Crain's Cleveland Business

EIGHT OVER 80 TIMELESS TALENTS SECTION BEGINS ON PAGE 10

CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM I APRIL 19, 2021

SPORTS BUSINESS

'GRAND' STAGE Even on a smaller scale, the NFL draft is big enough to provide a ‘long tail’ of benefits to Cleveland

BY KEVIN KLEPS

AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NFL DRAFT THEATER picked up pace in the second week of April, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame president and CEO Greg Harris was struck by the sheer size of the temporary space along the lakefront.

“It gives you a sense of the magnitude of this,” Harris said. “It even makes the old X Games and those events look small. This is on a grand scale.”

Cleveland — with the Republican National Convention, the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities on its resume in just the past five years — is no stranger to hosting big-time events. The April 29-May 1 draft, though, has taken on added significance, several organizers say, because it’s the biggest event the city has celebrated since the pandemic throttled the tourism and hospitality industries last year.

MONICA GUSTIN

See NFL DRAFT on Page 6

HEALTH CARE

How the role of school health programs might expand Pandemic has ‘severed’ primary way providers connected with students

BY LYDIA COUTRÉ

From providing mobile units that serve as practically full-service primary care offices on wheels to staffing school nursing services, health care providers have for years worked with schools and districts in various ways to care for students.

Reaching children at school made sense. It offered easy access and helped providers check in with children where they consistently were.

Until the pandemic sent them home.

“How do we help families connect if one of the largest connection points is severed?” said Dr. Claudia

Hoyen, director of infection control for UH Rainbow and co-director for University Hospitals “And how do we make it easy for people to get in to see us?”

As partners for health care in schools, health systems had to find creative ways to continue reaching students where they could. They of-

ten stepped into an expert adviser role as schools figured out how best to implement federal and state safety protocols and work toward returning children to classrooms.

“Definitely, the pandemic threw a wrench in a lot of our plans for 2020,” said Dr. Roopa Thakur, pediatrician and medical director of Cleveland Clinic Children’s school-based health care program.

More than ever, the past year has shown how health and education go hand in hand and provided an opportunity to deepen the relationships between the two fields, said Katie Davis, director of the Center for Health Outreach, Access and Prevention at MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E. See HEALTH on Page 7

NEWSPAPER

VOL. 42, NO. 15 l COPYRIGHT 2021 CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. l ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

P001_CL_20210419.indd 1

4/16/2021 3:03:46 PM

MANUFACTURING

Whiteacre looks to future with new owner Canton supplier of rebar systems is hoping for infrastructure boost

BY DAN SHINGLER

Canton’s Whiteacre Engineering has a new owner and CEO, and new hopes for growth via a potential national infrastructure spend that would increase demand for its products: rebar systems that it makes and helps install into concrete structures under construction.

“I actually finalized buying out 100% of the shares on the 28th of February,” said new owner Scott Clymire.

The company announced he was the new CEO on April 1.

Clymire said he began purchasing the company from brothers and co-owners Keith and Todd LePage when he was in his previous role of chief operating officer. He then purchased the company outright for an undisclosed amount.

“Both (previous owners) had children they were hoping would come back into the business and I would be here as a coach, but it just never happened. … So over the last five years, I’ve been slowly buying into the company,” Clymire said.

Keith LePage said he’s confident he’s leaving his company and employees in good hands and is more than a little grateful to have Clymire as the succeeding owner.

“Since joining Whitacre in 2013, Scott has consistently demonstrated a strong drive to learn and help the organization improve operations, processes and profitability. His energy, thoroughness, problem solving and follow-through are exceptional,” LePage said in a statement. “Scott sincerely cares about our people, our culture, our values and our customers. We are thankful to God for leading Scott to us and are excited to see him extend the Whitacre legacy.”

The company is not huge in terms of employees, but it’s had an outsized role in many area construction projects.

Whiteacre has 65 employees, including 31 office workers mostly at its headquarters in Canton. The rest are about evenly split between its fabrication shops in Magnolia and Syra-

Rebar from Canton’s Whiteacre Engineering is used to build a medical education building at Case Western Reserve University’s Health Education Campus. | WHITEACRE ENGINEERING

“IT’S EASIER TO DO ONE BIG JOB THAN SEVERAL SMALLER ONES. … AND THE BIGGER AND MORE COMPLEX IT IS, THE MORE WE’RE GOING TO SHINE. — Scott Clymire, Whiteacre Engineering owner and CEO

cuse, N.Y., Clymire said.

Over the past five years or so, the company has averaged about $30 million in annual revenue, though that number was down by about 28% in 2020 from a slowdown in construction because of the pandemic, Clymire said.

If you haven’t heard of Whiteacre, there’s still a good chance you’ve probably driven on roads or walked through a building held together by its rebar systems.

The 101-year-old company’s rebar is in iconic Akron structures such as the former Mayflower Hotel, now Mayflower Manor, Clymire said.

More recently, it was used for the construction of the new I-90 Inner-

belt Bridge in Cleveland, the Hilton at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University’s Health Education Campus, among other construction projects in the region, Clymire said.

The company doesn’t make rebar. It purchases it from steel mills and then works with customers to determine exactly what they need before cutting the rebar to custom lengths and arranging it in the order it will be used on a job site. It then delivers and ties the rebar rods together at job sites.

In addition to its own employees, Whiteacre uses up to 150 union iron workers to handle the job site work,

Clymire said.

Laurie Millspaugh, co-owner of Albion, N.Y.’s Millspaugh Construction Co., said her company exclusively uses rebar from Whiteacre in its work, all of which involves cement for things like power-line transmission projects and pier construction.

“We’ve been working with them for three or four years, maybe longer,” Millspaugh said. “Years ago, we used to tie our own rebar, but with the work we do now we don’t have time — and frankly their iron workers can do it faster.”

Rebar pieces must be tied together on site and in position so they don’t shift when cement is poured around them. It’s tough material, though, and the task is not easy. So specialized iron workers used to dealing with it are often quicker than construction workers, Millspaugh said.

After a down year in 2020 for both Whiteacre and the construction industry, Clymire is hoping business will pick up in 2021. The resumption of private construction in a postCOVID environment would help, and

the $2.25 trillion infrastructure plan being proposed in Washington, D.C., would likely help even more, he said.

For now, though, Clymire is trying to temper his optimism.

Traditional infrastructure spending on things like highway bridges would help, he said, “but until we see what gets passed, we don’t know what’s in there.”

For Whiteacre, the bigger the job, the better it can show off its skill of increasing the efficiency and speed of construction, according to Clymire.

“It’s easier to do one big job than several smaller ones. … And the bigger and more complex it is, the more we’re going to shine,” he said. “We do jobs that are a couple thousand pounds — a very small job — and larger jobs. The Innerbelt Bridge was one where we supplied epoxy rebar on I-90 near Cleveland. That job was $11 million for us.”

Even some of the nontraditional infrastructure spending now being proposed by President Joe Biden’s administration could produce new revenue for Whiteacre.

“They say they’re going to be looking at wind tech and doing more windfarms,” Clymire said. “Well, we do wind farms. They have huge foundations.”

Things may already be turning around. Clymire said rebar sales are up about 50% since Thanksgiving, and he thinks the upward trend will continue.

“My crystal ball is pretty foggy, but as I sit here today my optimism is very high,” he said.

If he’s right, the company may expand. Rebar is heavy and therefore very sensitive to shipping costs, he said. So each of Whiteacre’s plants can serve clients in a radius of about 200 miles before it loses its pricing edge over nearby competitors. Clymire said he bought the company with the intent of increasing its territory.

“As a new owner who has some debt to pay off, there are no immediate plans — but there are definitely plans,” Clymire said. “I think there are opportunities to open two or three new fab shops over about the next five to 10 years.”

Dan Shingler: dshingler@crain.com, (216) 771-5290, @DanShingler

EDUCATION

Choose Ohio First looks to boost STEMM college students

BY AMY MORONA

As jobs in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) fields continue to grow, a statewide initiative wants to increase Ohio’s talent pool in these areas while strengthening the ties between industry and higher education.

It’s a two-pronged goal. It aims to boost the amount of students studying these in-demand fields at Ohio’s institutions. Enrollment struggles hit many during the pandemic. Plus, the decline of high school graduates is forecast to continue in Ohio.

The hope is these students will stay after graduation, too. Northeast Ohio has a pipeline problem. The region reportedly retains fewer than 47% of its college graduates each year. Increasing that number by 10 percentage 2 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

points would add 3,130 more bachelor’s degree recipients to the region, according to a 2020 Team NEO report.

Enter Choose Ohio First. More than $69.8 million will be awarded in the latest round of its competitive multiyear grants. The money is going to 57 colleges and universities across the state but is earmarked specifically for student scholarships. A portion of it will go toward new students. A separate pool supports current students.

All award recipients must be graduates of an Ohio high school and major in a STEMM offering. While each college has some amount of flexibility to implement additional requirements and structure individual campus programs differently, it’s more than a scholarship. Mentoring, advising and internship opportunities are baked into many offerings.

Brown

Gardner

“It’s kind of like being in an honors program or an athlete,” said Avis Brown, the University of Akron’s academic and retention support director. “You have this specific support that’s there for you.”

Choose Ohio First (COF) was created in 2008. The state has held a handful of requests for proposals since then, including this most recent one late last year. The Ohio Department of

Higher Education’s (ODHE) website said the effort “funds higher education and business collaborations that will have the most impact on Ohio’s position in world markets such as aerospace, medicine, computer technology and alternative energy.”

The strongest proposals saw a higher share of funding requests fulfilled, though no institution received its total ask, according to ODHE officials.

ODHE chancellor Randy Gardner said colleges are committed to the effort. Institutions’ own funding is used, too.

“It’s not just sending a college or university a check and hope that they educate students in the STEMM fields,” said Gardner. “When they send back an RFP, they have to show connections to the business community, they show an effort to support

underrepresented populations, the work-based opportunities. All of that is part of their mission.”

Gardner added the effort gives institutions of all sizes a chance to compete. Community colleges and private colleges received funding in addition to larger four-year publics.

In fact, Gardner said he was really excited by the proposal from Cuyahoga Community College.

Tri-C proposed attracting high school students, undeclared students and adult learners to its COF program. It’s slated to receive $1.2 million, though official grant agreements haven’t gone out to institutions yet.

The college’s proposal focused on strengthening its health career, IT and manufacturing offerings.

See CHOOSE OHIO on Page 21

REAL ESTATE

Pandemic, growth are senior housing’s perfect storm Operators weather a challenging era after a big run-up in supply

NEO senior living market faces 26% vacancy rate

BY STAN BULLARD

Senior housing occupancy by quarter: Q4 2005 to Q1 2021 .

Here’s a recipe for a real estate challenge.

Take the completion of more than a half-dozen senior living communities in Northeast Ohio. Mix it with COVID-19, which hits hard at the target demographic of older people, along with the necessity of curtailing visits, not to mention tours by prospects, of properties for most of a year. Add that it’s a largely life-changing, expensive, difficult decision.

The result: a 74% occupancy rate as of March 31 for the Cleveland market, giving the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) the nation’s third-highest vacancy rate for senior housing outside nursing homes.

That’s according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, an Annapolis, Md., nonprofit that produces data for the sector. Nationally, occupancy was 78.8%, which NIC proclaimed a record low. That was even down 1.8 percentage points from the figure at the end of 2020.

In Akron (the MSA for Summit-Portage counties), NIC puts occupancy at almost the same level as Cleveland, at 74%. NIC doesn’t include it in national

The Cleveland area has one of the lowest occupancy rates in the country for the senior living market’s independent, assisted living and memory care offerings.

National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care trade group data show how occupancy plunged in the face of the pandemic and new building openings.

100% 74.2%

90 80 70 60

’06

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

SOURCE: NIC MAP DATA SERVICE

’14

’15

’16

’17

’18

’19

’20

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS GRAPHIC

rankings due to its size.

In Westlake, the gorgeous, brick and stone-studded Concord Reserve independent living apartments with a community dining room and other amenities opened 80 units in September 2020. As of late February, just eight were occupied.

Part of the long-established Lutheran Home’s nursing home property on Dover Center Road, the former faithbased operation merged last year with Life Enriching Communities, a faithbased nonprofit elderly housing provider based in Cincinnati.

Scott McQuinn, president of Life Enriching Communities, said in an interview that it was a tough winter for Concord Reserve, as with other elderly

housing providers.

“The winter was a pretty tight period of time,” McQuinn said. “No one, particularly seniors, was interested in making a move. People don’t want to move somewhere without being able to come in and touch it. People in that age group were the most impacted by the pandemic. Now with vaccinations, they are feeling a little more secure.

Webinars and virtual tours (last year) only went so far. People are starting to tour again.”

This segment of senior housing includes independent living, assisted living and memory care units, but not nursing homes. Such projects often have been added to develop a continuing care community for seniors as they

age and require help with activities for daily living, or assisted living, and nursing home care. In Concord Reserve’s case, it took advantage of the Lutheran Home’s land-rich site in the suburb.

Across town in East Cleveland, McGregor Home, a nonprofit affiliated with the McGregor Foundation, in 2019 finished a 90-unit assisted living senior community through a joint venture with CHN Housing Partners, a Cleveland nonprofit affordable housing producer.

As the project used low-income housing tax credits to help finance it on the manicured, sprawling grounds of McGregor’s existing assisted living and nursing home operations, it was built with 50 affordable, or income-restricted, units that were all leased by January 2020 before the pandemic hit. Now 20 of the 40 market-rate units have leased, so a year after opening the property sits at 65% occupancy.

McGregor president and CEO Ann Conn said private-pay units became a challenge in the pandemic. She said that’s because their potential occupants could afford to stay in their homes and pay for services, which was not an avenue for people who qualify for income-restricted units.

Conn said that with the rise of spring weather and vaccinations, inquiries about spaces are climbing. She said she expects it will take all of 2021 to return McGregor Home to its pre-pandemic levels.

At fast-growing Omni Senior Living, the Solon developer of six Vitalia senior living communities over the last five years has added almost 900 units throughout Northeast Ohio. Omni executives acknowledge a big slice of local vacancy is due to its local growth.

Mario Sinicariello, president of Omni Senior Living, acknowledged in an interview that opening a new community means starting with no tenants, and it takes time to fill them up.

Omni calculates absorption of units slowed last year to eight months from six months. It plans to open additional communities in North Olmsted and North Royalton this year, and is starting two more in Mentor and Highland Heights.

Dealing with the pandemic was a natural for operations that are used to being cautious for the annual flu season, Sinicariello said.

“We’re still moving people in, but not at the same level as before,” he said.

Vitalia, which has a focus on fine food common among senior living operators, also has the benefit of new properties with a long list of amenities from fitness centers to spas. That gives it an edge, Sinicariello said, over older properties.

However, Omni argues a 5-mile radius determines how well each property does, as potential tenants like to stay near their homes or families.

See SENIOR HOUSING on Page 20

Connecting your craft to your customers Internet and voice solutions do more than just help with everyday tasks. They’re what connect your craft to your customers. When it matters most, count on 99.9% reliability from Cox Business.

Switch today.

25 MBPS INTERNET AND IP CENTREX SELECT

59

$

for 6 months

/mo*

• NO ANNUAL CONTRACT • FREE SELF-INSTALL • 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Paperless billing and auto-payment enrollment required

Call (877) 903-7884 or visit coxbusiness.com to switch today *Offer ends 4/30/21. Available to new commercial data subscribers (excluding gov’t agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $59/mo includes Cox Business InternetSM 25 and IPC Select for months 1-6 and free self-install; $10 step-up in month 7. Rates subject to change after month 7 or if you cancel Auto Pay or Paperless Bill. Offer requires Auto Pay and Paperless Bill. Price excludes equipment, professional installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. “No annual contract” means no specific term period requirement and no early termination fees. All Cox services are provided subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies, which may be found at www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html. CB Internet: Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Voice: 15-seat maximum. IPC Select is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling. Desktop app included; physical handsets may be purchased separately from Cox. Access to E911 may not be available during equipment or extended power outage. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. 30-day satisfaction guarantee limited to refund of standard installation/activation fees and the first month’s recurring service and equipment fees (and equipment purchase fees if purchased from Cox) for the newly subscribed services only. Excludes all other costs and charges. Refund must be claimed within 30 days of service activation. Other restrictions apply. © 2021 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

NPA107558-0004

APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 3

P003_CL_20210419.indd 3

4/16/2021 11:33:54 AM

ANALYSIS

ATTENTION:

Inside Goodyear’s push into the mobility space

A LOWER LOAN

PAYMENT WITH YOUR LOCAL CREDIT UNION

Akron tiremaker leverages venture capital fund, partnerships to look toward future

CALL TODAY! Interest Rates at All Time Lows!

• Loans up to $15 Million • No Prepayment Penalties • As Little as 10% Down

BY ERIN PUSTAY BEAVEN RUBBER & PLASTICS NEWS

Your Business Lending Partner SM CONTACT JONATHAN A. MOKRI 440.526.8700 • jmokri@cbscuso.com www.cbscuso.com

NORTHEAST OHIO LAND

AUCTION

MAY 20

INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, OFFICE & AGRICULTURAL/ RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTH OLMSTED, STRONGSVILLE & WAITE HILL, OH. PARCEL A: 5 ACRES ZONED GEN INDUSTRIAL Foltz Industrial Pkwy., Strongsville, OH Terrific opportunity for industrial user or investor. Excellent location within industrial park.

OFFERED WITH A PUBLISHED RESERVE PRICE OF ONLY $98,500!

PARCEL B: 3.33 ACRES ZONED RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE Barton Rd., North Olmsted, OH Excellent opportunity for a variety of possible uses. Great location with strong demographics.

OFFERED WITH A PUBLISHED RESERVE PRICE OF ONLY $49,500!

PARCEL C: 16 ACRES ZONED AGRICULTURAL/RES Eagle & Smith Rds., Waite Hill, OH Terrific opportunity for the astute builder/developer or investor. Incredible location with strong demographics.

BIDDING TO COMMENCE AT ONLY $97,500!

FOR BROCHURE & TERMS

CALL MIKE BERLAND

216.861.7200

HANNA COMMERCIAL • CHARTWELL AUCTIONS • MICHAEL BERLAND, AARE, OH AUCTIONEER

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL

Specializing in Standing Seam Only

MARK WENGERD, OWNER Financing Option Avaliable

440.321.9434

For Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the path to future mobility ventures off the paved roadways, onto the sidewalks and straight through the clouds.

Through a series of investments and partnerships, the Akron-based tiremaker is learning to harness the power of technology to develop solutions that drive mobility further.

To do that, Goodyear needs data — lots of data — and plenty of feedback.

It also needs some relatively efficient ways to collect and analyze those data points and ideas. By pairing the right insights with the right R&D, Goodyear says it can develop solutions that provide its customers — consumers and fleet operators alike — with the ability to move efficiently within new mobility landscapes.

And that’s where Goodyear Ventures comes in. The venture capital fund, through which the tiremaker plans to invest $100 million in the coming decade, enables Goodyear to financially support promising startup companies and technologies within the mobility spheres. It also allows the tiremaker to partner with innovative companies and expand its own understanding of the role it will play.

“It all comes down to the big overall strategy for Goodyear,” said Erin Spring, Goodyear’s senior director of new ventures. “In the first 120 years, we were building our ecosystem to enable getting people from point A to point B as easily as possible. Now, with new technology coming into play ... (we see) new ways to add value for our customers.

“What is the ecosystem of solutions we need to be problem-solving?”

In recent weeks, Goodyear has unveiled a pair of partnerships that it thinks will help answer those questions.

Through a collaboration with San Francisco-based Voyomotive LLC, Goodyear is piloting tire-monitoring solutions that allow vehicle owners and fleet operators to engage in predictive maintenance. The cloud-based service captures and analyzes relevant tire performance data, such as tire pressure, and delivers pertinent information to the driver or vehicle owner through email, text or mobile app.

The tiremaker’s insights, when combined with Voyomotive’s telematics data, can predict tire concerns days before the tire pressure monitoring system light illuminates, Goodyear said.

Voyomotive is one piece in the future mobility puzzle for Goodyear. By leveraging its expertise and embracing insights from a variety of partners, Goodyear said it can better connect its technologies to expanding applications.

Goodyear Ventures said it will invest in TuSimple, which is focused on developing autonomous driving for the logistics industry. | CONTRIBUTED

“IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE BIG OVERALL STRATEGY FOR GOODYEAR. ... WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY COMING INTO PLAY.” — Erin Spring, Goodyear’s senior director of new ventures

Goodyear’s partnership with UFODrive looks to that. The collaboration with the all-digital, all-electric car rental company offers Goodyear the opportunity to build on the Total Mobility service it launched in 2019.

Total Mobility uses data-driven monitoring and predictive analytics to provide fleet operators with real-time tire performance information. Originally used in the trucking industry, the program has been tailored to better serve the needs of Luxembourg-headquartered UFODrive, which relies on those data points to maximize the efficiency of its all-electric car rental fleet.

The company says its goal is to streamline the rental car experience throughout Europe by providing app-based, paperless services.

With Goodyear’s tire-monitoring system and UFODrive e-mobility software, the duo say they aim to maximize energy usage and tire replacement cost savings, while reducing the fleet’s carbon footprint The Akron tiremaker says the underlying goal of Goodyear Ventures is to establish partnerships and build connections that allow the company to understand the entirety of next-generation mobility and automotive technology. In the end, Goodyear officials think that understanding will better position the tiremaker to provide well-refined, industry-tested solutions for a range of customers.

“We can’t do that with one or two partnerships,” Spring said. “We need to work with and plug into different capabilities while building our own around digital.”

So Goodyear is plugging into what it thinks is the best opportunities it uncovers.

Take for instance the 2018 collaboration with Mcity, a University of

Michigan-led public-private partnership designed to advance connected and automated vehicles and supportive technologies. For its role in the project, Goodyear conducted testing that further develops its intelligent tires and application sensors, while expanding its understanding of connected tires and vehicles. While not part of the Goodyear Venture program, the partnership provided valuable insights, Goodyear said.

Earlier this year, Goodyear Ventures disclosed that it was joining a group of investors behind StarShip Technologies, a company that has designed and developed small, autonomous robots for small deliveries, such as meals and groceries. The Starship robots — small storage-container-shaped vehicles with six wheels — are used on college campuses and in metropolitan settings where they can navigate short distances on sidewalks.

“Those EVs are a very different segment than what we have served to date,” Spring said. Goodyear’s aim is “to understand how that segment is growing and what are the key problems they are looking to solve. Getting a front-row seat at those learning opportunities, that has been a really interesting space.”

Shortly after detailing its investment in StarShip, Goodyear Ventures said it would invest in TuSimple Inc., a San Diego-based technology company focused on making it possible for heavy-duty trucks to operate autonomously. TuSimple, which wants to develop commercial-ready autonomous driving to the logistics industry, operates autonomous trucks in Arizona, Texas, China, Japan and Europe using an ecosystem made up of digital maps, strategic terminals and an autonomous fleet operations system.

The TuSimple investment shows just how far-reaching Goodyear’s approach is. From autonomous robots delivering dinner across university campuses to autonomous trucks delivering essentials across the U.S., Goodyear is interested in exploring it.

“It’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution for ICE, EVs and AVs,” Spring said. “We need a slightly different suite of solutions.

“I am excited to see all these different spaces in mobility and how they start to tie into one another from the very short robot delivery all the way to the trucks moving goods cross country in an autonomous way.

4 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | APRIL 19, 2021

P004_CL_20210419.indd 4

4/16/2021 3:00:28 PM

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

New post-pandemic projections outpace previous predictions Team NEO report shows GDP and employment growth forecasts for 2021

BY KIM PALMER

Based on new regional economic data from Team NEO, nearly every sector of Northeast Ohio’s economy is projected to grow this year — and faster than previously expected.

The region’s gross domestic product is projected to increase by 4%, making a full recovery from pandemic downturns, according to a Team NEO quarterly report released Monday, April 19. Overall wages are anticipated to see 8% growth, though they still will not recover to 2019 levels.

Total employment in Northeast Ohio is projected to grow 1.7%, but full recovery from the pandemic won’t come until at least 2025.

“What subsequently has happened January, February and particularly in March is a lot more optimism in how the economy is recovering. It is in part due to the speed at which it’s opening back up and other good indicators like the fiscal Duritsky stimulus,” said Jacob Duritsky, vice president of strategy and research for Team NEO and author of the report “Post-Pandemic Economic Projections.”

The report, which is based on March projections from Moody’s Analytics, outlines significant improvements to the economy and upgrades previous Moody’s projections.

Employment growth estimated to be less than 1% based on fourth-quarter 2020 data now is expected to come in at nearly 2%, representing an increase from 1.89 million in total payroll employment in 2020 to more than 1.93 million by the end of 2021.

Last year’s Moody’s data predicted a decline in regional GDP of about 5% in 2020, but the actual decline was only 3%.

“Perhaps even more encouragingly, heading into 2021, we are now projected to actually gain some GDP relative to where we were in 2019,” Duritsky said. “The data from just four months ago was showing that we might only get about half of what we lost back in 2021.”

According to projections, the mining and gas extraction sector in Northeast Ohio is projected to see the highest percentage of growth in GDP this year, at 12.5%. Other sectors projected to see significant growth include the information industry, 9.6%, and real estate, 7.8%, with most of those gains in industrial sites.

Most sectors of the region’s economy are projected to see GDP increases this year, with a few exceptions: arts and entertainment; accommodation and food services; and transportation and warehousing.

The region is expected to underperform national GDP increases, with the country as a whole projected

Northeast Ohio post-pandemic economic projections GDP in the region is projected to fully recover in 2021, with growth of 4% over 2020, and employment in the region is projected to increase 1.7%. The current projection indicates the region will not see a return to full employment recovery until at least 2025.

Total GDP for Northeast Ohio $300 billion

$274.4 billion

275

$248.7 billion

250 225 200

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Total Employment for Northeast Ohio 2.50 million 2.25

$2.04 million

1.93 million

2.00 1.75 1.50

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

NOTE: DATA FOR 2021-25 ARE PROJECTIONS SOURCE: TEAM NEO: MARCH 2021 ANNUALIZED PROJECTIONS FROM MOODY’S ANALYTICS

at 5% growth, the Team NEO report shows. And the region’s employment is not expected to see a full recovery or near full recovery until 2025, while nationally that is expected to happen in 2022.

Most Northeast Ohio sectors will add jobs in 2021 with the exception of three areas: leisure and hospitality; government; and real estate/rental, which is distinct from the growing industrial side of real estate.

That is an improvement from forecasts in 2020, when those sectors and several others — manufacturing; information; oil and gas extraction; transportation and warehousing; and educational services — were predicted to see losses in employment this year.

“The reality is, relative to where we thought we would be, which was essentially no growth, in all but about three sectors of the economy we are now projecting to see job growth this year,” Duritsky said.

Mining and gas extraction is expected to lead in job growth with an 8.6% projected increase in 2021. In second is the administrative and support sector, 6.3%. Manufacturing, which is projected to see a 4% increase in GDP, is set to experience a more modest 1.9% growth in employment.

Even moderate gains in key industries are welcome, Duritsky said.

“From an employment perspective, we are seeing manufacturing projected to gain about 2% of employment back, which is actually huge,” he said. “That number three months ago showed a small manufacturing decline of about 0.5% in 2021. When you think about a sector that employs 265,000 people, a decline of a 0.5% relative to a gain of 2%, you are talking about 6,000 jobs.”

Mark Barbash, director of the Ohio Economic Development Institute, said the modest gains in manufacturing employment relative to the GDP gains illustrate the industry’s trend toward increased productivity translating to fewer workers — a develop-

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS

ment that might have been exacerbated during the pandemic.

“Manufacturing activity increasing faster than employment reflects the continued automation taking place in the region,” Barbash said.

Real estate is another sector where future employment gains are difficult to predict, Barbash said. Most of the real estate GDP gains in 2021 are projected to come from new building, meaning jobs are counted in the construction sector, while management and sales jobs that fall under real estate are lagging. Predictions about future employment gains are hampered by uncertainty regarding the return of commercial rental and management jobs post-pandemic, and unclear prospects for residential real estate jobs due to an inventory crunch.

“What happens to real estate now that businesses are being confronted with decisions about how much real estate does an office need? This is going to take a while to play out because you have a lot of businesses that are in five- to seven-year leases,” Barbash said.

The encouraging news about a generally faster recovery is bittersweet in that it would be more robust if the region were not handicapped by decades of workforce talent loss due to aging and population stagnation, said Team NEO CEO Bill Koehler.

“The reasons why GDP has been able to grow faster than employment is because a lot of people pivoted very quickly during the pandemic.

They invested in capital, in technology to improve their visibility, their supply chains and reposition their business, along with a lot of other things,” Koehler said.

“One of the messages we can see from this data, though, is that we could be doing even better if we continue to work on expanding our labor pool,” he added.

Feature your milestones and more in CRAIN’S

For information contact Debora Stein at dstein@crain.com or submit directly to CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM/COTM

It’s more than a commercial real estate loan. It’s one of your business’s most important investments.

We’ll help you get the financing to build, purchase or refinance the real estate you need. With more than 85 years of community banking experience, we have solutions for your business.

• Loans from $250,000

• Local decision making

• Construction loans

• Reinvesting in your community

• Loan Officers who listen to your needs • Investment properties to owner-occupied space

• 10-year term, amortization up to 25 years

Let our team help yours thrive.

Contact Kurt Kappa at (216) 529-2998 or kkappa@ffl.net.

Kim Palmer: kpalmer@crain.com, (216) 771-5384, @kimfouroffive APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 5

P005_CL_20210419.indd 5

4/16/2021 2:34:33 PM

C.W. JENNINGS GLOBAL NFL DRAFT ENTERPRISE INC. From Page 1

Safety will continue to be top of mind, via timed ticketing at the NFL Draft Experience, strict protocols that will be in place and a huge outdoor area around which visitors can roam. But just getting to this point, after more than 13 months of cancellations and devastation, is the first of what David Gilbert hopes will be many victories in the coming months.

“I really believe this will help slingshot us out of COVID. What this means now to those businesses, our restaurants, our hotels, the industry that has been hit the hardest is going to benefit greatly from this,” Gilbert, the president and CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, said during a virtual meeting with Cuyahoga County Council on April 13.

Industrial Business Consulting

Construction / Acquisitions Manufacturing / Financing Industrial / Consumer Goods Global Distribution / Exporting International Corporate Partnerships Banks / Manufacturers / Builders

C. W. Jennings Global Corporate Office 400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2600 Detroit, Michigan 48243 (216) 505 - 5049 / (855) 707 - 1944

Local groups pitch in

C. W. Jennings Global Consulting Since 1973

Untitled-2 1

The sports commission estimates that the draft, the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, 2022 NBA All-Star Game and 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four will cost about $15.5 million to host. The number is far exceeded, the events’ proponents say, by the direct spendwhich 6/4/2020ing, 12:14:00 PM Gilbert projects will exceed $250 million, and community benefits that such prominent gatherings bring.

The NFL draft and NBA All-Star festivities are the most expensive to put on, but the leagues pay for the vast majority of the costs. The NFL, for instance, picked up the tab for more than 80% of the costs for the 2019 draft, Butch Spyridon, the president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., told Crain’s in 2019.

Of the $15.5 million that Cleveland has to raise, $2 million stems from value-in-kind contributions, such as the donation of facilities and services. The remaining $13.5 mil-

Store it locally, ship it anywhere

Flexible warehousing that won’t break the bank. » Up to 200,000 square feet of available space » Affordable shipping services » Contract and on-demand options PartnerShip.com/Warehouse | 800-599-2902

Providing a private travel experience that exceeds expectations

HOW TO FLY WITH SKY QUEST: » On-Demand Charter » Jet Card Memberships » Aircraft Ownership Opportunities

FlySkyQuest.com 216-362-9904 Charter@FlySkyQuest.com

The NFL draft theater is being constructed on the lakefront. The three-day fan festival will be located at First Energy Stadium, along with the areas between the stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. | NFL RENDERING

area, plus generate long-term gains.

“Cleveland Wants to Draft You,” a pilot project by Destination Cleveland, Team NEO and Engage! Cleveland, is a digital marketing campaign that gets people “familiar with Cleveland, excited about Cleveland and questioning is Cleveland somewhere I should also consider to live and work?” said Colette Jones, Destination Cleveland’s chief marketing officer.

A campaign website allows visitors to browse neighborhoods, see how the housing costs stack up with other areas, has links to job openings from top employers and shows off some of the city’s best attributes.

There’s also a campaign targeted at NFL fans in markets within driving distance of Cleveland who might be interested in attending the draft, along with an outreach to meeting planners — as many as a dozen of whom will be in town for the festivities.

“THERE’S THIS REALLY GREAT “When you have peoREPUTATION THAT GETS BUILT AND, ple involved in that type of event planning, they IDEALLY, MORE MAJOR EVENTS have friends that work in other industries or work THAT COME TO TOWN OVER TIME.” for other organizations,” — Colette Jones, Destination Cleveland’s Jones said. “There’s this chief marketing officer really great reputation that gets built and, ideallion includes some state funding ly, more major events that come to and money from Destination Cleve- town over time.” land, as well as $5 million-plus that has been donated by local corpora- Putting on a show tions and foundations.

The fundraising initiative, dubbed The Rock Hall frequently plays a “Velocity,” is only about $600,000 major role in the big-time showcasshy of its $13.5 million goal, nearly es. The draft, with its “Rock the three years before the Women’s Fi- Clock” slogan, is no different. nal Four tips off at Rocket Mortgage The main stage is being built on FieldHouse. the northern edge of Cleveland’s “We are so happy with the out- lakefront, between FirstEnergy Stapouring of support locally,” Gilbert dium and the Rock Hall. The area, told Crain’s. which also encompasses the Great Lakes Science Center, will be home to the Draft Experience, an interacLive, work and play tive fan festival that will run until the The draft’s impact, at least from a final pick has been made each day.

The Rock Hall will be closed on numbers perspective, won’t be as large as originally anticipated be- April 29 because of the first-day festivities but is extending its hours on cause of pandemic restrictions.

Still, the NFL has said the draft April 30 and May 1 “in anticipation will welcome “tens of thousands” of of high demand and crowds,” said fans to North Coast Harbor over the Harris, the organization’s president and CEO. three days.

The Cleveland staple, which lost Destination Cleveland, the region’s convention and visitors bu- almost 60% of its revenue during the reau, is utilizing the event, which pandemic, will open the doors to its drew more than 55 million com- latest exhibit, “The Biggest Show on bined viewers in 2020, as a tool to Turf: 55 Years of Halftime Shows,” on provide an immediate boost to the April 23. Six days later, top draft

prospects will walk the red carpet on the Rock Hall’s plaza, and live musical performances — a rarity in the past year — will be integral scene-setters.

“We come together to do these events really well, and they’ll have a long tail for our region,” Harris said.

“The media exposure is going to be incredible. It isn’t specifically the size of the crowd that’s on the ground. It’s also the tens of millions of people that are going to follow it remotely.”

Stay a while The immediate impact, even during a pandemic, should be sizable.

During his presentation before Cuyahoga County Council, Gilbert said every downtown hotel and many suburban hotels will be “largely sold out at rates they haven’t seen in years.”

The occupancy rate for the downtown hotel market plummeted from 68.1% in 2019 to 31.3% last year, according to STR. Revenue dropped 66.5%, and demand was down 56.8%.

The Cleveland Indians’ home opener along with spring break and improved weather have led to a recent uptick, said Teri Agosta, the general manager of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. At 48%, the occupancy rate for downtown hotels during the week of April 4-10 still lagged well behind pre-pandemic figures, however.

But the second half of 2021 “looks great,” said Agosta, who is referring to the draft as “a springboard” to much better days for the industry.

The Hilton is one of the hotels that is part of the NFL’s huge block of rooms. Its 600 rooms will be sold out during the draft, and the hotel should be at or near capacity the week before, as visitors come to Cleveland to check out the setup, Agosta said.

The Hilton GM refers to the draft and other recent draws as “chamber of commerce events” that put the region in a favorable light and produce future stays.

“I think it’s twofold: It shows off the city as what is available for me to do as a guest,” Agosta said. “And then it says, ‘Wow, these guys are really buttoned up and I feel comfortable going to Cleveland because they pulled off this event.’ ” Kevin Kleps: kkleps@crain.com, (216) 771-5256, @KevinKleps

6 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | APRIL 19, 2021

P006_CL_20210419.indd 6

4/16/2021 2:35:04 PM

HEALTH

From Page 1

“The more that we partner together and support each other with bringing the health experts to the field and the education experts to the field, we really can impact the whole child and that community so that these students can be successful,” she said. “I’m just hopeful that we continue to deepen the relationships that were already there that have gotten stronger this past year.”

Among the more than 200 schools that Akron Children’s Hospital partners with to provide school health programming, many have been operating in some sort of hybrid model, necessitating flexibility and adjustments to tailor services to the needs of different student populations, said Michele Wilmoth, director of School Health at Akron Children’s.

For some schools, the hospital worked to reach out to children with chronic illnesses to make sure they’re managing their asthma or diabetes; at others, their work focused on contact tracing. The hospital led most of the schools’ COVID screening processes. And in many cases, Akron Children’s served as an expert partner to help schools come up with health and safety protocols that met government guidelines.

One of the biggest things to come out of COVID-19, Wilmoth said, is these close partnerships with school administrators as they worked together in ways they never had before.

Debra J. Foulk, executive director of business affairs at Akron Public Schools, agreed that the pandemic

helped to deepen relationships with health providers. The school system works with various providers, including Akron Children’s. She considers the district “very fortunate” to have connections to medical professionals it can call when needed.

The past year has highlighted the benefit of schools working with providers to increase positive outcomes for students, said Meredith Sitko, school health director at PSI, a Twinsburg-based school support services provider that works with schools statewide, with a concentration in Northeast Ohio.

Without students in schools, the school health team at PSI shifted initially to helping support school administrators however they could, helping with communication and education for students and families. As PSI navigated the pandemic alongside schools, they partnered to ensure safety protocols for summer programs and then for reopening schools. Building walkthroughs helped them determine what needed to be modified to ensure safety. This included anything from the education setup (distancing, spacing, traffic flow), to proper HVAC filters, to rethinking how to run in-school health clinics, separating symptomatic ill students from those who need to receive medication for disease management, like diabetes, Sitko said.

The past year has forced providers to think differently about how to engage with schools and students and to find creative new ways to partner on children’s health, said Hoyen of University Hospitals, which provides medical oversight for PSI’s services.

Beyond individual care of children,

there are opportunities past the pandemic to deepen population health and public health efforts through partnerships with schools, she said.

“How can we partner with schools as a health system to enable them to be able to be more successful, especially during this time where there were just so many questions and so many unknowns?” Hoyen said.

Though PSI has helped guide schools on different health needs in the past, this overarching advisory and consulting role was much broader than it had ever done before, she said.

Sitko said she “absolutely” believes that this new consulting and advisory role will be beneficial well beyond COVID-19. The opportunities for how to continue this are “really endless,” she said.

PSI experienced a 35% increase in new or expanded services from June to December last year due to the health concerns from the pandemic, according to the provider.

“The benefits are clear,” Sitko said.

“There’s so much more to going to school and being at school than simply the learning that takes place there. ... School health is more a part of that than I think people realized, and this year really did highlight that.”

Going forward, providers are thinking through ways to more deeply integrate telehealth into school care. For instance, the Clinic is in discussions with districts to set up spaces inside schools to connect students to providers via telehealth, though no commitments have been made as the current priority is working through reopening, Thakur said.

Like many providers, Davis of

John Yousef, advanced practice registered nurse with the MetroHealth School Health Program, examines a patient during a back to school clinic. | METROHEALTH

MetroHealth thinks telehealth is here to stay. It had been used previously in school-based health centers, especially in rural areas, but the pandemic accelerated its use.

Also top of mind for providers is how they can support the mental health care needs of students who have struggled to varying degrees through the pandemic.

Thakur said that just in her practice, she’s seeing mental health needs “escalate very quickly,” with concerns about anxiety, depression and loneliness around COVID-19, as well as anxiety about returning to school.

“We know that a lot of kids are flying under the radar as well, until things get bad enough that parents reach out to their (primary care physician),” she said.

Wilmoth, of Akron Children’s, said she and other providers are focused on getting kids reconnected with preventative and well care.

“We’re doing well visits and immuni-

zations, trying to get kids back connected,” she said. “There was such a gap for such a long time where we were all isolated, where kids were not seeking care in their traditional primary practice office. We’re able to do some of that work right in the schools where we partner.”

MetroHealth is examining how to use school health to support families and ensure students are ready to learn and have access to care after a year when immunizations and well child visits decreased across the country.

“I think, actually, COVID is going to make maybe school-based health centers a little bit larger of a partner than they were in the past,” Davis said, noting Ohio has seen growth in such programs in the past decade. “I think now is the time to even leverage those partnerships even more. ... How do we all bring our best skill sets to the table to really support the whole child?”

Lydia Coutré: lcoutre@crain.com, (216) 771-5479, @LydiaCoutre

THE

LAND SCAPE A CRAIN’S CLEVELAND PODCAST WITH DAN POLLETTA SPONSORED BY

LISTEN ON: CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS | THE PODCAST APP | TUNE IN | iTUNES | STITCHER | SMART SPEAKERS

APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 7

P007_CL_20210419.indd 7

4/16/2021 3:01:36 PM

PERSONAL VIEW

Cleveland is poised to become the mecca for AI in medicine RICH WILLIAMS FOR CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS

ANANT MADABHUSI

EDITORIAL

Voices of experience W

e love our jobs here at Crain’s Cleveland Business.

Small confession, though: Certain tasks on the editorial side of the operation are more enjoyable, and more satisfying, than others.

Among those is a project we’ve tackled each year since 2016: Eight over 80, featuring profiles of Northeast Ohioans who have lived to that landmark age and have shaped — and continue to shape — our civic, cultural, philanthropic and business landscape.

Make sure to read the stories of the eight for 2021, starting on Page 10. You’ll find details of remarkable journeys, considerable knowledge and valuable perspective, about business and life. Take a look, too, at our website, CrainsCleveland. com, to revisit the people who were featured from 2016 to 2020. Some are famous names in Northeast Ohio. Others are of a lower profile, but have made no less of an impact on this region. They aren’t all still with us. But all their voices of experience linger.

In 2016, Cleveland architect Robert P. Madison recalled that he was personally trained by Walter Gropius, (COMPANIES) SHOULD founder of the Bauhaus BE SURE TO KEEP OLDER School, and studied under Gropius in a master’s proWORKERS IN MIND FOR gram at Harvard University OPPORTUNITIES. in the early 1950s that admitted only 15 other students. “All the best architects in the country descended on Harvard to hire the graduates of Gropius’ class,” Madison said at the time. “But no one interviewed me.” Because Madison is Black. In 1954, he founded Robert P. Madison International, which remains a powerhouse architectural firm today.

Asked the best piece of advice he had received, Madison said this: “Simply put, it was, ‘Get something in your head because they can never take that from you.’ ” An Eight over 80 from last year, Carol Latham, the founder of thermoplastics company Thermagon and an influential member of Cleveland’s entrepreneur community — she wrote a memoir called “A Chip off the Silicon Block: The Power of Entrepreneurial Thinking” — recalled the dismissive

treatment she got at a former employer. “Upon getting a project, you’d get a pat on the head and have to start all over again on the learning curve,” Latham said. “Nobody there had the courage to take anything to the next level, so I turned what I knew into a business.” In Thermagon and other business ventures, she said, “Technology doesn’t fall into a black hole, but comes out on the other side to create value for the world.”

In 2019, construction industry veteran Alfonso “Al” Sanchez detailed his career, plus efforts to create opportunities for Hispanic workers. Sanchez, of Mexican heritage, recalled some early mistreatment, but also many kindnesses. “Almost everyone I worked with handed off knowledge I had no access to,” he said. “Construction workers have a bad reputation as tough guys, but mostly they have hearts of gold. You never forget those who were kind to you, and that motivates me to help others.”

Those are quick overviews of just three of the 48 people profiled for this feature. They’ve given so much to the community in their lifetimes. And they give us plenty to think about as we look toward a better 2021, with people finding ways to bring creative approaches to businesses or institutions seeking to bounce back after a tough year.

Their stories, too, remind us of the value older workers continue to bring to the American workforce.

A Brookings Institution paper from November noted nearly 25% of the labor force is age 55 and older, up 12 percentage points since the mid-1990s. Pre-pandemic, a special U.S. Senate committee on aging projected that in the 10-year period through 2026, the number of workers ages 65 to 74 would grow by 4.2% annually, and the number of workers ages 75 and above by 6.7% per year.

Big numbers. And yet, Brookings noted that age discrimination in hiring remains “widespread,” and federal and state systems to help the unemployed find new jobs “often fail to meet the needs of older adults” as a result of inadequate (or nonexistent) training programs. Unacceptable on both counts.

We’re hearing, once again, how companies are having trouble finding workers to fill positions as they ramp up operations in a fast-improving economy. They should be sure to keep older workers in mind for opportunities.

Executive Editor: Elizabeth McIntyre (emcintyre@crain.com) Managing Editor: Scott Suttell (ssuttell@crain.com) Contact Crain’s: 216-522-1383 Read Crain’s online: crainscleveland.com

A city once derided as the “Mistake on the Lake” has long since shaken off the pejorative and is now ideally positioned to become the national hub for research and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies in medicine. Cleveland is poised to drive innovations, thanks to its robust medical ecosystem, access to re- Madabhushi is quired data assets, multitude of research the Donnell centers, culture of collaboration, influx of Institute Professor of funding and favorable cost of living.

Let’s take a look at the last item first. Biomedical Technological innovations in AI have Engineering at largely taken place on the coasts in cities Case Western such as San Francisco and Boston. But Reserve the cost of living in those areas is astro- University and nomical, pricing many startups and director of the would-be-employees out of the market. Center for According to NerdWallet, the cost of liv- Computational ing in San Francisco is 108% higher than Imaging and in Cleveland. In Boston, it’s 56% steeper. Personalized Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Diagnostics. He Cleveland remained an attractive place is also a to relocate, ranking fifth in the country research health in net gain of new residents, according scientist at the Louis Stokes to a recent LinkedIn analysis.

Cleveland’s affordability may grab the Cleveland attention of innovators seeking a place to Veterans land, but the city’s other resources can seal Administration the deal. Topping the list is access to very Medical Center. specific data required for AI in medicine.

Harnessing the power of AI and machine learning for diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of therapy response to a host of medical conditions and diseases requires vast amounts of data gleaned from medical images. Cleveland is home to leading institutions with repositories of data, including Cleveland Clinic, ranked No. 2 in the nation by Newsweek magazine, as well as University Hospitals (ranked 32nd), the MetroHealth System and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. CLEVELAND’S But data alone doesn’t drive AFFORDABILITY MAY innovation. Collaboration with physicians is key to moving GRAB THE ATTENTION technology advancements from research labs to the patients’ OF INNOVATORS bedside. Greater Cleveland has SEEKING A PLACE more health care workers per capita than any other large met- TO LAND. ropolitan area, including nearly 75,000 health care practitioners. There also is a Midwestern ethos that fosters collaboration and collegiality among physicians and AI researchers striving to develop and commercialize solutions that benefit patients.

Multidisciplinary teams are working hand-in-hand at federally funded research centers throughout Cleveland to tackle many pressing medical issues. These include a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center — the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center supports nearly 400 researchers from Case Western Reserve University labs, the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center and the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center — all within an eight-minute walk of one another.

See MADABHUSI, on Page 18

Write us: Crain’s welcomes responses from readers. Letters should be as brief as possible and may be edited. Send letters to Crain’s Cleveland Business, 700 West St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113, or by emailing ClevEdit@crain.com. Please include your complete name and city from which you are writing, and a telephone number for fact-checking purposes.

Sound off: Send a Personal View for the opinion page to emcintyre@crain.com. Please include a telephone number for verification purposes.

8 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

P008_CL_20210419.indd 8

4/16/2021 2:51:07 PM

OPINION

PERSONAL VIEW

Portman’s decades-long record on conservation speaks for itself

BY JIM SAMUEL

As an active sportsman and waterfowl hunter, protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources here in Ohio, across the country and around the world is of the utmost importance to me. At the same time, I believe it is critically important that we continue to strengthen our economy by creating new jobs, investing in infrastructure and growing Ohio industries.

Fortunately, we do not have to choose between increasing conservation efforts and creating new economic opportunities for hardworking Ohioans. The right policies at the local, state and federal level will help us meet both of these laudable goals — keeping our water, air and lands clean while powering a stronger, more resilient 21st-century economy. To that end, Ohio is fortunate to have a leader in conservation working in Washington to promote common-sense, bipartisan policies that safeguard our planet’s most vulnerable natural resources in a thoughtful, pro-growth way. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman deserves to be recognized for his efforts to protect and preserve the environment, here in Ohio and globally.

Portman and a bipartisan group of his colleagues recently introduced the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act (TFCA) of 2021. First introduced in 1998 by then-Rep. Portman when he was a member of the House, the TFCA has been vital in protecting tropical forests around the world.

In fact, since 1998, the program authorized under the TFCA has been expanded to 14 countries. In 2019, President Donald Trump signed a reauthorization of the TFCA through fiscal year 2020, which also expanded the program to include protection for vital and vulnerable coral reef ecosystems. The latest bill would reauthorize this program for an additional five years through fiscal year 2026.

Essentially, the program allows certain developing countries to be forgiven of debts owed to the United States in exchange for a commitment to protect and pre-

serve tropical forests and, now, coral reef systems. Since its inception in 1998, the program has helped protect more than 67 million acres of tropical forests in developing countries around the world. It is just the latest example in a long list of conservation efforts that Portman has championed in Congress. As a co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, PortSamuel is a man has continually worked with longtime colleagues on both sides of the aisle sportsman and to protect and preserve Lake Erie and conservation www.naipvc.com afadvocate. He is a the surrounding ecosystem. Year current member ter year, Portman has fought to fully fund the Great Lakes Restorative Iniof the Ohio Wildlife Council tiative, which is working to address the issues that negatively impact the and the Nature ecosystem and economy of the Great Conservancy Lakes basin, including pollution, inOhio Board of vasive species and harmful algae Trustees and blooms. serves as Portman was also responsible for executive introducing the Restore Our Parks director of the Act, which Trump signed into law in Ohio Water the summer of 2020. This bipartisan Partnership. legislation, which has been recognized by conservation groups in Ohio and across the country, established the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund in order to help address the nearly $12 billion in delayed and overdue maintenance projects throughout the National Park System.

That includes tackling the more than $100 million maintenance backlog in Ohio’s eight national parks.

As Congress continues to hammer out its legislative priorities, Ohioans can be assured Portman will play a vital role in promoting thoughtful conservation policies that protect the environment while allowing us to maintain a strong economic footing for our state and country.

Join us as we welcome

Alex Jelepis Executive VP Director to the NAI brokerage division

216.832.4060 | ajelepis@naipvc.com

PERSONAL VIEW

Northeast Ohio businesses harness timely strategies to fuel success

BY RUDY BENTLAGE

Business leaders have been confronted with never-before-seen challenges over the past year.

From navigating economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviors, to addressing health and safety concerns, companies in Northeast Ohio have been forced to re-evaluate strategies as a result of pandemic impacts. Many have implemented contingency measures and adopted new technologies to serve customers and safeguard their futures.

Thoughtful and aggressive actions by business leaders significantly enhanced the likelihood of success in a highly dynamic environment. The most successful businesses remained resilient — and found new opportunities for growth.

Thinking two steps ahead The pandemic’s unpredictable nature underscored the importance of continuously adapting to a rapidly evolving environment. This includes having detailed plans to navigate worst-case scenarios and doubling down on cashflow forecasting to withstand even the most challenging business conditions we’ve seen over the past year.

Being prepared for uncertain outcomes has distinct advantages, whether it’s managing the downside or upside. Managing for growth is generally more enjoyable.

Bentlage is JPMorgan Chase’s Northeast Ohio market executive for middle market banking and specialized industries.

However, the skills for both scenarios are similar and require thoughtful and diligent planning. Businesses that were negatively impacted by the pandemic have benefited from nimble cost structures, cost-cutting measures and daily working capital management. Conversely, companies that were experiencing skyrocketing demand found the greatest success by shifting production capabilities, working with vendors to secure additional product, and actively communicating with customers ensure accurate production levels.

Doubling down on digital capabilities

Digital capabilities became a must-have for businesses as a result of the pandemic. The new landscape required operational and treasury management technologies that helped business leaders better assess risk, enhance their ability to plan ahead and ensure overall business continuity.

See BENTLAGE on Page 18 APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 9

P009_CL_20210419.indd 9

4/15/2021 4:29:22 PM

EIGHT OVER 80

TIMELESS TALENTS

Age is just a number, and these eight Northeast Ohioans, all 80 or older, are proving that adage every day. Among this year’s class are trailblazers and icons. These eight remain active and relevant, bringing their talents and knowledge to the worlds of law, medicine, sports, business, nonprofits, activism and more. They lift up our region through their experience and perspective, which they are sharing, too, with the next generation. | ILLUSTRATIONS BY LANA GWINN

Angela Carlin, 91

N

owadays, it’s amusing to she’s worked with, some as long as four think firms turned away generations.

Angela Carlin at the outset “The meaning of life is to help serve of what would become a God and others, and I feel like I’m legendary career. serving others,” Carlin said. “I just In the Ohio realm of probate law, want to help people solve their probthere’s no greater authority on the topic lems.” than Carlin, who wrote the book on it Carlin’s love for her job is palpable, — literally. Seven times over, in fact. said Daniel Richards, Weston Hurd’s Her Rolodex, grown thick over some 65 managing partner. years of practice, will be a hot com“You meet somebody like Angela modity whenever it’s passed on to oth- and she makes you want to love what you do. She is just so passionate about ers at her firm, Weston Hurd.

Working her way out of the Case what she does,” Richards said. “It makes Western Reserve University School of younger lawyers want to be like her.”

It was near the tail end of law school Law, Carlin had several interviews in the Cleveland market. At least one large that Carlin landed a part-time job with firm, still around today, flat out told her the renowned Banks-Baldwin Law they weren’t ready to hire a female law- Publishing Co. in Cleveland. There, she would begin working on the Meryer.

This was the mid-1950s, a point when rick-Rippner Probate Law publication, diversity among firms was even worse the preeminent authority on probate than today.

She was offered a post as the office li- “MY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER LAWYERS brarian instead.

IS DON’T LOOK AT THE MONEY. LOOK Carlin wanted to practice law, though, AT WHAT GOOD YOU CAN DO. IF YOU and was incredulous DO A GOOD JOB, YOU WILL MAKE to such an offer. She was studying to be a MONEY AND ENJOY THE PRACTICE.” tax attorney but felt there were more dynamic jobs than law in the Buckeye State. “sitting in a back room working on tax She has worked on all seven editions litigation,” she said. over the decades, a project she highEventually, a call for helping others lights as a pride and joy of her career. beckoned her to the world of wills, Her two sons, she jokes, call it her third guardianships and other probate mat- child.

Carlin would find her first job in a ters. It’s what’s driven her throughout her career, and why she has every in- firm with boutique probate law outfit tention to keep practicing as long as Rippner and Schwartz — which evenshe is able. tually became Rippner, Schwartz & Her work has yielded some interest- Carlin — where she worked for deing investigations. Some turned up cades until shifting to Weston Hurd in sordid affairs. She’ll spend breakfasts 2001. One of the key partners had and lunches with longtime colleagues, passed away, and Carlin, her priorities like fellow Weston Hurd partner Karen clear, was more interested in practicing Davey, laughing about the TV shows law than stepping in to run a firm. they could write from the stories they Carlin has no plans to retire. She have. finds more satisfaction in helping peo“Some think it’s boring,” Carlin ple than in sandy beaches anyway. scoffed. “The least thing probate law is, “People ask, ‘What will you do when is boring.” you retire?’ Well, I leave that to God,” Many of Carlin’s clients have be- she said. “He has been with me every come close friends. She takes them to day. And he will tell me when it’s time.” lunches. They send her cards at holi— Jeremy Nobile days. She reflects lovingly on families

10 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

P010_CL_20210419.indd 10

4/15/2021 12:08:31 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., 86

G

rab any two or three people who have had the fortune of collaborating with the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. and be prepared to hear lofty descriptions like “icon,” “visionary” and “mentor.”

Born in Georgia, Moss came to Cleveland in 1974, when the Morehouse College divinity scholar and Baptist preacher answered a calling to Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in the city’s underprivileged Fairfax neighborhood. He guided Olivet for 33 years, overseeing, among other accomplishments, the appointment of women to governance bodies of the church and the founding of the Olivet Housing and Community Development Corp.

The latter purchased land for what would become the University Hospitals Otis Moss Health Center, which opened in 1997 and sits on the church’s Quincy Avenue campus.

“One of the most devastating consequences of racism and discrimination is in the area of health care,” Moss said. “We wanted to provide excellent medical care in the heart of the African American community, along with a supportive environment.”

Dr. Carla Harwell, medical director of the UH Otis Moss Health Center, said that while the impact of Moss’ spiritual and political guidance to Black Clevelanders cannot be overlooked, he was “truly a visionary” in health care, championing “equitable care” long before racial disparities were openly addressed elsewhere.

And his voice continues to inspire, Harwell said. Most recently he and his wife, Edwina, were among those asked to get the COVID-19 vaccine early to signal trust to many in the community.

Harwell and others are also quick to note that Moss’ influence in civil rights and social justice reaches way beyond Fairfax or Cleveland. Moss served as a board member and regional director of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tenure as founding president. He also participated in the Selma, Ala., civil rights march with King; helped with the formation of Jesse Jackson’s social reform nonprofit Operation Push, now The Rainbow PUSH Coalition; was an ad-

viser to President Jimmy Carter; and served on President Barack Obama’s Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Council.

In addition, Moss has spent decades fighting voter suppression, currently with the help of his son, Rev. Otis Moss III, a celebrated pastor in Chicago. The two recently collaborated in the production of a film about a 20-mile walk to numerous polling locations that Moss’ father, Otis Moss Sr., embarked on in 1964 only to be turned down time again.

“WE OUGHT TO BE ENGAGED IN SOMETHING THAT’S MUCH BROADER AND GREATER THAN OUR OWN LIFE SPAN.” Rabbi Jonathan Cohen of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood said Moss’ superpower is his ability to transcend racial, socioeconomic and religious barriers.

“Rev. Moss has not only fought for justice all of his adult life and been a disciple of Dr. King’s in the ministry of social justice, he has done so in a way that enabled him to reach out to other communities,” the rabbi said.

“For example, not many people know this, but Rev. Moss is an icon in the Jewish community because of his profound impact and voice.”

Moss — who has traveled around the world as a sought-after speaker and won numerous awards for his leadership and service — said being a part of Olivet’s long history of activism and engagement ranks among his proudest achievements. He also credited much of his success to Edwina, whom he calls a “committed co-worker for human rights, civil rights and equal rights.” Edwina was a part of King’s SCLC support staff when the two met, and King married the young couple.

“That commitment to peace and equality has been a part of our commitment to each other throughout our adult lives,” he said.

“Even as we face sunset, and we slow down physically, we attempt to heighten our commitment morally and spiritually.”

— Judy Stringer

April 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 11

P011_CL_20210419.indd 11

4/15/2021 12:09:06 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

Judge Sara J. Harper, 94

J

udge Sara J. Harper aged off the bench ting on the train. She did that until she got in 1997. Almost a quarter-century lat- close to 80.” er, though, attorneys, judges and civic In the 1980s, Harper led the Cleveland leaders still call her for advice. branch of the National Association for the AdNow 94 years old and largely retired vancement of Colored People. She and Hatchfrom public life, Harper — at just shy of 5 feet er, who is 83, met through the National Countall, a tiny but tenacious trailblazer — re- cil of Negro Women, a nonprofit group focused mains an outsize presence for generations of on leadership, empowerment and advocacy.

Clevelanders.

“That Judge Harper could get everything “When she was involved in something, she done,” said Hatcher, describing her friend as a was at the top. If she wanted to be in it, she Sunday school teacher and accomplished wasn’t going to be in the middle or at the bot- cook who offered free legal advice to people in tom,” said Sadie Hatcher, a longtime friend need and who established a library for chiland a fellow co-founder of the Western Re- dren at Outhwaite Homes in the early 1990s.

The Sara J. Harper Children’s Library still serve chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. exists today at Quincy Avenue and East 43rd Born in 1926, Harper grew up in the Outh- Street, a span of road that the city dubbed Sara waite Homes, a public housing complex on J. Harper Way on her 90th birthday in 2016.

Four miles away, in the Glenville neighborthe city’s East Side. She credits her father, a carpenter, for his steadfast support — and his hood, Harper’s name is set to grace a planned enlightened belief that his five daughters should be well-educated and "LIVING, FOR ME, IS JUST REALLY self-reliant.

“People would tell me, ‘Oh, you can’t WONDERFUL. I DON'T HAVE do that,’” she said, amusement and pique mixing in her voice. “So, I did it ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT." anyway. Away from them.”

Harper obtained an undergraduate degree apartment complex for low-income and from Cleveland College, a downtown branch homeless female veterans — a nod to Harpof what’s now called Case Western Reserve er’s military service and her role as the first University. In 1952, she was the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Marine Corps woman to graduate from CWRU’s law school. Reserve judiciary.

That’s where she met her husband, fellow Judge Emanuella D. Groves, who was elected judge George Trumbo, who died in 2014. to the Eighth District Court of Appeals last year Her career spanned a stint as a city prose- and previously sat on the municipal court, said cutor; most of two decades as a Cleveland Harper has been a mentor and inspiration.

“I know the challenges that I had, and for Municipal Court judge; and a temporary assignment to the Ohio Supreme Court. In her to have gone through those (decades) 1990, she became one of the first two women earlier is just pretty remarkable,” said Groves, 62, who was one of only a few Black students to win a seat on the Ohio Court of Appeals.

She did all that, and raised five children in her own CWRU law school class in the late 1970s and early ’80s. “That takes a certain levwith Trumbo, without learning to drive a car.

“There wasn’t an RTA driver in town that el of determination and personal fortitude, in did not know my mother,” said Kimberlee order to achieve all that she did, in the time Trumbo, Harper’s middle child, who now period that she did.” acts as her mother’s caretaker. “She had no problem getting on the bus. No problem get— Michelle Jarboe

Thomas Adler, 80

T

homas Adler retired from Cleveland Real Estate Partners — a company he co-founded — 25 years ago and dove into community service with the same momentum that had fueled the Shaker Heights resident’s illustrious 33-year real estate career.

“I spend 100% of my time and energy doing nonprofit stuff, so I was involved at one point with eight different boards,” Adler recalled. “I have since pared down to maybe three or four things that I’m still actively involved.”

Adler described his foray into real estate as one of necessity. He joined Cragin, Lang, Free & Smythe in 1962, shortly after graduation from the University of Wisconsin and just before his nuptials with high school sweetheart, Joanie. Adler was a partner at the firm by 1968 and was executive vice president and chairman of the executive committee in 1979 when he left to co-found Adler Galvin Rogers. In 1986, AGR sold to real estate heavyweight Grubb & Ellis, and Adler stayed on for a few years as president of its Investment Services Group.

In 1991, he helped launch Cleveland Real Estate Partners, a consulting firm acquired by Deloitte & Touche in 1998 — three years after Adler had exited the for-profit world for good.

As an ardent supporter of downtown economic development, Adler always put Playhouse Square as a centerpiece of his nonprofit efforts. He collaborated with former Playhouse Square CEO Art Falco to orchestrate the formation of Playhouse Square

“WHAT ATTRACTS ME TO A NONPROFIT OPPORTUNITY IS THE FEELING THAT I COULD ADD SOMETHING, THERE’S SOMETHING THAT I CAN CONTRIBUTE — OTHER THAN MONEY OR IN ADDITION TO MONEY — THAT MIGHT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

Foundation Management, the precursor to Playhouse Square Real Estate Services, a company that oversees and manages property acquisitions to benefit the theater district.

“Today, Playhouse Square owns over a million square feet of office space and operates other significant properties, which contribute significantly to its revenue,” said Adler, who remains a senior adviser to the real estate group. “It has been a pretty extraordinary economic development story, and I don’t think a lot of the things associated with downtown Cleveland’s resurgence happens without Playhouse Square leading the way.”

The pro bono work with Playhouse Square led to Adler’s involvement with district neighbor Cleveland State University, where he nurtured an alliance between the two organizations — Playhouse Square today is home to CSU’s theater and dance departments — and established CSU’s first fundraising campaign, the Radiance Scholarship.

“Now in its 11th year, we are raising well over a million dollars annually,” Adler said.

“All that money is going toward scholarships to keep these kids in school so they can graduate.”

Adler also remains an active member of the boards of United Way, The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation and The Jewish Federation.

He also is involved at University Hospitals, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and

the American Jewish Committee.

August Napoli, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland, called Adler “the kind of Cleveland leader that every organization wants in their corner.

“Tom is a ‘roll up your sleeves and get it done’ volunteer who leads with the confidence and knowledge that a life in the trenches brings,” Napoli said.

Adler said one cause especially close to his heart is funding of the Civic Leaders Mission, which he created with Joanie in 2017. The organization takes 30 Northeast Ohio nonprofit leaders to Israel biennially so that philanthropists from both nations have an opportunity to learn more about each other.

A fortunate outcome of the missions, he said, has been relationships among the 60 local leaders who have participated in the program.

“They have Zoom alumni calls every couple of months, and everybody’s kind of bonded together,” Adler said. “And that’s something we are very proud to have played a part in, building a stronger nonprofit community here in Cleveland.”

— Judy Stringer

12 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

P012_CL_20210419.indd 12

4/15/2021 12:13:44 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

Carol Heiss Jenkins, 81

C

“She’s a loving, positive person who believes arol Heiss Jenkins won five consecutive world figure skating champi- in you and wants the best for you,” Mitchell onships and owns a pair of Olympic said. “If you’re having a bad day, call Carol.”

Heiss Jenkins quickly grew to love Northeast medals.

It was her first world champion- Ohio. She and Hayes live in Westlake and have ship, as a 16-year-old in Germany in 1956, three children and 10 grandchildren. None that stands out the most. The victory, which were serious skaters, though three of their occurred a couple weeks after Heiss Jenkins grandsons played hockey in Rocky River.

“In Cleveland, there’s such a warmth and earned a silver medal in the Olympics, was watched by her mother. Marie Heiss died at such wonderful people,” she said. “And there’s always something going on. If you age 41 of cancer later that year.

“I was very close to my mother, so I always want to have fun, of course not during the remember that as special because she was pandemic, but there are so many things to do. able to see me become world champion,” The different sports, the museums, Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square, the fairgrounds Heiss Jenkins said.

Heiss Jenkins went on to win a gold medal in — we’ve got a lot going for us here.”

She lauds the skating scene in the area, which the 1960 Winter Olympics, and she capped her career the next month with world champion- she said has a plethora of quality rinks and ship No. 5. That was a big year for the then-20- coaches.

“I have several people who have gone to year-old, as she was feted in her hometown of New York with a ticker tape parade and she married 1956 gold medal "TO WIN A GOLD MEDAL ... (IS) MORE figure skater Hayes Alan Jenkins.

The couple moved to Jenkins’ na- OF A SELF-SATISFACTION THAT I tive Akron that year, and Heiss JenTHINK GIVES YOU THE CONFIDENCE kins later launched an accomplished career as a coach. She THAT ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO started working with young skaters IN LIFE, GO FOR IT." in 1978. Two years later, she began a four-decade run at Winterhurst John Carroll, Baldwin Wallace, Cleveland Figure Skating Club in Lakewood.

Once the pandemic struck and Winter- State, Kent State, Akron, and they’re all willing, hurst temporarily shut down, Heiss Jenkins as well as the high schools, to work with the decided to play it safe and retire. Still, she has skaters, to arrange programs so they can still a couple of skaters she critiques virtually, and compete,” Heiss Jenkins said. “That’s something very important, because lots of times she’s judged some virtual competitions.

“I miss seeing the skaters,” Heiss Jenkins you can have a top skater and the university or said. “I loved all the people I coached. They the high school isn’t willing to rearrange a schedule for them so they can stay in school. were just wonderful.”

Roberta Mitchell, who partnered with Heiss And I always wanted my skaters to be in Jenkins for more than two decades of team school, because there’s a whole big world and coaching, said the same description applies life beyond skating.” to the two-time Olympic medalist who has made the region home for 60-plus years.

— Kevin Kleps

Retire your way Start with a plan Let your goals be your guide Ruggiero Wealth Management UBS Financial Services Inc. 600 Superior Avenue East 27th Floor Cleveland, OH 44114 216-736-8317

Modesto “Moe” Ruggiero Managing Director– Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Manager Wealth Advisor modesto.ruggiero@ubs.com

Case Western Reserve University congratulates “Eight over 80” honorees

Judge Sara Harper (LAW ’52) the first Black woman to graduate from the School of Law

ubs.com/team/ruggiero

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business, that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the PDF document at ubs.com/relationshipsummary. © UBS 2020. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-2031105874_3 Exp.: 10/31/2021

THE

LAND SCAPE

Nathan Berger, PhD Distinguished University Professor and former School of Medicine Dean

A CRAIN’S CLEVELAND PODCAST WITH DAN POLLETTA SPONSORED BY

APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 13

P013_CL_20210419.indd 13

4/15/2021 12:09:38 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

Ratanjit S. Sondhe, 81

I

t was 1980. Ratanjit S. Sondhe was questioning the new approach. Decades later, in 2007, why he had gotten into business. The material Sondhe sold it to the Dow Chemical Co. Sondhe describes oneness as the larger life science company he had started seven years earlier, Poly-Carb Inc., was struggling. Money force that’s present in everything. But it’s not didn’t excite him, and he wasn’t really inter- possible to serve that larger force all at once. To serve it, people have to serve one another. ested in being the boss.

“So that is why we became successful,” he “I couldn’t find the answer,” Sondhe said.

The idea that he had fulfilled his childhood said. “We began to serve our team. We began to dream of moving from India to the U.S. and serve our customer. And we began to serve the starting a business only to file for bankruptcy environment. We would not undertake anything which would harm the environment. We “devastated” him, Sondhe said.

It sent him back to his foundation, and to con- began to serve our supplier.”

In addition to his work at Poly-Carb, Sondhe versations he had had with his mother at a young age. His mother was interested in spiritu- has worked to share what he’s learned about life ality, in philosophy, and she shared these ideas with Sondhe. She encouraged him “I’M TRYING TO LEAVE THIS to seek wisdom through “oneness,” a concept that didn’t truly fall into place until THING BEHIND SO PEOPLE CAN he was facing failure.

GAIN FROM IT.” It became clear to Sondhe that his company was struggling because his employees were siloed, focused on their own tasks and and business and oneness with others. He’s ofsuccesses. They needed to work together toward fered seminars and written books. He’s hosted a the larger good. And it was that realization that TV show and a radio program, the latter of has shaped Sondhe’s work for the past four de- which is still running. And he’s the founder and president of the Discover Oneness Foundation, cades.

He began to apply the concept of “oneness” a sort of repository for the knowledge he’s to the way Poly-Carb was run. But first, he told gained over the years.

Sondhe shares his knowledge selflessly, said his existing employees about the company’s financial troubles and that it was on the verge of Param Srikantia, professor in the School of bankruptcy. Most left; Sondhe convinced the Business at Baldwin Wallace University. He’s not concerned with getting paid, and he’s few that stayed that they should follow.

Then he started hiring students from area quick to help individuals.

Leadership training has begun to shift from a universities, putting together a small team.

Employees didn’t have job descriptions or ti- focus on skills and competencies to a focus on tles, and they were expected to act as the “CEO” “consciousness,” Srikantia said.

Sondhe’s work fits well into that space. He enerof any problems they uncovered, solving them with the help of the team. Instead of relying on gizes the students and the classes he speaks with, degrees or formal education, employees were challenging the concept of competition that is so expected to work in all areas of the company. inherent in business.

“He brings a view that is so outside their parAnd Saturdays, he said, were dedicated to learning about oneness and developing the adigm,” Srikantia said company’s mission and vision.

Poly-Carb turned around in the first year of — Rachel Abbey McCafferty

TOM ADLER A standing ovation from your friends and colleagues at Playhouse Square

You have unique borrowing needs.

WE HAVE LENDING SOLUTIONS WITH YOUR GOALS IN MIND. From purchasing new equipment to covering an unexpected expense, your borrowing needs are ever-changing. As your local partner, we’ll work with you to find the solution that works best for your business, while always keeping your goals in mind.

As your business grows, we are here to help.

Don Hayes

Market President 216-436-5814

playhousesquare.org All credit services are subject to credit approval.  YourPremierBank.com  Member FDIC

14 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | APRIL 19, 2021

P014_CL_20210419.indd 14

4/15/2021 12:16:22 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations

REV. DR. OTIS MOSS, JR. Dr. Nathan Berger, 80

W

hen he came to and genetics at CWRU School of MedCleveland in 1983, icine — continues to submit proposDr. Nathan Berger als for federal funding. In 2020 alone, never imagined that he published nine new scientific pathe oncology pro- pers and is active on five National Ingram he was tasked with developing stitutes of Health Grants, two of which would become what it is today: the he leads: a training grant for underCase Comprehensive Cancer Center. represented minority high school stu“I wanted to build a very strong dents and a larger research grant to cancer research program and have better understand and develop treatthat extend into new ways of treating ments for disparities in cancer care.

As dean of the CWRU School of patients with cancer,” said Berger, the Hanna-Payne Professor of Experi- Medicine, a role he held in the midmental Medicine and director of the 1990s through early 2000s, Berger Center for Science, Health and Society increased commitment to scholarly at the Case Western Reserve Universi- research and worked to expand dity School of Medicine. “I was told that versity among medical students.

Berger has long valued — and the situation here at Case Western Reserve and University Hospitals was worked to champion — diversity. He tabula rasa, a blank table or a clean points to what is now a clear undertable. They wanted me to build things standing that increasing diversity “significantly contributes” to rethe way I wanted to build them.”

What began with a relatively small duced health care disparities.

“What’s happened this last year ... team and budget under Berger is now a National Cancer Institute-designated with the COVID-19 pandemic is a reconsortium cancer center that brings ally good example of the kind of probtogether CWRU, University Hospitals, lem if you don’t have that diversity,” he said, noting the high risk among Black Cleveland Clinic and their networks.

Though the center is perhaps citizens for COVID-19 cases, hospitalamong the most visible examples “I GET UP EVERY MORNING AND I of Berger’s mark on research in the THINK OF 30 QUESTIONS THAT I region, his contri- WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANSWERED. bution to Cleveland and beyond ... AND EVERY DAY, I FIGURE OUT runs deeper.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO TRY TO He has mentored countless ANSWER QUESTIONS.” faculty members, including Dr. Stanton Gerson, who is izations and death. These disparities the director of the Case Comprehen- are “the most flagrant example” in resive Cancer Center and the interim cent memory of how important it is to control disease in all populations. dean at CWRU School of Medicine.

The continual excitement of reBerger has “always had a clarity of vision,” said Gerson, who was Berg- search keeps Berger motivated to exer’s first recruitment to the cancer plore unanswered questions. Collabcenter. “He understands science in- orating with colleagues at all levels credibly well. He asks — to this day, — from high school students through professors — also keeps him motivat40 years later — the best questions.”

Nearly two decades ago, Berger ed. He takes pride in seeing those started a program to get high school he’s mentored and taught build their students — with a focus on those from own successful careers.

Gerson said nobody else has the inner city — engaged with and interested in science, with the hope that come close to having the impact that they would finish high school, go to Berger has had across CWRU. “I think he’s probably been the college and pursue careers in biobest investment Case has made in 40 medical research or clinical care.

Berger — who is also distinguished years,” Gerson said. university professor and a professor of — Lydia Coutré medicine, biochemistry, oncology

AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE MALTZ MUSEUM’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR YOUR INSIGHT, INSPIRATION, AND WISDOM. MAY YOU GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH 2929 RICHMOND ROAD, BEACHWOOD | 216.593.0575 | MALTZMUSEUM.ORG

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND

Tap into Cleveland.

SPONSORED BY DELTA DENTAL OF OHIO

Crain’s is now in the app store.

Congratulations Crain’s Cleveland Eight Over 80 Honorees Especially Our Partner and Dear Friend

Angela G. Carlin

Many Thanks for Your Years of: Loyalty and contributions to Weston Hurd and the legal profession Tireless advocacy and thoughtful care of your clients Dedication to numerous civic and charitable organizations NEW D ELAN CLEV RESS ADD

1300 East 9th Street, Suite 1400 Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1573 tel 216.241.6602 n fax 216.621.8369

APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 15

P015_CL_20210419.indd 15

4/15/2021 12:16:59 PM

FOCUS | EIGHT OVER 80

Raymon Fogg Sr., 91

C

reative. Confident. Caring. Stubborn. with multiple advisory committees and founThose are some of the words dations at Ohio University because, he said, family and associates use to de- it’s returning the benefit of the education he scribe Raymon Fogg Sr. The chair- received there, which he feels was crucial. He man and founder of Ray Fogg remains on the board of OU's Ohio Research Building Methods Inc. in Brooklyn Heights Institute for Transportation and the Environlaunched a company 62 years ago that has re- ment.

He also enjoys meeting with individual stushaped the land with about 4,000 building projects. Its real estate holdings are valued at dents or classes before the pandemic changed academic life. more than $250 million.

For his part, Fogg values the people he has He talks to students not so much about the met along the way. nuts and bolts of engi"While I worked for othneering as about what “BE SURE TO ASK WHY they need to know to work ers for a few years after as engineers in business, leaving the Air Force, it SOMEONE WANTS said Dennis Irwin, dean was only a matter of time SOMETHING, RATHER emeritus of the engineerbefore I would start my own business. And I’m THAN JUST WHAT THEY ing school. glad I did," Fogg said. "BeAt the outset of his busiWANT. IT HELPS YOU ness, Fogg sold metal cause from customers, to buildings as a distributor subcontractors, to em- FIND THE RIGHT ployees, to partners and so for a steelmaker. Because SOLUTION.” many others, I have met so prospects needed it, he started an erection commany wonderful people who have been the key to my success." pany. When building sites became harder to Although his son, Raymon Fogg Jr., now find, he learned land development and real heads the family-run company along with a estate. few key employees of long tenure, the elder "The area was in a time of growth as I was Fogg remains involved in key decisions. Before growing up, and I started in business," Fogg COVID-19 put a crimp in one-on-one meet- said.

After the growth years of the 1960s passed, ings, employees valued their chances to eat his philosophy helped him navigate changing lunch with him.

Fogg grew up in Cleveland and Conneaut times.

"I have always said there is plenty of busiand traveled around the country with his father, a construction manager. His first experi- ness to be done in up and down markets," he ence on a job site was at 11, he said, carrying said. water to ditch diggers.

However, there was more to Fogg's life than For the past 20 years, Fogg has been active business. He is considered a wine expert and

enjoys having guests at his cabin on Rattlesnake Island in Lake Erie. He is passionate about flying. He learned how to fly while he was in the Air Force, but not through the service. As a base engineer, he bought a plane. Military pilots who were friends taught him to fly.

In 1974, after Hurricane Fifi devastated Honduras, Fogg responded to pleas for help and loaded his private plane with food and medical supplies. That sojourn lasted four months among people whose adobe huts had been flattened. Using raw materials on the ground, he designed a form of tilt-up construction that gave residents the ability to re-

build their homes and a church. Later, in Guatemala, he worked out a method to rebuild grass huts with concrete block houses.

Those techniques went into more than 35,000 homes. In all, he estimated, he spent a total of four years on such trips to Central America and Africa.

However, as far as Fogg the company went, the focus stayed on homes for businesses.

"I just think in terms of building for business," he said. "I don’t think I would do as well trying to please a homeowner. " — Stan Bullard

NOMINATIONS This year’s Excellence in HR Awards are designed to honor and highlight the full scope of work done by NEO’s HR professionals, from companies large and small, and from all sectors, including the nonprofit realm.

We’re in search of stories of innovation and creativity to celebrate, and case studies from which we all can learn.

NOMINATION CATEGORIES:  OVERALL EXCELLENCE – HR EXECUTIVE/TEAM OF THE YEAR  RISING STAR  “ACCIDENTAL” HR LEADER  EMPLOYEE ADVOCACY AWARD  DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY AWARD

NOMINATION DEADLINE:

MAY 10

Winners will be announced in our Aug. 2 issue.

CrainsCleveland.com/Nominate 16 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

P016_CL_20210419.indd 16

4/15/2021 12:17:26 PM

CRAIN'S LIST | COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS Ranked by 2020 local revenue

RANK

COMPANY PRIMARY LOCAL ADDRESS

2020 LOCAL REVENUE (MILLIONS) % CHANGE FROM 2019

2020 TOTAL REVENUE (MILLIONS) % CHANGE FROM 2019

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SERVED

PRIMARY SERVICES OFFERED

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN 2020

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE

1

GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY 950 Main Ave., Suite 1410, Cleveland 216-535-3000/gilbaneco.com

$475.1 14.9%

$6,500.0 3.2%

Corporate, health care, education, entertainment, sports, residential mixed-use

Construction management

The Lumen at Playhouse Square, Kent State University Design Innovation Hub, UH Ahuja Medical Center phase 2

Kyle Merrill, vice president, business unit leader

2

THE ALBERT M. HIGLEY CO. 3636 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-861-2050/amhigley.com

$190.0 -5.9%

$220.0 -4.3%

Office, health care, education, cultural, nonprofit, hospitality

Construction management, general contracting, design-build, preconstruction, estimating

Great Lakes Cheese, UH Parma Medical Center addition, DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown

Gareth D. Vaughan, president, CEO

3

PANZICA CONSTRUCTION CO. 739 Beta Drive, Mayfield Village 440-442-4300/panzica.com

$163.0 1.9%

$163.0 1.9%

Commercial, industrial, institutional

Construction management, designbuild, general contracting

Intro Cleveland, Cleveland Foundation, Flexjet

Tony M. Panzica, owner, president, CEO

4

GREAT LAKES CONSTRUCTION CO. 2608 Great Lakes Way, Hinckley 330-220-3900/greatlakesway.com

$114.0 -0.9%

$158.0 -10.1%

Transportation, treatment plant, industrial, power, commercial, oil and gas

General contractor, design-build, construction manager at risk

ODOT Tower City bridge repair, AkronCanton Airport gate replacement, Akron Water Reclamation Facility BioCEPT repair

George J. Palko, president, CEO

5

SHOOK CONSTRUCTION CO. 6860 W. Snowville Road, Brecksville 440-838-5400/shookconstruction.com

$113.0 18.4%

$322.0 -6.9%

Education, health care, industrial, mission critical, water resources

General contracting, construction management, design-build

Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant, UH Avon Seidman Cancer Center, BrecksvilleBroadview Heights Elementary School

Chris Halapy, president, CEO

6

THE RUHLIN CO. 6931 Ridge Road, Sharon Center 330-239-2800/ruhlin.com

$110.5 -0.9%

$118.1 -10.6%

Health care, industrial, transportation, education, commercial building

General contracting and construction management services firm

North Coast Harbor pedestrian bridge, Hope Memorial Bridge, Summa Health Stow-Kent Medical Center

James L. Ruhlin, president, CEO

7

C.T. TAYLOR 5802 Akron-Cleveland Road, Hudson 330-656-9353/cttaylor.com

$81.4 -51.8%

$81.4 -51.8%

Education, commercial, industrial

Construction management, design/ build, concrete and steel

Bio-Med Science Academy in Rootstown, Berea City Schools, Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority

John Hitchcock, president

8

INDEPENDENCE CONSTRUCTION 6400 E. Schaaf Road, Independence 216-446-3700/ind-con.com

$80.0 196.2%

$80.0 126.4%

Health care, higher education, industrial, multifamily, mixed-use

Development through preconstruction, construction and commissioning

Swagelok headquarters, Amazon Madison Avenue delivery stations, Geauga County administration building

Kevin DiGeronimo, president

9

JOHN G. JOHNSON CONSTRUCTION CO. 1284 Riverbed St., Cleveland 216-938-5050/johngjohnson.com

$75.0 15.4%

$75.0 15.4%

Hospitality, multifamily, corporate, senior living, worship, education

Construction manager, general contracting, design-build

Cleveland Institute of Music student housing, Emerald Alliance XI affordable housing, The Midtown Apartments

Marty Weber, president Mike Weber, director of operations

10

INFINITY CONSTRUCTION CO. 18440 Cranwood Parkway, Warrensville Hts. 216-663-3777/infinityconstruction.com

$59.5 -27.1%

$59.5 -30.2%

Commercial, health care, education, sports, recreation, retail, municipal

General contracting, construction management, design-build

Warrensville Heights City Schools (elementary, middle and high schools; stadium); 700 Lake condominiums

Charles A. Izzo, president

11

RUDOLPH LIBBE GROUP 4937 Mills Industrial Pkwy., North Ridgeville 440-406-8800/rlgbuilds.com

$59.1 40.2%

$619.1 2.4%

Manufacturing, R&D, commercial, higher education

Design build, general contractor, industrial site maintenance

Carvana inspection facility, Lorain; Ford Brookpark utility isolation; ClevelandCuyahoga Port Authority ore conveyance

Dave Boyer, Northeast Ohio regional vice president

12

INDEPENDENCE EXCAVATING 5720 E. Schaaf Road, Independence 216-524-1700/indexc.com

$58.0 -21.6%

$223.0 -5.5%

Health care, transportation, sports/entertainment, government, power, auto

Site development, demolition, earthwork, utilities, remediation, aggregate crushing, paving

Cuyahoga County Towpath Trail, ODOT Opportunity Corridor, Cleveland Hopkins airfield improvements

Victor DiGeronimo Jr., CEO

13

ENGELKE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS 2927 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick 330-273-2222/engelkecs.com

$54.2 25.2%

$70.0 11.5%

Retail, hospitality, multifamily, industrial, institutional, health care

Commercial general contracting, construction management

Cleveland Eye Clinic, National Weather Service, Mazda of Bedford

Eric Engelke, president, CEO

14

JANOTTA & HERNER 309 Monroe St., Monroeville 419-465-4611/janottaherner.com

$49.5 9%

$49.5 9%

Industrial, commercial, community, financial, medical, auto, hospitality

Construction, steel fabrication, architectural and engineering design

The Surgery Center of North Central Ohio; Firelands Sandusky Healthcare Center; Firelands Federal Credit Union, Bellevue

Paul J. Roeder, president

15

CLEVELAND CONSTRUCTION INC. 8620 Tyler Blvd., Mentor 440-255-8000/clevelandconstruction.com

$41.5 -28.8%

$224.5 -10%

Hospitality, retail, mixed-use, historic renovations

Construction manager, interior contractor

Terminal Tower Residences

Jon D. Small, chairman, CEO

16

REGENCY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES 5475 Engle Road, Brook Park 216-519-1188/regencycsi.com

$39.5 15.8%

$49.8 12.9%

Self perform rough and finish carpentry

Construction management, designbuild, general contracting, owners representative

St. Edward High School commons, St. Joseph Academy Fitzsimmons Hall and makerspace, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo RainForest dome

Tari S. Rivera, president

17

FIORILLI CONSTRUCTION INC. 1247 Medina Road, Medina 216-696-5845/fio-con.com

$32.2 53.3%

$42.8 49.1%

Retail, health care, multifamily, office, quick serve

Construction management, general contracting, design-build

The Greens at Belden redevelopment, Canton; Baricelli Inn, Cleveland; Breakthrough Public Schools, Woodland Hills/Cleveland

Carmen Fiorilli, president

18

PRECISION ENVIRONMENTAL CO. 5500 Old Brecksville Road, Independence 216-642-6040/precision-env.com

$24.1 -38.2%

$31.0 -31.1%

Industrial, commercial, government, health care, education, historical

Asbestos/lead abatement, selective demolition, concrete sawing/ drilling, ground-penetrating radar

Akron Children's Hospital, Tri-C Metro Campus fireproofing and plaza deck phase 3

Anthony DiGeronimo, president

19

DRAKE CONSTRUCTION CO. 1545 E. 18th St., Cleveland 216-664-6500/drakeconstructionco.com

$24.0 -29.4%

$34.0 -15%

Medical, retail, multifamily, tenant build-out, hospitality

General contracting

St. Vitus Parish Hall, multiple Cleveland Clinic projects, Canterbury Golf Club

Steve Joseph Ciuni, president

20

CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION INC. 1159 Blachleyville Road, Wooster 330-262-5186/campbell-construction.com

$21.5 -10.4%

$21.5 -10.4%

Commercial, industrial, institutional

Design, general contracting, construction, concrete, masonry, maintenance

Trimline Die, St. Francis de Sales Parish Memorare Center, Haiss Fabripart

John Campbell, president

21

FORTNEY & WEYGANDT INC. 31269 Bradley Road, North Olmsted 440-716-4000/fortneyweygandt.com

$20.6 -8.4%

$66.6 -21.9%

Senior living, hotel, retail, restaurant, commercial, office and industrial

National account general contractor

Waterway Express, Cleveland; Ganzhorn Suites Memory Care, Avon; Space Shop Self Storage, North Olmsted

Greg Freeh, CEO

22

MILLSTONE MANAGEMENT GROUP 8251 Mayfield Road, Suite 100, Chesterland 440-423-1116/millstonemgmtgroup.com

$17.0 -34.6%

$20.0 -33.3%

Public sector, education, retail, veterinary, industrial, office

General contractor, construction manager, design/build, bid/build

Brush High School renovations, Cleveland Public Auditorium renovation, Rainforest Car Wash Avon construction

Forrest Huntley, president Katie Kafarakis, VP

23

DIAMOND ROOFING SYSTEMS 8600 E. Market St., Suite 4, Warren 330-856-2500/diamondroofsystems.com

$6.5 -31.9%

$6.5 -31.9%

Industrial, retail, hospitality, parishes, real estate, education

Commercial roof asset management, roof replacement, repairs, budgeting, maintenance

Lady of the Lourdes Parish, Step2, Ohio Savings Bank

John Pilch, principal

24

THE KRUEGER GROUP INC. 12600 Triskett Road, Cleveland 216-252-0222/buildwithkrueger.com

$5.6 3.7%

$5.6 3.7%

Commercial, residential, nonprofit, education, industrial, historic

General contracting, construction management, design-build

Ruffing Montessori School expansion, Hawken Mastery School, The Lantern 2nd floor renovation

Robert E. Krueger III, president

25

B&B CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPERS 4531 Belmont Ave., Suite A, Youngstown 330-270-5020/bbcdonline.com

$4.0 33.3%

$6.0 20%

Commercial and industrial

General contracting, construction management, concrete, foundations

Indian Creek High School, Winterville; Youngstown State University Cushwa Hall; Loves Travel Center, Diamond

Geno Leshnack, president

Researched by Darleen White (dmwhite@crain.com) and Chuck Soder (csoder@crain.com) | Information is from the companies. Visit bit.ly/32iTlHK to submit your company for this list.

Want the Excel version of this list containing more than 100 executives? Become a Data Member: CrainsCleveland.com/data April 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 17

P017_CL_20210419.indd 17

4/16/2021 11:12:37 AM

MADABHUSI

BENTLAGE

From Page 8

From Page 9 Given the sudden shift to a workfrom-home environment, companies in Northeast Ohio leveraged technology to drive their businesses forward. Digitizing financial functions was critical. Solutions like Cashflow360 enabled businesses to manage treasury functions virtually, increase efficiencies by reducing time-consuming manual processes, and simplify invoicing.

While the use of e-commerce and the digital consumer was accelerated as a result of the pandemic, it’s here to stay and poised to increase in prevalence as adoption grows.

Communicating candidly and regularly with internal and external business partners is critical, particularly during times of uncertainty.

Whether it’s a critical supplier, employees or your banking team, your business partners are often aware of your situation and can be helpful finding a collaborative solution to the problem.

Early and proactive communication is beneficial to ensure that all partners are regularly informed about challenges and how they’ll be addressed. This builds trust while ensuring that the business is surrounded by a network that can quickly mobilize and help solve for pressing issues when speed is required.

GETTY IMAGES

Broaden the lines of communication

The evolution of product extension Businesses have successfully pivoted their operations to provide products that are in high demand due to the pandemic. For example, a local garment manufacturing business added PPE to its product portfolio, which allowed the business to grow in a challenging environment.

Whether creating a short-term revenue stream or a long-term pivot, creating alternative capabilities and

solutions beyond what the business provides today can play an imperative role in adapting and weathering disruption.

Business leaders should use this moment in time as an opportunity to re-evaluate strategies, reinvent approaches and prepare for the future.

While challenges undoubtedly remain, Northeast Ohio businesses are well-equipped to navigate uncertainty by applying learnings from the past year to remain resilient on the road ahead.

In addition, the city is home to numerous centers focused on AI in different domains, such as the Center for Clinical Artificial Intelligence, the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and the Center for Computational Imaging and Personalized Diagnostics (CCIPD). The CCIPD alone boasts more than 65 researchers and 68 issued patents, and it has been awarded more than $50 million during the last five years, including federal and industry grant support from the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration for AI in medicine-related research.

Local advancements in AI in medicine have caught the attention of state and national leaders. In January, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled the Cleveland Innovation District, a center of excellence connecting the area’s world-class health care providers and educational institutions to attract businesses and talent in health care and information technology (IT). Approximately $565 million will be invested in research, talent and innovation programs that aim to generate more than 20,000 jobs in the next decade.

In March, the Ohio Third Frontier Commission approved its latest round of funding to provide capital to startup companies and advance medical technology. Cleveland enti-

ties, including Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and several startups, will receive more than $47 million for health care and IT-related projects. That figure will be matched by those receiving money for a total of $114 million in new funds.

“Health care is a defining sector for Cleveland,” says Baiju R. Shah, the new CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the region’s business leadership group. “These recent commitments will attract additional resources to accelerate innovation, propel company and job growth, and enhance patient care. AI in medicine is an opportunity to expand Cleveland’s reputation for health care excellence.”

Throughout Cleveland, there’s tangible evidence that the city is poised to lead the way in AI in medicine. In 2020, CCIPD signed three research agreements with leading biopharmaceutical companies: AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb and Boehringer Ingelheim. Later this year, experts from around the world will gather virtually for the third annual Artificial Intelligence in Oncology hosted by Case Western Reserve University.

Advancing AI in medicine requires the confluence of many elements — research infrastructure, medical expertise and data, a collaborative environment, access to funding and the means to test and deploy solutions.

Cleveland checks all these boxes and is primed to become a national “Leader on the Lake” when it comes to AI in medicine.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

We are seeking General Counsels who demonstrate the versatility needed to be a jack of all legal trades, from handling litigation to contracts and employee compensation.

Winning candidates will be featured in the Aug. 16 print and online issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business.

CrainsCleveland.com/Nominate

NOMINATION DEADLINE:

MAY 24

18 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | APRIL 19, 2021

P018_CL_20210419.indd 18

4/16/2021 9:38:19 AM

SPONSORED CONTENT

April 19, 2021

THOUGHT LEADER FORUM

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION NEW APPROACHES TO HIRING, RETAINING TALENT The pandemic that began in 2020 unexpectedly upended recruitment and retention strategies. Now, companies and organizations are approaching the adversities as opportunities that will inform the way they attract, hire, retain and support employees in 2021 and beyond. Here is a look at some local and global recruitment and retention trends:

FROM ADVERSITIES TO NEW POSSIBILITIES

EMPLOYEE FLEXIBILITY

THE EMPLOYEE LIFE EXPERIENCE

Business growth and innovation rely on dynamic talent acquisition. The pandemic caused major disruptions in talent recruitment and attraction strategies. Now, more companies are expected to adopt virtual recruiting technologies; work remotely on talent attraction; emphasize internal hiring; and increase the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

One out of two talent professionals expects their recruiting budget to decrease, while two out of three talent professionals expect their learning and development budget to increase or stay the same, according to a 2021 recruiting trends blog on LinkedIn. Companies will be more attentive to project-based, cross-functional work.

Employee versatility will influence the way recruiters assess and hire talent.

A holistic approach to employee support also will drive human resources initiatives, including how employers support employees’ whole lives, not just their experience as employees.

According to a Gartner 2020 Reimagine HR Employee Survey, employers that support employees with their life experiences are projected to see a 20% increase in the number of employees reporting better mental and physical health, and a 21% increase in the number of high performers vs. organizations that don’t provide the same degree of support to their employees.

YOUNG TALENT ATTRACTION Between 2010-2019, Ohio gained more than 126,000 young professionals between the ages of 20-34, which was equivalent to the growth of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Alabama combined, according to JobsOhio.

STEM workforce growth increased 19%. The state’s economic competitiveness, including its ability to attract young talent, bolstered Ohio’s potential new business growth and innovation. In the post-COVID era of remote and hybrid work, employees will be less enticed to a physical location, however, which means states (such as Ohio) and communities will need to heighten creative efforts to attract talent, according to a Gartner human resources industry 2021 trends forecast.

Compiled by Kathy Ames Carr, Crain’s Content Studio-Cleveland

A SHIFT IN EMPLOYER BRANDING Job candidates and clients increasingly are looking for companies and organizations to have a strong position on philanthropy and social issues. Recruiters will shift how they tout new products, benefits and office amenities to how they position a company as supporting its customers and communities during times of crisis.

SOURCES: GARTNER, JOBSOHIO, LINKEDIN, SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Is my employee training effective? Ask yourself three questions BILL COSGROVE President and CEO Union Home Mortgage 800-767-4684

L

There are 15 career paths in the technology department alone.

UHM also operates an intensive, six-week training program for all new leaders in the company — even those with prior leadership experience. We believe a culture of servant leadership is unique and integral to our success, so we take the time to teach it right.

Once partners complete general transition training, specialty training continues for each identified career path. Our full-time training department, which consists of 14 partners, has developed a catalog of thousands of developmental courses. We are investing $10 million to open a state-of-the-art training, meeting and business center at our Strongsville campus. When complete, it will enable deeper, more immersive training experiences and serve as a nationwide hub that will promote Northeast Ohio as a top location for talent.

Will my employees love the job on day one?

Am I providing the opportunity to learn, advance and grow?

Are we building tomorrow’s leaders today?

Creating a culture where employees feel motivated begins on day one. At Union Home Mortgage, every new partner completes what we call “transition training.” Starting a new job is difficult, even if you have been

Hiring and onboarding great talent is important, but then make sure they have room to run. For example, there are 25 unique career paths at Union Home Mortgage, including in marketing, accounting and data analytics.

Even during the pandemic, UHM remained committed to finding and training young talent. The company facilitated its internship program remotely in 2020, and the program has continued to grow. This year, more than 100

Bill Cosgrove is an industry thought leader, having previously served as chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association and testifying before both houses of Congress. Under his leadership, Union Home Mortgage has developed a world-class culture and has grown to originate more than $13 billion in responsible lending annually. An engaged member of the local community, Bill sits on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, The Playhouse Square Foundation and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. eaders focus on finding, developing and retaining great talent. Today’s top performers want a clear vision of what’s possible in their career.

Given hard work and company support, what can they hope to achieve? Here are three questions to ask about the adequacy of your training programs.

working in a related industry for years. Recruits learn about the company as a whole and are immediately introduced to different departments and senior leaders. Each new partner attends daily executive leadership meetings, literally taking a seat at the table (even if it is virtual).

Happy employees make happy customers. It’s important ours are smiling on day one.

This advertising-supported section/feature is produced by Crain’s Content Studio-Cleveland, the marketing storytelling arm of Crain’s Cleveland Business. The Crain’s Cleveland Business newsroom is not involved in creating Crain’s Content Studio content.

interns will participate. A two-year career development program moves interns strategically through a number of roles to help them find their fit.

The Future Leaders Program advances the training of current partners with an interest in and knack for leadership. The one-year program provides additional coaching and mentorship to grow into positions of leadership at UHM and the community as a whole.

Few investments provide better returns than those made directly in your employees’ talent development. By creating and maintaining a robust training program, you are committing to their success, enabling them to do the same for you.

AKRON REAL ESTATE

Work advances on green industrial park in Norton KDA Manufacturing readies 2nd building on 26-acre site

BY DAN SHINGLER

Norton’s KDA Manufacturing is moving ahead, and with some innovative green construction methods, to turn its 26-acre site on South Cleveland Massillon Road into a green industrial park.

With one building now finished and leased and a second under construction, KDA owner David Klossner said he’s hoping the site will ultimately have five buildings, each with nearly 40,000 square feet under roof.

“Hopefully, we’ll have it completed in August,” Klossner said of the second building, which as of April 5 had its foundation and steel framework up.

A manufacturer himself by trade — KDA engineers and fabricates large metal industrial components — Klossner said he’s building with an eye toward what manufacturers want and what’s needed to make his buildings as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.

That includes, he said, using recycled concrete for his buildings’ foundations and big steel I-beams salvaged from bridges in the region in his construction.

Klossner said he coordinates with the Ohio Department of Transportation to find out when a bridge will be torn down or have some of its structural steel replaced. Then he works with ODOT’s contractors to determine exactly when the used I-beams will be available and has a KDA truck waiting to take them back to Norton.

“When we built the first building, we bought the steel components of a bridge going across the Ohio River from Ohio to West Virginia on I-70,” Klossner said. “We brought all these beams back to Norton and repurposed and upcycled them into the structural components of our building. What’s nice is we’re buying steel that would otherwise be scrap, and we’re creating jobs.”

Steel I-beams that were once part of an I-76 bridge in Barberton are being repurposed to build a green industrial park in Norton. The first building (right) in KDA Manufacturing’s Norton industrial park was occupied in March

by KyotoCooling, which makes systems to keep large data centers cool with new energy-efficient technology. | KDA MANUFACTURING PHOTOS

It’s no small task, though. Klossner said he needs about 60 I-beams per building — and a truck can only haul five or six of the massive pieces of steel at once. Hence, each building requires many trips.

That first building was a success and is now occupied by KyotoCooling, which makes systems used to cool big data processing centers using a new technology based on giant aluminum discs that efficiently transfer heat away from rooms full of computers without the use of water.

“After an extensive year-and-ahalf-long search for a new facility that fit our unique needs, KyotoCooling found the perfect fit in the KDA Manufacturing building in Norton,” said Greg Schlechter, KyotoCooling's Ohio plant manager, in a news release announcing the company’s move from Tallmadge in March.

Klossner is using the same tactic

for the second building, this time using steel he salvaged from an I-76 bridge in Barberton, he said.

Using the upcycled steel has helped KDA get a silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its first two building designs from the U.S. Green Building Council, Klossner said. But that’s not all he’s doing to ensure the buildings are certified, as well as pleasant places to work.

The buildings feature far more windows than most U.S. manufacturing buildings, Klossner said, enough to satisfy the so-called daylighting standards enforced in Europe for workplaces.

The buildings are also self-sufficient in terms of nondrinking water, thanks to catchment systems on the roofs and holding tanks underground.

“We have two underground,

SENIOR HOUSING

From Page 3

“We think there is pent-up demand, which will allow the sector to flourish,” Sinicariello said.

Omni estimates it has about 100 hours of contact with a family before it decides to place someone in a property.

Incentive packages are proliferating in this environment.

The website for Anthology Senior Living in Mayfield Heights, where Denver-based CA Ventures opened a 180-unit independent, assisted living and memory care property in November 2020, offers a $10,000 package.

Generally, rents cost more than $2,500 monthly for independent living units with a menu of services at additional cost. Assisted living units with a full suite of services typically cost above $6,000 monthly.

Suites, the monthly trade magazine of the Northern Ohio Apartment Association, reported in February a

Danbury Senior Living opened a new multimillion-dollar complex in 2020 in North Ridgeville. It’s one of multiple properties that were added to the market last year, when the pandemic dried up demand. | CONTRIBUTED

10% average value concession packages here. At the same time, incentives in the booming conventional multifamily market average 6%.

However, turnover is more common than might be expected at inde-

pendent and assisted living properties. That means established communities share in the vacancy woe.

Brian Spring, president of Danbury Senior Living of North Canton,

25,000-gallon storage tanks. So, when it rains an inch or more, we get 50,000 gallons of water. … We don’t use city water,” Klossner said. “The water we get is soft, and it’s really good water.

We’ve had it tested several times, and it’s safe to drink — but we don’t use it for potable water.”

The park’s setting also stands out from most industrial parks. It’s a largely wooded site that Klossner said will include a walking trail and afford each building ample green space.

“It’s going to be five, 4- to 6-acre plots. They’re going to have trees around them, they’ll be gated (lots) and they’ll be very cool buildings,” Klossner said.

He’s also including features he figures most manufacturers will find attractive. Each building is 50 feet tall and includes cranes with 35 feet un-

said assisted living units turn over about every two years. He said that’s because residents typically move in their mid-80s and are generally sicker than in their mid-70s.

“Unfortunately, we are in an industry where people die,” Spring said.

So move-ins during the pandemic did not keep pace with natural attrition. Among Danbury’s 19 properties, he would only say occupancy is better and worse, depending on the location, than the national vacancy figure.

However, an aging population provides universal, but future, hope in the sector.

Although baby boomers and Generation Xers are helping their aging parents navigate more service-oriented housing options, that large bulge in the national population may provide tenants in the future. So don’t look for the building to stop soon.

Spring said 24-year-old Danbury opened a new community in 2020 in North Ridgeville. It has additional

der hook, and the doors for getting product and materials in and out of the buildings are 25 feet tall and of equal width, Klossner said.

Klossner, who is a mechanical engineer, said he does his own design work and does the construction of the buildings with his company.

The exact cost of each structure will vary depending on what a tenant asks to have included but is in the range of $2.5 million to $3 million, Klossner said.

The most expensive component of the building is the structural steel.

In a region where good, modern industrial space is at a premium, KDA’s buildings stand out, said Aaron Davis, associate adviser and property manager with Fairlawn’s SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Group, who will work to lease out KDA’s current building.

“The heights of the buildings and the amount of crane power he puts in — all those factors work out well for the company that goes in. That includes the natural and LED lighting inside. It allows people to not feel like they’re going into a dark dungeon to work,” Davis said.

Going forward, Klossner will develop new buildings as those he has completed lease up, until he’s out of space.

“We’re building Phase II, and we’ve already bought the steel for Phase III, which will be an expansion of our first building,” Klossner said.

Even if he fills up his existing acreage with new manufacturing tenants, he might not be done.

Klossner said there are about 50 acres of city-owned land nearby that he might be interested in purchasing to continue developing industrial sites if he does fill up his existing park.

“I like doing this kind of stuff, so why not?” Klossner said.

Dan Shingler: dshingler@crain.com, (216) 771-5290, @DanShingler

ones under construction in Millersburg and Columbus.

However, Spring said he hopes for the pandemic to break to allow its nearly 1,500 caregivers to catch their breath after a rough year.

“They’ve been our savior in this and have worked a lot of hard days,” he said.

At the same time, he believes the oversupply will wane when normalcy returns. He added that the business is operationally intensive, so some shakeout opportunities may surface.

Looking at the market broadly amid a health challenge, McQuinn said the business has better prospects now than during the banking crisis and housing bust.

“People moving from a house to independent living are probably selling a house,” McQuinn said. “In 2008, that was a huge problem. I think the real estate market will help us going forward.”

Stan Bullard: sbullard@crain.com, (216) 771-5228, @CrainRltywriter

20 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | April 19, 2021

P020_CL_20210419.indd 20

4/16/2021 11:33:23 AM

THE WEEK

CHOOSE OHIO

From Page 2

these industries. Another COF priority is to recruit and retain underrepresented students.

Officials at the University of Akron work to do that by connecting with high schools in urban and rural areas, as well as Appalachian Ohio. There’s no minimum GPA or s t a n d a rd i z e d test score to be eligible for its COF scholarship.

“We began to see that there was an opportunity for us to find talented students in Pressimone these areas, students who with a little push could really go into these fields and do more,” Brown said.

Students receiving the scholarship must take part in UA’s programming. Brown plays a big part in that. And as a Black man who earned a STEMM undergraduate degree, he said he understands what many students are navigating.

“A lot of times we aren’t told what the hurdles or the barriers in front of us are,” he said. “So when we meet with students, we try to be as honest with them as possible and talk about some of those unsaid challenges that they’re having.”

Akron got $5.8 million in this latest COF funding round. It’s the biggest award across the state. Brown said the campus’ program is now being used as a model for some of the university’s other initiatives.

“Those are the three main areas because they fit into industries in Northeastern Ohio and the need for workers,” said Rebecca Stolzman, director of honors and scholars programs.

The college’s proposal included letters of support from local companies in those sectors, as did Notre Dame College’s application. Students at the South Euclid campus will be offered internships by local companies such as Alloy Bellows, Medical Mutual, Synthomer and Frantz Medical Manufacturing.

“We don’t do higher education just for the sake of higher education,” said Notre Dame president Mike Pressimone. “We know that our students, in particular, see this as a stepping stone to a better life. I think our partner companies also see this as well, and they’re looking for talented young people to join their companies.”

A “for sale” sign hangs in front of a house on Cleveland’s West Side in February. | MICHELLE JARBOE/CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS The college will receive $892,000.

Officials plan to offer annual scholSOMETHING’S BREWING: Scottish craft arships ranging from $1,500 to brewer BrewDog plans to open an ex$7,995. These awards come as the pansive bar and restaurant in the Flats, where the pub will be the first pandemic’s economic impact conanchor for a much broader planned tinues. The amount of first-year studevelopment on Scranton Peninsula. dents nationwide dropped 13% in A presentation submitted to the the fall compared with the previous Cleveland City Planning Commission year. shows that BrewDog USA expects to “This kind of stimulus can really lease 10,410 square feet at the Avian help kind of counteract that trend building on Carter Road. The bar will so that students say, ‘OK, maybe spill out of that space onto surround- Jacobs Pavilion will serve as the main court for the Cleveland Championships, a WTA higher education is possible for me,’ ” said Pressimone. ing land, with a European-style beer tournament that will be held at the Nautica Entertainment Complex in August. | TOPNOTCH Students of color saw big enrollgarden and riverfront installations MANAGEMENT RENDERING that could include a dog park and a ment drops across the country in Amy Morona: amy.morona@crain. playground or miniature golf feature. 2020 with operating income of $54.7 agency that represents professional 2020. Those students, along with com, (216) 771-5229, BrewDog intends to invest $2.3 mil- million on $4.5 billion in revenue. tennis and soccer players, first told C R A I N women, have long ’S CLEV ELAN D B faced U S I N Egaps S S |in S E @AmyMorona P T E M B E R 3 - 9 , 2 018 | PA G E 21 lion to $2.5 million in the project, The numbers are in line with the ad- Crain’s of its plans for the WTA tourwhich will seat about 650 patrons — justed budget projections the system nament in January. At the time, the 400 of them outdoors — and employ set as the pandemic took hold. Mike only thing holding the company back 70 to 80 people. The Scranton Penin- Szubski, UH chief financial officer, from fully committing to the venture sula pub will open this year — ideally called the system’s recovery “nothing was a lack of firm commitments on in the summer, said Jesse Grant, a short of amazing” and “a testament sponsorships. Topnotch has since member of the investor-developer to this organization and the thought- partnered with Destination Cleveteam behind the Avian and the larger ful approach” to operating during the land, the Greater Cleveland Sports project, called Thunderbird. pandemic. COVID-19 added a signif- Commission, Cleveland Clinic, Medicant amount of costs. Szubski esti- ical Mutual, Great Lakes Brewing Co. KEYS TO THE DEAL: Keyfactor, an Inde- mates UH had roughly $120 million and White Claw. The firm is still hoppendence-based cybersecurity firm, in COVID-19 related costs. The pan- ing to secure title and presenting says it aims to “bring machine identi- demic also slowed patient volumes sponsors, each of which would pay a ty management to the mainstream” due to temporary requirements to fee well above six figures to align with after raising $125 million and setting postpone nonessential surgeries and the biggest pro tennis tournament plans for a merger with a Swedish then ongoing apprehension among held in Cleveland since Brad Gilbert won the Society Bank Tennis Classic company called PrimeKey. Keyfactor patients to seek care. in 1985. The sponsorship revenue is announced both developments April 15. The $125 million in new funding BOUNCING BACK: Northeast Ohio home crucial to offset a seven-figure fee was led by Insight Partners, which sales rebounded in March after stut- that was paid to the WTA for the Notre Dame College is earning about $892,000 in “Choose Ohio First” funding. made an initial $77 million invest- tering in February. Buyers closed on event, as well as the costs of hosting | CONTRIBUTED ment in Keyfactor in 2019. Keyfactor 4,045 houses and condominiums last the tournament. Those expenses, said the merged company will oper- month across an 18-county area cov- tournament director Kyle Ross told ate under the Keyfactor brand, and ered by MLS Now, a real estate listing the Sports Business Journal, will be the deal will lead to “increased in- service. Sales rose nearly 35% from about $600,000 to $800,000 annually, Advertising Section vestments across all product lines” February, when closings dipped as including the $300,000 prize pool. for both companies. Terms of the buyers sparred over a record-low merger were not disclosed. Keyfactor supply of available properties. March ON THE MOVE: MAI Capital Managesaid the merger “forms an indus- transactions were up 2.8% from a ment, a growing wealth management try-first machine identity manage- year before. That’s despite an ongo- firm and fee-based registered indement platform,” combining its tech- ing inventory shortage that’s driving pendent adviser, said it will move to nology that helps automate the prices ever higher and an early spring Park Center Plaza, a three-building management of certificates for con- uptick in mortgage rates. The average campus in Independence, from nected devices with that of Prime- sale price for a new or previously downtown Cleveland. Rick BuonTo place your listing in Crain’s Cleveland Classifieds, Key, which creates the certificates owned house in the region was core, MAI managing partner, said the that serve as crucial tools for identify- $198,639 in March, a 5.1% increase company needs a campus setting contact Ainsley Burgess at 313-446-0455 ing machines. Keyfactor CEO Jordan from a year before. Condos, a small and amenities such as an on-site cafRackie will lead the combined com- slice of the local market, fetched an eteria and auditorium to continue its or email ainsley.burgess@crain.com pany as CEO. Magnus Svenningson, average price of $160,345 — a 13.9% growth. “We don’t have that downCEO at PrimeKey, will become chief gain from March 2020. town,” Buoncore said. “Add free parking and a survey that it will shorten strategy officer and executive vice ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY president of business development. NET GAIN: Topnotch Management the commute for 90% of our people, Keyfactor has 170 employees. Prime- made official that a prominent Wom- and it becomes a no-brainer.” MAI Key has 100. en’s Tennis Association tournament Capital occupies the top three floors Strategic Buyer Wanted is coming to the Flats this summer. of IMG Center, 1360 E. Ninth St. It will For Batch Powder Coating Company ‘AMAZING’ RESILIENCE: Despite the sig- The Cleveland Championships, a exit about 50,000 square feet at IMG Sales $504,000 nificant stress that COVID-19 added WTA 250 event, will be held at Jacobs Center and lease about 60,000 square Very profitable to health system finances, University Pavilion and the surrounding Nauti- feet at Parkside Center Plaza. The mike@empirebusinesses.com www.empirebusinesses.com Hospitals was able to hit its adjusted ca Entertainment Complex the week firm is looking to move its 140 em440 - 461- 2202 budget for last year. UH rounded out of Aug. 22-28. Topnotch, a Cleveland ployees in mid-2022.

CLASSIFIEDS

April 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 21

P021_CL_20210419.indd 21

4/16/2021 11:32:21 AM

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Advertising Section

To place your listing, visit www.crainscleveland.com/people-on-the-move or, for more information, contact Debora Stein at 917.226.5470 / dstein@crain.com ACCOUNTING

AUTOMOTIVE

CONSTRUCTION

Apple Growth Partners

Transtar Industries

1st Choice Roofing

Cayla Allen joins Apple Growth Partners’ creative team as a marketing manager. As AGP’s first new hire outside of Ohio, Cayla’s onboarding directly results from the firm’s successful transition to a remote workforce in 2020. Cayla joins the marketing team with extensive digital and content marketing experience, including email, inbound lead, and media strategies. She is well-versed in social media reach, website design, collateral production, marketing analytics, and impactful messaging.

Transtar Industries, a leading distributor of quality automotive parts, products, and software solutions, welcomes Greg Kaganovich Kaganovich as Vice President, Supply Chain. Greg, whose responsibilities include logistics, purchasing, and inventory management, brings more than 20 years of experience as a global supply chain professional.

Concurrently, former Vice President, Supply Chain Kevin Rozsa will transition to Vice President, Marketing.

Rozsa Kevin, who began his 20-year career at Transtar, has an extensive marketing background and is welcomed back to this critical role.

1st Choice Roofing is proud to announce Tom Truelson as President. For over 14 years Tom has been a key component to the continued success and growth of the business. He is a member of the Sacred Landmarks Committee with Cleveland Restoration Society and volunteers with notable historic projects throughout northeast Ohio. Tom received his B.A. in History from Mount Union College and was selected for the National Roofing Contractor Association’s FEI program at Northwestern University.

ADVERTISING / MARKETING

thunder::tech is proud to welcome Anne Polkinghorn as Senior Director of Communications & Digital Marketing.

Anne has worked in e-commerce and digital marketing for over 24 years, most recently as Director of E-Commerce for The Michaels Companies, Inc., a Top 100 Retailer, and, prior, Director of Digital Marketing for Darice, Inc. Anne’s experience and expertise will open new avenues and opportunities for B2B, B2C and DTC clientele eager to transform and adapt to an increasingly digital future.

ERIEBANK Ellen Forbus joins ERIEBANK as Vice President of Private Banking where she will assist clients in developing long-term solutions to their financial needs.

Ellen’s areas of expertise include managing debt, retirement and business planning, and recognizing possible estate and financial planning issues in a client’s financial journey. She is currently part of the Lake County United Way’s Women United initiative and is an International 1x5 Coaching Federation Certified Life/Business Coach.

Ryan Bodine joined Tober Building in 2015 and was recently promoted to Director of Preconstruction.

He has managed multitudes of commercial construction projects with contract values near $300MM, accounting for over 2MM sq. ft. of space. A skilled estimator and project manager, Ryan has vast experience with Health Care, Retail, Senior Housing, Multifamily, and Higher Education projects. His cost analysis and construction knowledge are integral in all design decisions, budgets, schedule, and quality.

INDUSTRY ACHIEVERS ADVANCING THEIR CAREERS AUTOMOTIVE

Transtar Industries Transtar Industries, a leading distributor of quality automotive parts, products, and ecommerce solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom DeMille from Vice President, Sales and Marketing to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

Tom, who has more than 26 years of automotive industry experience, will drive high-level growth in Transtar’s core distribution business.

Recognize them in Crain’s

For listing opportunities, contact Debora Stein at dstein@crain.com or submit directly to

CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM/PEOPLEMOVES 22 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | APRIL 19, 2021

HWH Architects Engineers Planners Inc.

Buckley King LPA

HWH is excited to announce recent leadership changes to continue the advancement of this 110-year-old Cleveland based engineering and architecture firm.

Keith Rintamaa, P.E. has been promoted to President; after beginning as a field engineer, Keith continued to advance his career achieving Professional Engineer licensure in multiple states and succeeding in increased leadership roles and responsibilities over his 28-years with the firm. Additionally, Joseph J. Matts becomes Chief Executive Officer after serving as President for the past 16-years.

Together, Keith and Joe bring over 65-years of experience to lead this full-service professional design and engineering services provider through continued success.

The attorneys of Miller Goler Faeges Lapine LLP join Buckley King LPA including Deborah J. Michelson, a former Michelson Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, representing clients in financial and securities fraud, real estate and contract disputes, business wind-downs, corporate matters and business torts, as well as in emergency action litigation.

David A. Kunselman focuses on corporate transactions and dispute resolution.

His experience includes lease and operative agreement formation, public/ Faeges private offerings, asset sales, intellectual property, and creditors’ rights matters. David has appeared in federal, state and appellate courts on a wide range of corporate matters.

Ancora

Tober Building Company BANKING

LAW

FINANCIAL SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION

thunder::tech

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING

Ancora is happy to announce that Mr. Thomas Copley has joined Ancora as a Vice President, Risk Analyst & Insurance Oversight to support both the Risk and Compliance teams.

Prior to joining Ancora, Tom worked with KeyCorp for over thirteen years, most recently as a Principal, conducting supervisory reviews and oversight for all Key Investment Services business.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Toledo and his MBA from Western Governors University.

LAW

Buckley King LPA Buckley King LPA welcomes all of the lawyers of Miller Goler Faeges Lapine LLP including Steven J. Miller, Miller representing public, private, family-owned businesses, and governmental agencies in dispute resolution.

He has extensive experience in emergency court actions, evidentiary hearings, trials, mediation, and arbitration.

Jay R. Faeges provides advice on business matters involving entity structure and formation, contracts, Faeges trademarks, mergers and acquisitions, ESOPs, spin-offs, domestic and international joint ventures, as well as financing strategies that involve both traditional and alternative financing.

LAW

Buckley King LPA Buckley King LPA announces their merger with Miller Goler Faeges Lapine LLP including Michael D. Goler, representing Goler owners, developers, landlords, tenants and lenders in project development, conceptualizing, assemblage, acquisition, governmental approvals, financing, leasing, environmental issues such as USTs, Brownfields, inter-creditor relationships, unsubordinated ground lease financings and government insured transactions.

Kenneth M. Lapine represents mortgage Lapine banking and financial institutions, developers and real estate investors involving the acquisition, disposition and management of real property, investment real estate syndication, consumer credit, regulatory aspects, and the operational facets of financial institutions.

crainscleveland.com

CRAIN’S CLEVELAND

Publisher Mike Schoenbrun (216) 771-5174 or mike.schoenbrun@crain.com Executive editor Elizabeth McIntyre (216) 771-5358 or emcintyre@crain.com Group publisher Jim Kirk (312) 397-5503 or jkirk@crain.com Managing editor Scott Suttell (216) 771-5227 or ssuttell@crain.com Assistant managing editor Sue Walton (330) 802-4615 or swalton@crain.com Web editor Damon Sims (216) 771-5279 or dasims@crain.com Assistant editor Kevin Kleps (216) 771-5256 or kkleps@crain.com Senior data editor Chuck Soder (216) 771-5374 or csoder@crain.com Associate art director Michael Stassus (815) 230-5371 or michael.stassus@crain.com Editorial researcher William Lucey (216) 771-5243 or wlucey@crain.com Cartoonist Rich Williams REPORTERS

GET MASTHEAD FROM LIBRARY

Tap into Cleveland.

Crain’s is now in the app store.

Stan Bullard, senior reporter, Real estate/ construction. (216) 771-5228 or sbullard@crain.com Lydia Coutré, Health care/nonprofits.

(216) 771-5479 or lcoutre@crain.com Michelle Jarboe, Enterprise reporter.

(216) 771-5437 or michelle.jarboe@crain.com Amy Morona, Higher education.

(216) 771-5229 or amy.morona@crain.com Rachel Abbey McCafferty, Manufacturing, K-12 education, technology. (216) 771-5379 or rmccafferty@crain.com Jay Miller, Government.

(216) 771-5362 or jmiller@crain.com Jeremy Nobile, Finance/legal/beer/cannabis.

(216) 771-5255 or jnobile@crain.com Kim Palmer, Government.

(216) 771-5384 or kpalmer@crain.com Dan Shingler, Energy/steel/auto/Akron.

(216) 771-5290 or dshingler@crain.com ADVERTISING

Events manager Erin Bechler, (216) 771-5388 or ebechler@crain.com Integrated marketing manager Cody Smith, (330) 419-1078 or cody.smith@crain.com Managing editor custom/special projects Amy Ann Stoessel (216) 771-5155 or astoessel@crain.com Account executives Laura Kulber Mintz, Loren Breen, Mara Broderick People on the Move manager Debora Stein, (917) 226-5470, dstein@crain.com Pre-press and digital production Craig L. Mackey Office coordinator Karen Friedman Media services manager Nicole Spell Billing YahNica Crawford Credit Thomas Hanovich CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer service and subscriptions: (877) 824-9373 or customerservice@crainscleveland.com Reprints: Laura Picariello (732) 723-0569 or lpicariello@crain.com

Crain’s Cleveland Business is published by Crain Communications Inc. Chairman Keith E. Crain Vice chairman Mary Kay Crain CEO KC Crain Senior executive VP Chris Crain Secretary Lexie Crain Armstrong Chief Financial Officer Robert Recchia G.D. Crain Jr. Founder (1885-1973) Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr. Chairman (1911-1996) Editorial & Business Offices 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113-1230 (216) 522-1383 Volume 42, Number 15

SPONSORED BY DELTA DENTAL OF OHIO

Crain’s Cleveland Business (ISSN 0197-2375) is published weekly, except no issues on 1/4/21 nor 7/5/21, combined issues on 5/24/21 and 5/31/21, 8/30/21 and 9/6/21, 11/22/21 and 11/29/21, at 700 West St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113-1230.

Copyright © 2021 by Crain Communications Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

Price per copy: $2.00.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Crain’s Cleveland Business, Circulation Department, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207-2912.

1 (877) 824-9373.

Subscriptions: In Ohio: 1 year - $64, 2 year - $110. Outside Ohio: 1 year - $110, 2 year - $195. Single copy, $2.00. Allow 4 weeks for change of address. For subscription information and delivery concerns send correspondence to Audience Development Department, Crain’s Cleveland Business, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48207-9911, or email to customerservice@crainscleveland.com, or call (877) 824-9373 (in the U.S. and Canada) or (313) 446-0450 (all other locations), or fax (313) 446-6777.

APRIL 19, 2021 | CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS | 23

P023_CL_20210419.indd 23

4/16/2021 9:23:06 AM

THE DIGITAL DIVIDE. IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK. JOIN US

MAY 12

TH

10–11 A.M.

REGISTER TODAY: Crainscleveland.com/DigitalDivideEvent

PRODUCED BY:

GOLD SPONSOR: DELTA DENTAL

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION: mike.schoenbrun@crain.com

SILVER SPONSOR