Cedar Fair CEO Wants State to Invest, Too Ouimet Is Trying to Convince Ohio to Increase Its Out-Of-State Advertising, As Michigan Has

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Cedar Fair CEO wants state to invest, too Ouimet is trying to convince Ohio to increase its out-of-state advertising, as Michigan has

By TIMOTHY MAGAW [email protected]

Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet wants to invest roughly $100 million over the next three years in the amusement park giant’s big- ticket attractions in the Buckeye State — Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island in Cincinnati. But before he and his board take their shovels to earth, Mr. Ouimet Ouimet wants to ensure the state DAN SHINGLER doesn’t brush off the touris industry as a driver of Former Major League Baseball star Mo Vaughn started a trucking company in Solon in 2010. Ohio’s steadily recovering economy. In the hope of convincing the state to boost its tourism marketing, Mr. Ouimet recently has spent a fair amount of time in Columbus chatting with legislators about the vital role tourism plays in Ohio. It’s MO MEANS BUSINESS a pitch the former Walt Disney Co. executive said doesn’t quite fall on deaf ears, but isn’t as embraced as it was during his stints in tourism hotspots such as Former baseball star Vaughn owns successful trucking California and Florida. “This is a great place to do business, and we want company in Solon, along with 8,000 housing units in N.Y. to spend that $100 million here,” Mr. Ouimet said in By DAN SHINGLER BY THE NUMBERS an interview last week with Crain’s. [email protected] See INVEST Page 6 A look at Mo Vaughn’s Major League Baseball career: he biggest baseball star to finish his career in Cleve- ■ Vaughn batted .293 with 328 home land just might be Mo Vaughn. But the career — ON THE WEB For photos of Cedar runs and 1,064 RBI. assuming it’s his last — is trucking. ■ Point’s much-hyped roller coaster, the T He was selected to three All-Star “In my mind, if you do it right, it’s a recession-proof busi- GateKeeper, read the above story at: teams in his 12-year career. ness,” reasons Mr. Vaughn. ■ www.tinyurl.com/cx5dr3j He won one American League MVP See MO Page 7 and one Silver Slugger award. INSIDE In need, Tremont Electric swims with sharks Driving for ladies generator that uses kinetic energy Jamie Taylor, Airing of appearance on TV show occurs as board discusses shakeup from a person’s body motion to right, and other By JAY MILLER We’ll soon find out whether any to help keep his Cleveland company, power small devices. However, he Northeast Ohio [email protected] of them took a bite. Tremont Electric LLC, afloat. acknowledged that the last couple golf pros are Mr. LeMieux is scheduled to ap- Mr. LeMieux, the company’s years have been rocky. trying to make women feel more Aaron LeMieux recently went pear this Friday, April 26, on the CEO, wouldn’t characterize the sit- He’s had to deal with many of the welcome on the course. PAGE 3 swimming with bait in hand among ABC television show “Shark Tank,” uation as sink or swim for Tremont struggles startups face — product a shiver of sharks. where he hoped to hook some cash Electric, which makes a portable See TREMONT Page 17

16 SPECIAL SECTION 7 WHO TO WATCH We highlight some of the nonprofit leaders who NEWSPAPER Entire contents 2013 ■ © 74470 83781 are lending a hand in the region Pages 13-16 by Crain Communications Inc. Vol. 34, No. 16

0 PLUS: Q&A WITH FIVE NONPROFIT EXECUTIVES 20130422-NEWS--2-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 11:04 AM Page 1

2 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 COMING NEXT WEEK BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD Ohio drivers spend an average of $212 each year on car repairs due to bad roads, according to a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The It can be a tough plan group’s Infrastructure Report Card gave Ohio a grade of “C” — and found that It’s difficult to leave college and make driving on roads in need of repair costs Ohio motorists $1.7 billion a year. The 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, good money as a financial planner. But, report said 42% of Ohio’s roads are of “poor or mediocre quality.” Here are Cleveland, OH 44113-1230 some other numbers from the report: Phone: (216) 522-1383 as Baby Boomers approach retirement, ■ 2,462 of Ohio’s 27,045 bridges, or 9.1%, are considered structurally Fax: (216) 694-4264 there also is plenty of opportunity. deficient www.crainscleveland.com Crain’s will tackle that subject and more, ■ 4,311 of the state’s bridges, or 15.9%, are considered functionally Publisher/editorial director: obsolete Brian D. Tucker ([email protected]) including public vs. private company Editor: strategies, in our Finance section. ■ There are 427 “high-hazard” dams in Ohio Mark Dodosh ([email protected]) ■ Managing editor: Ohio’s ports handled 90.6 million short tons of cargo in 2009, ranking it Scott Suttell ([email protected]) ninth in the nation Sections editor: ■ Ohio’s highway vehicle miles traveled in 2009 was 9,693 per capita, Amy Ann Stoessel ([email protected]) REGULAR FEATURES rd Assistant editor: ranking it 33 nationwide Kevin Kleps ([email protected]) ■ The state’s gas tax of 28 cents per gallon has not been increased in Sports Best of the Blogs ...... 18 Going Places ...... 12 seven years Senior reporter: Classified ...... 17 Letters ...... 8 Stan Bullard ([email protected]) ■ Ohio produces 1.129 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy every year, Real estate and construction Editorial ...... 8 Milestone ...... 18 ranking it 45th in the country Reporters: Jay Miller ([email protected]) From the Publisher ...... 8 Reporters’ Notebook....18 SOURCE: www.InfrastructureReportCard.org Government Chuck Soder ([email protected]) Technology Dan Shingler ([email protected]) Energy, steel and automotive Tim Magaw ([email protected]) Health care and education Michelle Park ([email protected]) Finance Rachel Abbey McCafferty ([email protected]) DENTAL IS ALL WE DO— Manufacturing and energy Research editor: Deborah W. Hillyer ([email protected]) Cartoonist/illustrator: Rich Williams AND WE DO IT BETTER! Marketing director: Lori Yannucci Grim ([email protected]) Events Manager/Operations & Logistics: Christian Hendricks ([email protected]) Events Manager/Promotions & Sponsor Relations: Jessica Snyder ([email protected]) Advertising director: Nicole Mastrangelo ([email protected]) Senior account executive: Adam Mandell ([email protected]) Account executives: Dawn Donegan ([email protected]) Andy Hollander ([email protected]) Lindsie Bowman ([email protected]) John Banks ([email protected]) Sales and marketing assistant: Michelle Sustar ([email protected]) Office coordinator: Denise Donaldson ([email protected]) Digital strategy and development manager: Stephen Herron ([email protected]) Web/Print production director: Craig L. Mackey ([email protected]) When switching to Delta Dental, you may Production assistant/video editor: experience something you haven’t had with Steven Bennett ([email protected]) Graphic designer: other carriers—silence. Lauren M. Rafferty ([email protected]) Billing: Susan Jaranowski, 313-446-6024 ([email protected]) With 4 out of 5 Ohio dentists participating, Credit: Todd Masura, 313-446-6097 Delta Dental offers your employees in-network ([email protected]) savings by improving the chance that their Crain Communications Inc. preferred dentists participate in one or more Keith E. Crain: Chairman Rance Crain: President of our programs. That, in turn, results in less Merrilee Crain: Secretary employee noise and helps us deliver greater plan Mary Kay Crain: Treasurer William A. Morrow: savings to you. Silence really is golden! Executive vice president/operations Brian D. Tucker: Vice president Paul Dalpiaz: Chief Information Officer To learn more about how Delta Dental can do Dave Kamis: Vice president/production & manufacturing dental better for you, please contact your broker Mary Kramer: Group publisher

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 3 PD risks losing its best customers “If they weren’t going to With its digital first focus, the ‘Digital first’ strategy could anger older readers, experts say news organization’s emphasis will meet my needs, why pay be on feeding the needs of cleve- By JAY MILLER mind, he was “paying for the con- other sources out there,” he said. for it?” land.com and building print edi- [email protected] venience of having it (The Plain The Plain Dealer is likely to find – Christopher Hewitt, attorney tions from the online postings, Dealer) delivered to my house so I out soon enough whether there are with Tucker Ellis LLP, on his where shorter stories and subjects The first thing attorney Christo- could have a physical paper to flip tons of Christopher Hewitts out decision to cancel his such as sports and entertainment pher Hewitt did after learning The through.” there as it adapts to the digital age. subscription to The Plain Dealer draw the most page views. Plain Dealer planned to cut home “If they weren’t going to meet my On April 4, Plain Dealer execu- It’s a move to capture the atten- delivery of the newspaper from sev- needs, why pay for it?” he reasoned. tives announced a major overhaul adopting, called “digital first” in the tion and long-term loyalty of en days a week to three was to When the subscription depart- that sometime this summer will re- industry, refocuses the news orga- younger people who increasingly shoot off an email canceling his ment responded with an email offer- duce home delivery to Sunday and nization on its online product — in communicate by computer or subscription. ing to switch him to the newspaper’s two other days yet to be deter- this case, cleveland.com — at the smart phone and don’t subscribe to “I might have waited, but I wanted e-edition, which delivers the full pa- mined. The Plain Dealer is one of expense of the print paper. On days a newspaper. A key problem, ob- to send a message,” said Mr. per in a page format that can be the first of the country’s 1,300-plus without home delivery, it expects servers say, is that the strategy ig- Hewitt, an attorney with the Cleve- flipped through online, he declined. daily newspapers to move away those craving a daily newspaper fix nores the reading habits and digital land firm of Tucker Ellis LLP, in an “I can get (online) content from from seven-day-a-week delivery. will pick up a paper at a news box, literacy of key groups of readers. interview last week. In Mr. Hewitt’s all over the place; there’s lots of The strategy the newspaper is convenience store or other retailer. See PD Page 6

INSIGHT Startup moving fast, with big boost Software designed by LineStream is now being used by Texas Instruments

By CHUCK SODER [email protected]

Texas Instruments is helping a Cleveland startup take the first step on its quest to teach motors every- where how to handle heat, hiccups and hard knocks. Last week, the semiconductor giant based in Austin, Texas, released the first computer chips MCKINLEY WILEY that contain LineStream Technolo- Jamie Taylor, the head professional at Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights, has designed a training program geared specifically toward women. gies’ software, which is designed to help motors ignore anything that By KEVIN KLEPS might disturb the way they operate. [email protected] INSIDE: Business accelerator DRIVING FOR he “Gentleman’s Game” is receiving a FlashStarts is attracting quite a bit of makeover locally and nationwide — interest from entrepreneurs. Page 7 and not a moment too soon if it hopes The software dramatically can im- to see a lot more women on the links. prove the performance of all kinds of TAccording to the National Golf Foundation, 26.2 motors, said LineStream CEO David BALANCE million adults played at least one full round of golf Neundorfer, citing tests performed in the United States in 2006. Included in that fig- in labs and factories. Now Texas Area golf courses make a big push ure were 6.5 million women, ages 18 and up — an Instruments has given the company increase of 2.1 million in a seven-year span. a chance to show the world what it to be more welcoming to women See BALANCE Page 10 can do, Mr. Neundorfer said. “This is the type of opportunity that startups dream about,” he said. The chips launched last week will THE WEEK IN QUOTES be the first of many Texas Instru- ments microcontrollers that contain LineStream’s software. “When we get new “I can guarantee you that “I just don’t want “I’m a firm believer Obtaining an endorsement from business, Mo goes out there are enough good any girl to feel like in destiny … such a big, well-known company is helping LineStream gain credibility and buys trucks.When I ideas to go around. I have a they’re worthless eventually you’ll with other potential customers, Mr. go to Mo and say one of pile here on my desk. Some or like their life end up where you’re Neundorfer said. LineStream’s Spin- Tac software is being tested by com- my customers wants to of them are bad ideas, but isn’t going to go supposed to be.” panies that want better control over expand, he makes it the pile is enormous.” anywhere.” — Annemarie Grassi, CEO, motors used in cars, appliances, Open Doors Academy. medical devices and industrial prod- — Charles Stack, entrepreneur and — Liz Ferro, founder, happen immediately.” Page 16 ucts such as fans, pumps and com- founder of the FlashStarts business Girls With Sole. Page 13 — Mark Cuccia, vice president, pressors. accelerator. Page 7 Mo Vaughn Transport. Page One See STARTUP Page 9 20130422-NEWS--4-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 1:34 PM Page 1

4 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013

INVESTMENT SALE OPPORTUNITY Summers Rubber buying into boom 12200 ALAMEDA RD, STRONGSVILLE, OHIO By RACHEL ABBEY McCAFFERTY to expand in the shale market for the mer owner Mike Summers stepped [email protected] last 18 months. It has received train- aside from day-to-day operations to ing from current vendors that also become Lakewood’s mayor, sees great Single tenant, long term, NNN lease Summers Rubber Co., a Cleve- serve the oil and gas industries and potential in the shale business. He land-based fabricator and distributor has been advertising in directories for said the new equipment opens new of rubber hose, wants to take advan- the oil and gas industry. markets for Summers Rubber because tage of the region’s shale energy Summers Rubber also will be able it will allow the company to crimp a boom, and is investing accordingly. to learn best practices in serving the hose with a diameter of 10 inches; The company recently bought a new shale industry from at least two of its currently, the largest hose Summers hose crimper that will allow it to crimp sister companies at Singer Equities, a Rubber can crimp is six inches. larger hoses, a necessity for serving the Maryland-based group of industrial The machine is expected to be oil and gas exploration business. Sum- rubber products distributors that ac- installed and running by mid-May, mers Rubber is well-positioned geo- quired Summers last December. Mr. Mr. Tiernay said. He would not dis- graphically to expand in that sector, as Tiernay said Singer portfolio compa- close the amount of the investment. 86,132 SF Building Situated on 5.3 Acres Visit it has a total of eight plants across Ohio nies R/W Connection Inc., a hose, Any new use or process, including Assumable Financing TerryCoyne.com and Pennsylvania — states that have conveyor belt and gasket distributor, hydraulic fracturing, is good for the Building has been occupied for over 10 years Or Call Terry at emerged as prime drilling spots and Allied Rubber and Supply Co., a hose industry, said Joseph Thompson, 216.453.3001 because they are home to the Utica hose and mechanical rubber fabrica- executive vice president of NAHAD, and Marcellus shale formations. tor and distributor, already serve the Association for Hose and Acces- 1350 Euclid Ave, Ste. 300 Cleveland, Ohio 44115 Frank Tiernay, vice president and shale-related businesses. sories Distribution. The hose business general manager of Summers Rubber, Mr. Tiernay, who joined the com- has remained strong during the past said the company has been preparing pany in March 2011 shortly after for- 10 years, even through the recession, in part because it serves so many markets, Mr. Thompson said. “There’s always a pretty strong demand,” he said. Mr. Tiernay said one of the strengths of Summers Rubber is that it serves so many markets. There are no large percentages tied up in any one industry. “It is extremely diverse,” he said. In addition to the expected shale- related growth, the company is Stay ahead of your expanding its Findlay branch. Sum- mers Rubber recently hired a new outside sales person and will move finances, so your business this spring to a 4,800-square-foot building, about 1,800 square feet larger can keep heading than its current location. The value of stability Don Fritzinger, president of Singer in the right direction. Equities, said the firm had been interested in Summers Rubber for a few years prior to the acquisition. The Cleveland company is well-run, has many long-term workers among its approximately 50 employees, and has respected leadership, Mr. Fritzinger said. Mr. Tiernay may be relatively new to the company, but he has a strong background in sales and distribution. He spent time in leadership positions at Premier Farnell and Lawson Prod- ucts Inc., which both distributed maintenance and repair supplies, and Danville Partners LLC, an equity holding company. Singer Equities typically acquires companies with solid management in place to run the day-to-day business. Treasury Management The firm isn’t interested in enacting big changes at the companies it takes from FirstMerit. on, Mr. Fritzinger said, focusing instead on finding ways new acquisi- There’s a lot to manage when it comes to your business. That’s why tions can benefit from synergies with its existing portfolio companies. you need the right tools to stay on course. FirstMerit Treasury Management Before Singer acquired the company, has comprehensive services that help you manage your receivables to improve Summers Rubber had been a family- owned and family-run business for cash flow, control your payment cycle to optimize your working capital, more than 60 years. Singer decided to keep the Summers name, even without and automate your routine business activities. We’ll provide the tools that family ownership, because the brand- ing is strong. Mr. Fritzinger said Singer keep you heading in the right direction, directly toward your goals. likes to keep local brands intact. Mr. Summers said he is “grateful” firstmerit.com/youfirst Singer Equities wasn’t the type of owner to come in and throw out existing employees and investments. The new owners plan to grow the company, he said, adding that Summers Rubber was in a better place now than in his last months as owner. “I was becoming less tolerant of risk as an absentee owner, and I don’t think that was healthy for the company,” Mr. Summers said. ■ TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT: Sean Richardson, NorthCoast President & CEO, Volume 34, Number 16 Crain’s Cleveland Busi- at 216-802-6565 or sean.richardson@firstmerit.com. ness (ISSN 0197-2375) is published weekly, except PERSONAL BUSINESS COMMERCIAL PRIVATEBANK for combined issues on the fourth week of December and fifth week of December at 700 West St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113-1230. Copy- right © 2013 by Crain Communications Inc. Periodi- Follow the latest market trends Member FDIC cals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and at addition- @firstmerit_mkt 674 _FM12 al mailing offices. Price per copy: $2.00. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Crain’s Cleveland Business, Circulation Department, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48207-2912. 1- 877-824-9373. REPRINT INFORMATION: 800-290-5460 Ext. 136 20130422-NEWS--5-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 10:18 AM Page 1

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6 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 Invest: GateKeeper will be a big draw

4478 Johnston Parkway, Cleveland continued from PAGE 1 ments Cedar Point has on the books general layout and nature.” for its 2013 season, which officially Available for Sale “We have opportunity,” he added. Another record year? “We have 11 parks and where we kicks off May 11, attracting patrons shouldn’t be a problem this year. • 13,090 Total SF • Multi-Tenant spend our capital is always a big GateKeeper surely is Cedar Point’s Cedar Point’s investments are an- most dramatic investment in recent • 9,090 SF Industrial • 6 Drive-In Doors debate with the board, but so far, the board is strongly behind the parks chored by a new winged roller coast- years, though its parent company • 4,000 SF Ofﬁce • 208A/80V/3 Phase we have in Ohio.” er, named GateKeeper, which will fly hasn’t slowed in upgrading its parks • Built in 2000 • 12’ - 18’ Ceiling Height Mr. Ouimet said Cedar Fair would above a revamped main entrance to since Mr. Ouimet took over as CEO • 4 Acres • Fluorescent Lighting like to see Ohio amplify its out-of- the park, passing over arriving guests in January 2012. state advertising as Michigan has with rolling flyover maneuvers. Last year, Cedar Fair invested $90 done in recent years. Longwoods Typically, when you ask Mr. million across its properties, which International, a national market Ouimet about his favorite ride — a included the Leviathan, a $27 mil- research firm, estimated the neigh- question he no doubt fields daily — lion, 306-foot-tall steel roller coaster boring state’s “Pure Michigan” ad he brushes off the inquiry. at Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto. campaign drew to the state about 3.8 “Usually, I say they’re like my chil- Cedar Point, meanwhile, launched a million people who spent more than dren, and I can’t pick my favorite late-night music and light show $1.1 billion during their stays. one, but right now GateKeeper — my dubbed “Luminosity” — an invest- In another report, Longwoods honors student — is my favorite ment that, according to Mr. Ouimet, noted that Ohio’s 2012 advertising ride,” said Mr. Ouimet, though at the kept guests in the park and drove ad- efforts generated about $427 million time hadn’t yet ridden the coaster. ditional overnight stays. The show in new visitor spending and an esti- Cedar Fair officials wouldn’t dis- will be redesigned for this season. mated 2.5 million trips, though Of- close how much they expect the new “Our guests unequivocally told us fice of TourismOhio noted the state’s coaster, its first in seven years, to they really enjoyed coming last FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: return on investment from tourism buoy attendance, though Mr. year,” he said. “Without that, I don’t Kevin J. Kuczynski marketing is on the upswing. Ouimet said the buzz surrounding have any other cards to play.” 216-861-7200 Mr. Ouimet said he sees Cedar Fair GateKeeper already has fueled Cedar Fair full-year net revenues www.ostendorf-morris.com as a leader in bringing together Ohio’s strong season pass sales and hotel for 2012 hit $1.068 billion, an in- “fragmented” tourism industry for a bookings for the 2013 season. crease of 3.9% over 2011’s numbers, collective pitch to out-of-towners. “There’s no doubt that this will be making last year the company’s third He said he’s already had discus- a good year for Cedar Point,” he said. straight year of record revenues. Mr. sions with Rock and Roll Hall of “I do think that it will be a catalyst to Ouimet said the revenue growth was Fame and Museum CEO Greg Har- drive people who haven’t visited in a due in large part to a surge in atten- ris about how both institutions could while to come back, and my hope is dance across many of Cedar Fair’s collaborate further, as the two al- we’ll continue to impress the.” properties and an increase in in-park ready offer a joint ticket for entrance Dennis Speigel, president of Inter- average guest per capita spending. to the Rock Hall and Cedar Point. national Theme Park Services Inc., a Last year, Cedar Fair for the first “I’m a big believer that we all need Cincinnati-based amusement park time said its guest could buy their try to get people here and then we management and consulting firm, season passes over the course of can fight for our share,” Mr. Ouimet suggested that GateKeeper could three payments. This year, the com- said. “Literally, if you brought one bump Cedar Point’s annual atten- pany is offering season pass sales more person and stayed one more dance up by 5% to 7%. Assuming a over six payments and extending a night, we could double the tourism park is well managed and the weath- similar offer for hotel bookings. business in Ohio.” er cooperates, Mr. Speigel said atten- Rob Plaza, a consumer analyst at dance spikes for theme parks from Key Private Bank in Cleveland, said His ‘honors student’ new or refreshed attractions usually given the economy’s slow improve- Analysts suggest Cedar Fair’s over- hover around 1.5%. ment and the sound management in all performance is driven, or at least “Coaster is still king,” Mr. Speigel place under Mr. Ouimet’s leader- mirrored, by how well Cedar Point said. “Coaster is still the No. 1 attrac- ship, Cedar Fair is on solid footing. performs individually as a park — tion in the theme park industry and “The changes the company has another reason why Mr. Ouimet is the product that will drive the most through over the last few years have adamant about driving tourism in attendance. GateKeeper is ultra-spe- been pretty dramatic. They’re on a Ohio. Given the $30 million in invest- cial because of its location and its good path going forward,” he said. ■ PD: Reducing home delivery is risky continued from PAGE 3 He cited Gannett’s decision to put exactly the people who don’t want to up for sale in January the Detroit read a product online,” said Mr. Detroit, Syracuse jump in News Building, which the newspaper Lessenberry, formerly a foreign cor- Advance Publications, the New has occupied since 1917, as an exam- respondent and executive national York-based owner of The Plain Deal- ple of the efforts by newspapers to editor of The Detroit News. “So er, is on the front lines of the digital keep afloat. they’re losing their best customers.” first approach, moving a number of ‘Losing their best customers’ its nearly 30 daily newspapers to al- New-found competition ternative publication schedules. Asked about the success of the In Syracuse, the Advance-owned The only major newspapers to adopt new delivery system, Rich Harsh- Post-Standard ended seven-day-a- the distribution structure planned at barger, vice president for consumer week home delivery on Feb. 3, drop- The Plain Dealer are another Advance marketing and communications for ping papers on doorsteps only on paper, the Post-Standard of Syracuse, the Detroit Media Partnership, re- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. N.Y., and the two Detroit newspapers, sponded with an emailed statement. Almost immediately, circulation of which operate jointly. Newspapers in “The distribution model that we the Daily Orange, the five-day-a- those two cities have dropped all-week introduced four years ago is working week newspaper produced by stu- doorstep delivery — Detroit in 2009 well for us,” he wrote. “Advertisers dents at Syracuse University, shot up and Syracuse in February. and readers are accustomed to the in the days following the move, said In March 2009, Gannett Co. and changes. And, as we said when we Roy Gutterman, an associate profes- MediaNews Group, which jointly launched this in 2009, the change en- sor of communications law and jour- manage the business and production abled us to focus our attention and nalism at Syracuse University and a operations for Gannett’s Detroit Free our resources on what is most essen- former Plain Dealer reporter. Press and MediaNews’ Detroit News tial to our business today: growing Mr. Gutterman’s key complaint is under a corporate umbrella called the our digital product.” that Advance operations in Cleve- Detroit Media Partnership, trimmed Audited circulation reports, how- land, Syracuse and elsewhere share a home delivery of their publications. ever, show a significant decline in website template that is universally The Free Press now is home-delivered readership on weekdays, when home panned — an odd failing for a news three days a week — Thursday, Friday delivery is curtailed. organization that plans to rely on its and Sunday. The News, which does not As of last Sept. 30, weekday circula- digital products. have a Sunday edition, is home-deliv- tion of the two Detroit dailies was Mr. Gutterman said the Post-Stan- ered only on Thursday and Friday. 336,885, down 29% from 476,369 as of dard also has seen an unlikely com- Some observers are skeptical Sept. 30, 2009, according to reporting petitor jump aggressively into online about how well this approach will by Bill Mitchell of Poynter. local news coverage — WSYR-TV. work over the long haul. Jack Lessenberry, a lecturer in Shortly after the Post-Standard an- “I don’t know how it’s possible news media management at Wayne nounced its move to three-day home Need a better Sales Approach? that it’s profitable,” said Bill Shea, State University in Detroit, main- delivery last August, the television who covers media for Crain’s Detroit tains the decision to end home deliv- station created “Morning Home De- Business, a sister publication of ery four days a week jumps the gun. livery,” an electronic newsletter de- CALL TODAY, 440 575-7000 Crain’s Cleveland Business. “The whole problem with this is livered daily to subscribers at 5 a.m. WWW.SALESCONCEPTSINC.COM “It’s hard to tell what’s going to that, it might be just fine in 10 or 20 that Theresa Underwood, general SELL MORE. happen here in six months,” Mr. years from now, but older readers are manager of the ABC network affili- Shea said. the most loyal readers, and those are ate, said has been well received. ■ 20130422-NEWS--7-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:55 PM Page 1

APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 7 FlashStarts is attracting rapid entrepreneur interest

“I can guarantee you that interns to work with the startups, Business accelerator under leadership of and it accepts individuals interested there are enough good in being assigned to one of the Stack has 65 applications for June 3 debut ideas to go around. I companies. have a pile here on my By CHUCK SODER will be the third boot camp-style ac- Welcome to Cleveland [email protected] celerator to open in Greater Cleve- desk.” land since the start of 2012. It will Ms. Neundorfer, FlashStarts’ – Charles Stack, founder, managing partner, moved to Sixty-five startups have applied to join the LaunchHouse Accelerator FlashStarts join FlashStarts, a business acceler- in Shaker Heights and the down- Stack Neundorfer Northeast Ohio from Silicon Valley ator being formed by Charles Stack, town Cleveland branch of Bizdom, ends in August, promising compa- about 18 months ago to follow her one of Northeast Ohio’s most prolif- which was started by billionaire developers. nies could receive up to $200,000 in husband, David Neundorfer, a ic entrepreneurs. Dan Gilbert. And he won’t be the only one the form of a loan that would con- Cleveland Heights native who leads However, only 10 companies will But Mr. Stack says there’s plenty providing advice to companies. vert to equity if they raise more a Cleveland startup called be chosen to spend the summer at of room for one more. Two weeks ago, FlashStarts hired a money from investors. FlashStarts LineStream Technologies. (For the downtown Cleveland accelera- “I can guarantee you that there managing partner, Jennifer Neun- is receiving financing from Mr. more on that company, see Page 3.) tor, which aims to help entrepre- are enough good ideas to go dorfer, who last year helped Fox Stack, though other accredited Ms. Neundorfer — who held neurs launch companies as fast as around,” he said. “I have a pile here Networks Group launch a mobile investors are welcome join him. internships at YouTube and Bot- possible, with the help of a little bit on my desk. Some of them are bad broadcast network called Dyle Other accelerators also make tlenotes, a website for wine lovers, of money and a lot of mentoring. ideas, but the pile is enormous.” Mobile TV. small investments in their startups. while studying for her MBA at Stan- Any startup can enter, but Flash- Mr. Stack has produced a few Plus, a long list of local investors, And, like other accelerators, Flash- ford — said she’s been surprised to Starts plans to focus on companies good ideas of his own over the entrepreneurs and business execu- Starts will encourage its startups to learn that Northeast Ohio has its fair developing information technology years. He started and sold two local tives have committed to mentoring get feedback from mentors and po- share of entrepreneurs, investors and products for businesses and health companies: Books.com, an online companies that go through the tential customers as early as possi- professionals who support them. care providers. bookstore, and Flashline Inc., which accelerator. ble. That way, if an idea is going to FlashStarts can help the region When FlashStarts opens June 3, it developed software for software FlashStarts is modeled after fail, they find out quickly and take the next step in creating a cul- TechStars and Y Combinator, two change course. ture that fosters entrepreneurship, out-of-state accelerators that have “We literally try and fail on a dai- the Boston native said. She has seen become magnets for investors that ly basis,” he said. the impact that kind of culture has want to find promising startups. FlashStarts differentiates itself by had on the economy in Silicon Val- The for-profit accelerator plans providing feedback to every com- ley, which, she added, isn’t the only Mo: Trucking revenues to give each startup as much as pany that applies to join the accel- place with innovative minds. $20,000 in exchange for a 6% stake erator long before they are accept- “A lot of the talent we have here doubled from 2011 to ’12 in the company. When the program ed. The accelerator also is hiring can rival that talent,” she said. ■

continued from PAGE 1 venture in New York, Omni New The 1995 American League MVP York LLC, in which they are equal and one-time rival of Indians slug- partners and sole shareholders. Tuesday, June 4, 2013 gers such as Albert Belle and Jim Using some of Mr. Vaughn’s capital 7:00-8:00AM - Registration/Breakfast/Networking Thome found a pitch he really liked and drive, along with Mr. Schneur’s in a local gal, settled down in Gates business acumen and ability to deal 8:00-9:30AM - Program/Panel Discussion Mills and now is building a trucking with matters ranging from major Ritz-Carlton, 1515 W 3rd St, Cleveland, OH company in Solon, called Mo construction contracts to tax cred- Vaughn Transport. its, the two have amassed a portfo- He says he’s still knocking it out lio of more than 8,000 housing units of the park. Well, he doesn’t really in New York City, mostly in afford- put it that way — but he rattles off able-housing developments they’ve the stats to tell the story. rehabilitated. After starting with one leased Along with housing, Omni works truck in 2010, the company has with community groups to provide grown to own 22 vehicles, while still programs for school kids, adult leasing another 15 and contracting learning opportunities, career train- with five owner/operators, Mr. ing and other services meant to Vaughn said. Revenues hit $2 mil- revitalize targeted neighborhoods. lion in 2011, doubled to $4 million That business still is growing, but in 2012 and Mr. Vaughn says he’s Mr. Vaughn spends more time in projecting they’ll top $6 million in Northeast Ohio these days, where 2013. he’s continuing to build his trucking But then, he’s got a DH on the business. roster. The business is both profitable Mr. Vaughn partnered with a and bankable now, Mr. Vaughn trucking industry veteran, Mark said, so he plans to double the size Cuccia, who had been both a sales- of his fleet by the end of this year. man and traffic manager for other He opened a second terminal in trucking companies, including one New Jersey on April 5, adding New of his own, dating back to 1979. Jersey, Maryland and Virginia to the “He had the customer base,” Mr. states he serves, on top of Ohio, Where is my data? Is it safe? Vaughn said. “He’s my right-hand Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and guy and my vice president.” Pennsylvania. If surrounding one’s self with The company will haul most any- good and hard-working people is a thing, from manufactured goods to t.BOBHJOHUIFDIBMMFOHFTPGFYFDVUJOHB$MPVETUSBUFHZ CEO’s chief skill, Mr. Vaughn has plastic bottles and materials used been a pretty good life executive. All by packaging companies. It special- t8IBUTIPVMEZPVBTLBCPVUXIFSFZPVSEBUBJTIPTUFE through his career he had good peo- izes in short- to medium-length ple in terms of his agent, money hauls of 200 or 300 miles, Mr. Cuc- t8IBUTFDVSJUZJTTVFTDPVMEIBNQFS$MPVEBEPQUJPO managers and other professionals, cia said, working dedicated routes he said. for customers with regular supply or And Mr. Cuccia is not the first to delivery lines. t0QUJNJ[JOHZPVSCVTJOFTTQSPDFTTFTXJUIUIF$MPVE help the man who in his playing Competitive pricing, service and days was known as the Hit Dog get consistent on-time deliveries are Sponsored by: some wood on the business ball. critical to attracting and keeping More than anyone, Mr. Vaughn customers, but new trucks help, credits his post-baseball business too, Mr. Cuccia said. Whenever he career to the help and mentoring he has found a new customer willing to has received from his longtime sign up for a new route, Mr. Vaughn REGISTRATION:REGISTRATION: Contact Contact Denise Denise Donaldson at at Underwritten by: lawyer, Eugene Schneur. has stepped up to the plate with the 216-771-5159216-771-5159 oror [email protected] [email protected] “He’s my mentor, my best friend financial wherewithal to accommo- and a guy that I was very, very fortu- date the growth. nate to meet coming out of base- “When we get new business, Mo Underwritten by: www.CrainsCleveland.com/BREAKFAST ball,” Mr. Vaughn said. goes out and buys trucks,” Mr. Cuccia www.CrainsCleveland.com/BREAKFAST said. “When I go to Mo and say one of Heavy hitter in housing, too my customers wants to expand, he The two have their own business makes it happen immediately.” ■ 20130422-NEWS--8-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 4:11 PM Page 1

8 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Brian D.Tucker ([email protected]) EDITOR: Mark Dodosh ([email protected]) MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Suttell ([email protected]) OPINION Right aid he 130th edition of the Ohio General Assembly may be the most confounding group of legislators we’ve ever encountered. T There may be no better example of why we make that statement than the reluctance of the Republican-dominated body to side with Gov. John Kasich, a fellow Republican, as he seeks to make more Ohioans eligible for Medicaid assistance. It isn’t as though the Republican leadership of the Legislature is trying to appease business interests with its stance. If anything, those interests must be just as frustrated as we are. FROM THE PUBLISHER Gov. Kasich first voiced his support for the expansion of Medicaid back on Feb. 3. The very next day, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce was quick to issue an “amen” to his decision, which would allow the To skywalk, or not to skywalk? state to pick up more of the cost of caring for the uninsured largely at the federal government’s egardless of where you stand on Dealer argue that skywalks are ugly, and Last winter, a friend and I were at a expense. two hotly debated skywalk pro- that removing pedestrians from street Cavaliers game and decided to go to the “Due to cost shifting resulting from uncompen- jects in downtown Cleveland, level makes a city less attractive, and in casino while game traffic dissipated. the extreme, even less safe. Neither of us went to gamble, but he was sated care, employers are already paying a hidden one thing is clear. It Rwasn’t all that many years ago Dan Gilbert and his partners interested to see the casino since I had tax that makes their health insurance premiums BRIAN when very few people would in the Horseshoe Casino now told him how well I thought the restora- higher than they should be,” Keith Lake, vice presi- TUCKER have cared, or even paid any at- are buying their building from tion/reuse had turned out. Besides, it dent of government affairs for the Ohio Chamber of tention. Forest City, and it’s safe to was snowing and blowing, so why not? Commerce, said in a statement issued by the cham- For those new to the discus- assume that a big reason is to Well, some 30 or 40 minutes later, ber. “Without expansion, this cost shifting would be sion, Cuyahoga County’s gov- enable them to proceed with a probably somewhere around midnight, even more severe.” ernment is building a new planned skywalk from their we left to retrieve my car from the casino Providers of medical care also haven’t been press- headquarters on the northeast new parking facility across parking deck, and there were still groups ing the Legislature to block Medicaid’s expansion. corner of East Ninth Street and Ontario Avenue to the second of folks walking to and from the casino. floor of the casino. In a snowstorm. Rather, it has been quite the opposite. Prospect Avenue. It will demol- ish the vacant, nondescript That’s even more controver- It reminded me vividly of another Feb- In a Feb. 4 media advisory, the Ohio Hospital building on the site and replace it with a sial because of the historic place that the ruary weeknight evening when I stood in Association said the governor’s desire to expand modern, attractive, usable facility to casino building — long the home of the my Warehouse District office and mar- Medicaid eligibility to 456,000 more Ohioans “is an house the largest part of the county’s flagship department store of Cleveland’s veled at the bustle of outside activity, de- important step along the path of redefining the employees, many of whom had been once-treasured Higbee Co. — holds in spite the weather. program for Ohio.” scattered at various county-owned facil- the hearts and minds of Clevelanders. This is the kind of city that Cleveland “As both world-class health care providers and as ities hither and yon. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson is must be, now and in the future. Our some of Ohio’s largest employers — responsible for Well, that eyesore of a building is at- supportive of the casino’s plans. Howev- downtown is Cleveland’s only growing er, some of the very people his city needs residential neighborhood, and apart- sustaining more than 600,000 Ohio jobs — Ohio tached to a parking deck across Prospect by a skywalk that either must be to attract — namely young professionals ment developers can’t build new units hospitals stand with the Kasich Administration in removed or refurbished, and keeping it who want to live and spend money fast enough. On this skywalk issue, I tend seeking additional flexibility from the federal but adding the proper HVAC is an downtown — are among those who pre- to agree with those who want more feet government under Medicaid, as well as safeguards expensive initiative. Critics such as archi- fer more, rather than less, people walk- on the streets. in state law should the federal government reduce tecture reporter Steve Litt at The Plain ing on downtown streets. But then, I’m not paying the bills. ■ scheduled funding for expansion,” the association stated. It’s now 12 weeks later, and Republican lawmakers continue to drag their feet on the expan- LETTERS sion of Medicaid despite the economic and human- itarian justifications for such action. To which we ask, “Why?” Arts’ impact on community is broad If Republican legislators truly fear the federal government will renege on its promise to provide ■ Thanks to Mark Dodosh for his WRITE TO US dents, including more than 1.4 million hundreds of millions of dollars for insuring more of insightful, April 8 column, “Arts for more children. And, for every $1 CAC invest- the poor, then include in any Medicaid bill language than art’s sake,” in which he explained Send your letters to: Mark Dodosh, ed in arts and culture, nearly $20 was editor, Crain’s Cleveland Business, 700 W. St. that would let the state reduce its own commitment how important Cleveland’s rich and pumped back into our economy. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113- to the program in such an event. However, these diverse cultural treasures are to our region. We at Cuyahoga Arts & Culture whole- In 2006, the residents of Cuyahoga 1230; Email: [email protected] same lawmakers shouldn’t let political fear of Tea heartedly agree that our cultural institu- County passed Issue 18 and created Party backlash for supporting any single part of tions are among our region’s most vital Cuyahoga Arts & Culture to provide a enhancing education for learners of all assets. There is truly something for President Obama’s Affordable Care Act drive their dedicated stream of public funding for ages, and enriching our community by everyone in our community’s arts and decision. arts and cultural organizations and pro- improving our quality of life, as demon- culture scene, and we will continue to do Ohioans deserve their fair share of the big pot of grams. strated in our new Report to the Com- our part to ensure that this legacy con- Medicaid money created by the act. Letting those Since then, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture munity, “Your Investment. Strengthen- tinues for years to come. has invested more than $95 million in ing Community.” (It can be found at dollars go to other states would accomplish noth- Karen Gahl-Mills 208 arts and cultural organizations in www.cacgrants.org/report.) Executive director ing, other than make every legislator who refuses to Cuyahoga County. Public funding for In 2011, CAC-funded organizations Cuyahoga Arts & Culture take them guilty of gross negligence. arts and culture is making a difference by employed a work force of nearly 9,000 contributing to our local economy, and served more than 6.1 million resi- See LETTERS Page 9 20130422-NEWS--9-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:38 PM Page 1

APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 9 Sunglasses, with a different view

By RACHEL ABBEY McCAFFERTY styles, and they plan to add two [email protected] ON THE WEB For photos more before the end of the year. of Nautique Optix’s sunglasses, log on to: Each pair takes about two weeks Dane and Melanie Clark had www.crainscleveland.com/ to make, Mr. Clark said. A digital been retired for less than half a year glasses fabrication machine makes the first “The greater when the entrepreneurial bug cut, forming the general shape of struck again. both love boating. the glasses and frames from a block the obstacle, the The couple now runs Nautique Mr. Clark quickly latched onto of wood. The machine allows Nau- more glory in” Optix, a maker of wooden sunglass- the idea of starting his own wooden tique Optix to offer curved frames overcoming it . es in the Lake County community sunglasses company, targeted at that fit to the wearer’s face. The - Moliere of Perry. They base their designs on boaters who love the look of classic shop also uses a machine to cut the classic boats and boating culture. boats. And, as a bonus for boaters, lenses to fit each individual frame. “We just think they’re so beauti- wooden sunglasses float. Aside from those steps, one of ful on the water,” Mr. Clark said. Mrs. Clark said she initially Nautique Optix’s employees takes Join over 100 companies on Final Event Day The Clarks sold their precision at the Cleveland Corporate Challenge looked at the idea as just one of her care of the rest manually, either by Vitamix Obstacle Course! optics company, Visimax Tech- husband’s projects, but the compa- controlling a small machine or fin- To register, call Hermes Sports & Events at nologies, in 2010, and officially ny got started quickly. By Christmas ishing them by hand. That work 216-623-9933 or visit www.hermescleveland.com stepped down in the summer of 2011, the Clarks’ garage was filled ranges from carefully sanding the 2011. They spent a lot of time boat- with equipment. They moved into a frames to the final inspection of ing on Lake Erie that summer and small space in Perry in 2012 and each pair. Mr. Clark said he and his traveling that fall. When November started selling sunglasses at the end wife hope to hire more employees, hit, Mr. Clark was restless. of the year. To date, they’ve sold possibly to six or eight from the cur- McDonald Hopkins BUSINESSB HOUR “OK, something’s got to change about 250 pairs of sunglasses, said rent four. now,” he remembers thinking. Mr. Clark, who serves as the com- At present, Nautique Optix sun- “Something’s got to happen.” pany’s president and CEO. glasses are sold online and at trade Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark had The cost of the pairs range from shows, but Mr. Clark said he’s talk- “How To” Hiring: started their careers in the glasses about $180 to $290, depending on ing to boat dealers about carrying for Employers business, working at companies the style and type of wood used. the products in their stores and on- Getting it right that applied coatings to lenses. And The Clarks designed all the sunglass line. ■ from the start Thursday, May 2, 2013 Noon to 1:15 p.m. EDT – Business Hour Startup: Company attracts key execs McDonald Hopkins, 600 Superior Ave., Suite 2100 Downtown Cleveland continued from PAGE 3 investors, big customers and high- sumption by more than 50%. RSVP: mcdonaldhopkins.com profile employees suggests the “That’s when it really became To prepare for the launch of its or call: 216.348.5400 to register. SpinTac software, LineStream company has potential, Mr. Neun- real to me,” Mr. Neundorfer said. raised $5 million in venture capital dorfer said. Mr. Petras is impressed by both about a year ago. U.S. Venture Part- “There are a lot of people who the technology and LineStream’s ners, which is based in Silicon Val- realize the magnitude of this oppor- team. ley, threw in $4 million, and Cleve- tunity,” he said. “It is probably one of the best land’s Early Stage Partners put in teams in motor control technology another $1 million, bringing its Things are getting real in the world,” he said. McDonald Hopkins LLC 600 Superior Ave., East, Suite 2100, Cleveland, OH 44114 • 216.348.5400 total investment in LineStream to LineStream has been preparing Fine-tuning $2 million. for this moment since it spun out of Carl J. Grassi, President Shawn M. Riley, Cleveland Managing Member Since then, LineStream has Cleveland State University in 2008. Other companies have written Chicago • Cleveland • Columbus • Detroit • Miami • West Palm Beach expanded its staff to 12 employees Back then, Mr. Neundorfer was software that can help motors cope mcdonaldhopkins.com from five a year ago, and it expects studying for his MBA at Stanford with disturbances as they occur, to hire five more this year. The University. But, while visiting home, but those products tend to be company also plans to expand into the Cleveland Heights native had designed to manage one specific a 2,000-square-foot space next to breakfast with one of his father’s process — producing milk cartons, the 4,000 square feet it occupies on friends, Jim Petras, who is a manag- for example, said Chris Clearman, the first floor of downtown’s West- ing director at Early Stage Partners. worldwide manager of the motor ern Reserve Building, which sits Mr. Petras told the former Eaton control solutions segment at Texas next to the Detroit-Superior Bridge. Corp. engineer to take a look at the Instruments. LineStream has attracted execu- Cleveland State software, which Not only can LineStream’s soft- tives from big name-companies in was developed by Zhiqiang Gao, ware be used by all sorts of motors, the motor control world. associate professor and director of but it also makes the process of tun- For instance, the company’s new the university’s Applied Control ing motors faster, Mr. Clearman said. research and development director, Research Lab. Texas Instruments’ new Vladan Jevremovic, previously was Computer simulations suggested InstaSpin-Motion technology — lead architect for Tesla Motors’ the software could increase the which incorporates the company’s Model S electric sedan. efficiency of motors by up to 50%. Mr. own motor control technology with LineStream’s new vice president of Neundorfer — who was accustomed LineStream’s software — is “hugely sales and marketing, Greg Jackson, to working on automotive projects important” to Texas Instruments’ was president of Pavilion Technolo- designed to deliver single-digit per- motor controls segment, especially gies, an advanced controls firm that centage improvements — was skep- given how many companies are was acquired by Rockwell Automa- tical. That was until LineStream test- pushing to add more intelligence to tion in 2007. He stayed on with ed the software on all 10 of Parker their motors, Mr. Clearman said. Rockwell until LineStream hired Hannifin Corp.’s hose-extrusion lines “It’s enabling us to take our core him late last year. at its plant in Ravenna. technology to more places,” he LineStream’s ability to attract The software cut power con- said. ■ Letters: More obstructionists are needed continued from PAGE 8 rity in his column. happened. Up with obstruction Tea Party Sen. Rand Paul of Ken- Oh, those liberal obstructionists, tucky, on numerous occasions, has you just can’t trust them. ■ Brian Tucker should do a little stated his willingness to work with This country is $17 trillion in homework before his next attack on Democrats on immigration re- debt and we’re talking about ex- conservatism, as found in his April form. His condition is enhanced panding government support pro- 15 commentary, “Enough of the border security. Is Mr. Tucker grams. We have an obese govern- Tea Party obstructionism.” His against securing our borders? ment addicted to spending, and mindless statement regarding our thanks to ideologies like Mr. Tuck- outdated notions about immigra- Does Mr. Trucker know that in er’s, it’s getting worse. tion reform defies logic. 1986 Ronald Reagan signed immi- America is broke, Mr. Tucker, Surely he knows Tea Party Sen. gration reform that immediately and I say thank God for the ob- Marco Rubio of Florida is one of the freed 3 million illegal immigrants? structionists. They may be the one gang of eight working feverishly to He was assured border security pass bipartisan immigration re- would follow, but oh well, here we thing that might just save us. form. And incredibly, Mr. Tucker are 12 million illegal immigrants Jeff Longo never once mentions border secu- later and guess what — it never North Royalton 20130422-NEWS--10-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:01 PM Page 1

10 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 Balance: Programs such as Get Golf Save up to 20% on your commercial electric bill Ready have been beneficial to courses continued from PAGE 3 LADIES FIRST Mountain Country Club in Concord, StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Lower your energy cost and protect yourself from Fast-forward to 2011, and the A look at two of the programs Heights and Cumberland Trail Golf foundation estimated the total designed to help beginner golfers, rate increases in the future. With over 1.2 million Club in suburban Columbus. number of adult golfers nationwide especially women: “We’re opening the game to a satisfied customers we have the knowledge and fell to 23.3 million, with women ■ Get Golf Ready: Designed by the new group of people who want to accounting for almost half the PGA of America and consists of five play golf and spend money in the expertise to positively add to your bottom line! decrease — a 21.5% drop in their 90-minute lessons. The cost is typically business,” said Mr. Hanlin, who numbers to 5.1 million. $99 total. For more information, go to: also is a coach of both the men’s Jamie Taylor knows the reasons www.playgolfamerica.com/GGR Call or text today for a no cost, on site and women’s programs at Notre often cited for the paucity of women ■ Ladies Play Golf Activities: Dame College. in the sport — elitist, intimidating, Created by Jamie Taylor, head pro at consultation on any size account. For example, women “like to too difficult, too rule-driven or, Seneca Golf Course. There are monthly shop more than men,” Mr. Hanlin worse yet, too male-driven — even if events that cost between $10 and Bruce Hill said, and so are more inclined to she might not have experienced the $75, as well as a series of five spend money at the course. Authorized Agent drawbacks herself. The head profes- 90-minute lessons for $145 or $175. “Also, a lot of families are realiz- sional at Seneca Golf Course in For more information, go to: National 1 Energy ing that golf is really good family Broadview Heights won her first tinyurl.com/cea9kqk (440) 289 7498 tournament at age 9, played on sev- time,” said Mr. Hanlin, who works eral junior tours and was a standout female-friendly. with other courses on redesigning at Gannon University. The PGA has instituted several their marketing and operations. As an employee of the Cleveland programs with that in mind. “It’s not as much the father takes Metroparks, Ms. Taylor has One, Get Golf Ready, consists of the two boys out and the mom and designed her own program, Ladies five 90-minute lessons that typically daughters do something else. It’s Play Golf Activities — complete cost $99 total. Beginners — men hard to get four or five hours with with the slogan, “Who says the golf and women — are taught the kids these days. Golf is a good way course is no place for a woman?” basics, with the hope they won’t be to do it. I see a lot of moms taking The Metroparks’ 2013 golf calen- intimidated to attend a local course their sons golfing.” dar includes a 200 Series, the first of on their own. Mr. Hanlin said he believes the its two beginners’ programs. Each “It gets rid of some of those bar- biggest growth potential for the LNA MAINTENANCE 200 Series consists of four sessions, riers,” Mr. Metzler said. “We have sport is attracting young women. and two of the 23 sets of beginners’ found that 60% of the people who “I remember 20 years ago, I’d do & Grounds Care classes are strictly for women. have signed up for the program are clinics and there would be 32 boys Ms. Taylor said the first one, women, and roughly 78% of those and one or two girls,” he said. Professional Grounds Care – Commercial / Residential which begins May 2, already has who participate in the program are That’s not the case anymore. filled all its openings, and the sec- still playing golf a year later.” StoneWater has several ladies Full Landscaping Services - Spring Clean-up. ond, slated for July 2, is about half- clinics, and Mr. Hanlin said “it’s the full, even though she hasn’t Good for the bottom line fastest-growing group for us.” Mowing -- Mulch -- Topsoil -- Decorative “pushed it big-time yet.” Two of the Northern Ohio busi- He added, “Women are having Stone -- Fertilize. Competitive pricing. “I’ve been trying to tap into the nesses that use the PGA’s Get Golf more success in golf now. With the women’s market since I started a Ready program are Golf Galaxy in ability to fit women into golf clubs Control your costs - Call now for an estimate few years ago,” said Ms. Taylor, who Akron and Pines Lakes Golf Club in that are light enough for them, they 440.879.2009 was the head pro at Shawnee Hills Hubbard. can enjoy golf quicker. That’s been Golf Course from 2008 to 2011. Teaching pro Michael L. one of the biggest benefits.” “Over the years, we’ve been trying Dessecker said 2012 was the first Don’t forget the girls to grow the women’s activities. year Golf Galaxy tried Get Golf They weren’t always successful, but Ready. There were two classes of Sean McHugh, director of golf we’ve been trying to play around seven — 11 women and three men operations at Cleveland Metroparks, with different things women like. in all — for the free program. agrees with Mr. Hanlin about the We’re focusing on social events “From that, every one of my stu- growth potential for girls in the sport. more this year.” dents came back to see me for fur- Seneca’s Ms. Taylor and John CHANDLER B. CONVERSE, JR. Among the monthly programs ther instruction,” Mr. Dessecker said. Fiander, head pro at Sleepy Hollow is proud to have represented the Metroparks has on tap for When asked about the PGA’s at- Golf Course in Cleveland, have women this spring and summer is a tempt to get more women involved, done programs at middle schools in “WomenOnCourse Happy Hour” Mr. Dessecker said, “I think it’s Northeast Ohio. They instruct kids April 30 at Fleming’s Steakhouse in more ‘anybody’ involved. It’s pro- on the basics of golf, in the cozy Woodmere and a “Wine and Nine” moting the game. It brought in peo- confines of the school gymnasium. Sept. 30 at Seneca. The latter event ple who were probably scared when Mr. McHugh said by the end of 11,698 SF 28,097 SF will feature nine holes, followed by they first got there. And it made the school year, Ms. Taylor and Mr. drinks — something with which the them at ease. They were happy. It Fiander will have had sessions at as men are quite familiar. got them out on the course. We had many as 10 schools. And they plan LQ/DQGHUEURRN2IÀFH3DUN, to be more active in 2013-14. Bringing down barriers a husband and wife who took the /DQGHUEURRN'ULYH0D\ÀHOG+HLJKWV2+ class, and they were able to spend Ms. Taylor is familiar with the Paul Metzler, senior director of time together.” hesitation many women have marketing and industry relations Christopher J. Carfangia, head about trying the sport. She and her for the PGA of America, said the golf pro at Pines Lakes, said his course colleagues are trying to change that. business is aware of its need to has been using Get Golf Ready for “Some women feel like there are change. about 2½ years, with four or five so many rules, and they don’t know “What we’ve found is that since programs per year. them and they don’t want to look women in many cases control what “It’s really made an impact on silly,” Ms. Taylor said. “Some do households spend, we have to cre- our bottom line by doing it,” Mr. feel it’s a man’s sport, and they ate a more women-friendly prod- Carfangia said. “We have found that don’t feel welcome at times. This uct,” Mr. Metzler said. “Our prod- people are using our practice facil- happens at all courses. It’s a combi- uct is more suited for the typical ity more and they’re playing more. nation of things. But what we’re male who is looking for competi- It’s been good for us.” finding as we try to get women tion. We have to be more women- Mr. Carfangia estimates the be- more involved is some women friendly.” ginners’ course consists of about want to use it as a business tool. The National Golf Foundation 65% women. And some, like my mother, like to hasn’t released its statistics for “Only about 25% come back and do it because they can be active and 2012, but its 2011 numbers marked golf. But that is still good for busi- not have to run around.” the fifth consecutive year in which ness,” he said. Whatever gets them to the course there was a decline in the number ‘Great for golf, period’ is OK with Nancy Berkley, founder of adult golfers. The 5.1 million and president of Berkley Golf Con- women who played at least one Jimmy Hanlin, a golf pro who is a sulting and a nationally recognized round that year were down consid- popular Northeast Ohio television voice on getting women more in- CBRE, Inc. erably from five years earlier, but and radio personality, knows the volved in the game. 1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 230 were 300,000 higher than the 2009 old-school mentality, and he is “I think that the golf courses real- Cleveland, OH 44115 total and 400,000 above 2010. pushing the new approach. ized they had to work for their busi- T +1 216 658 6113 Mr. Metzler attributes that “It’s going to be great for golf, pe- ness,” Ms. Berkley said. “They had to [email protected] improvement in part to the push riod,” said Mr. Hanlin, who owns figure out how to be good marketers Follow us @TenantRepCLE #1 IN REAL ESTATE SERVICES WORLDWIDE made by the PGA and individual some of the most highly regarded and put out a welcome mat so golf courses to make the game more courses in the state, including Little women really felt comfortable.” ■ 20130422-NEWS--11-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:02 PM Page 1 20130422-NEWS--12-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:00 PM Page 1

12 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013

GOING PLACES

Attn: Manufacturers & Warehouses JOB CHANGES If you missed out on FirstEnergy’s Lighting Rebate ARCHITECTURE You can still get a rebate for upgrading your lighting MBI | K2M ARCHITECTURE INC.: Geoff Varga to director of architecture; Debbie Andrews to • 50% Energy Savings accounting specialist. • Utility Rebates Varga Sasz Westerheide Sofranko Hinkle Dey • Fast Payback CONSTRUCTION • Tax Incentives RUHLIN CO.: Michael Sasz to payroll supervisor; Doug Westerheide • Brighter lighting and Eric Sofranko to project • Replace HID high bays engineers; Mark Hinkle to network • Upgrade T-12 fixtures administrator. WELTY BUILDING CO.: Donald Lydon to group president, Welty Independence, Ohio Thurs., May 16, 9-11:30 a.m. Facilities Services. Registration limited to first 40 Gettings McFadden Hamilton Howard Lohiser McCreery $69.00/person CONSULTING CENTRIC CONSULTING: Kindra CALL TODAY! Don't squander this opportunity! Helm to manager; Tom Perrone and Kyle Bacher to consultants. Register NOW at www.ROI-Energy.com/seminar or call 330-931-3905 Presented by FirstEnergy and ROI Energy EDUCATION CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY: Deborah Dey to director for advancement, College of Sciences, Menges Presutto Rittenhouse Ross Steindler Wolansky Nursing and Health Professions; Laurie Gettings to manager, annual giving and Megan McFadden to manager, donor relations, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; Scott Hamilton to director for WHAT IGNITES YOU? principal gifts; Carla Howard to director, advancement services; EDUCATING PHYSICIANS, PHARMACISTS Patricia Lohiser to senior AND HEALTH CARE RESEARCHERS accountant; John McCreery to Spano Smith Skillicorn Steward O’Keefe Lonsberry director for advancement, athletics; Christina Menges to director for HOSPITALITY advancement, Monte Ahuja College of Business; Ashley Presutto to RITZ-CARLTON, CLEVELAND: prospect analyst; Julie Rittenhouse Kelly Steward to general manager. to director for corporate and foundation relations; Julia Ross to LEGAL director of annual giving; Terri PORTER WRIGHT: Allyson O’Keefe Steindler to director for donor to partner. Heublein Baker Rawson relations and stewardship; Paul ROETZEL: Robert B. Casarona to Wolansky to director for partner-in-charge, Cleveland. advancement, College of Liberal Arts Debra Griest (D.L. Griest & Associ- and Social Sciences. ates) to president; Colin Bell to vice MANUFACTURING president; Matthew Galen to trea- KENT STATE UNIVERSITY: Mark DRAKE MANUFACTURING surer; Timothy Foust to secretary. Altieri to full-time professor, SERVICES CO.: Kenneth Lonsberry department of accounting. LAKE ERIE ASSOCIATION OF USA to vice president, operations. BOXING: Rocky Cash to president; NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER MAIN STREET GOURMET: Nathan Cliff Pinkney to vice president; Alex LEARNING CENTERS: Dennis Searles to director of sales. Cooper to secretary; Tom Miller to Plescia to strategic account neomed.edu NEXTANT AEROSPACE: Jay treasurer. manager; Brian Kilbane to account Heublein to executive vice president, executive. THE PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL global sales and marketing. FOUNDATION: Robert H. Rawson Jr. (Jones Day) to chairman. ENGINEERING NONPROFIT AUSTIN CO.: Frank Spano to SALVATION ARMY: Rebecca AWARDS managing director, Austin Consulting Baker to social service director. division. CLEVELAND ENGINEERING SOCIETY: Wes Hall (CT Consultants) TECHNOLOGY FINANCIAL SERVICE received the 2013 Hall of Fame INFORCE TECHNOLOGIES LLC: Award. Local Real Estate BCG & CO.: Tiffany L. Herbert to Delia Cianci to senior business UNIVERSITY OF AKRON: Jeffery manager, forensic and valuation analyst; Winston B. Bell to director Walters (CBiz and Mayer Hoffman, services. of business development and McCann P.C.) received the Frank L. CBIZ MHM LLC CLEVELAND: strategic alliances. Simonetti Award. Financing Ellen Wisbar to director. CEDAR BROOK FINANCIAL UTILITY RETIREMENT PARTNERS LLC: Kelly Smith to FIRSTENERGY NUCLEAR FIRSTENERGY NUCLEAR associate director, wealth strategies; OPERATING CO.: Paul A. Harden OPERATING CO.: Danny L. Pace, to senior vice president, Fleet Lucy Skillicorn, executive assistant after a 37-year nuclear industry Engineering. to Ted Lorenzen and Anthony Podojil. career, effective July 1. VERITAS SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC: Gregory H. Blate to managing BOARDS Send information for Going Places to director. BUILDING HOPE IN THE CITY: [email protected].

ATTRHSSMWH¥O\OGMOT\W\M=\E=HDO\==UZIHSDKMOWHSUPHOURH\=HSU\UH STAY CONNECTED DOU\GU&DO\UN\OKDRPDRHMOKDRP\UMDOu ■ Crain’s on Twitter: @CrainsCleveland Jonathan Mokri ■ Crain’s on Facebook: Facebook.com/CrainsCleveland 440.526.8700 ■ Crain’s daily e-newsletters: CrainsCleveland.com/register [email protected] XXX GESGVSD GDP ■ Newsletter schedule: Weekdays: Morning Roundup and daily headlines; Mondays: Real Estate Report; Tuesdays: Work Force Report; Wednesdays: Dealmaker Alert; Thursdays: Small Business Report; Fridays: ,RDWMFMOT DPPHRGM\=(D\O"MO\OGMOTMO,\RUOHRSNMIXMUNRH\ RHFMU1OMDOSSM Shale and Energy Report 20130422-NEWS--13-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 2:58 PM Page 1

ith a strong This section highlights just WHO network of a few of those who are lending a hand to a variety of organizations efforts in the region. focused on Whether they’re TO WATCH everythingW from providing spearheading new initiatives, social services to preserving planning for the future or natural resources, Northeast serving as leaders within their Ohio has no shortage of individual nonprofits, these IN standouts in the nonprofit are just some of those who NONPROFITS sector. are ones to watch.

WHAT THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY IS SAYING

MICHAEL MATONEY BRAD WHITEHEAD CEO President New Directions Fund for Our Economic Future What attributes are necessary to What attributes are necessary to be a leader in the nonprofit sector be a leader in the nonprofit sector of tomorrow? of tomorrow? ■ To be and Positional become an leadership has “outside-in largely become leader.” To be a relic of a past. flexible and Instead, leader- respond to the ship effective- changing exter- ness increasingly stems from nal environ- the ability to shape and influence ments of funding and community networks of players through vision, priorities (70%), all the while being collaboration, enthusiasm, the able to inspire a dedicated staff to ability to listen and follow through. deliver your mission (30%). ■ Increasingly, the most effective or- The ability to be able to say ganizations realize that complex “no” to chasing dollars and problems cross geographic and programs that do not fit their mis- FOTOLIA ILLUSTRATION sector boundaries and meaningful sion or expertise. … change requires the active partici- ■ LIZ FERRO tion in and expo- mother of two, said she eventually Energy, enthusiasm and effort pation of scores, if not hundreds, sure to a wide would like to earn a salary and hire — a great leader is seen as a of players. Founder variety of sports, a small staff. servant first. At the same time, technology and Girls With Sole from football and She also hopes to by 2020 spread ■ Sees greatness and strengths cultural expectations have democ- iz Ferro knows how devas- yoga to running, the Girls With Sole program nation- in people and holds them account- ratized civic decision-making tating abuse can be to a as well as self-es- ally. Ms. Ferro said a lack of funding able. processes. No one gets to be “the young woman — but she teem building is the group’s biggest obstacle to ex- ■ Envisions and pursues a great boss” anymore because of where also knows how empower- activities. It is for pansion — it’s hard to hire people purpose so compelling that it they sit; real community leadership Ling athletics can be. young women to run chapters without money for requires and motivates everyone’s is now earned rather than bestowed, So much so, in fact, that Ms. who have experienced or are at risk salaries — so she has been fundrais- best efforts to achieve it. which means that the next genera- Ferro credits athletics with her own for any type of abuse, from sexual ing and looking into available grant ■ 80% of energy focused on tion of leaders who will carry our abuse to bullying. funding. She also plans to encour- survival. assets, strengths, possibilities, community forward can come from Ms. Ferro, who was in the foster Currently, Girls With Sole hosts age interested volunteers to hold connections and synergies. anywhere. system and later adopted, said the six weekly groups in Northeast fundraising runs. From your perspective, what are experience of being sexually abused Ohio. Ms. Ferro does get help from Ms. Ferro said there’s often a lot From your perspective, what are some of the most significant by a nonfamily member as a child volunteers, but she is the only one of eye-rolling at the start of the pro- some of the most significant challenges in nonprofits going ultimately led her to create Girls dedicated to the effort full-time. gram, but she’s had breakthroughs, challenges in nonprofits going forward? With Sole, a fitness and wellness Bobby Taylor, director of opera- too. Indeed, some girls tell her the forward? tions at the Boys & Girls Club of program changed their lives and The great resource squeeze is not program for at-risk young women, ■ ages 9 to 18. Lorain County, said the participants some choose to come back to Girls Not just to provide services an abstraction, it is a reality. Virtu- “I just don’t want any girl to feel look forward to the meetings. Ms. With Sole even after they’ve left res- the community desires, but to ally every civic and social cause like they’re worthless or like their Ferro helps build their self-esteem, idential treatment or a juvenile deliver the outcomes the commu- confronts increasing need, declin- life isn’t going to go anywhere,” she he said, and she creates an environ- detention center. Ms. Ferro said nity needs. Delivering a mission ing government resources, strained said. ment where “it’s OK to try.” she’s always shocked when the will go hand in hand with deliver- philanthropic capacity and rapidly Ms. Ferro had worked as the “The girls really gravitate to the young women choose to come to ing measurable outcomes. advancing complexity. This implies executive director of Westlake-based energy that Liz brings,” Mr. Taylor the program after they no longer are ■ The question most organiza- that we must find new models for Wigs for Kids before she decided to said. required to attend. tions will be asking themselves is, funding large-scale change. Non- combine her passion for fitness Rocky Melendez, the youth and As for the curriculum that Ms. “What other nonprofits are they profits must move beyond simply with her passion for helping young recreation coordinator at the Mer- Ferro created, she said she tries to considering merging, collaborating, asking for donations and grants and adults. ensure that there is something for rick House in Cleveland, called the partnering or talking with?” This utilize alternative forms of nonprof- She founded the Girls With Sole program “invaluable” and said it everyone, which includes the focus will require time, energy and effort it finance such as performance program in August 2009, and she helps empower the young women on self-esteem. bonds, success fees, and private estimates about 550 young women and gives them confidence. “They find their way to feel by the chief executive, senior leaders and governing boards. investment models. have taken part since. As for the future, Ms. Ferro, a good,” Ms. Ferro said. For example, if a social service The program consists of participa- runner, triathlete and married — Rachel Abbey McCafferty There will be calculated risks to be taken and traps to be avoided. program can demonstrate reduced recidivism, this leads to real sav- ■ The integration of physical ings in the justice system and that and behavior health care will in advanced Estremera didn’t take the advice — savings can be monetized. This JOSE ESTREMERA become a standard of care for manufacturing he wanted to work with young peo- allows us to start thinking about Youth program director and other indus- ple and went to college so that he nonprofits. The investment in an social service or other nonprofit WIRE-Net try sectors. The could teach English. infrastructure to accomplish this, expenses as investments with osé Estremera is a champion of school is being However, he has found a more along with the ability to recruit value rather than costs that must manufacturing and a promoter rebuilt, and Mr. satisfying career working with youth primary care physicians, will be be endured. Called Impact Invest- of youth, which is good because Estremera is re- on career matters. And, in the incredibly important. ing, these rapidly developing J ■ he spends most of his time cruiting students process, he’s been exposed to Competition with other instruments allow nonprofit orga- doing both as youth program direc- and organizing enough modern manufacturing to nonprofits for the recruitment and nizations to capture more of the tor for the manufacturing advocacy its 2014 reopening. see that his dad was right. He goes so retention of dedicated and valued value they are helping to create so and consulting group, WIRE-Net. Oddly enough, Mr. Estremera far as to say there are even more board members, the next that they can scale their efforts and Mr. Estremera is the point man spends much of his time giving kids opportunities in manufacturing than generation. operate more sustainably. for the organization’s partnership the same advice his father gave him: his father ever could have dreamed. with Max Hayes High School, a Consider a career in manufacturing; Still, it isn’t always an easy trade school on Cleveland’s West it can be good-paying work with a message to get across. INSIDE: Answers from more Northeast Ohio nonprofit leaders on the challenges Side that prepares students for jobs future. It’s odd because Mr. See ESTREMERA Page 15 they will face in the future. Page 14 20130422-NEWS--14-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/18/2013 3:32 PM Page 1

14 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WHO TO WATCH IN NONPROFITS APRIL 22 - 28, 2013

LISA MERANTI leisure activity was hiking. “viewed as a leader in the She studied environmental volunteer management WHAT THE NONPROFIT Director of volunteer services science at Lebanon Valley arena and is consulted by Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley College in Pennsylvania, other national park non- COMMUNITY IS SAYING National Park focusing on water quality profit leaders about the pro- research. Out of college, she n her job at the Conservancy for gram she has helped build.” landed a job at the conser- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, CVNP encompasses BILL KITSON staff — such as, “Are we the kind of vancy’s environmental Lisa Meranti most definitely 33,000 acres along the Cuya- leaders we need to be for the orga- education unit. sees the forest for the trees, both hoga River between Cleve- President and CEO nization we are becoming?” and Ms. Meranti says that job rein- Iliterally and figuratively. land and Akron. As its huge number United Way of Greater Cleveland “Are we living our theory of change forced how she “loved connecting of volunteers would suggest, CVNP is Ms. Meranti is a detail person, and What attributes are necessary to every day?” and “Are we creating a she has to be. As director of volunteer people with the outdoors” and ulti- a popular place; a recent National culture that inspires innovation?” mately led, beginning in March 2011, be a leader in the nonprofit sector services for the conservancy, Ms. Park Service report for 2011 showed — and by embracing disruption as to her current position directing vol- of tomorrow? Meranti manages a program with that there were 2.16 million visitors to a strategic imperative — essential, unteer services. It’s a job she has per- CVNP that year. Ms. Meranti likens Leaders in 5,900 volunteers serving in about 150 unavoidable, urgent, valued — I formed while simultaneously earning her role in coordinating volunteers nonprofit, first, distinct volunteer positions. believe the possibilities for lasting, She’s also mindful of how the vol- a master’s degree in environmental for CVNP to “managing a giant jigsaw have to be au- studies and a certificate in nonprofit puzzle,” with the goal of getting the thentic. It’s es- positive change are limitless and unteer program serves the broad within our grasp to achieve. goals of CVNP and other national management from Cleveland State pieces to fit together so everyone “can sential to listen parks: encouraging visitors to engage University last December. enjoy the park to the fullest.” to the communi- From your perspective, what are with nature, promoting environ- In addition to coordinating the She certainly does; among her ty. We have to some of the most significant mental awareness, preserving beau- activities of about 25 volunteer orga- own volunteer activities has been find out what challenges in nonprofits going tiful corners of the country for future nizations that serve the park, Ms. working as an elf for the Polar their aspirations are for their fami- forward? generations to enjoy. Meranti works with corporate Express event at CVNP’s Scenic Rail- lies and the community where they Nonprofits — particularly those “I feel very, very fortunate … that groups that use teambuilding activi- road. Ms. Meranti also is active with live, work and play. Second, we in human services — are more as a young professional I have really ties at CVNP — planting trees, for the Forum for Volunteer Administra- need to be accountable. We have to likely to be the “disrupted” than found my place,” says Ms. Meranti, example — as an opportunity to give tors and volunteers with Stan Hywet continue to deliver on promises the “disruptors.” Our work is done Hall and Gardens in Akron. Her hob- 31, a lifelong lover of the outdoors. something back to the community. and set measureable objectives and in an ever-changing, highly scruti- As a kid growing up in the Poconos Deb Yandala, CEO of the conser- bies include biking, hiking (still), benchmarks to evaluate our nized and often hostile environ- region of Pennsylvania, her favorite vancy, says Ms. Meranti already is kayaking and yoga. — Scott Suttell impact. ment. The constant outside And lastly, leaders in nonprofit disruptions, no matter how should be transparent. At United well-intended, usually come off as SARAH RYZNER August. In some respects, estate.” after years in the private sec- With the move last year, Way of Greater Cleveland, our overly bureaucratic, arbitrary and Director of Projects tor she decided to follow her she has traded getting gov- donors, volunteers and the com- destructive. Rather than promoting Thriving Communities Institute of the family’s path in civic service; ernment approvals and munity have a tremendous level of the innovation and collaboration Western Reserve Land Conservancy both her parents have readying sites for construc- trust in us. We maintain their trust we need from the nonprofit sector worked in community tion with working to put by telling the whole story — openly to truly solve big problems for arah Ryzner worked as a real development in Cleveland. vacant land in urban areas communicating about financials, good, these disruptions keep many estate lawyer and as a site-ac- Mrs. Ryzner, who grew up in back into productive use at of us overly focused on our own quisition consultant for com- processes and both positive and the Detroit Shoreway neigh- the street and policy level. negative information. survival and in a constant state of mercial interests before borhood and is expecting her second Jim Rokakis, director of Thriving Sbecoming projects director for the fear about our ability to deliver on From your perspective, what are child, lives in the Cudell-Edgewater Communities, notes Mrs. Ryzner the promises we have made to Thriving Communities Institute, an some of the most significant neighborhood with her teacher- took a pay cut to join the nonprofit. those that depend upon us the effort of the nonprofit Western Re- husband and 1-year-old. “She is invaluable to me,” he said. challenges in nonprofits going most. serve Land Conservancy. Rich Cochran, conservancy presi- “For the conservancy to go into forward? “I’ve evaluated each opportunity The problems we are trying to dent and CEO, said that he’s been so urban areas is virgin territory. She’s At United Way, we focus on as it came along. I stuck with my gut, solve are massive in scale and our impressed by her strength as an taking on some difficult projects.” meeting our community’s aspira- and I’m very happy with where my emerging leader he feels she will She currently oversees college nonprofits are tiny against them. career has taken me,” the 32-year- tions for education, income and For nonprofits to achieve the scale, someday run a nonprofit. interns who will evaluate conditions health because these are the build- old Mrs. Ryzner said. Today, she’s “She is a proven leader who cut of homes in Lorain and map them to strength and endurance we need to using her legal, real estate and plan- her teeth in a very competitive for- help the city strategically use its ing blocks for a good quality of life. solve big problems for good, we ning skills to work on the ground lev- profit real estate business,” said Mr. abandoned-home demolition funds. However, as with any nonprofit, we must have the ability to attract and el to tackle the region’s problems Cochran, who leads the organization Mrs. Ryzner has both a bachelor have limited resources. Unlike retain the very best people, work with urban blight, including coping dedicated to preserving the region’s of arts and a master’s degree from business, nonprofits can’t leave with the very best partners within with acres marked by homes emp- natural resources. “In that business, the Maxine Goodman Levin College people behind. Our challenge is and outside the social sector, and tied by foreclosure. she excelled in transactions as well of Urban Affairs and a law degree streamlining our initiatives while invest in the very best tools to get She joined the institute, which the as management of others, a rare from the Cleveland-Marshall College not neglecting the community’s the job done. This is the challenge conservancy launched in 2011, last combination in the world of real of Law. — Stan Bullard other important aspirations; we not just for nonprofits, but for all of have to choose to do something us going forward. while choosing not to do something else. NATALIE RONAYNE This challenge presents an opportunity for nonprofits to be Executive director collaborative and inclusive. If we Cleveland Botanical Garden share our common goals, we can What attributes are necessary to ensure we’re not duplicating be a leader in the nonprofit sector efforts. An efficient nonprofit com- of tomorrow? munity allows for us to effectively Courage and address our community’s problems conviction, op- and advance the common good in timism and Greater Cleveland. hope are the core attributes SHARON SOBOL JORDAN of leadership. President and CEO Building and Centers for Families and Children empowering Not-For-Profit Tax great teams, and What attributes are necessary to self-renewal, are also crucial. A be a leader in the nonprofit sector leader must be able to see her of tomorrow? Chris Anderson, vision clearly amid constant noise The nonprofit and resource challenges, and to Shareholder leader of tomor- build ownership for that vision row must have among a broad spectrum of stake- the courage to be holders. Listening effectively, disruptive. She building trusting relationships and must be in it, not Tax issues have taken on unprecedented importance for developing empathy — the key just to sustain an competencies of emotional intelli- not-for-profit organizations. Form 990 is more complicated organization, but gence — distinguish a person from than ever. Alternative revenue sources may be taxable. to truly solve big being merely a good manager to problems for good. I am convinced being an inspired leader. Maloney + Novotny LLC assists hundreds of not-for-profit organizations that changing the world begins by with complying with confusing tax laws and making the 990 your most changing the conversation — by From your perspective, what are some of the most significant effective public relations document. reframing the questions and by really listening to what you get back challenges in nonprofits going for- and by starting with transforming ward? yourself and not stopping until you Nonprofits — and for-profits, for transform your industry. This that matter — will always be requires a nonprofit leader willing resource-challenged. No matter what a nonprofit’s mission is, the ■ to institutionalize disruption by Cleveland 216.363.0100 pushing the organization to pressures to diversify revenue ■ Canton 330.966.9400 constantly take a hard look at who streams and build broader support they are and how they are inspiring networks remain. The challenge is ■ Elyria 440.323.3200 innovation inside. to convey your value and your rele- vance to a broad set of audiences + Business Advisors and Certified Public Accountants maloneynovotny.com By asking the tough questions, particularly at the top levels of their while creating and sustaining loyalty board of directors and executive to your mission and brand. ■ 20130422-NEWS--15-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 11:05 AM Page 1

APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 WHO TO WATCH IN NONPROFITS CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 15

REBECCA SEAN SHACKLETT has immersed JACOB VANSICKLE bicycle culture, “something we himself in the really need in Cleveland,” he said. KUSNER Executive director organization’s Executive director Mr. VanSickle, 29, grew up in Director Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio operations and Bike Cleveland Michigan and met his Cleveland- WorkAdvance affiliate community ight now, Jacob VanSickle is born wife at a small college there. at Towards hile arguably a young work. gearing up for “Bike to Work Now, he and his wife and their Employment executive director at age “This is Day” May 17. After that it infant son, Milo, live in the Old 39, Sean Shacklett someone who’s might be Brooklyn neighborhood, a four-mile fter she going to look at Rlobbying Cleve- (plus two-wheel ride) to Bike Cleve- brings to his newest graduated from Ohio th workW a diversity of perspectives, how we’ve done things in the past land City Council land’s office on West 25 Street. Wesleyan University in 1997, forged from experience in the and find improvements,” he said. to improve safety He first landed a job with Slavic Rebecca Kusner was a case for-profit, nonprofit and govern- “He’s a visionary (and) also practi- for bicyclists or Village Development, a community managerA at a halfway house. She then ment sectors. And that’s exactly cal and strategic.” helping design development group, where part of went to work for a staffing agency. what the people who hired him to Mr. Shacklett is committed to and build a bicy- his job as the active living coordina- In those early years, she learned a lead the Susan G. Komen Northeast raising the organization’s brand cle trail through tor got him involved with building valuable lesson. Ohio affiliate wanted. awareness in Cleveland so more another city the Morgana Run Trail, a bike path “People really wanted permanent “His sort of medley of experiences people know it invests the money it neighborhood. along an abandoned rail line that jobs,” Ms. Kusner said. “Employment and exposures was a perfect fit for raises in services for women and “You have a lot of flexibility” runs through the neighborhood. plays such a prominent role in what we were looking for,” said men around breast health, screen- working in the nonprofit sector, said From that experience he was people’s well-being.” Mike Gall, the local affiliate’s board ing and education. the founding executive director of drawn into a local bicycle advocacy Ms. Kusner went on to receive a president and one of the people So, Mr. Shacklett is leading his Bike Cleveland. “It’s not like a community that hadn’t yet gelled master’s degree from Cleveland State who interviewed and hired Mr. staff to increase attendance at the corporate job or a government job into a formal organization. But University, and later became the th Shacklett. 20 Race for the Cure on Sept. 21, where you’ve got to be very meticu- government planning agencies and work force policy manager for Com- “He just stuck out as someone partly through a media campaign. lous; at a nonprofit you can be more foundations realized bicyclists — munity Research Partners, a non- who could take the organization to They also will begin community strategic.” both those who don’t have cars and profit organization in Columbus. new and much better places,” Mr. conversations, wherein they will sit That freedom to leap from one those who use two wheels for recre- She eventually was recruited by To- Gall said. with professionals and community imperative to another is certainly ation — needed a seat at the region- wards Employment, a Cleveland non- Mr. Shacklett started as the local members to uncover the challenges true at Bike Cleveland, where Mr. al transportation planning table. profit with an ambitious goal — to affiliate’s first male executive direc- different communities face in terms VanSickle is the only employee and Still, the job wasn’t his for the tak- start a program called WorkAdvance tor on Feb. 4. His resume had been of access to care. the point person for a small but ing when Bike Cleveland got orga- that would supply a total of 650 quali- on file because he’d applied for “This isn’t a woman’s disease,” he growing bicycling community in nized and started looking for an fied candidates from low-income another position previously, and said. “Women and men both get Cleveland and its suburbs. executive director. households to Northeast Ohio Komen reached out to ask if he still this. This is an issue that affects our Among his big victories in 14 After a national search, however, employers between 2011 and 2015. was interested in working there. entire community.” months on the job were the opening Mr. VanSickle still pedaled out “As we were writing the grant pro- Having earned some leadership Mr. Shacklett lives in Richfield of a bikeway on the Lorain-Carnegie ahead of the pack, said board chair- posal, we had her in mind,” Christie stripes and feeling the desire to serve with his wife, their three children Bridge and a Cleveland bicycle safe- man Christopher Alvarado, “be- Yonkers, Towards Employment’s his local community again, he was. and two dogs. “Always a big wearer ty ordinance that requires passing cause he had been at Slavic Village deputy director, said of Ms. Kusner. Mr. Shacklett had worked most of pink,” he is more purposeful cars, trucks and buses to keep a and with people face to face — that For Ms. Kusner, it was a home- recently for an academic nonprofit, about wearing it now and owns a three-foot buffer zone between was the winning experience that he coming of sorts. but his focus and impact were handful of pink ties and a pink them and bicycles at the curb. brought. We’re very happy with his “I’m originally from Cleveland,” performance.” — Jay Miller nationwide, not “directly impacting bowtie. — Michelle Park It’s all part of an effort to build a the Orange High School graduate the folks that lived down the street.” said. “I was excited about the chance “What I found very quickly is I to come back to Northeast Ohio and had a significant hole … I was not work on a program that not only has engaged in this community,” he an impact on employers, but also has said. “I needed that.” an opportunity to change how we do As executive director, Mr. Shacklett business.” oversees a staff of nine and is respon- WorkAdvance is a collaboration of MARKET SHOCK 2014! sible for developing the strategy and more than 13 Northeast Ohio work vision for the local affiliate, whose an- force and economic development nual revenues total nearly $3 million. organizations. It helps disadvan- The Best Ways for Employers to Navigate Health Care Reform Mr. Gall said the new leader taged adults find employment and already, in the first couple months, works with its manufacturing and health care partners to ensure that EXCLUSIVE SEMINAR their needs are being met, too. AGENDA The WorkAdvance model was de- ESTREMERA REGISTER veloped by the Mayor’s Fund to Ad- continued from PAGE 13 t -BUFTU6QEBUFTPO11"$" vance New York City, the NYC Center 0OMJOFBUCPIHR.comPS for Economic Opportunity and as the “When I do a presentation to par- t 1MBZPS1BZ"OBMZ[FS 5PPMLJUGPS&&&35BY*NQBDU result of several national studies that ents, I say, ‘How many of you in the $BMM440-542-7800 t 6OEFSXSJUJOH.PEFMT3BUF4IPDL took an industry-focused approach last year have told your child, I would t -JLFMZ$POTVNFS#VZJOH#FIBWJPS.BSLFU*NQBDU to work force development. After like you to consider a career working $50 per Attendee early success, the government-spon- in a factory,’ and everyone laughs,” t $SFBUJWF&NQMPZFS'JOBODJBM0QUJPOT sored Social Innovation Fund pro- Mr. Estremera says, referring to the We will be giving away 2 complimentary t -JLFMZ&NQMPZFS&NQMPZFF8JOOFST-PTFST vided grants to spread the program 2,500 to 3,000 students who, along Play or Pay Analyzer Proposals to to new communities in New York, with many of their parents, he t $SFBUJWF*ODFOUJWFT)PMJTUJD$PBDIJOH Oklahoma and Ohio. presents to each year. Attending Companies t 1FFS$PNQBOZ#SFBL0VU4FTTJPO Ms. Kusner was hired in April 2011 But then he talks about how much to direct the programs in Northeast money a good welder makes or what VENUE Ohio (Cuyahoga and Lake counties) a machinist takes home, along with and the Youngstown area, where how many job openings there are %PVCMF5SFFCZ)JMUPO WorkAdvance is present in Mahon- just in Northeast Ohio for workers 2VBSSZ-BOF ing, Trumbull and Columbiana with those same skills. Suddenly, counties. parents who never thought of it *OEFQFOEFODF 0) “It’s an enormous program to get before, start to consider sending up and running,” Ms. Yonkers said. their children to Max Hayes. May 9th 2013 Unemployed and low-income “That’s really surprising to these adults are selected. Once they are in parents to know that these compa- 0QUJPOBNXJUI#SFBLGBTUQSJPS the program, they receive counsel- nies are here and that they’re really 0QUJPOQNXJUI$PDLUBJMTBGUFS ing, learn interviewing skills and are interested in hiring talent from our taught industry-specific skills — all school,” Mr. Estremera said. with their future employers in mind. That’s what drives Mr. Estremera’s Learn why insurance premiums Nationally acclaimed speakers and “What it really is, is a partnership enthusiasm for his work, and also with multiple organizations in North- what led him to return to WIRE-Net are going to rise significantly experts Peter Marathas and Jim Hopkins east Ohio,” Ms. Kusner said. “We are in 2011, after an 11-year stint in and what are good alternatives will lead a discussion featuring Attorneys, working really hard to meet the needs health care. of our manufacturing and health care “We approached him two years for smart companies to consider. Insurance Executives, Underwriters and partners. We know that business ago to direct our new Max Hayes needs come first, and we are design- project because I knew he was pas- If your company has 20 - 1,000 local Employers who are predicting future sionate about helping young people ing programming in response to what employees you can’t afford to market conditions and the best way for business is telling us.” find the best path forward,” said Ms. Kusner said the majority of the WIRE-Net president John Colm. miss this presentation. Employers to navigate Health Care Reform. 650 qualified candidates will be en- Mr. Estremera had worked on rolled in the Northeast Ohio program youth manufacturing programs at by the end of June. WIRE-Net before, so the organiza- “We have had some exciting early tion knew what it was getting. It has results,” she said. “The overall goal of expanded Mr. Estremera’s role, how- the program is to help individuals ever, and expects him not only to at- increase their earnings. Of the indi- tract students to Max Hayes, but also viduals who were placed in the first to work with those developing the year, 20% have already seen wage school to ensure it meets the needs increases. Those wage increases are of manufacturers by offering a averaging $2 an hour. We’re very first-class facility and curriculum. proud of that.” — Kevin Kleps — Dan Shingler 20130422-NEWS--16-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 10:17 AM Page 1

16 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WHO TO WATCH IN NONPROFITS APRIL 22 - 28, 2013

ANNEMARIE GRASSI than 350 middle STEPHEN LOVE Lake Erie beach- about why it’s important to take and high school es, which he de- care of the lake and its beaches. CEO students Information specialist scribes as “a pas- “What started out as a rinky- Open Doors Academy annually at eight Cuyahoga County Land Bank sion gone wild.” dink cleanup, it’s really taken on nnemarie Grassi swore she locations. She tephen Love dropped his plan After he got a some legs now,” Mr. Love said. would never work with hopes that to go to law school in the taste for com- Nelson Beckford, program offi- A middle school students. someday the summer of 2009 when, munity develop- cer at the Cleveland Foundation, But that’s exactly what she’s do- program is in through the Cleveland Foun- ment, he and a described Mr. Love as a “tireless, ing today as CEO of Cleveland- every middle Sdation, he became an intern with the few other Baldwin-Wallace College tireless, tireless” person who based Open Doors Academy, the school in Greater Cleveland, and Buckeye Area Development Corp. nonprofit enrichment and leader- more locations are in the works. students started doing regular thinks about community develop- ship program for teens that she “I never could have imagined it He knew he found his nonprofit cleanups at Euclid Beach Park. ment day and night. founded more than 10 years ago. being what it is,” she said. calling when he started helping res- Then two Collinwood nonprofits “He’s not a talker. He’s a doer,” “I’m a firm believer in destiny … The after-school program focuses idents of Cleveland’s Buckeye joined in, as did area residents. Mr. Beckford said. eventually you’ll end up where on internal growth for middle school neighborhood work together to im- The growing group won a grant Mr. Love — who studied politi- you’re supposed to be,” she said. “It students and college preparations prove their community, Mr. Love to add recycling and trash bins at cal science, Spanish and interna- is very different from anything I and work force development at the said. For instance, one community the park and signs stressing the tional studies at B-W before earn- expected.” high school level. block club didn’t even have money importance of the environment. ing a master’s in public Dr. Grassi — who last year The overall curriculum includes to buy bushes and flowers for a They also started holding events at administration from Cleveland defended her Ph.D. dissertation at service-learning trips, tutoring, streetscape project. So he gathered the park. State University in 2011 — does Cleveland State University with her volunteer work, SAT and ACT donations from area nurseries and Now they’re working on an even sometimes think about things Open Doors students in tow — preparations, college trips and recruited volunteers to spruce bigger plan: They’ve received an other than community develop- initially started her career working internships. Summer programs are things up. $18,000 Cleveland Foundation ment, though. with autistic children and those available, and the program has a “This is something I really like to grant to start an Urban Beach with traumatic brain injury. presence within individual schools For instance, he has a girlfriend, see — a community coming together Ambassadors program. This But the Geauga County native during the day. Allison Lukacsy, and plays trom- to really improve their neighbor- spring, volunteers will start visiting also had maintained a connection Phylicia Delic, a 2008 graduate of bone in an eight-piece Latin music hood,” he said. different beaches to talk to people fusion band. — Chuck Soder with her former youth minister, who Cleveland Heights High School, was Today, Mr. Love’s an information was associated with St. Paul Episco- one of the first students, along with specialist with the Cuyahoga Coun- pal Church in Cleveland Heights. her twin sister, to go through the ty Land Bank, which finds new uses The East Side church had a grow- program. JULIE CHASE-MOREFIELD campaign to ing youth program, and before Dr. “I just think it’s an amazing for run-down properties. He runs the database that the organization help fund the Grassi knew it, at the age of 23, she program,” said 22-year-old Ms. Executive director construction of uses to manage its long list of prop- was given a $70,000 budget and Delic, who works as promotions co- Second Harvest Food Bank of North a new head- erties, but he also is the land bank’s hired to build the after-school drop- ordinator at Radio One and is a Central Ohio quarters, which communications specialist and in program. graduate of Northwood University is expected to helps communities develop their espite making inroads in “They said, this is your baby … in Midland, Mich. the private sector at a increase the or- grow it,” she recalled. own land re-use projects. As for Dr. Grassi, she feels about research and develop- ganization’s And grow it, she has. the same: “She’s always been an But by night the 2006 graduate of ment firm, Julie Chase- space from Open Doors Academy today has a amazing person … she believes in all Charles F. Brush High School is an DMorefield always was drawn to the 16,000 square feet to 40,000 square $2.1 million budget and serves more her students.” — Amy Ann Stoessel advocate for all things related to nonprofit arena. feet. The campaign got a major “There just felt like there was boost in January with a $1.5 million something more than the bottom gift from the Nordson Corporation line,” said Ms. Chase-Morefield, Foundation. now the executive director of Sec- “It was three times more than we had asked, and the largest gift Presented by: ond Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, which serves Lorain, in their foundation’s history,” Ms. Erie, Huron and Crawford counties. Chase-Morefield said. “I don’t “I wanted there to be a different think it gets any better than that.” bottom line. In food banking, the Ms. Chase-Morefield credits the end result is people are fed. At the organization’s success to Second end of the day, that makes me feel Harvest’s staff and the communities in which it operates. Healthiest Employers & Champions of Corporate Wellness better than zeroes on a balance sheet.” However, Deb Mills-Scofield, a When Ms. Chase-Morefield local consultant who helped arrived at the organization in 2004, Second Harvest with its strategic she said Second Harvest was in the planning process, credits Ms. “midst of a transition, which is the Chase-Morefield’s ability to RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! best and nicest way to put it.” The embrace Second Harvest’s mission quiet organization employed only and carry it out effectively. five and distributed about 2 “She has a very unique ability to www.CrainsCleveland.com/hchtix million pounds of food each year. lead internally and externally,” Ms. Since her arrival, Second Mills-Scofield said. “She’s got the Harvest distributes roughly 7 respect of the community, she or call 216-771-5159 million pounds of food annually, makes things happen, she’s down its staff has grown to 19 and the to earth and, quite frankly, her organization has launched a bevy leadership qualities are powerful of new programs. and better than I see in a lot of Moreover, the group recently for-profit companies.” Awards Networking launched a $3.5 million capital — Timothy Magaw Luncheon NONPROFITS WHEN: Tuesday May 21, 2013 UJCTGOCP[QHVJGUCOGEJCNNGPIGU WHERE: Executive Caterers at Landerhaven HCEGF D[ HQTRTQƂV DWUKPGUUGU [GV PGGF VQ TGOCKP VTCPURCTGPV QRGP LUNCHEON & AWARDS: 11:00AM -1:30PM CPF GPICIGF YJKNG RWTUWKPI VJGKT OKUUKQPHQTVJG)TGCVGT)QQF

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 17 Tremont: Employees have been working for equity, not checks continued from PAGE 1 sions have been made,” Mrs. the contestant must give the pro- supply. It puts a magnet and a lithi- nPEG will remain a niche, rather development and production LeMieux said. ducers the option of either a 2% um battery into a nine-inch-long than mass market, product at the problems to personnel issues, Carol Latham, a member of the royalty on operating profits; war- tube and takes the kinetic energy $199 price point, so reducing cost is among them — to get to positive board, said the company was going rants that give production entities a produced from walking, running or an issue. cash flow before investors lose through a rough transition. 5% equity interest in the company; any side-to-side or back-and-forth A byproduct of the company’s fi- interest and the money runs out. “It’s been tough. It’s taking its or 5% of the value from a liquida- motion and stores that energy in a nancial struggles is three tax liens Hence, the appearance on toll on management,” she said. “It tion of the company. lithium battery. It can be used to filed by the IRS and the Ohio De- “Shark Tank,” where a panel of five needs to go forward with new man- The reality show, now in its power cell phones and other con- partment of Jobs and Family Ser- “sharks” — experienced, wealthy agement.” fourth season, puts an entrepre- sumer electronic devices. vices between November of last neur in a room with a small group That’s sophisticated technology, year and April 3 totaling slightly less entrepreneurs — hears pitches Will work for equity from operators of young compa- of wealthy investor types who and transforming that idea into a than $50,000. The liens reflect a fail- nies who try to convince the sharks Mr. LeMieux said he and most of probe for weaknesses and consumer product that can be reli- ure to pay in a timely fashion em- to invest their own money in their the other six Tremont Electric em- strengths. Mark Cuban, owner of ably built at a reasonable price has- ployer contributions to federal tax- startups. The hope is that if one of ployees have been working for eq- the Dallas Mavericks basketball n’t been easy. es and state unemployment taxes. the sharks doesn’t come to their uity in the company rather than a team and an Internet billionaire, is “People look at it and say it’s like Mr. LeMieux said the company aid, someone who sees the show paycheck, a practice not unknown among the current sharks. the shake flashlight,” a product that has adopted a low media profile after a flurry of positive press cov- will. in the startup world. A technological challenge sells for as little as $10. “If it was “For us, it’s really our free Super “The most I can say is it’s never that easy, we would have been erage a few years ago. Bowl commercial,” Mr. LeMieux an easy road to be able to do the Tremont Electric rose to promi- there a long time ago.” “We’ve had a lot of really good said. “It’s something we could never things we’re trying to do,” Mr. nence after winning a competitive Mr. LeMieux said various chal- successes, things that I certainly pay for as a company.” LeMieux said. “You hope you don’t $55,000 loan in 2008 from Cuyahoga lenges that hit two years ago, would really like to be able to talk Mr. LeMieux is bound by a confi- have these trials and tribulations.” County. In 2010, the company would including quality issues and prob- about out loud, but I’m not allowed dentiality agreement that forbids Neither the LeMieuxs nor Ms. win a NorTech Innovation Award. lems with a battery supplier who to say too much about them,” Mr. him from divulging details of the Latham, who founded and then sold By then, the concept of a person- couldn’t deliver a quality product LeMieux said. show in advance, so he couldn’t her own manufacturing company, al portable generator was touted by in quantity, kept the nPEG from But, he added, he’s receiving talk about the success or failure of Thermagon Inc., would comment National Public Radio, The Wall breaking out commercially. calls from companies that see the his pitch. further on the financial and man- Street Journal and Agence France “Thankfully we were able to con- commercial uses of the technology. But Mr. LeMieux and his wife, agement issues the company faces. Presse. In January 2011, PC Maga- nect with some local investors, and Also giving it a look is the U.S. Jill, the company’s vice president of The visibility on “Shark Tank” zine reported that, “Although it was our original investors had enough Department of Defense. marketing, were willing to talk could be a valuable lifeline, even launched a couple of months ago, confidence to give us more invest- Mr. LeMieux said the military got briefly about the state of the orga- though it could come at a high one of the early hits at this year’s ment and some loans,” he said. interested after the border between price. Consumer Electronics Show seems Pakistan and Afghanistan was nization. The other member of the Mum’s the word top management team is president Like contestants on “American to be the nPowerPlug from closed in late 2011 and fuel deliver- Charles Ames, who is responsible Idol” who must agree to a recording Tremont Electric.” A local contract manufacturer, ies to forward units stopped. That for day-to-day operations. contract with the producers as a Mr. LeMieux began thinking Delta Systems in Streetsboro, situation meant generators in the In a joint telephone interview condition of appearing on the show, about the product while hiking the helped smooth out the problems, field couldn’t run, which meant last Friday, April 19, the couple companies that appear on “Shark Appalachian Trail, where he needed Mr. LeMieux said, and the product, field radios couldn’t be recharged. acknowledged a report that Tank” must agree to give the show’s to leave the trail to buy batteries. which retails for $199, is now avail- “We always knew there would be Tremont Electric’s board of direc- producers a financial interest. What’s now called the nPEG per- able on the shelves of some retailers a level of interest there; things are tors discussed a management The “Shark Tank” contract states sonal energy generator uses a and online, including through REI, a moving along,” Mr. LeMieux said, shakeup at a meeting on Thursday. that if the appearance results in a patented energy conversion tech- leading outdoor products retailers. though he couldn’t discuss the mil- “That is accurate, but no deci- financial investment in the company, nology to create a portable power Still, Mr. LeMieux knows the itary’s interest further. ■ REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIED Phone: (216) 522-1383 Fax: (216) 694-4264 Copy Deadline: Wednesdays @ 2:00 p.m. Contact: Denise Donaldson E-mail: [email protected] All Ads Pre-Paid: Check or Credit Card

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18 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 22 - 28, 2013 THEINSIDER REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK THEWEEK BEHIND THE NEWS WITH CRAIN’S WRITERS OhShift wins laughs, tions in the first full cal- unions’ lending success to the low interest APRIL 15 - 21 endar year that he has rate environment and a slowly improving if not any awards been on the job. economy. — Michelle Park The big story: Lester Lefton announced he ■ OnShift didn’t win anything at the North- Jonathan Mokri, who UH, Summa to star at will retire next summer as president of Kent east Ohio Software Association’s Best of was hired in September State University — a post the 66-year-old Tech Awards last week. 2011 to originate loans health systems powwow Boston native has held since However, the Cleveland-based producer for six institutions ■ In recognition of the strides two local 2006. Dr. Lefton, who has of staff management software did get a few including Taleris Credit health systems have made in terms of pop- presided over the university laughs. Union in Brooklyn Mokri ulation health management, a national during an era of marked Sure, the award for Best Software Product Heights and Cardinal summit will take place in Cleveland this growth, said in a message to went home with UrbanCode — a Cleveland Community Credit Union in Mentor, origi- week that will explore the rising role of the university faculty, staff and company that makes software for software nated 16 business loans totaling $5.52 mil- accountable care organization — a still students that he was proud developers — but, during a compilation of lion in 2012, according to Cooperative Busi- murky facet of health care reform aimed at of where Kent State is today videos made by the finalists, the crowd ness Services LLC in Cincinnati. banding together providers to coordinate and that its “record-setting laughed hardest for OnShift. “For a first year in a new market … it ex- patient care. Lefton performances have exceeded During the video, someone dressed like a ceeded our expectations, given the fact that The conference is presented by Premier even our own high expectations.” The university robot does the things OnShift’s software is we … were an unknown name and the credit Inc., a health care alliance based in Char- said a national search for his successor will supposed to do: It makes a replacement em- unions hadn’t offered commercial loans of lotte, N.C, and co-hosted by University Hos- ployee appear out of thin air and (violently) this type of manner,” said Andy Weingart- launch in the coming weeks. pitals and Summa Health System in Akron. stops people from racking up overtime and ner, executive vice president of Cooperative The ACO summit, which will be held April clocking out early. Business Services. Turf battle: A Streetsboro manufacturer said 23-24 on the UH campus in Cleveland, will OnShift also fell short in the Tech Compa- Cooperative Business Servcies is a credit it will close this summer in a move that will elim- bring together representatives from 40 ny of the Year category, which was won by union service organization that helps more inate 290 jobs. Commercial Turf Products Ltd., health systems from across the country that Westlake’s Hyland Software. What a shame than 70 credit unions in 10 states originate, a maker of lawn and garden equipment, will shut are part of Premier’s ACO collaborative — the employees at the company work so underwrite and syndicate business loans. Premier vice president Joe Damore said in the plant at 1777 Miller Parkway starting June 14. hard, according to OnShift’s second video. Mr. Mokri is its newest loan officer, and its Commercial Turf Products is a subsidiary of an email that the health systems gathered in “If you want to close more deals, you have sixth in Ohio. Cleveland will gain insight into UH and MTD, a maker of outdoor power equipment. The to get faster on the phones!” a drill sergeant The most prolific of the Ohio shared loan Summa’s “innovative approaches to im- Valley City company is closing the plant because boss screams at three employees in training. officer arrangements — in Columbus — proving health care and lowering cost.” it has excess capacity. The work at Commercial “Faster! Faster!” closed more than $10 million in loans in “Members of our team have worked with Turf Products will be split among three plants in “What are you doing with coffee???” he 2012; that region has two business develop- health systems across the nation in more Mississippi, Tennessee, and Willard, Ohio. yells at one of them. “Coffee is for closers!” ment professionals. than 120 cities helping them build account- See the videos at youtube.com/onshift- The average size of loans made in North- able care organizations,” Mr. Damore said. Shell of a move: TravelCenters of America software. — Chuck Soder east Ohio’s arrangement was roughly “Summa and UH are among the nation’s LLC entered into a definitive agreement with Shell Give them credit $350,000. leaders in redesigning health care to achieve Oil Products U.S. to construct and run a network Eaton Family Credit Union Inc. in Euclid higher quality, more cost effective and of natural gas fueling lanes at TravelCenters in business lending joined the arrangement last October, bring- patient-centric care. Our collaborative is locations along the U.S. Interstate Highway ■ The volume of business loans issued by ing to seven the number of credit unions is- designed to enable health systems to learn System. Shell will construct at least two natural several Northeast Ohio credit unions that suing the loans Mr. Mokri originates. from the leaders, and that is why we are here gas fueling lanes for large over-the-road trucks share a loan officer has exceeded expecta- Mr. Weingartner said attributes credit in Cleveland.” — Timothy Magaw and related storage capacity at up to 100 TA and Petro Stopping Center locations, at Shell’s cost, within several years. Shell agreed to supply MILESTONE BEST OF THE BLOGS natural gas fuel to these locations, and Shell and TravelCenters separately will market natural gas Excerpts from recent blog entries on Get in the game CrainsCleveland.com. fuel to their respective customers. ■ The first quarter “has been the ugliest for corporate outlooks since 2001,” Reuters said Orders take off: Nextant Aerospace in Rich- Swimming? Keep your in a story noting that, among S&P 500 com- mond Heights is on course to fill an 18-aircraft mouth closed panies making earnings forecasts, “4.5 have order valued at $89 million that is headed for the come in below Wall Street estimates for ■ “When people swim in Lake Erie, they’re Chinese market. The company announced the every one above them.” frolicking not just among perch and walleye order along with the appointment of the China But Reuters said downbeat outlook but a vast, inanimate presence of garbage.” Great Wall Industry Corp. as the company’s announcements from companies have a That’s the unappealing first sentence in a exclusive sales agent in a region that includes way of creating the conditions for big gains. story from TheAtlanticCities.com. The piece mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. “First, the share prices of the companies said the material “floats just beneath the Nextant began selling its remanufactured air- tend to decline,” according to the story. SUBMITTED PHOTO surface and is made of little bits of plastic, craft, the 400XT, after receiving Federal Aviation “Then, Wall Street analysts often lower their Paul Gorton bought Ford’s Clothier in 2008. known as microplastics Administration certification in October 2011. own estimates in line with the corporate or ‘mermaids’ tears,’ outlooks. Finally, having created an envi- COMPANY: Ford’s Clothier, Rocky which come from trash Powering up: University Hospitals and a ronment of lower expectations, many com- dropped by humans group of smaller health systems known as the River panies manage to beat the forecasts … after and probably industrial Community Health Collaborative have banded th all when the results are announced.” OCCASION: Its 100 anniversary facilities around the lake together to create a purchasing collaborative to Nick Raich, CEO of The Earnings Scout, Ford’s this year marks a century of “serving as well.” save money on supplies and other services. Uni- an independent research firm in Cleveland gentlemen and their sons” with fine men’s Lorena Rios-Mendoza, versity Hospitals, EMH Healthcare in Elyria, that specializes in earnings trends, told clothing on Cleveland’s West Side. an oceanographer at the Parma Community General Hospital and Reuters, “The companies are doing a very The store’s current owner, Paul Gorton, University of Wisconsin- Southwest General in Middleburg Heights have good job of guiding the analysts lower started working at Ford’s when he was 16. Superior, is among scientists “who’ve formed what has been dubbed the Purchasing to pave the way for what I call ‘manufac- After working part-time and then full-time for plunged the polluted depths of American Organization of the Western Reserve, or POWR. tured earnings surprises.’ That’s the way the the Ford family for 37 years, Mr. Gorton lakes,” according to TheAtlanticCities.com. earnings game is played.” Win some, lose your job: Three consecutive bought the business in 2008, keeping the “Her team recently sampled sections of losing seasons, the last of which will result in familiar Ford’s Clothier name. Lake Erie — which can’t seem to catch a Near the top of the barrel at least one high lottery pick, cost Cleveland Ford’s Clothier traces its roots to 1913 break these days, what with its mercury ■ Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott his job — when William Ford started what was called infection and rashes of poisonous algae — Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland even as the team continued to say it was build- the W.N. Ford Supply Co. The original store and discovered that the water’s been invaded landed at No. 19 on a list of the top 50 craft th ing through the draft. Mr. Scott was fired last was at 1824 W. 48 St. in Cleveland; a by great quantities of microplastics mostly brewing companies in the United States, Thursday, April 18, one day after Cavs finished photo of William Ford standing in front of that smaller than grains of rice,” the website based on 2012 beer sales volume. 24-58, which was the third-worst record in the store still hangs in Ford’s Clothier’s current reported. The Brewers Association — a nonprofit NBA. He was 64-166, a .278 winning percentage, location. “Specifically, they measured concentra- trade group in Boulder, Colo., that tabulates in three seasons. The Cavs never won more than William Ford’s son George eventually took tions between 1,500 and 1.7 million parti- production statistics for the U.S. brewing 24 games in a season during Mr. Scott’s tenure. over the store, and throughout the years he cles per square mile, which is 24 percent industry — also included data on the top 50 moved it to several locations on Madison greater than what they found in the Atlantic overall brewing companies nationwide, 39 Change at the top: Forest City Enterprises Avenue in Lakewood. George Ford settled at Ocean’s debris field,” the piece stated. of which are small, independent craft brewers. Inc. said Bruce Ratner has been named execu- the Rocky River location on Detroit Road This “thriving plastics colony represents Even on the list that includes beer giants tive chairman at its Forest City Ratner Cos. around 1960. a significant hazard to biodiversity, because such as Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors, th subsidiary, and that MaryAnne Gilmartin has George’s son Jeff Ford took the reins of the small chunks look like food to fish, birds Great Lakes ranks as the country’s 28 - succeeded him as the New York unit’s president Ford’s Clothier in 1979 and retired in 2008, and other creatures,” the website said. Once largest brewer. and CEO. The company said the transition is when Mr. Gorton became the owner. Jeff swallowed, “the indigestible material can The largest craft brewer in America is part of its ongoing succession planning. Ford still works at Ford’s Clothier part-time. fill up an animal’s stomach and create a Boston Beer Co., followed by Sierra Nevada For details, visit www.FordsClothier.com. fatal blockage.” Brewing Co. of Chico, Calif. 20130422-NEWS--19-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 1:02 PM Page 1

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Radiance, a business casual, cocktail / hors d’oeuvres Business executive Trevor Jones and photographer reception with a short program, is Cleveland State Jennie Jones will be honored with the President's University's signature event in support of Medal for their exceptional service to CSU and their student scholarships. civic leadership. For information on sponsorships and tickets, call 216.523.7207 or visit www.csuohio.edu/radiance. 20130422-NEWS--20-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 4/19/2013 3:20 PM Page 1