More than 100 people turned out May 16 at the Ohio City Firehouse to celebrate the newest graduates of Bad Girl Ventures’ business plan competition. Babies Travel Too was the recipient of a $25,000 loan from KeyBank.
Babies Travel Too was created by Alison Musser, who based the company on her own experiences as a parent. The company provides nightly and weekly rentals of full-size cribs, car seats, strollers and other essential baby gear to people traveling to the Cleveland metropolitan area. The equipment is JPMA-certified and sanitized before every rental.
“Musser not only had a good idea; she was the right person to run the business,” says Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and developments for BGV. “She is smart, dedicated, and has personal experience in this area. She uniquely understands the predicament traveling mothers have and has the business sense to develop her concept and turn this regional business into a national business.”
Three additional companies received $5,000 loans from The Giving Back Gang. Those companies were: Anne Hartnett, creator of Harness Fitness, Inc., Cleveland's first sustainably run group cycling studio and fitness clothing retailer; Karen Malone Wright, creator of TheNotMom.com, a blog for women who are childless; and Kelley Hynds creator of Hyndsight Media, an online video journalism platform that provides short-form video web spots on current social and civic topics.
The event was sponsored by Huntington Bank, Additional support came from The Cleveland Foundation and The Business of Good Foundation. “Catering was provided by past finalist and loan recipient Hungry Bee Catering.
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Babies Travel Too was created by Alison Musser, who based the company on her own experiences as a parent. The company provides nightly and weekly rentals of full-size cribs, car seats, strollers and other essential baby gear to people traveling to the Cleveland metropolitan area. The equipment is JPMA-certified and sanitized before every rental.
“Musser not only had a good idea; she was the right person to run the business,” says Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and developments for BGV. “She is smart, dedicated, and has personal experience in this area. She uniquely understands the predicament traveling mothers have and has the business sense to develop her concept and turn this regional business into a national business.”
Three additional companies received $5,000 loans from The Giving Back Gang. Those companies were: Anne Hartnett, creator of Harness Fitness, Inc., Cleveland's first sustainably run group cycling studio and fitness clothing retailer; Karen Malone Wright, creator of TheNotMom.com, a blog for women who are childless; and Kelley Hynds creator of Hyndsight Media, an online video journalism platform that provides short-form video web spots on current social and civic topics.
The event was sponsored by Huntington Bank, Additional support came from The Cleveland Foundation and The Business of Good Foundation. “Catering was provided by past finalist and loan recipient Hungry Bee Catering.
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last summer, Cleveland Institute of Art product design students Josh Dryden, Sam Li and Pete Whitworth were tossing around ideas for a project that they could add to their portfolios. What they came up with also turned into a lesson in business.
Using their design knowledge, the three decided to tackle the challenge of desk clutter. After some design sketches, 3-D modeling and prototypes, they came up with The Nesl, a nine-fingered, flexible-rubber desk organizer with suction cups that hold it where ever you stick it.
“The idea was you can really shove anything in it -- paper, pens, phones -- whatever you have on your desk,” says Dryden.
The trio developed the prototype in Cleveland, and then listed it on Kickstarter to get funding. They were successful. Birdhouse Studios raised well over the $30,000 pledge goal by the time the listing closed yesterday, making it possible to continue manufacturing the Nesl and delivering it to the hundreds of backers who pledged money.
“It’s been a huge learning experience,” says Dryden. “We’ve learned a lot about the manufacturing process, about shipping and holding products. If the Nesl takes off, we’ll have an online store and sell other products.” Dryden, Li and Whitworth graduated earlier this month.
Additionally, Nesl was chosen as a contender for the William McShane Fund contest. Twelve Kickstarter companies get a shot at $25,000 startup money from Buckyballs and a product launch at Brookstone stores. The winner is chosen through Facebook votes. Nesl made it through the first round of voting and is now one of six finalists. The winner will be announced on June 1.
Source: Josh Dryden
Writer: Karin Connelly
Using their design knowledge, the three decided to tackle the challenge of desk clutter. After some design sketches, 3-D modeling and prototypes, they came up with The Nesl, a nine-fingered, flexible-rubber desk organizer with suction cups that hold it where ever you stick it.
“The idea was you can really shove anything in it -- paper, pens, phones -- whatever you have on your desk,” says Dryden.
The trio developed the prototype in Cleveland, and then listed it on Kickstarter to get funding. They were successful. Birdhouse Studios raised well over the $30,000 pledge goal by the time the listing closed yesterday, making it possible to continue manufacturing the Nesl and delivering it to the hundreds of backers who pledged money.
“It’s been a huge learning experience,” says Dryden. “We’ve learned a lot about the manufacturing process, about shipping and holding products. If the Nesl takes off, we’ll have an online store and sell other products.” Dryden, Li and Whitworth graduated earlier this month.
Additionally, Nesl was chosen as a contender for the William McShane Fund contest. Twelve Kickstarter companies get a shot at $25,000 startup money from Buckyballs and a product launch at Brookstone stores. The winner is chosen through Facebook votes. Nesl made it through the first round of voting and is now one of six finalists. The winner will be announced on June 1.
Source: Josh Dryden
Writer: Karin Connelly
Scott Phillips Jr., president of Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland, has been named one of Realtor Magazine’s 30 Under 30. Each year the magazine recognizes 30 young practitioners who are making a mark in the real estate industry through success in real estate sales, business management, leadership, or community service.
Tapping into the renewed interest in downtown living, Phillips, 28, has grown a thriving real estate business out of an old factory in the Warehouse District focused on the urban market. Since 2009, Phillips has grown his office to 29 agents and employees with a capital budget of $1 million. In the past year alone he has added eight people to his team.
Phillips is the first Ohio agent to win the 30 Under 30 award in 12 years. He is Cleveland’s top producing realtor between 2009- 2011, and has sold over $50 million in homes in Cleveland during that period.
“The award is usually reserved for the East Coast and West Coast because those are areas where the purchase prices are typically higher,” explains Phillips.
Phillips spotted the market potential in downtown Cleveland after living in the city. “I promoted living in the area before I became a license agent,” he says. “It wasn’t as much about business as being passionate about it.”
Source: Scott Phillips, Jr.
Writer: Karin Connelly
Tapping into the renewed interest in downtown living, Phillips, 28, has grown a thriving real estate business out of an old factory in the Warehouse District focused on the urban market. Since 2009, Phillips has grown his office to 29 agents and employees with a capital budget of $1 million. In the past year alone he has added eight people to his team.
Phillips is the first Ohio agent to win the 30 Under 30 award in 12 years. He is Cleveland’s top producing realtor between 2009- 2011, and has sold over $50 million in homes in Cleveland during that period.
“The award is usually reserved for the East Coast and West Coast because those are areas where the purchase prices are typically higher,” explains Phillips.
Phillips spotted the market potential in downtown Cleveland after living in the city. “I promoted living in the area before I became a license agent,” he says. “It wasn’t as much about business as being passionate about it.”
Source: Scott Phillips, Jr.
Writer: Karin Connelly
Maria Blatnick owns more than 200 chairs. None of them match. Not to mention various patterns of antique china, vintage picture frames, galvanized washtubs and windows. “It really runs that gamut,” says Blatnick.
Such an eclectic collection led Blatnick to start HodgePodge Vintage Rentals, a source to rent props and accessories for weddings, events and photo shoots.
HodgePodge merges Blatnick’s love for unique design with her love for beautiful things. With a background in retail, she uses her styling experience to develop an eye for vintage products. Her services include rentals (delivery, set up and takedown); event and photo shoot styling; and customized searches for that perfect piece.
“It combines everything I’ve always done on the job,” Blatnick says of her business. “I’ve probably driven more than 150 miles at a time to the middle of nowhere. I’ve gone to a lot of antique stores, garage sales, flea markets.”
Weddings are popular for rentals right now, for brides looking to be different. ”I have a really large demographic,” says Blatnick. “Mostly I appeal to first-time brides ages 26-32 who want a more personalized, creative, individualized event.”
One of Blatnick’s current favorite themes plays on the farm-to-table trend. “My clients want a really homespun feel,” she explains. “They want a real down-home farm feeling.” Rentals to create the feel include windows, washtubs and, of course, vintage chairs.
Other popular rentals include books, cameras and suitcases. While Blatnick is trying to list her goods on her website, she is in the process of securing a storefront in 78th Street Studios.
Source: Maria Blatnick
Writer: Karin Connelly
Such an eclectic collection led Blatnick to start HodgePodge Vintage Rentals, a source to rent props and accessories for weddings, events and photo shoots.
HodgePodge merges Blatnick’s love for unique design with her love for beautiful things. With a background in retail, she uses her styling experience to develop an eye for vintage products. Her services include rentals (delivery, set up and takedown); event and photo shoot styling; and customized searches for that perfect piece.
“It combines everything I’ve always done on the job,” Blatnick says of her business. “I’ve probably driven more than 150 miles at a time to the middle of nowhere. I’ve gone to a lot of antique stores, garage sales, flea markets.”
Weddings are popular for rentals right now, for brides looking to be different. ”I have a really large demographic,” says Blatnick. “Mostly I appeal to first-time brides ages 26-32 who want a more personalized, creative, individualized event.”
One of Blatnick’s current favorite themes plays on the farm-to-table trend. “My clients want a really homespun feel,” she explains. “They want a real down-home farm feeling.” Rentals to create the feel include windows, washtubs and, of course, vintage chairs.
Other popular rentals include books, cameras and suitcases. While Blatnick is trying to list her goods on her website, she is in the process of securing a storefront in 78th Street Studios.
Source: Maria Blatnick
Writer: Karin Connelly
When TOA Technologies began in 2003, founders Yuval Brisker and Irad Carmi had one goal in mind: To eliminate that seemingly endless waiting time for home service calls.
“The company founders' reason to start TOA was to use technology to solve the problem of waiting at home for a delivery,” says John Opdycke, vice presidents of worldwide marketing. “The whole company’s purpose is to make sure people arrive on time.”
TOA’s ETAdirect Mobility App provides accurate, up-to-the-minute workforce management at the user’s fingertips. The app works on any browser, making it flexible for anybody. “The device is agnostic, no matter what you’re doing,” says Opdycke. “As long as it’s browser based, you can use it.”
ETAdirect currently manages more than 60 million appointments annually for many global brands in the satellite/cable/broadband, telecom, insurance, home services and retail industries. The app’s ease of use and accuracy earned it the Best Mobile App award at NEOSA’s Tech Week last month.
“It’s nice to win and get recognized for your accomplishments,” says Opdycke. “It’s nice to share with our employees as they work on the advancement of our product.”
TOA employs 40 people in its Greater Cleveland headquarters and has more than 320 employees on staff worldwide. They are actively hiring in Cleveland, in particular on the company’s marketing team.
Source: John Opdycke
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The company founders' reason to start TOA was to use technology to solve the problem of waiting at home for a delivery,” says John Opdycke, vice presidents of worldwide marketing. “The whole company’s purpose is to make sure people arrive on time.”
TOA’s ETAdirect Mobility App provides accurate, up-to-the-minute workforce management at the user’s fingertips. The app works on any browser, making it flexible for anybody. “The device is agnostic, no matter what you’re doing,” says Opdycke. “As long as it’s browser based, you can use it.”
ETAdirect currently manages more than 60 million appointments annually for many global brands in the satellite/cable/broadband, telecom, insurance, home services and retail industries. The app’s ease of use and accuracy earned it the Best Mobile App award at NEOSA’s Tech Week last month.
“It’s nice to win and get recognized for your accomplishments,” says Opdycke. “It’s nice to share with our employees as they work on the advancement of our product.”
TOA employs 40 people in its Greater Cleveland headquarters and has more than 320 employees on staff worldwide. They are actively hiring in Cleveland, in particular on the company’s marketing team.
Source: John Opdycke
Writer: Karin Connelly
Scott Colosimo loves designing cool motorcycles. When he and his partner Jarrod Streng were laid off from their industrial design jobs in 2009, they decided to chase their dream and created Cleveland CycleWerks. (Fresh Water featured him in this article from 2010)
CycleWerks bikes feature 250cc engines, are lightweight, simply designed, inexpensive to maintain and get 100 miles to the gallon. They are quite the opposite of America’s typical love of larger, more complicated bikes. “America has typically been home to the philosophy that bigger is better,” explains Colosimo. “But the bigger bikes are not great for riding around town. We’ve actually seen a ton of people who want a smaller bike.”
Colosimo describes his designs as “retro-futuristic,” combining vintage looks with the new age. “From afar, they look like perfectly restored old bikes,” he says. “Then you get close and see a little bit of a surprise.”
After having manufactured the bikes in China for the past few years, Colosimo and Streng are in the process of moving operations to Cleveland. They bought a 100-year-old warehouse on W. 65th Street and are in the “cleanup phase” of transitioning the building into the new CycleWerks digs.
Colosimo plans to do things incrementally. “We’re going to have a balance of manufacturing in Cleveland and manufacturing overseas,” he says. “We’re going to start with assembly and then eventually get into manufacturing.”
Colosimo is now turning to Cleveland companies for his manufacturing needs. He’s hired a general contractor to source out the work, but they plan to ramp up slowly. “We want to do it slowly because pitfalls can develop doing it all at once,” he says. “We can collaborate a lot easier locally.”
Colosimo has hired two part-time warehouse employees, a part-time technical liaison, as well as a part-time designer and an engineer.
Source: Scott Colosimo
Writer: Karin Connelly
CycleWerks bikes feature 250cc engines, are lightweight, simply designed, inexpensive to maintain and get 100 miles to the gallon. They are quite the opposite of America’s typical love of larger, more complicated bikes. “America has typically been home to the philosophy that bigger is better,” explains Colosimo. “But the bigger bikes are not great for riding around town. We’ve actually seen a ton of people who want a smaller bike.”
Colosimo describes his designs as “retro-futuristic,” combining vintage looks with the new age. “From afar, they look like perfectly restored old bikes,” he says. “Then you get close and see a little bit of a surprise.”
After having manufactured the bikes in China for the past few years, Colosimo and Streng are in the process of moving operations to Cleveland. They bought a 100-year-old warehouse on W. 65th Street and are in the “cleanup phase” of transitioning the building into the new CycleWerks digs.
Colosimo plans to do things incrementally. “We’re going to have a balance of manufacturing in Cleveland and manufacturing overseas,” he says. “We’re going to start with assembly and then eventually get into manufacturing.”
Colosimo is now turning to Cleveland companies for his manufacturing needs. He’s hired a general contractor to source out the work, but they plan to ramp up slowly. “We want to do it slowly because pitfalls can develop doing it all at once,” he says. “We can collaborate a lot easier locally.”
Colosimo has hired two part-time warehouse employees, a part-time technical liaison, as well as a part-time designer and an engineer.
Source: Scott Colosimo
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Cleveland Entrepreneurs’ Organization is one of the oldest and strongest chapters of the worldwide organization. Comprised of 115 members who are founders of business with at least $1 million in annual gross revenues, the members network, socialize and share their success stories.
Now the EO wants to share its collective knowledge with other entrepreneurs through its Accelerator program. Started three years ago, the purpose of the program is to educate and mentor small businesses to help them grow. “EO Cleveland decided to step out and take companies that are under $1 million and grow them into million-dollar companies,” says EO member Gene Roberts. “The concept is, if we can accelerate them to the $1 million mark, we can make them members.”
Participants must have businesses that make at least $250,000 annually to participate in the three-year program. EO members speak about their experiences and provide one-on-one mentoring once a month for a year. Accountability groups meet to share their progress, and regular events are designed to share advice and success stories.
“Our EO members meet with Accelerator group members once a month and talk about responsibility, how to get focus to grow, and 10 goals for growth,” says Roberts.
The Accelerator graduated six members in 2011. Ideally, Roberts says they would like to host 30 entrepreneurs in each class.
Source: Gene Roberts
Writer: Karin Connelly
Now the EO wants to share its collective knowledge with other entrepreneurs through its Accelerator program. Started three years ago, the purpose of the program is to educate and mentor small businesses to help them grow. “EO Cleveland decided to step out and take companies that are under $1 million and grow them into million-dollar companies,” says EO member Gene Roberts. “The concept is, if we can accelerate them to the $1 million mark, we can make them members.”
Participants must have businesses that make at least $250,000 annually to participate in the three-year program. EO members speak about their experiences and provide one-on-one mentoring once a month for a year. Accountability groups meet to share their progress, and regular events are designed to share advice and success stories.
“Our EO members meet with Accelerator group members once a month and talk about responsibility, how to get focus to grow, and 10 goals for growth,” says Roberts.
The Accelerator graduated six members in 2011. Ideally, Roberts says they would like to host 30 entrepreneurs in each class.
Source: Gene Roberts
Writer: Karin Connelly
Goldman Sachs announced last week that it will bring its 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative to Cleveland. The initiative commits $500 million to entrepreneurial education, access to capital and technical assistance services. Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation have pledged $15 million to Cleveland.
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
Crowdfunding, the process of raising money for startups, small businesses or charities, has become an increasingly popular way to get investments for products or ideas that wouldn’t otherwise get off the ground through traditional lending institutions.
But under the Jobs Act, the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding are changing. JumpStart and Ulmer & Berne will host a seminar, Crowdfunding: From Legislation to Reality, on Monday, May 15 to discuss why the legislation was necessary and what it means for small businesses.
“We’re going to go through the nuts and bolts of what the legislation permits and what it doesn’t permit,” says Sean T. Peppard, counsel with Ulmer & Berne. “Essentially, the idea of crowdfunding is raising small amounts of money over the internet."
“Right now, crowdfunding is viewed as a savior for startups and I think there are a lot of people in the community pre-buying because they care about what’s being made," he adds." It’s people investing in small business.”
The seminar will feature a panel of experts with various experiences in startup fundraising -- from angle and venture investors to small successful businesses.
Panelists include Peppard; Michael Belsito of eFuneral; Todd Federman of North Coast Angel Fund; Candace Klein of Bad Girl Ventures and SoMoLend; Chris Sklarin of Edison Ventures and Richard Stuebi of Early Stage Partners.
The free event will be held at the Ulmer & Berne offices, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100, from 3:30-6:15 pm. Parking at Tower City will be validated. If the demand is great enough, Ulmer & Berne will repeat the event later this spring.
Source: Sean T. Peppard
Writer: Karin Connelly
But under the Jobs Act, the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding are changing. JumpStart and Ulmer & Berne will host a seminar, Crowdfunding: From Legislation to Reality, on Monday, May 15 to discuss why the legislation was necessary and what it means for small businesses.
“We’re going to go through the nuts and bolts of what the legislation permits and what it doesn’t permit,” says Sean T. Peppard, counsel with Ulmer & Berne. “Essentially, the idea of crowdfunding is raising small amounts of money over the internet."
“Right now, crowdfunding is viewed as a savior for startups and I think there are a lot of people in the community pre-buying because they care about what’s being made," he adds." It’s people investing in small business.”
The seminar will feature a panel of experts with various experiences in startup fundraising -- from angle and venture investors to small successful businesses.
Panelists include Peppard; Michael Belsito of eFuneral; Todd Federman of North Coast Angel Fund; Candace Klein of Bad Girl Ventures and SoMoLend; Chris Sklarin of Edison Ventures and Richard Stuebi of Early Stage Partners.
The free event will be held at the Ulmer & Berne offices, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100, from 3:30-6:15 pm. Parking at Tower City will be validated. If the demand is great enough, Ulmer & Berne will repeat the event later this spring.
Source: Sean T. Peppard
Writer: Karin Connelly
DXY Solutions is working with historical societies around the country to put historical information, pictures and maps on iOS and Android systems for a complete and informative history while roaming the city.
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
Shelley Freed, co-founder of Ashton Business Solutions, a consulting group specializing in research-based business strategies, admits that she relies on technology just as much as the next person. But amidst all the emails and text messages, Freed’s goal is to put the human touch back into ABS’s strategic marketing and positioning.
“I do a lot of market research and strategic research for companies,” says Freed. “I get to interact with companies’ internal teams about how customers impact their businesses. Inevitably, I end up interacting with their databases.”
In doing so, Freed found that many companies do not have complete data on their customers, and therefore can’t make informed decisions on how to make improvements to their customer service.
“Very few companies have really solid data,” says Freed. “So I started thinking, wouldn’t it be great if companies would update their records -- throw in an extra question as a customer service touch point, like, Is there anything we can do for you today?"
The thought prompted the creation of ABS’s Customer Service Outsource Center. “And it’s a real person on the phone,” says Freed. “People still want to be able to talk to a human being. It makes a big difference. It’s all about humanity in business, even if it’s sometimes easier to send off an email.”
ABS is rolling out the center, including a secret shopper service. “This, then, is more than a data bank for customer information; it is intended to be an invaluable resource that can help companies discover new and highly successful ways of growing their businesses,” explains Freed.
ABS has several part-time people on staff now and Freed is interviewing for the call center. They recently hired someone to lead the telemarketing aspect of the company.
“The initiative for Ashton this year is to push the humanity back into business,” Freed says. “Business is about relationships. That means getting on the phones to talk with customers, prospects and referral sources on a regular basis all the time. We’re hoping by the end of the year to have a handful of people in permanent part-time positions.”
Source: Shelley Freed
Writer: Karin Connelly
“I do a lot of market research and strategic research for companies,” says Freed. “I get to interact with companies’ internal teams about how customers impact their businesses. Inevitably, I end up interacting with their databases.”
In doing so, Freed found that many companies do not have complete data on their customers, and therefore can’t make informed decisions on how to make improvements to their customer service.
“Very few companies have really solid data,” says Freed. “So I started thinking, wouldn’t it be great if companies would update their records -- throw in an extra question as a customer service touch point, like, Is there anything we can do for you today?"
The thought prompted the creation of ABS’s Customer Service Outsource Center. “And it’s a real person on the phone,” says Freed. “People still want to be able to talk to a human being. It makes a big difference. It’s all about humanity in business, even if it’s sometimes easier to send off an email.”
ABS is rolling out the center, including a secret shopper service. “This, then, is more than a data bank for customer information; it is intended to be an invaluable resource that can help companies discover new and highly successful ways of growing their businesses,” explains Freed.
ABS has several part-time people on staff now and Freed is interviewing for the call center. They recently hired someone to lead the telemarketing aspect of the company.
“The initiative for Ashton this year is to push the humanity back into business,” Freed says. “Business is about relationships. That means getting on the phones to talk with customers, prospects and referral sources on a regular basis all the time. We’re hoping by the end of the year to have a handful of people in permanent part-time positions.”
Source: Shelley Freed
Writer: Karin Connelly
Life Core Technologies received a $250,000 investment from JumpStart for its Excel disposable cerebral cooling system, a device that reduces chances of death in a medical emergency.
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
New entrepreneurs need all the help they can get when launching a business. The Incubator at MAGNET is launching the Beta Space to help students and entrepreneurs get off to a good start. The 2,000 square-foot space on E. 25th Street offers co-working space, mentorship and free advice from service providers.
“There are two main components to the program,” says David Crain, director of entrepreneurial services for the Incubator at Magnet. “One is a co-working space for students with a focus on advanced engineering. Second is small businesses and entrepreneurs can schedule free one hour meetings to get advice and ask questions to our service providers.”
Service providers in the Beta Space include finance, marketing and legal service providers. Membership is not required to take advantage of the services. Entrepreneurs can schedule up to four one-hour meetings a month.
The Beta Space aims to be a place for networking, mentorship and a mix of experience. Presentations and other social events are also planned. “We’re regionally focused,” says Crain. “Any entrepreneur or small business in Northeast Ohio is welcome.”
The Beta Space has 15 service providers signed up to offer advice. Crain expects to have 25 to 30 providers total -- all donating their time to help small businesses.
“On the service side, these are folks who work with entrepreneurs and know they need a ton of help,” says Crain.
The Beta Space officially opens May 7.
Source: David Crain
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There are two main components to the program,” says David Crain, director of entrepreneurial services for the Incubator at Magnet. “One is a co-working space for students with a focus on advanced engineering. Second is small businesses and entrepreneurs can schedule free one hour meetings to get advice and ask questions to our service providers.”
Service providers in the Beta Space include finance, marketing and legal service providers. Membership is not required to take advantage of the services. Entrepreneurs can schedule up to four one-hour meetings a month.
The Beta Space aims to be a place for networking, mentorship and a mix of experience. Presentations and other social events are also planned. “We’re regionally focused,” says Crain. “Any entrepreneur or small business in Northeast Ohio is welcome.”
The Beta Space has 15 service providers signed up to offer advice. Crain expects to have 25 to 30 providers total -- all donating their time to help small businesses.
“On the service side, these are folks who work with entrepreneurs and know they need a ton of help,” says Crain.
The Beta Space officially opens May 7.
Source: David Crain
Writer: Karin Connelly
Bad Girl Ventures has teamed up with Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and Accion to host a Speed Coaching event on Monday, May 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the COSE offices. The event targets startups in the food and beverage industry.
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
LeanDog Labs, LaunchHouse and Bizdom have gotten together to host a Startup Mixer today from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at LeanDog Labs. The event intends to bring together developers, designers and other IT types with entrepreneurs launching a new product or service but in need of a CTO.
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
What began in 2005 as a desire to order a Rascal House pizza online rather than over the phone -- as ONOSYS did when launched by college friends Stan Garber, Oleg Fridman and Alex Yakubovich -- has grown into the second largest leader in mobile and online ordering software for the restaurant industry.
Last week, Living Social acquired ONOSYS, a move that fits squarely into Garber’s plans and expectations for the company.
“We we’re talking about the idea of working together for a while,” says Garber. “It just made sense. We definitely had a vision it was going to grow this big.”
ONOSYS has a track record of 100-percent growth annually. They saw $100 million in sales last year and represented more than 75 brands across the nation.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Living Social plans to open offices in Cleveland, which ONOSYS will run. ONOSYS has grown from five people in 2008 to 20 employees today. “Our goal is to get to 35 to 40 by the end of the year,” says Garber. “We’re going to continue what we’re doing.”
The acquisition is not just good for ONOSYS. Garber sees the move as a positive impact on Cleveland as well. “It’s a bright spot for Cleveland,” he says. “It’s more fuel on the fire for attracting more tech companies to Cleveland. This is a good example that young entrepreneurs in Cleveland don’t need to go to New York, Chicago and L.A. to get recognition.”
Source: Stan Garber
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last week, Living Social acquired ONOSYS, a move that fits squarely into Garber’s plans and expectations for the company.
“We we’re talking about the idea of working together for a while,” says Garber. “It just made sense. We definitely had a vision it was going to grow this big.”
ONOSYS has a track record of 100-percent growth annually. They saw $100 million in sales last year and represented more than 75 brands across the nation.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Living Social plans to open offices in Cleveland, which ONOSYS will run. ONOSYS has grown from five people in 2008 to 20 employees today. “Our goal is to get to 35 to 40 by the end of the year,” says Garber. “We’re going to continue what we’re doing.”
The acquisition is not just good for ONOSYS. Garber sees the move as a positive impact on Cleveland as well. “It’s a bright spot for Cleveland,” he says. “It’s more fuel on the fire for attracting more tech companies to Cleveland. This is a good example that young entrepreneurs in Cleveland don’t need to go to New York, Chicago and L.A. to get recognition.”
Source: Stan Garber
Writer: Karin Connelly
NEOSA Tech Week 2012 was held last week at various northeast Ohio locations, promoting the region’s technology companies and the work they are doing in the field. This is the second year for the event, which increased participation by 80 percent with more than 900 people attending nine separate events.
“It was awesome,” says Brad Nellis, NEOSA director. “The main goal is to raise the profile of the technology industry in Cleveland.”
The week kicked off with Tech Pitch night at the 100th Bomb Group, where 10 companies pitched their businesses to IT executives. “The purpose was for business development and to make business connections,” explains Nellis. The audience voted for the most intriguing company, most wanted product and best pitch.
A talent networking event linked 100 young professionals and college students with 25 area companies -- from small employers to international power companies. “We heard from a number of companies who participated about how good it was for them,” says Nellis.
The sixth annual Best in Tech Awards recognized outstanding tech companies and impressive tech entrepreneurs in the region. Six companies out of 60 nominations were named as winners in various categories. Sparkbase was named Tech Company of the Year. The CIO of the Year awards were also announced in four categories.
The Cool Tech Challenge invited 31 area high school teams to compete in web site design. Seventy students on 43 teams competed. Six students on three teams from Mentor High School, Beaumont School and Copley-Fairlawn High School each received $1,000 in scholarships.
Source: Brad Nellis
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It was awesome,” says Brad Nellis, NEOSA director. “The main goal is to raise the profile of the technology industry in Cleveland.”
The week kicked off with Tech Pitch night at the 100th Bomb Group, where 10 companies pitched their businesses to IT executives. “The purpose was for business development and to make business connections,” explains Nellis. The audience voted for the most intriguing company, most wanted product and best pitch.
A talent networking event linked 100 young professionals and college students with 25 area companies -- from small employers to international power companies. “We heard from a number of companies who participated about how good it was for them,” says Nellis.
The sixth annual Best in Tech Awards recognized outstanding tech companies and impressive tech entrepreneurs in the region. Six companies out of 60 nominations were named as winners in various categories. Sparkbase was named Tech Company of the Year. The CIO of the Year awards were also announced in four categories.
The Cool Tech Challenge invited 31 area high school teams to compete in web site design. Seventy students on 43 teams competed. Six students on three teams from Mentor High School, Beaumont School and Copley-Fairlawn High School each received $1,000 in scholarships.
Source: Brad Nellis
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Cleveland Council on World Affairs held an international career conference at John Carroll last week for students and young professionals considering a job in the international field. About 60 students from area high schools and colleges attended the event on Friday, April 20. The conference provided an opportunity to hear international professionals talk about their experiences and give career advice in getting into the field.
“The purpose of the international career conference was to expose attendees to jobs in international non-profit, business and government,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “They were creating personal connections with people who are in the international arena sharing their stories.”
Sherry Mueller, president emeritus of the National Council on International Visitors and co-author of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange and Development, was the keynote speaker.
Attendees learned that an international career does not mean leaving town. “One of the main emphases of the conference was to show that to have an international job, you don’t have to live out of the country, says Krasney. “You can have an international career in Cleveland.”
Global Cleveland president Larry Miller also spoke about the number of international companies in Cleveland and the importance of international awareness of other cultures. “Throughout the conference he spoke in a lot of different languages,” says Krasney.
Breakout sessions were held for those who wanted to learn more about international careers in government, nonprofit organizations and business.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The purpose of the international career conference was to expose attendees to jobs in international non-profit, business and government,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “They were creating personal connections with people who are in the international arena sharing their stories.”
Sherry Mueller, president emeritus of the National Council on International Visitors and co-author of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange and Development, was the keynote speaker.
Attendees learned that an international career does not mean leaving town. “One of the main emphases of the conference was to show that to have an international job, you don’t have to live out of the country, says Krasney. “You can have an international career in Cleveland.”
Global Cleveland president Larry Miller also spoke about the number of international companies in Cleveland and the importance of international awareness of other cultures. “Throughout the conference he spoke in a lot of different languages,” says Krasney.
Breakout sessions were held for those who wanted to learn more about international careers in government, nonprofit organizations and business.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
In a January opinion piece in TechCrunch, entrepreneur Jon Bischke suggested the most successful urban leaders are those who view cities like startups. CEOs for Cities, a national network of urban leaders dedicated to creating next generation cities, will examine that premise at its 2012 Spring National Meeting: The City As a Startup -- Creating Demand, Attracting Talent, Taking Risks and Going to Scale.
The meeting is set for May 17-18 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and is made possible with support from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation. Former AOL Chairman and CEO Steve Case will deliver the morning keynote and also sit on a panel conservation about Startup America.
CEOs for Cities will also release its latest City Vitals report, a framework for measuring the success of cities. Other panels include considering Songdo, South Korea as the planet's smartest city and using the collective impact approach to catalyze social change. There will also be opportunities to tour Cincinnati attractions and examples of success.
Register here. View a draft agenda here.
The meeting is set for May 17-18 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and is made possible with support from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation. Former AOL Chairman and CEO Steve Case will deliver the morning keynote and also sit on a panel conservation about Startup America.
CEOs for Cities will also release its latest City Vitals report, a framework for measuring the success of cities. Other panels include considering Songdo, South Korea as the planet's smartest city and using the collective impact approach to catalyze social change. There will also be opportunities to tour Cincinnati attractions and examples of success.
Register here. View a draft agenda here.
As a technology-focused school, the University of Phoenix, Cleveland campus, knows the importance of computer education at an early age. So the university recently donated 30 desktop computers with accessories to the Kenneth W. Clement - Boys Leadership Academy in Cleveland.
“The University of Phoenix is very committed to technology and education,” says Gina Cuffari, Phoenix vice president of Ohio and Kentucky territories. “We have a 12-year history in Ohio and we’re known as one of the leaders in technology.”
At least five computers are in each classroom at the school that focuses on managing active boys. Students can use the computers for learning, research and reading games. Older students at the school will work with the computers in a buddy system with the younger students.
University of Phoenix’s science committee chose the Boys Leadership Academy to receive the computers, which were previously used by the university’s students and staff. “The school does not have the technology they need,” explains Cuffari. In fact, most of the students don’t have computers at home either. The donation ensures the boys will get exposure to current technology. “The committee felt strongly that providing these assets means we have a brighter future.”
Source: Gina Cuffari
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The University of Phoenix is very committed to technology and education,” says Gina Cuffari, Phoenix vice president of Ohio and Kentucky territories. “We have a 12-year history in Ohio and we’re known as one of the leaders in technology.”
At least five computers are in each classroom at the school that focuses on managing active boys. Students can use the computers for learning, research and reading games. Older students at the school will work with the computers in a buddy system with the younger students.
University of Phoenix’s science committee chose the Boys Leadership Academy to receive the computers, which were previously used by the university’s students and staff. “The school does not have the technology they need,” explains Cuffari. In fact, most of the students don’t have computers at home either. The donation ensures the boys will get exposure to current technology. “The committee felt strongly that providing these assets means we have a brighter future.”
Source: Gina Cuffari
Writer: Karin Connelly