Geauga Business Magazine, 2023 - Issue 2

A COUNTY THRIVING ON SMALL BUSINESS

Training Your Future Employees in Successful CREW Program

As Geauga County businesses consider where their workforce will come from in the near future, Chardon High School seeks to be the solution. With the creation of CREW (Creating Reliable, Educated Workers), Chardon High School teachers Kim Butala and Tracey Britt are preparing students for life after high school with a one-of-akind opportunity.

CREW offers high school students time to dive into the 4 E’s the state of Ohio seeks to emphasize for youth: Employment, Education, Entrepreneurship and Enlistment. This means that when students enroll in CREW elective courses at Chardon High School, they gain the freedom to develop key life skills and explore their interests within 16 career clusters.

After working at Chardon High School for nearly three decades, Intervention Specialist Britt noticed something was missing in education. “I felt like we needed to do more for students,” Britt relates. “I sat and brainstormed and I came up with this idea. Kim [Butala] and I took it to administration.”

“It was a perfect fit for me,” Butala adds. “As a Family Consumer Sciences teacher, I covered careers a bit. CREW enabled us to explode the career component of it.”

Britt and Butala recognized that Geauga County comes with special emphasis on industry. After attending a GGP meeting, the team began to evolve CREW to increase the focus on manufacturing. “We’re trying to be a pathway for skilled workers and get them out in the workplace,” Britt says. “When we went to the school board with the idea of manufacturing, they

were on board and purchased a whole program for us.”

Chardon High School students now have the chance to gain skills with AC/DC Electrical Learning Systems, Basic Hydraulics Learning Systems, Sensors, Pneumatics Learning Systems, Precision Measurements, two different robotic systems, a Skills Boss and more.

The acquisition of a Skills Boss was a special addition to the program. When they learned Auburn Career Center would give out four Skill Boss machines to school districts that had teachers willing to learn the technology, Britt raised her hand, enthusiastically gained a new skill and spectacularly expanded CREW curriculum.

Creating a Program That Profits Students

CREW courses are available to students in 8th to 12th grade beginning with a Foundation course. In this class, students explore post-high school pathways and complete selfassessments to discover their interests. They also learn critical financial skills from budgeting to taxes and cost of living calculations. For high school upperclassmen, a Transitions course helps students envision their life post-school and work on essential career skills like resume writing and interviewing.

In addition to these educational courses, CREW students can gain real work experience. Chardon High School’s Work course assigns students jobs on or off campus through the school district. “The school board actually hires them,” Butala notes. “Students are placed in the cafeteria, library, custodial services or with individual teachers.”

This course isn’t just for school credit. Students earn above minimum wage for their work and put their new financial skills to use. “It is amazing for students to learn these skills,” Britt says. “They have to notify their mentor just like a boss if they’re sick or if

something comes up. It’s a comfortable environment to learn and experience occasional hiccups.”

For students interested in going further, CREW offers Practical Work Experience with internships and preapprenticeships with businesses off campus. Three Chardon High School students from the program are going full-time with the manufacturing businesses they worked for in CREW. “We’re super excited to see how many students will be placed through this program in the next couple years,” Butala shares.

Earning Real World Credentials

In CREW. students not only gain realworld work experience, they also have the opportunity to earn credentials and certifications they’ll use post-high school. These offerings include CPR, OSHA and many more. Credentialing can be particularly helpful to students who struggle with the pathway to high school graduation. The state of Ohio currently offers an alternative graduation consisting of 12 credentials. Working with businesses to ensure these credentials make students more hireable is key to Britt and Butala. The CREW team is also working with Youngstown State University to see if this high school experience could transfer into college credit. “If our kids can earn a couple of college credits, now they see themselves differently,” Britt says. “A lot of our kids think they aren’t college material. Changing that mindset through hands-on skills will get them in the door.”

Making Connections in the Community

CREW students get to know local businesses further through field trips and guest speakers. “Field trips are big for us,” Butala relates. “The kids will come in thinking one way and open

their eyes to what manufacturing really is.” The program also welcomes an average of five guest speakers a month to speak with students interested in specific areas.

Reaching out to companies in the area has always been at the forefront of Britt and Butala’s focus. “We have not met one company that doesn’t want to be involved with CREW in some aspect,” Butala says. “Whether it’s material donation, monetary donation, bringing on a student apprentice, guest speakers or some other manner, everyone has been very generous.”

The CREW team is also working with Ohio school districts to share this innovative program and empower students across the state. “Some school districts are just getting started,” Britt notes. “We are here to offer support as other schools implement what works for them.”

With growing business connections

and curriculum, Chardon High School students have a brighter future ahead. In fact, the CREW team is excited to create a Maker Space beginning in fall 2023 to offer creative opportunities within marketing, art/design, and engineering.

“We have all these businesses right here in Geauga County that need help,” Butala says. “That’s a lot of great opportunities for our students.” After taking more than 100 students through the CREW program in the 2022-2023 school year, Britt and Butala envision working with many more students in the coming year and creating a better and brighter future for young adults and Ohio businesses.

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“ We have all these businesses right here in Geauga County that need help. That’s a lot of great opportunities for our students. ”

-Kim Butala , CREW Career Navigator

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Burton Station Fixture Company Benefits From GGP’s Small Business Initiative

Nestled in the heart of Northeastern Ohio, Burton Station Fixture Company has become a trusted, go-to manufacturer for millwork and store fixtures since its founding more than a decade ago. From custombuilt cabinets to granite countertops, Mark Pollari, the company’s founder, takes immense pride in his company’s reputation and the work ethic of his 14-member crew. Listening to him talk, you can tell he is clearly passionate about his work.

“I grew up in Middlefield and graduated from Cardinal High School,” Pollari said. “I always had a love for woodworking, which stemmed from my grandfather and hanging out with him in his garage. I managed a lumberyard in Middlefield for nine years, and I always wanted to be in business for myself.”

At age 40, Pollari did just that, first launching Progressive Building Supply

in 2002. “I serviced homebuilders with windows, doors, trims. The business was growing steadily,” he said. In 2008, we expanded into a new building in Middlefield, but right at that time, the economy took a dive in new home construction.” As the Great Recession forced many businesses to shatter, Pollari’s company survived the economic collapse by looking for new opportunities to stay afloat, even if it meant shifting gears. It was around this time he accepted a large manufacturing project and began producing Wood components for a national heater company.

“A friend of mine had the contract. A long story short, he bought the building across the street, had 70 people over their doing assembly. We manufactured here and we produced about a half a million of these heaters over a five-toseven-year period,” Pollari said. Always looking for new ways to take

business to the next level, Pollari eventually sold Progressive Building Supply and launched Burton Station Fixture Company, enabling Mark and his two son’s to focus 100 percent on manufacturing. For the next several years, his new business served as a subcontractor to other larger wood shops, which included several bigname brands. However, even then, Pollari wanted more.

“We just got to a point where we wanted our own customers, so we

“ It forces small business owners to go outside of their comfort zone and do things that they normally wouldn’t. ”

- Mark Pollari, Founder

could control our own destiny a little bit more instead of being the subcontractor. In the last eight years, we’ve worked really hard developing our own customer base.” Pollari contributes his continued success to his recent involvement with Geauga Growth Partnership’s CEO peer advisory group (CEO-PAG). First launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses in the county stay open, the advisory group meets monthly, with each member receiving two hours of individual coaching from professional business coach, David Levy.

“David is a huge part of the success for me. I just really like him. I like his business sense. He’s got so much experience and he keeps us focused. He doesn’t let us get derailed. He’ll be right there with you. If you’re struggling with something, he’ll help you get to the bottom of it,” Pollari said. EPAGs, which operate under high confidentiality standards, are based on the idea that the collective experience and resources of peer groups help empower likeminded CEOs, presidents, and other business owners to solve challenges more effectively than they could do on their own.

“To me, I found that within the group, we all had similar aspirations and problems. Things we are dealing with, maybe HR or a certain market sector you’re trying to get into,” Pollari said.

“It forces small, independent business owners to go outside of their comfort zone and do things that they normally wouldn’t.” Taking part in the group over the last few years has allowed Pollari to form bonds with like-minded businesses owners while also learning from each other’s successes and failures, he said. “One of the biggest parts of it for me is just the camaraderie. I’ll call one of the other members and bounce something off them at a random time or they’ll call me,” Pollari explained. “Within our group, there’s one couple that’s been in business way longer than I have even though I am older than they are. It’s just impressive to me to see the things they have in place. You know, I’m like, ‘Man, we should probably be looking into that, too.’ Then we have someone who just bought a business. It’s just so fun to watch their growth and how fast they’ve matured within the group.”

Those participating in the program must be able to commit to the time to gain any benefit, according to Pollari. Monthly team sessions are eight hours long and designed to focus on an issue or opportunity identified by a member. Peer business owners then offer different solutions to help them achieve successful results.

“At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to commit to the time. Now it’s the opposite way. I make it a priority,” Pollari said. “In the past, I’ve gone through several downsides in my business, and several situations that cost me real money. And when you’re the owner, it affects you tremendously. Sometimes your employees don’t even know it.”

“With David, he says, there’s no such thing as failure, there’s just a bad result. In other words, your plan has a vision and a direction, so you’re not going to fail at your plan, but you may miss your result. You’re still going to achieve something,” he continued. Burton Station Fixture Company is one of seven businesses in Geauga County currently participating in the program. Members can stay active in the group for as long as they like, and that’s what

Pollari, who’s been with the advisory group since its inception, said he plans to do.

“I feel that being in this stage for three to four years that we’re just getting started. I really feel that we as a group can really do a lot to help each other. I really do,” he said. Although he hopes to eventually transition his business over to his sons in a few years, Burton Station Fixture Company will remain involved in the peer advisory group for as long as it exists, Pollari said.

“We’re about three-to-four years away from handing the business over to sons. I look at it like a plate of food. I want everything to be proper,” he explained. But don’t expect him to just walk away completely and enjoy life off the grid in the mountains of West Virginia. Pollari said he has every intention of remaining involved with the company he launched from the ground up.

“I will work for my sons. I enjoy being out in the field installing. We were out in Pennsylvania last week. We’re in North Carolina this week on an install. We go all over, and I do enjoy that,” he said. If you are a business owner and want to learn more or register for the CEO peer advisory group, Contact Geauga Growth Partnership at: 440-564-1060 or

info@geaugagrowth.com.

CALLED TO SERVE

OHMAN FAMILY LIVING REFLECTS ON A HALF-CENTURY OF SENIOR CARE

Thispast April, at the most recent Geauga Growth Partnership event, attendees heard first-hand the story of George and Joan Ohman, who in 1964, set out on a new venture in caring for seniors. It is the story of Ohman Family Living, a family-owned and operated business providing care for Geauga’s seniors for more than half a century.

George and Joan had no experience, but they had heart, and more than that, a calling. A calling that many years later would be inscribed over the Assisted Living entrance at Holly: “We are called to serve those entrusted to us.” A reminder of why the Ohmans, now developing a third generation of leadership, believe so fiercely in what they do.

HOW DID OHMAN FAMILY LIVING GET THEIR START? HOW DID EACH OF YOU GET INVOLVED?

These were the first questions posed to brothers George and Andy Ohman— George, the elder—by moderator Jim McClintock at the event held in Newbury at Ohman Family Living at Holly. George and Andy tell a story of sacrifice, of how their parents took the garage of the first nine-bed senior home, named Holly Hill for the abundance of holly bushes on the property, and turned it into a onebedroom apartment. The young family of five would live in that small space for nearly two years.

When an opportunity arose to purchase a larger facility in Newbury, George Sr.

didn’t hesitate. This second Holly Hill, with 40 beds, had room for growth in nearly every way. Andy recalls, “My father was given a number of suggestions by the previous owner, namely to keep his office in the basement, not to mingle with the staff, and not to spend time with the residents.” The first thing George Sr. did was move the administrative offices from the basement to the main floor. He painted the walls bright and inviting colors, and got to know residents and families. George and Joan’s focus was on getting the basics right. Tasty, home-cooked meals served hot; an atmosphere reminiscent of home with a focus on gracious hospitality; and every effort to attend to and care well for their residents. In less than half a year, the new Holly Hill was at capacity.

George and Andy both recalled their growing up years with fondness. As a family, they lived in a renovated barn at the second Holly Hill. Before George, Sr. had purchased the property, they were given a short tour. “My dad pulled up in front of the barn and said, ‘Guys, this is going to be

our home next year.’ Sure enough, we moved into [the barn] a year and a half later. Every holiday, every summer, we spent working on site at Holly,” says Andy. After high school, George would head off to college to study music and first have a career in music ministry. Andy would major in business with the goal of returning to the business. Now, they work sideby-side as co-presidents of Ohman Family Living. It’s a dream come true, being in business with one another and cultivating the next generation.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF SENIOR CARE

From that modest start near Durkee Hill, Ohman Family Living now provides care for seniors in three Geauga locations: Holly in Newbury; Briar, in Middlefield; and Blossom in Huntsburg. A fourth and rapidly growing service line, “At-Home,” provides care for seniors in their homes. Ohman Family Living is the largest provider of Skilled Nursing in Geauga County—caring for over 240 people in just that department alone. With additional beds for assisted

living, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health, as well as employing over 300 staff members across all campuses, they estimate that that Ohman Family Living touches at least 1,000 lives a day.

Jim asks George and Andy about the lessons learned in the last 50 years. Andy speaks candidly and practically of having enough capital, of making sure you know the industry you are getting into, of cultivating a strong group of partners and advisors. Of a relentless passion for the work that must, at the end of the day, transcend any financial reward. George agrees and speaks to the blessings found through the trials, of running one of the most-regulated businesses during a global pandemic. “Without question, we’ve had our ups and downs,” he says. “We’ve gone through challenging times, have prayed through them, talked through them. They are the furnaces of life, and we are better people for them.”

With an eye on the future, Andy and George are asking themselves

and their organization what senior care looks like in the next 10 or 20 years. They’re making plans. Finding innovative ways to reach what they know is an ever-growing need in Geauga County, especially as the next generation ages. What they know for sure, is that no matter how they grow or innovate, their parents’ legacy will be kept through commitment to that initial calling—the simple call to serve others.

PHOTOS Top: Co-Presidents of Ohman Family Living, George Ohman, Jr., and Andy Ohman recount their story at the GGP event in April. Above left: Moderator Jim McClintock. Above right, top and bottom: Attendees from many Geauga businesses attended the event asking follow-up questions during the Q&A.

Bringing Safety and Savings to Geauga County

For 17 years, the Geauga Safety Council has supported businesses in the community with critical safety education and a hugely beneficial 2% rebate on an individual company’s BWC premiums. Founded by a group of Geauga County businesses known as the Charter Members and sponsored by the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce in 2006, businesses have enjoyed the benefits of informational safety programs and have been rewarded for program

participation for years on end.

GGP Sponsors the GSC

Beginning July 1, 2023 the Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) is thrilled to assume responsibilities for the Geauga Safety Council as its sponsor and partner with the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) to continue increasing the health and safety of the community.

GGP President and CEO Kimm Leininger is honored to be a part of this tremendous resource for local businesses. “The Geauga Safety Council adds great value to local businesses by keeping their employees safe, as well as earning a rebate on their BWC premiums,” she notes. “We are grateful to the Middlefield Chamber for stepping up and serving as a sponsor to this group for the last 17 years. GGP looks

forward to building on the foundation that has been developed for the Geauga Safety Council and growing it to serve even more employers in Geauga County.”

When the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce recognized the need to find a new sponsor for the Geauga

“ I've been overwhelmed by the number of groups that have reached out to the GGP and offered to do a safety training for the program. ”

-Kimm Leininger, GGP CEO & President

Safety Council they had an important choice to make. They could stop providing the Safety Council’s services and leave businesses to pay more for their BWC premiums. Their second option was to find an organization that would take the safety group under their wing and support the structure of the program going forward.

The GGP was happy to meet with a representative of the BWC to discuss the Safety Council responsibilities and expectations. When working with the BWC during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GGP had a positive experience serving with the organization to support Geauga County businesses.

Promoting Safety Education

Taking on the Safety Council as part of the GGP meant adding an additional 12 events to an already busy calendar of 175 events the GGP hosts on average each year. However, the impact the Safety Council has on business leaders in the community is clear. And in fiscal year 2024, it will be even bigger as the rebate increases from 2% to 3%.

A major part of the Safety Council is the education they offer at monthly safety luncheons throughout the year. From workplace communication to electrical safety and more, participants have the chance to gain essential safety education and meet with local peers. In the past, meetings have been typically held on the first Friday of the month, excluding holiday weekends, at the Huntsburg Community Center. Previous meetings have included topics of securing an accident scene, bullying in the workplace, risk management and more.

By attending 10 of these training sessions or 8 of the training sessions and 2 qualifying external learning opportunities, Safety Council participants earn their BWC discount. With the GGP’s plethora of trainings, earning this credit comes with ease and impactful education. “Members don’t have to drive to Lake or Cuyahoga County,” Leininger says. “They can do a lot of what they need to do right here in Geauga. That’s a bonus for businesses.” While the BWC partners with Safety Councils across Ohio, the advantages of a local program for local businesses are substantial.

The Impact of Our Community

Leininger has been thrilled by the response as companies learn of GGP’s new position as Safety Council sponsor. “I’ve been overwhelmed

by the number of groups that have reached out to the GGP and offered to do a safety training for the program,” she shares. “They're really neat and interesting topics that the business community will benefit from.” The Safety Council is a great opportunity for businesses of all sizes. “Some topics are going to be more relevant depending on your industry, but many will have relevance for all from ergonomics to noise reduction,” according to Leininger. While there are many manufacturing businesses involved, diverse types of organizations are encouraged to get involved. This includes school systems, townships, municipalities, nonprofits and more.

By participating in the Safety Council, members have the opportunity to learn of additional grants and savings programs for BWC premiums that

“ They're really neat and interesting topics that the business community will benefit from. ”

-Kimm Leininger, GGP CEO & President

"SAFETY IS PRIORITY ONE"

can be stacked and combined for a tremendous impact. Obtaining grants to add safety equipment into the workplace can mean big benefits for businesses. “This is exactly what the GGP needs to do to be able

to serve the business community,” Leininger adds. Organizations across Ohio are taking in the benefits of the BWC’s Safety Council offer. In fact, membership reaches 9,000 businesses across the state.

Looking to a Successful Future

The BWC looks forward to the GGP’s involvement, according to BWC Superintendent, CSP, Bernard (Bernie) Silkowski. “Geauga Growth Partnership is uniquely positioned to expand Geauga Safety Council outreach to employers,” he relates. “We’re excited to partner with them to provide occupational safety education in Geauga County.”

The Geauga Safety Council is free to join. We’re happy to announce no dues or enrollment fees associated with becoming a member. For those that complete an enrollment form by July

31, 2023, they have the opportunity to be a part of the BWC rebate program for the fiscal year. However, organizations are welcome to join the Safety Council at any time and reap the benefits of education and partnership.

To ensure the success of the Safety Council, the GGP seeks to eventually hire a leader to oversee the program, coordinate safety meetings and more. They are also on a mission to recruit more businesses to participate. “Our goal is to put more money back in the pockets of local businesses,” Leininger says. “We do that by bringing more companies to the table.”

The GGP is delighted to have this opportunity to serve the business community with greater breadth and depth. “This is truly what we do in supporting business,” Leininger relays, passionately. “It’s exciting for us to be able to do that.”

THE CHARTER MEMBERS:

Dillen Products

Duramax Marine, LLC

Edmonds Elevator Co.

Excel Polymers, LLC

Intellipak, Ltd.

Johnson Rubber Co.

MASCO Retail Cabinet Group

NOF Metal Coatings North America

Polychem Dispersions, Inc.

Rhein Chemie Corporation

Waste Management

Wheeler Landscaping, Inc.

Charming, Historic Inn Offers Friendly Hospitality & Beautiful Native Plants

Nestled in a city known for its smalltown vibe and welcoming people lies a historic inn and plant nursery that perfectly adds to Chardon’s already charming, friendly atmosphere. For more than a year now, Joe and Amy Goletz have proudly owned and operated Avonlea Gardens & Inn on Fowlers Mill Road in Geauga County. “The current inn was built in 1910. It is a Sears, Roebuck and Co. kit house, so that’s a cool piece of history. The original house was built in 1901 the same year as our barn, which is on the property and houses our shop,” explained Joe.

According to the couple, the first owner moved the original home to the back of the property where it was then used as a garage. Purchased through a Sears’ mail order catalog more than a century ago, the cost to put together the second house, a Victorian-style model, was less than $800, they said. “If you wanted extra indoor plumbing, it was like an extra $90. It was really something else,” Joe said.

With backgrounds in accounting and information technology (IT), running the inn and plant nursery has come with a bit of a learning curve, but it’s been an amazing adventure. A supportive county, wonderful neighbors, and friendly customers have made conducting business in Geauga County a rewarding experience for Joe and Amy. “The folks in Geauga County take pride in their county. They are very happy to fill you in on the history and background. They are very welcoming. It’s been great,” Joe said.

Avonlea Gardens is willing to give

tours of their inn and nursery. "We've already had the pleasure of hosting members of the Geauga West Rotary Club, Destination Geauga, and many garden clubs. Everyone has been extremely friendly and lovely to meet." The couple is grateful to the previous owner, Mary Slingluff, for giving them the opportunity to purchase Avonlea Gardens (formerly Avalon Gardens) and continue to grow the business she created.

“A few years ago, Mary, the owner of Avalon Gardens, emailed me out of the blue. I had been a nursery customer of hers,” Amy said. “She emailed me and said ‘Amy, I don’t know where you are in your life, but I need a part time worker. Would you be interested?’” Without hesitation, Amy jumped at the opportunity to work for Mary.

Joe and Amy purchased Avalon Gardens in February 2022. "After owning Avalon for 23 years, Mary was ready to downsize. She owned three businesses. She had the inn, which

“T he folks out here take pride in their county. They are very happy to fill you in on the history and background.”

-Joe Goletz, Co-Owner

she ran as a B&B. She had the plant nursery and then she also had a cut flower business, which she kept. Her new business name is Avalon Gardens Farmer Florist." Joe and Amy operate Avonlea with their son, Nicholas, and Mary Trela, a seasonal worker, who the Goletz family considers a “florist extraordinaire.” The Inn has a unique, vintage appeal, and is on Airbnb. Guests can rent the upstairs suite, the downstairs suite or the entire house. Individual suites rent for $135 a night or the entire house for $250 a night.

“For guests who rent the lower suite, which is called our Bluebell Suite, they get the bedroom on the main floor, a full bathroom, the living room and the kitchen,” Joe explained. “Or you can get the Rose Suite, which is upstairs, and includes a king bedroom, a queen bedroom, a full bathroom and a dining room and access through the front door with the porch." Guests are welcome to wander through the serene native plant nursery housed on the same property as the inn. “We always say we like to keep the spirit of Mary here because she built Avalon from the ground up, and she did an amazing, wonderful job,” Amy said.

“Business has been wonderful. Not only do we sell retail to customers walking through the doors, we sell wholesale to landscapers. We supply

for a number of plant sales, including the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and Cleveland Metroparks. We also travel and sell at plant sales ourselves,” Amy said. At the nursery, guests will find a variety of sun and shade loving perennials, trees and shrubs, and much more.

Amy spends a lot of time on her computer searching for more native plants to offer to her customers, and answering questions from customers. Under their management, Joe and Amy have focused more heavily on natives, which makes up about 85 percent of their plant inventory.

“We focus on native plants because they support our native wildlife, our native bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies, and more. A native plant is a plant that occurs naturally in an ecoregion and has co-evolved with the other species in the ecosystem. A native plant is a plant that has been here prior to European settlement. It has not been genetically altered by man,” Amy explained.

When asked what their future plans are for Avonlea Gardens & Inn, they both chuckled. A quick look into their eyes, and you can tell they are clearly full of ideas. “We have a lot of plans, and we'll get there, slowly but surely,” Amy laughed.

Habitat Home #98 to be built in Chardon!

“What if everyone in Lake and Geauga County had a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home?” That is the question we ask ourselves daily. Join us in making this a reality for one local family.

Laurie grew up in Chardon her entire life. “I’ve traveled and Chardon always feels like home to me no matter where I go in the world.” After getting to know Laurie and her family, you can see why she is a perfect fit for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity’s homeowner program.

Laurie and family are our future Habitat family. As a single mother, she and her four children are very excited about moving into a new home in Chardon, where the two youngest attend school.

After all of the many different curves life had thrown her and her family, she slowly began to rebuild her life with her kids , but unfortunately, tragedy struck when the home they had been renting caught fire and burned to the ground.

The family had lost every single thing they owned. They stayed with Laurie’s father while that home was being rebuilt, but owning her own home had always been Laurie’s dream. Laurie’s children are very busy with school activities and work, and having a home in the Chardon community is very important to them.

Her oldest son, Johnny (22) works in landscaping and construction. Isabella (19) is a full-time student at Kent State studying Special Education. Timmy (16) is a junior in high school, where he is a threesport athlete. He plans to enlist in the US Navy when he graduates. Her youngest son, Luke (12), is an excellent student in the 7th grade and is also a multi-sport athlete.

Laurie knows that owning her own home will have a stabilizing impact on her family. It will be the place where the kids will continue to grow and will return to celebrate birthdays and holidays. It will be the safe, healthy, and affordable home she deserves.

Geauga County!

A Call For Local Support!

It is challenging in terms of acquisition costs and certain zoning limitations, and we must be more creative to keep housing opportunities affordable for the existing workforce. The adage “it takes a village” is true. That is why we rely on local partners and volunteers to make the dream of homeownership possible for hardworking people just like Laurie.

Partners like 4 Seasons Construction and Roofing and Blue Collar Electricians, both based in Chardon, are two examples of local businesses that embrace humanity by helping us to build new homes and repair existing ones. Both exemplify the spirit of “love your neighbor” in very tangible ways. Our hope is that more will join them as, together, we build Laurie’s dream home in Chardon, our 98th. We want to make this a true Geauga County home, built by donations of materials and professional services, and volunteers from Geauga County.

Executive Director

“As a business owner, I have found that donating our time and resources to supporting the community has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Teaming with Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, we have been able to make a tangible difference in people’s lives by building homes and providing support to families in need. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity’s mission aligns with 4 Seasons Construction & Roofing’s values of social responsibility and community involvement. It’s a humbling experience to see the impact of our contributions on the lives of these families and the community. We are excited to maintain our support for this exceptional organization.”

Danny Anderson Director of Sales & Operations - 4 Seasons Construction & Roofing

“Blue Collar Electricians is all about giving back to our local community in any way we can. Working with Habitat for Humanity gives us the opportunity to help local families with their electrical safety issues. We are so happy to be able to assist the Habitat families!”

We are thrilled to be building in

Michael Barb,

of Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity

Laura, Office Manager - Blue Collar Electricians

12 TH SUMMER (INTERNSHIP) INCUBATOR PROGRAM CULMINATES WITH TWO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Geauga Growth Partnership’s (GGP) Summer Incubator Program is a great way to expose students to both careers and the local workforce. It pairs students with Geauga companies to best enhance the student’s current interests and future goals. Each student works with a business mentor to improve their professional skillset specializing in a variety of areas, from manufacturing to marketing, chemistry to handmade goods.

This year, GGP was lucky enough to partner with some of Geauga County’s finest businesses to serve as supervisors and mentors for the student interns. These companies include: ASM International, BioSolutions LLC, Company 119, Geauga Coatings, His Daughter LLC, Mercury Plastics, Ohman Family Living, Solon Manufacturing and University Hopsitals Geauga Medical Center, while also hosting their own intern at GGP. Students came to participate in this program from many schools across Geauga County which includes Agape Christian Academy, Berkshire High School, Kenston High School, Notre Dame Schools and West Geauga High School.

In 2022, POV Solutions (Bainbridge) and Ten10 Designs (Chardon) collaborated to offer a scholarship to two of the summer interns towards their educational or professional endeavors. An anonymous donor matched the scholarship this year, which amounted to two $1,000 scholarships; offered to just the GGP Incubator participants. All students were asked to prepare a project to share their perspective of the program’s benefits on their professional life. Projects were then reviewed by GGP staff and Prepare Committee volunteers, chaired by Dr. Angela Spalsbury from Kent State University at Geauga. Recipients of the scholarship showed great development in professionalism and thoughtful planning for their future through the program.

GGP is pleased to announce the two recipients of this scholarship are Grant Congdon of West Geauga High School and Maggie Hamm of Kenston High School. Grant Congdon is an intern at ASM International covering everything from data organization to materials consolidation. Grant is a focused individual who impressed even the most qualified engineers, being given opportunities to work with external companies such as NASA. His plans for the future set him apart from other candidates with his conviction and appreciation for his time working in materials science. Grant plans to attend Purdue University this fall. Maggie Hamm, an intern at Ohman Family Living, used her kind nature to greatly help the residents and staff. Her curiosity for psychology and the betterment of people contribute to her empathy and diligence that will surely make her an asset in whatever career she chooses.

We enjoy the Incubator Program because it provides us with a source of energetic labor and fresh ideas. The program also helps to develop our internal workforce through informal mentorship and training opportunities.

-Tom Burg,

Solon

Manufacturing Company

GGP’s mission is to enhance the economic climate in Geauga County by attracting new business, supporting existing businesses and preparing the workforce of the future. The Summer Incubator Program has offered internships to high school students since 2012 and GGP is grateful for the companies who host interns, all community and funding partners who contribute to the success of the program, and the opportunity to offer a financial scholarship again this year.

Crafting a Strong Future Through the Tradition of Stone with A & A Masonry

For Aaron Byler, Masonry is in his blood. He spent nearly his entire life around the business his father and uncle started in the 1990s, then called B & M Masonry. As a youth, Byler enjoyed visiting the Hunting Valley and Gates Mills communities with his dad. “I got to act like an actual installer by laying block and brick in a separate area of the work site,” Byler remembers. “I just had fun.”

Those childhood experiences were the beginning of a lifelong masonry journey. By the time Byler began working in the business at 13 years old, his father was leading 10 employees. “I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for my dad,”

Byler says. Learning from his example of leadership and hard work was priceless. Byler remembers feeling especially timid as a young man, needing to grow out of his shell. Yet, when his father noticed him drawing patterns of stonework at 15 years old, things began to change. “My dad was totally astounded,” Byler recalls. “He showed other people my work and that got me to gain confidence.”

At 16 years old, Byler became the youngest installer on the masonry team and his pride for his work grew. In 2019, when Byler’s father was offered an exciting career opportunity, he offered a three-way partnership in the masonry business between father, son and long-time colleague Allen Byler (unrelated). A year later, Byler’s father was ready to hand over the business completely and in 2020, A & A Masonry was created as a partnership between Byler and Allen Byler.

With Byler and his partner’s combined 30+ years in the business, they were prepared for success. Working alongside the same team

members for years makes going to work feel like family for Byler. Today, that family has grown to 4 crews consisting of 22 employees. Keeping to tradition, nearly all of A & A Masonry’s employees are Amish.

The Amish community has long been admired for its architecture featuring elaborate stonework. As the basic tools of the stone mason trade have been around for thousands of years, stone masonry is one of the oldest trades in existence. These magnificent traditions are ones that homeowners can continue to enjoy today. The benefits of stonework include durability, striking aesthetics, sustainability and more.

Working together makes the stonework business function smoothly. Byler’s partner often serves as the A & A Masonry’s Field Operations Manager and Foreman, overseeing crews in the field. The team also includes several members of Byler’s actual family. To help with managing these teams, Byler leans on his brother Bobby who runs the service division of A & A Masonry. From fine finesse work to new

“ ”

I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for my dad,” Byler says. Learning from his example of leadership and hard work was priceless.

repairs, his brother’s team is on call. In a recent addition, Byler’s sister joined the business to support the team in the office. The family legacy continues as the Bylers work to build more masonry in the community.

The majority of A & A Masonry’s time is spent working with a builder in the Hunting Valley and Gates Mills areas. Here specialty housing includes the need for fireplaces, stone or brick veneers, stone paving, hardscape projects and more. From stone gardens to patios, walkways and more, A & A Masonry has the expertise and experience to get the job done right. With most of their clients in Hunting Valley, Gates Mills and Chagrin Falls, the masonry team is largely in Eastern Cleveland, although they may get out to the Rocky River or Richfield area for various other projects.

Through the seasons, A & A Masonry stays busy. While you’d think the stonework business would do less work in the winter, they’re still busy 40 hours a week. Besides a few bad weather days, the team continues to build.

Leading the next generation of masonry is an integral part of A & A Masonry. The company’s crews now include apprentices as young as 14 years old. From installing to putting down block, these young people learn new skills as they gain experience in the craft. Many of these young tradesmen stay with A & A Masonry for years to come.

Connecting Amish Youth to the Community

Byler is excited to continue to gain knowledge and connection through Geauga Growth Partners. Particularly,

when it comes to leading a business and a nonprofit. With Northern Ohio Assisting Hands (NOAH), Byler and his community participate in a volunteer service program to help local Amish youth serve people in need within their own community and the non-Amish community around them.

“It started during a business owner meeting when we decided we wanted to begin a non-profit like other communities have,” Byler says. Looking at similar organizations in Amish communities, the group was inspired by the untapped potential of the Amish youth around them. “We went on a trip to Louisiana last fall with a group of volunteers from Holmes County. We helped with disaster relief in the southern states.” NOAH aims to continue with volunteer trips and engage in local projects right here in Ohio.

From wheelchair ramps to painting and other construction repairs, the group is ready to serve. While the volunteer team is composed entirely of the Amish community, they are always looking for volunteer drivers to assist with transportation and welcome all to participate. As Chair of NOAH’s Board of Directors, Aaron and the Board are motivated to continue growing the group from its current roll of 100+ volunteers.

With an eye on the community, Byler looks ahead to the future and the opportunities A & A Masonry may have. Family legacy in hand, A & A Masonry continues to build within the community with dedication and determination.

We view our role as business partners and will answer your questions immediately, help with any needs, and facilitate a smooth, seamless move to Middlefield Village. Let’s get to work. Together. Middlefield is one of the most prosperous Villages in Northeastern Ohio. An extraordinary place to live, work and visit—our citizens, history, and industry make it what it is.

The Ox Shoppe and Solid Rock Offer Opportunities for a Disabled Workforce

The way businesses employ and manage their disabled workforce continues to change as technology evolves and new resources emerge. Here to support the partnership between businesses and adults with disabilities are two community organizations in Geauga County: The Ox Shoppe and Solid Rock on Which We Stand.

Led by Justin and Tiffany Smetana for its 12 years, Solid Rock is a familyowned agency based in Chardon providing adults with developmental disabilities day programs and other services. Here those with disabilities can integrate further into the community by volunteering locally and engaging in activities around town.

A key part of Solid Rock’s services is their job and employment coaching programs. The organization partners with local businesses to place disabled individuals in jobs throughout Geauga County. Before placing a new

employee, the Solid Rock team works closely with each person to discover their strengths as an individual.

Down the road in Thompson, The Ox Shoppe is a newly launched program looking to break down barriers to quality food and employment. Through partnerships with local farms, like Bonner Farms, and its own store and programs, The Ox Shoppe will provide paid employment to those with disabilities and other employment barriers in the community.

“We wanted a platform to sell our items off the farm and partnered with other farms in the area to get their products out there,” explains Dawn FlemingKendall of the Ox Shoppe. “We married our passion for farming with the passion of supporting individuals with barriers.”

As the Ox Shoppe opened its doors and began its work, Solid Rock has acted as a mentor and partner in the work to increase employment for

“We saw so many restrictions being put on individuals with barriers. We wanted to break that mold and build a model that shows how successful they can be with the right support in place.”

- Dawn Fleming-Kendall

disabled workforces.

How did Solid Rock and The Ox Shoppe come to partner together? “So often when there are conversations surrounding our friends with special needs, they are put in a box with hard lines drawn,” Smetana says. “The Ox Shoppe helps us to continue the excitement of thinking outside the box. This is not impossible. We just need to look at it in a different way. Carrying those conversations forward in a

progressive manner excites me.”

Creating Opportunity in the Community

The Ox Shoppe and Solid Rock offer local businesses exciting opportunities for education and support. “Justin and I were raised right here in Geauga County,” Smetana shares of Solid Rock’s beginnings. “We feel very passionate about building something in our own backyard and making a difference in our corner of the world. There’s something really great about growing building relationships and fostering growth within our community.”

This knowledge of the Geauga County community has driven Solid Rock to create fruitful relationships with the community around them. “We are working to partner with local businesses who want to employ these individuals,” Tiffany says. “Our goal is to get them to see that the populations we serve are just as valuable as anybody else in the community, sometimes even more valuable. There’s a lot they bring to the table.”

According to Smetana, advocates in Ohio are pushing for minimum wages to be equal for disabled and nondisabled employees. “A person who

has special needs deserves to earn the same as anyone else,” Smetana relates.

Empowering Your Disabled Workforce

How does a business work with employees who may need additional coaching and support? Initial resources from organizations like The Ox Shoppe and Solid Rock can be critical in the beginning for a new employee. However, the goal is for these resources to fade out as disabled adults become self-sufficient in their work. That may simply look like a job coach checking on what the individual or employer needs a few times a month.

Businesses interested in employing a disabled workforce may also want to consider a group-setting model. One staff member could be assigned to support four or five disabled individuals by offering them assistance and encouragement. With effective training, employers can build productivity for all of their workforces. This may include training all staff on the skills and approach to empower those with disabilities.

The Ox Shoppe seeks to be an intermediate between businesses and employees facing barriers as their organization grows. “Our goal is to be a nonprofit and provide that case management support, whatever the level of care looks like,” Fleming-Kendall notes.

“We’ve been working on bringing training to not just one or two businesses but many businesses in Geauga County,” Fleming-Kendall reports. The Ox Shoppe is currently seeking funding through grants and other resources to create a cohort of Geauga businesses that can come together, gain training for a disabled workforce and support each other in the initiative.

To spark its involvement in the community, The Ox Shoppe has hosted a hyper-local dinner featuring an award-winning chef from the

area. After connecting with Brandon Edwin Chrostowski of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute from an informational standpoint, the organizations soon partnered for a phenomenal fundraising dinner. Here participants partook of a hyper-local meal with every pig, cow, vegetable and herb coming from Geauga County.

Educating the Geauga County community is a goal of these uplifting organizations. From the business community and beyond, understanding the hidden value of the disabled population and how much they have to give can create a very tremendous positive effect.

The Ox Shoppe and Solid Rock are enthusiastic about meeting with businesses to talk about adding disabled individuals in their workforce. “We’re here to bring the conversation to the table,” Smetana says. “That’s the best way to get it started and move it forward.”

“There are so many different types of businesses in our community and so many individuals that we serve with special needs who have unique abilities,” she adds. “We’re here to make those partnerships happen.”

Cedric was rescued by Rescue Village in response to a call from the Sheriff in December and has undergone double hip replacement surgery and is still completing his physical therapy. The couple he is posed withSean and Mary Margaret Dorsey, were our gracious venue hosts for the event.

Jenny

(pictured right)

Thank you to all who joined us at the 2023 HomeGrown Geauga event, presented by Great Lakes Cheese and Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens. Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) is grateful to both presenting sponsors for all they have done to support our organization, the business community, and students within our local schools. In addition, we want to give a special shout-out to Otero Signature Homes for being a first time VIP Event Sponsor, providing the VIP attendees an opportunity to enjoy extraordinary dishes and wines during a pre-event experience.

HomeGrown Geauga provided a beautiful array of food from many of Geauga’s greatest chefs, drinks from Sapphire Creek Winery, amazing entertainment and of course, outstanding guests! The event, which supports GGP’s youth programing across the county, including Career Awareness, Career Readiness, Internship Programs and more, was a wonderful success.

We look forward to another exciting event in 2024!

Thank You Restaurants!

Presenting Sponsors

Visionary Sponsors

VIP Event

Champion Sponsors Innovator Sponsors

Supporter Sponsors

Transportation Sponsors

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