich.com ment programs. And he’s going to be hind the scenes, it would have never impossible to replace. become what it is today,” Teodosio But they also will say Pry helped said. “One my favorite memories institute the structures and inspire Pry that I will carry around as long as I’m the people needed to pick up where alive is Russ walking around Summit he left off. He also left them with a for Kids. Nothing fancy, just him strong sense of responsibility to do “Russ and I walking around in a flannel shirt just that. with his coffee.” Pry, who had been Summit County worked very hard, executive for more than eight years, Collaboration master died Sunday, July 31, at age 58. He was especially on the Likewise, ConxusNEO president diagnosed with colon cancer in June Sue Lacy said her agency — which and underwent surgery. A series of workforce front, works with area employers to identi- setbacks hampered his recovery. fy the skill sets they need and then Many in Summit County think to systemically seeks to provide the appropriate that two of Pry’s top priorities, early training for area residents – would childhood and workforce develop- change how probably not have come into exis- ment initiatives, will continue to en- tence earlier this year had it not been joy both governmental and commu- workforce for Pry. But it will carry on without nity support in his absence. him, in his honor, she vowed. “He’d kick our butts if we stopped services are “It was Russ’s vision and his lead- paying attention to these things,” ership that convened a strategic said Ilene Shapiro, Summit County provided in team about two years ago to conduct Council president who is serving as an assessment of the workforce sys- county executive for the rest of Pry’s Summit County.” tem with an eye toward moving to- term and the person most believe is ward a demand-driven system,” a shoo-in to win the job outright in — Ilene Shapiro, Summit County Lacy said. “Without his leadership to the November election. Council president, who is serving initiate that process, there would be Shapiro said she worked side-by- the balance of Pry’s term no Conxus.” side with Pry and shared both his vi- But, like others, Lacy said that one sion and priorities for the county. of Pry’s best strategies in life might Those include initiatives like the loss, but they also think that, in part be what ensures that his causes live county-backed workforce develop- because of Pry’s work, the efforts on and are supported now that he’s ment program ConxusNEO, which now have the broad community gone. Pry, she and others said, was a aims to align business demand with backing and collaboration they need master at building collaborations, job-training initiatives, and the First to continue. even among disparate groups. He Things First program, a collabora- did that, in part, by working on is- tion of more than 50 children’s ser- An early childhood champion sues important to everyone and nev- vice agencies, educators and advo- Chris Yuhasz is in that camp. As er used his influence for pet projects cates working on early childhood director of strategic engagement for that would not garner such wide- development issues. the Akron Metropolitan Housing Au- spread support. They also include the popular thority, she said she constantly sees ConxusNEO is a prime example, Summit for Kids, an annual event how the 10,000 children who are according to Lacy. championed by Pry that uses corpo- AMHA residents benefit from the “We’ve got Republicans, Democ- rate donations to provide area kids programs that Pry favored. rats, perhaps some Tea Party folks with everything from backpacks to “If you asked anybody here, they’ll and people who just don’t care free dental work. Thousands of chil- tell you. He was the champion for about politics at all,” Lacy said. “But dren and their families show up at early childhood (initiatives),” Yuhasz we’re focused on a shared vision, an the annual event, which was held said. aligned strategy, and we realize the Aug. 20 at Akron’s John S. Knight She credits Pry with not only play- power of using our assets together … Center. ing a major role in the First Things Russ was able to create collabora- Those initiatives will continue, First program, but also helping to se- tion.” promised Shapiro and other backers cure $4 million in federal funding for Others confirmed that was the case who have worked on them, often for the Reach Opportunity Center at and shared Lacy’s belief that many years, alongside Pry. Summit Lake, which provides a community efforts will continue to “I can tell you unequivocally that broad range of services, from GED benefit from the cooperative work of our workforce and economic devel- courses and Head Start programs to people brought together by Pry. opment efforts will continue — it’s a meeting spaces for Boys & Girls “He brought on other community passion of mine,” Shapiro said. Clubs of America. leaders, and together their voices “Russ and I worked very hard, espe- There will always be challenges, formed a chorus of support for this. cially on the workforce front, to sys- Yuhasz said, such as funding Reach’s Russ’s greatest contribution was he temically change how workforce ser- operations on an ongoing basis. But inspired others to have the same kind vices are provided in Summit she thinks Pry left behind the net- of leadership and voice that he had,” County.” works and structures necessary for said Kirstin Toth, a senior vice presi- The same goes for First Things such initiatives to continue success- dent of the Akron-based GAR Foun- www.felberpr.com | 330.963.3664 First and other initiatives aimed at fully. dation and another who worked children, she said. “It’s been (since) 2008 since he alongside Pry on his top priorities. Some of those who rely on such made (early childhood initiatives) a “While he will be missed, the work Call us … or just wait a few more months programs to serve their core con- priority of his administration — it’s itself of advancing the strategies will for sales to improve. stituencies said Pry’s death is a great like a well-oiled machine now,” continue,” Toth predicted. 20160822-NEWS--8-RG1-CCI-CL_-- 8/17/2016 11:29 AM Page 1

PAGE A-8 z AUGUST 22 - 28, 2016 z CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS AKRON THE MAIN COURSE Bread, cheese and creativity part of Melt’s recipe

By JENNIFER KARPUS-ROMAIN oregano pasta sheets, basil mari- Melt Bar and nara, roasted garlic, and provolone [email protected] Grilled, at a glance and Romano cheeses. Melt’s leadership hopes that the Melt Bar and Grilled has been a Where: 3921 Medina Road, Bath menu includes something for every- staple on the Lakewood scene since Township (Montrose area). one. Many of the sandwiches offer it opened in September 2006. Pa- gluten free, vegetarian and vegan trons flocked to the idea of gourmet Hours: 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday- options. Grilled cheese sandwiches grilled cheese paired with an array of Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday not your thing? Melt also offers up beer selections ready on tap. and Saturday. appetizers, soups and salads. Now owner Matt Fish has brought To pair with a hearty meal, there that simple — yet seemingly satisfy- The vibe: Casual and fun. Great for are 24 beers on tap. ing, if business is any indication — a family night out or date night, as “We’re pulling from where all the combination to the Akron area. long as everyone is ready to eat. good beers are coming from,” Fish Melt’s Montrose-area location Includes a bar area, main dining said. opened July 6, and Fish already is room and patio with eclectic décor. Craft beers come from anywhere, looking at the possibility of a second as long as they’re good, but Melt Summit County spot, though, those Specialties: Giant grilled cheese makes sure to include some of plans are in their infancy. sandwiches loaded just with about Ohio’s best. About half of the drafts “It was kind of the logical next anything you can think of, including Melt Bar and Grilled features eclectic decor. (Shane Wynn for Crain’s) are standard throughout all Melt lo- step,” said Chuck Haviland, manager meatloaf, cheeseburgers and cations, and the rest are part of a re- of the Fairlawn location. “Akron is a pierogies. A wide variety of craft Soap Box Derby, the Rubber Bowl Melt’s creative menu includes 28 volving list. Bottled domestic choic- good first step into Summit County.” beers. and the Richfield Coliseum. The grilled-cheese choices, with es round out the offerings. In its 10th year, Melt has become a space also features common Melt homages to all sorts of cuisines and If spirits are more a patron’s signature chain of Northeast Ohio, Menu: More than two dozen stuffed themes throughout the restaurant, tastes: from old-fashioned home speed, there is a complete cocktail even being featured on the Food Net- grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, such as lighted holiday pieces. cooking to Italian. list to choose from. Want something work. Before stepping into the Akron salads and appetizers. Gluten-free, Haviland came on board to the The Parmageddon, a nod to Par- special? Try one of the seasonal area, the chain expanded from Lake- vegetarian and vegan options Melt family about six months ago. ma as a base for Polish heritage, in- cocktails. There are about five from wood into multiple locations, includ- available. He trained at the Independence lo- cludes a potato-and-onion pierogi, which to choose. ing Cleveland Heights, Independence, cation before taking on the leader- fresh Napa vodka kraut, sautéed While this is the first location in Mentor and Columbus. able, we pursued it pretty heavily,” ship role at the Montrose spot, onions and sharp cheddar. The the Akron area, the company is look- The company’s quest to enter he said. which employs 80 workers. The Melt Mom’s Meatloaf Dinner is a creation ing to continue to expand. Summit County is not a new goal, The space was completely gutted chain has inspired a cult following, with homemade meatloaf, chipotle- “It’s exceeded our expectations,” Fish said, but an opportunity in and set up anew. When you walk Haviland said, and because of that, ketchup glaze, mashed roasted gar- Fish said. “I can’t say enough good Columbus, where Melt has two loca- into the restaurant, there’s an imme- it’s important that the food tastes the lic redskin potatoes and Muenster things about the area.” tions, arose first. So, once there, Fish diate fun and easygoing vibe, with same no matter where you go. cheese. The Wet Hot Buffalo Chick- He added that he could see a sec- and his team spent about three to many areas for patrons: a bar, a main “You’re going to get the same en sandwich towers crispy battered ond location in Summit County open- four years focusing on that area. dining area with low lighting and the quality, the same experience, just in chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, blue ing within the next two years, but no Yet when the Montrose location, a patio. a different city,” he said. cheese slaw, crumbled blue cheese leases have been signed yet. Beyond former Friendly’s restaurant, blipped Montrose patrons also are treated And what is that experience? Huge and ranch dip. And the Godfather, a Summit County, the company is look- on his radar, Fish had to take it. to an Akron-centric theme in the grilled cheese sandwiches that are nod to classic Italian, features three- ing for growth opportunities both in “When that space became avail- decor, which includes imagery of the meals unto themselves. cheese lasagna with fresh fennel- and outside Ohio. PARKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE A2

city does a good job of using its resources and infrastructure assets to bring desirable properties in the parks to market. They don’t always like competing with those properties, however, even though they, too, sometimes rely on the city for help with other deals. For the city, though, the parks fulfill a vital mission, Beckert said, namely anchoring good paying jobs within the city and attracting new ones. That’s especially important when it comes to manufacturing jobs in Akron’s blue-collar economy. “They’re manufacturing jobs, and those are the ones that you like to Röchling Automotive. (Dan Shingler) see, because they stay quite awhile,” Becker said, referring to the success 160 people in the existing building,” ed in a cul de sac,” Hake said. “We’ll the city has had with Röchling, said BCG managing partner David be able to take people on that road- among others. Brockman. way, and they can pick out their The companies that have come to White Pond might be about to get a sites.” the Massillon Road Industrial Park boost, too. The city is building a new So far, Akron has been able to de- say they’re there for the reasons road and infrastructure, ahead of an- velop the parks by outright selling most real estate deals are done – lo- nounced companies — something land and without giving tax abate- cation. In the case of Röchling, Beck- that will make the property easier to ments — with a few exceptions, such ert said, the company wanted to be show and sell, said Randy Hake, direc- as Röchling. near its automotive customers, a tor of commercial development for Going forward, however, the city good industrial workforce, a plastics- Cedarwood Properties, the city’s de- might explore the use of abatement industry supply chain and, of course, velopment partner at the site. for certain projects, Beckert said. all of the plastic and polymer exper- “The site’s access is great from I- “Generally, we’ve stuck with a tise found in and around Akron. 77. The full zoning is in place for $25,000-an-acre price tag. We don’t In the case of BCG, the firm want- large-style commercial office build- really deviate a lot from that,” Beck- ed a location that would be easy for ings. The infrastructure is in place to ert said. “We’re looking at doing tax its employees to access and would facilitate additional buildings, and abatements, but we generally have also give it room to grow. the city is presently constructing not done abatements — there are “We’ll start out with just under 100 White Pond Parkway, which is 1,300 other things, like infrastructure, that people, and I can probably put about linear feet of new roadway terminat- we can help them with.”