summer 2017 - middlefield · 2017-06-30 · summer 2017 zany chardon polka band continues to...

geaugaS u m m e r 2 0 1 7

Zany Chardon Polka Band Continues to Capture

National Limelight

Chem Technologies’ Jim Schill Keeps Mixing it Up

Playground World Turning Play into Profit

Bloom Brothers Supply: A Modern-Day Story of David & Goliath

and more...

PLUS:

P U B L I S H E RChris Yuhasz

Owner, Persistence of Vision, Inc.

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E FMargie Wilber

President, Write 2 the Point

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R SAustin Battles

A. A. Glaser Margie Wilber

Paris Wolfe

D E S I G NEllen Seguin

Write 2 the Point

Persistence of Vision, Inc.16715 West Park CircleChagrin Falls, OH [email protected] p. 440.591.5443 x222

2 Z A N Y C H A R D O N P O L K A B A N D C O N T I N U E S T O C A P T U R E N AT I O N A L L I M E L I G H T

6 C H E M T E C H N O L O G I E S ’ J I M S C H I L L K E E P S M I X I N G I T U P

8 G E A U G A C O M M U N I T Y A C T I O N R E C E I V E S $ 2 8 0 , 0 0 0 F E D E R A L G R A N T

10 P L AY G R O U N D W O R L D T U R N I N G P L AY I N T O P R O F I T

14 G E A U G A C O U N T Y P R O B AT E C O U R T Q & A

16 B L O O M B R O T H E R S S U P P LY : A M O D E R N - D AY S T O R Y O F D A V I D & G O L I AT H

18 L O C A L D E S T I N AT I O N S E T S N E W B U D S T H I S S U M M E R

20 A D A S H O F S W E E T S U C C E S S G E A U G A S C H O O L T R A I N S P R O F E S S I O N A L C H E F S

22 G R E AT L A K E S G R O W E R S S E E I N G G R E E N $ $ $

24 U N I V E R S I T Y H O S P I T A L S G E A U G A M E D I C A L C E N T E R ’ S J O U R N E Y T O W A R D E X C E L L E N C E

26 U H G E A U G A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

27 K E N T S T AT E G E A U G A C A M P U S N E W S

28 Z I N C I N S U R A N C E

29 G E A U G A G R O W T H P A R T N E R S H I P P R E S E N T S H O M E G R O W N U N D E R T H E D O M E

Back Cover T H E R E D T U L I P P R O J E C T

Write 2 the PointPO Box 385Newbury, OH [email protected]. 216.410.2395

Geauga Business articles are written and selected for their general interest and entertainment value. Authors’ views do not necessarily represent the policies of POV Print Communications, Inc. nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by POV Print Communications or Write 2 the Point. All submissions are subject to space availability and editing. For advertising opportunities or submissions, contact Margie Wilber at Write 2 the Point.

A special thanks to our partners whose financial contributions make this publication possible.

GEAUGA

GEAUGA BUSINESS Summer 2017

Geauga Medical Center

Admittedly, I’m not much of a polka music fan. As a teenager, I wore out the tracks on my Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” album, Eagles “Greatest Hits” album, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young “Deja Vu” album. Still, when I saw the Chardon Polka Band in downtown Cleveland during the Dyngus Day Festival a few years back, I was sold. The band’s music displayed a bold mix of polka, jazz and rock, and the musicians’ on-stage theatrics were hysterical. I encourage readers to seek out where Chardon’s home-grown polka band will be performing this summer and fall.

Inside this issue, readers will also read about Chem Technologies’ continued growth in Middlefield Village as well as the on-going success of Chesterland’s own Bloom Brothers Supply. Both businesses prove that taking good care of your employees and delivering a quality product through excellent customer service remain key attributes of successful businesses.

Finally, this summer, don’t make it all about work. Take time for play. If you have a young family, I encourage you to check out the excellent play equipment available at Playground World. Perhaps consider taking a cooking class at ICASI. Maybe exercise your mind by taking one of the many business courses offered at Kent State Geauga campus.

However you decide to spend your delicious summer days, I hope they are filled with laughter, good health, and sweet memories.

With Great Appreciation,

Margie WilberEditor-in-Chief/Publisher, Geauga BusinessPresident, Write 2 the Point

Chris YuhaszPublisher, Geauga BusinessPresident, POV Print Communications

Letter from the Editor

1 GEAUGA BUSINESS Summer 2017

Performing such hits as “In Heaven There is No Beer,” “Bring Me More Beer,” “Too Fat Polka,” and “You Can’t Take My Polka From Me,” The Chardon Polka Band

is putting Geauga County on the map as they criss-cross the country, earning celebrity status while gaining polka fans of all ages.

The band was formed in 2003, when 16-year-old Jake Kouwe was told there was no place for an accordion in his local high school’s marching band. In response, Jake recruited a group of five mismatched teenagers to form a genuine oom-pah style polka band. The group, then known as “The Chardon High School Polka Band,” was a rather motley group of teenage musicians that included in the line-up an accordion, tuba, clarinet, saxophone, electric guitar, and trumpet.

The group quickly found a following in the most unlikely of places—local nursing homes. Despite their ripped jeans, high school lingo, long (and even pink) hair, piercings and tattoos, senior citizens and nursing home residents turned a blind eye to their looks and fell in love with the polka-playing teens. However, the phenomena weren’t lost on their own generation. Soon, “Support Your Local Polka Band” t-shirts were being worn in the halls of Chardon High by fellow classmates and fans.

Zany Chardon Polka Band Continues to Capture National LimelightB Y M A R G I E W I L B E R


Jake, a 2005 Hilltoppers alumnus, explains, “I played accordion and first fell in love with the genre of polka music when I was 13 years old. I had a stack of polka albums from thrift stores that I would listen to non-stop. I’ve been in love with polkas ever since. By age 14, I was playing accordion at recitals. When we began the band, we were just friends, hanging out, wanting to play music.”

The co-founder and manager of what is now named “The Chardon Polka Band” says what began as a hobby for himself and his friends has become a full-time career. In their 12 years together, the band has made a name for itself by adding a colorful twist to the traditional genre of the polka. Jake describes the band’s music as “Polkas with attitude.” Today, The Chardon Polka Band enjoys a dedicated national audience, playing typically five nights a week unless band members are taking a breather or engaged in creative studio time.

Band members have changed over the years. Today, band members include Mike Franklin on banjo; Joey Dahlhausen on drums; Mitch Lawrence; Jake’s wife of six years, Emily (Burke) Kouwe, on saxophone; and Jake on accordion.

Jake is proud of his fellow band members. “In addition to playing the banjo, Mike sings and is an accomplished guitar and keys player. He has the ability to figure out virtually any instrument he can get his hands on. In fact, Mike had no prior experience with the banjo before joining The Chardon Polka Band in 2010,” Jake exclaims. “Another skill Mike developed as a polka musician is the art of the yodel. His yodeling continues to impress audiences and be a key element of the band’s Oktoberfest act.” Mike is also a music composer and writer. He contributed many original songs to the band’s 2013 album, “A Fistful of Polka.” The original songs he’s written for the band include the hits, “I Wanna Polka You” and “Bring Me More Beer!”

Joe Dahlhausen took up drums in 5th grade when he enlisted in the Berkshire Elementary School band. Joe’s interest in music extended beyond the walls of his school. Joe founded the punk rock band “Faded” during his junior year of high school, playing bass, doing vocals, and writing the group’s songs. Taking a nod from groups such as Pennywise, MXPX, Primus, Unearth, and Sepultura, Joe worked in a number of bands over the next 12 years, playing either drums or bass. Such acts included “Fighting with Anakin” (punk), Sichorde (metal/punk/raggae/rock), Scrying Rapture (metal), and Crucible Steele (thrash metal). Joe met Kouwe in 2011 at a bar. The rest is history. Drawing certain similarities between polka and punk rock, Joe brings his own brand of drumming to polka. His diverse musical background allows him to approach the genre with an open mind and some new ideas.

From a young age, Mitch studied saxophone under a number of teachers. His interest in jazz during his teenage years lead him into The Pittsburgh Jazz Society Student Big Band. After graduating high school, Mitch chose to focus on music and went on to study jazz saxophone at Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music. Mitch is the newest member of The Chardon Polka Band, but he’s definitely got some history with the group. Before coming onboard as a full-time member of the band, Mitch was a regular substitute for the group. Mitch also worked for the group as an arranger, doing some compositions for the band’s studio album, “A Fistful of Polka.”

“Mitch Lawrence is wild, zany, and energetic – in other words, he fits right in with The Chardon Polka Band,” Jake describes. “His liveliness onstage is rivaled only by his expertise with his instrument. His method of expression is the tenor saxophone, and he has honed his skills with it performing with over 70 different bands and groups.”

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 4

Zany Chardon Polka Band Continues to Capture National LimelightB Y M A R G I E W I L B E R

“ His yodeling continues to impress audiences and be a key element of the band’s Oktoberfest act.”

- Mike Franklin, banjo player, The Chardon Polka Band


From grade school through college, Emily received training on various instruments. Her forte was the flute. During high school, Emily was part of the prestigious and selective “Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony” as well as various school bands at Chardon High School. After graduating high school, she attended Westminster College for music education. In college, she was involved in various bands including flute choir, chamber ensemble, chamber trio, wind ensemble, and concert band. After college, she moved on to a full-time position teaching music and directing band and choir. Today, Emily uses her talents and knowledge to pass on her love of music to a new generation. When not busy juggling a busy polka schedule, she is an extremely active and sought-after substitute teacher in Northeast Ohio. Emily also teaches private music lessons, instilling zeal and building skill in her youthful students. Fans young and old love Emily’s bubbly personality and endless enthusiasm. “Emily is also my biggest supporter,” adds Jake with a smile.

Locally, The Chardon Polka Band has played the Chardon Maple Festival; Cleveland’s Dingus Day; Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton Oktoberfests; Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day parade; various northeast Ohio festivals and fairs; and many summer concert series. Nationally, The Chardon Polka band is a well-known act in the fall Oktoberfest circuit, headlining at some of the largest seasonal events, performing at festivities in Indianapolis (IN), Helen (GA), Chicago (IL), Myrtle Beach (SC), Vernon (NJ), Tampa (FL), Alamogordo (NM), Tulsa (OK), St. Louis (MO) and many more. The band also travels throughout the nation playing various other festivals and events. Their showmanship and humor has won them many fans outside the polka genre.

The Chardon Polka Band has also appeared nationally on CBS This Morning, TMZ and various local television stations. With the exposure, the band’s fan base is exploding. “We could keep ourselves busy seven days a week if we wanted to,” admits Jake. “It’s a packed house wherever we tour. People respond to our energy, eclectic style and showmanship.”

The Chardon Polka Band is not your average polka band. The band brings new life and energy to this traditional music. While the group has an extensive catalogue of traditional polkas, they are not afraid to bring their own tunes into the mix along with polka-pop covers of artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.

Jake describes, “The Chardon Polka Band plays traditional polkas reminiscent of The Lawrence Welk Show, a style that has endeared us to traditional polka fans, but sometimes morphs into punk-rock renditions of the same songs, modified to bring in a younger audience.”

They frequently throw in comedic renditions of oddball favorites, bizarre audience participation songs, and even

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 3

Zany Chardon Polka Band

“ It’s a packed house wherever we tour. People respond to our energy, eclectic style and showmanship.”

- Jake Kouwe, co-founder and manager, The Chardon Polka Band


polka-rock covers of anything from Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” to Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls.”

Many of The Chardon Polka Band’s original tunes are featured on their popular studio albums. “Pirates, Women, and Beer,” released in 2011, included the hit song, “Free Beer Polka,” nominated for BEST NEW ORIGINAL SONG in the annual Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame awards. In 2013, the group released another celebrated collection of recordings, “A Fistful of Polka,” which also received nominations in several award categories. In 2014 the band released “This is Oktoberfest,” their long-awaited live album, recorded onstage at the famous Festhalle in Helen, Georgia.

The band has also performed at an NFL game and opened for the prestigious Cleveland Orchestra. The Chardon Polka Band has also appeared on a Reelz TV reality program.

“We love pleasing crowds anywhere and everywhere,” describes Jake passionately. “The Chardon Polka Band performs at venues for all ages – from library programs for children to nursing homes, fundraising events, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events.”

Last year, The Chardon Polka Band performed approximately 200 shows and released their fifth album, “World War Polka.”

“Our goal is to produce another album in 2017 and release a 45-minute film we produced with the help of Lake Erie Video Productions and Homeplate Media. It took us six months to produce, and now it is a matter of effectively marketing the show to media outlets,” Jake says. “Chris and Jeff Grau, of Lake Erie Video in Chardon, are awesome. It is great to find such tremendous talent to work with in Geauga County.”

“We are a band that loves music and entertaining,” describes Jake, who still has his signature long hair, earrings and tattered blue jeans. “We are not a metal band that plays polka music. We love the culture and celebrate the culture. We love polka music and celebrate the music. While we did not grow up with it, we bring something new to polka music.”

Over the years, The Chardon Polka Band has collaborated with hip hop groups and other music venues to produce music videos and songs. “For the people who get it, it’s funny; It’s hilarious to meld the genres. We’ve even performed rap into our polka material,” Jake says.

“I love what I do. This is my career. When I am not performing on stage, I am booking gigs, doing interviews, working in studio, or simply performing tasks demanded by any business,” he states. “I love the challenges it brings. It exercises the other part of my brain where I need to be organized and have my ducks in a row. So much goes into running a business.”

The now 30-year-old musician understands a successful

business requires stability and growth. He is looking at grant eligibility, increasing the band’s use of YouTube, and stimulating more corporate booking. “We have to balance our business with the creative,” Jake says.

He offers this advice: “Anyone looking to start a business needs to surround themselves with good people who are also ambitious. They also need to learn from people in the field so they don’t spin their wheels or spend more money than they have to.”

“I love Geauga County and appreciate the tremendous support we have received here,” Jake concludes. “My wife and I live in Burton. Our band utilizes a local accountant. We use Huntington Bank and the Geauga Credit Union. This is a great place to live and run a business.”


When Jim Schill found he preferred manufacturing to accounting, he set about changing the

landscape of Middlefield Village’s industrial landscape. Sixty years later, the founder and major owner of Chem Technologies Ltd. is still creating new facilities and has no plans to stop.

Chem Technologies is building a second 36,000-square-foot production facility and warehouse, designed by COO Randy Vancura, at the intersection of State Routes 87 and 528, attached to the first one finished one year ago. The company plans to add five more similar structures, with all seven in a row sharing walls as construction progresses and demand for Chem Technologies’ products grows. Chem Technologies’ original building is a few hundred feet north of the intersection at 14875 Bonner Drive.

Chem Technologies leased this building in 2001 to produce custom chemical mixes for companies that make rubber parts. The formulae are highly confidential, supplied largely by Chem Technologies’ customers to meet their specific needs, Shill says. Rubber is used

everywhere, but some producers need the material to be harder, softer, more impervious to heat, etc. By formulating chemical mixtures, Chem Technologies meets the demands of its customers.

“The customer usually gives you the formulation and their preferred supplier. We are under an ethical obligation to observe (the formula) 100 percent,” Schill explains during a tour of his facility. He is steadfast in his belief that the wishes of the customers are Chem Technologies’ first priority, and honest communication between the parties is essential. “You jeopardize your relationship with the customer if they find out you are saying one thing and doing something else. Customers are hard to come by,” Schill states. “You don’t want to alienate them.”

Maintaining good relationships has been important to Mr. Schill since 1957, when he signed up as a public accountant with Burton Rubber. He and the company’s dynamic owner, Charlie Carroll, developed a good rapport, and in 1966, Schill became the company’s financial vice president.

Chem Technologies’

Jim Schill Keeps Mixing it UpB Y A . A . G L A S E R

Jim Schill, founder and major owner, Chem Technologies, Ltd.


At that time, factories in Northeast Ohio, especially Burton and Middlefield, were supplying a lot of material to the Akron tire industry and the automotive industry, so Mr. Carroll developed a new concept. The customers would provide the formulation to Burton Rubber, where rubber and the chemical mix would be returned to the parts manufacturer, Schill recalls. The idea succeeded, and Burton Rubber grew from 7,500 square feet to upwards of half million square feet, he says. Mr. Carroll and Mr. Schill parted ways in the late `80s, and in 1998, Schill and others founded Gold Key, which was sold to Hexpol, the current owners, in 2007.

With a clear vision of what they wanted, Schill and Chem Technologies’ core group began in 2001 in a leased facility, purchased it in 2010, and later upgraded it to include an impressive two-story entry with a front desk occupied by a friendly receptionist and featuring a soaring flight of steps to a balcony leading to offices and conference room.

“I don’t utilize consultants. We have our own ideas on how we want to operate,” he says, climbing the open stairs in the glass-fronted lobby. “I’m a great believer in spacious private offices. The trend today is the open workplace, which I consider a very poor idea. People work better in their own private office.”

Chemical compounds mixed at Chem Technologies made the Middlefield business viable, but Randy Vancura felt there was more potential in the field; on his advice, Chem Technologies started mixing rubber as well as chemicals in 2010. Since Chem Technologies started mixing rubber with customer-prescribed chemicals, demand for its product has grown substantially, Vancura says, leading the company to add the new facility.

“We are anticipating a surge in business by the end of the year. We will need quite a few more employees, contingent on how the business comes in,” Schill adds.

As Schill discovered the production aspect of the operation to be very gratifying, he also developed a strong appreciation of the area’s Amish as a vital part of the workforce. Although the Amish complete their formal schooling after eighth grade, Schill says they never stop learning, are conscientious in the workplace, and often earn Chem Technologies’ monetary exemplary award for perfect attendance. In short, he described them as ideal employees. “They have no problem adapting to computers, cell phones and fork lifts. There aren’t any disadvantages to having Amish employees,” Schill insists.

Chem Technologies tends to attract responsible and loyal workers because of Schill’s approach and a long-standing philosophy of appreciation. “Our executives make it a point to go out in the plant and talk to the people,” he describes, noting Chem Technologies management aims to treat the workforce like family. “We try to show them the same consideration we expect others to show us.”

Years ago, Mr. Carroll originated a formula for success at Burton Rubber, since adopted at all Schill-managed companies, allotting one-third of profit to the government, one-third to the owners and one-third to employees, with bonuses paid annually the second Friday before Christmas. That gives employees the chance to meet family hopes and expectations for the holiday, Schill states. Good benefits tend to draw good workers, he exclaims, adding Chem Technologies provides 100 percent health care for its employees. “Always has, always will. It’s the right thing to do,” Schill states. “A byproduct is you attract good people.”

Although processing rubber is dirty, dusty work, one sees little evidence of carbon black or chemicals on any surface. Production halts early every Friday afternoon, and all hourly employees start cleaning the plant, Schill says. By the end of the shift, production areas at both locations are virtually spotless, and Monday starts out like a brand-new plant.

“We maintain a very clean plant,” he states, because “Customers equate cleanliness to quality.” While the elegant headquarters, pristine workplace and great employees boost the success of the business, Schill sticks to a firm formula for success. “No. 1 is price; No. 2 is quality; No. 3 is timeliness. You need to excel in all aspects if you are going to have a successful business,” he insists.

Chem Technologies supplies material to companies large and small, collaborating with mature corporations and being supportive of minor and newer efforts. “A small customer can become a very large customer if you do better than anybody else,” Schill states. With all the programs, projects and progress Chem Technologies has masterminded, he keeps focused in on one goal. “Chem Technologies’ objective is to be the best and preferred supplier in the custom mix industry,” Schill concludes.

“ No. 1 is price; No. 2 is quality; No. 3 is timeliness. You need to excel in all aspects if you are going to have a successful business.”

- Jim Schill, founder, Chem Technologies


Geauga Community

Action, Inc. recently received a two-year, $280,000 block grant from the federal government to help individuals residing in Geauga County overcome short-term problems so they do not become long-term problems. To be eligible, families or individuals must be 125 percent below the federal poverty level or earn approximately $1,250 per month as an individual.

“The goal is to provide temporary assistance to eligible Geauga County residents, whether it is to help pay bills, find temporary housing, or possibly get a car repaired so they can get to work,” Bob Voss, executive director of Geauga Community Action, says. “ It is a hand up, not a hand out.”

According to Voss, these federal grant dollars were in danger of leaving the county because of compliance issues with the IRS and state of Ohio. He says Geauga County Commissioner Skip Claypool was instrumental in making sure this money did not leave the county.

“You never want to see money go away or lose control of it to another county,” Voss says, who was hired part-time a year ago as an independent contractor to get Geauga Community Action into compliance. Previously, Voss worked as a Child Protection Supervisor with Geauga Job & Family Services for six years and Metzenbaum Center for 24 years in various capacities. Scott Wayt, an Air Force veteran and CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, was also recently hired part-time by Geauga Community Action. He previously worked in the private sector.

Geauga Community Action administrative expenses are capped at 6 percent, and a tripartite board determines how the grant money is to be used. This board is composed of at least one-third low-income community representatives, one-third public officials, and one-third private sector leaders, per a federal requirement.

(l-r) Bob Voss, executive director of

Geauga Community Action,

and Scott Wayt study poverty

graphs at their office at 470

Center Street, Building 5,

in Chardon.

GEAUGA COMMUNITY ACTION RECEIVES $280,000 FEDERAL GRANT


At this time, the agency’s only source of funding comes from this block grant -- funds first made available through legislative efforts, passed by former President Lyndon B. Johnson, during his “War on Poverty,” under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The federal government gives the money to the state, which in turn passes it down to local, private, nonprofit Community Action agencies.

Geauga Community Action currently contracts with Geauga Job & Family Services and United Way for Emergency and 2-1-1 services. Historically, these two agencies helped the Geauga Community Action Board assess the needs of Geauga County and determine eligibility.

“We want to get the word out that if you are in a crisis situation, we can help,” Voss explains. “The goal is that you will not have to come back for additional help. People in Geauga County have a lot of pride. They want to be self-reliant. “

The funding formulas are based on a county’s population and the projection of what percentage of the residents are at or below the federal poverty level. The local community action boards determine what specific programs will help address the needs and priorities within their counties. Examples of how the money can be used include providing emergency assistance for food, medical, fuel oil, temporary shelter, first-month’s rent, security deposit, late rent and gas vouchers. Voss says the board is currently considering other critical needs in Geauga County where the money can be used.

“The rule is you can only get help in one area, every 12 months. We are here to avert a potential crisis, not be a safety net,” Voss insists. “Currently, we are contracting with Geauga Job & Family Services and United Way. In the very near future, Scott and I will determine eligibility and provide services directly from our new office. We both work part time and often do work pro bono. This project is more of a passion for us. We are here to help. My personal goal is to get this program set up and pass it on to someone who wants to continue its mission.”

“We appreciate any help from our corporate friends and neighbors in Geauga County,” says Voss. “While government grants are great, we realize they are unreliable and can dry up. To continue our efforts to help those in a crisis situation, we welcome the opportunity to sit down with Geauga County business leaders to discuss how they can partner with us. Please call us at 440-286-4765 to schedule a meeting with myself and Scott.”

Geauga Community Action office is located at 470 Center Street in Chardon, in Building 5. Please call Geauga Community Action at 440-286-4765 if you are in need of temporary assistance or for more information on this program.

“ THE RULE IS YOU CAN ONLY GET HELP IN ONE AREA, EVERY 12 MONTHS. WE ARE HERE TO AVERT A POTENTIAL CRISIS, NOT BE A SAFETY NET.”

- Bob Voss, Executive Director, Geauga Community Action


Playground World Turning Play into ProfitsB Y M A R G I E W I L B E R

A few picky parents, who formerly owned Invisible Fence in Geauga

County, launched a totally new family-owned business in 1990, selling high-quality play sets. They also added adjustable basketball hoops, trampolines, multi-athletic goals, surfacing products and many other backyard fun items for the family. Mark Mekota was the original owner and sold to brother in law, Tony Adamic in 1996.

No doubt, much has changed in the “backyard fun” industry since we were kids. Today, Playground World’s high-

quality redwood and cedar play sets make the squeaky, metal swing sets we grew up playing on look absolutely prehistoric.

Formerly located on Mayfield Road in Chesterland, Playground World owner Tony Adamic relocated the main showroom/warehouse in February 2016 to a more expansive, 28,000-square-foot facility in Orange/Warrensville Heights. Opening one month later, the new facility features a showroom, playrooms, and party rooms. The hands-on testing ground welcomes kids of all ages to climb,

swing, bounce, dribble and kick to their hearts content, sampling the merchandise before purchasing.

“We were looking for a location with more exposure – something north of Interstate 480 and south of Interstate 90. This building became available and services the entire east side as well as south of the the city. We noticed a significant bump, 30 percent increase in volume, since moving from Chesterland,” Adamic confidently states. He says Playground World enjoys $5/$6 million in annual gross sales and continues to climb.

“ The products we sell are the

best, safest, highest-quality,

most durable and, of course,

insanely fun products in the

industry. Keeping your children

safe is our top priority.”

- Tony Adamic, owner, Playground World


C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 2

“We encourage folks to visit us at 4400 Renaissance Parkway, Warrensville Heights, Ohio,” continues Adamic. “It’s a fun time for the whole family.” Playground World also has showrooms at 1014 Jaycox Road in Avon, Ohio; 2570 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio; and 14000 Perry Road in Wexford, Pennsylvania. With Dealer locations in Canfield and Toledo, Ohio, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Macomb Michigan.

“The products we sell are the best, safest, highest-quality, most durable and, of course, insanely fun products in the industry. Keeping your children safe is our top priority,” Adamic emphatically states.

Playground World customers include LeBron James, various Cleveland Browns and Indians players, and former Indians catcher Sandy Alomar. “We get quite a few celebrities a year that buy from us,” Adamic states. “Warrensville Mayor Bradley Sellers, who played for the Chicago Bulls, has been a loyal customer for years. The city purchased a lot of equipment from us. We also installed play sets in Chester Township Park, Chardon Township Park, Munson Township Park as well as many others. However, our focus has always been on the residential side, I really like working with families and the joy we bring them.

The Geauga County resident is all about family. He grew up on a farm in Burton, graduated from Chardon High School in 1980, and currently lives in Chardon with his wife of 26 years, Kathi, and their three children, Anthony, 21 (who is majoring in Computer Forensics at Defiance College), Audrey, 15, and Camden, 12.

“Playground World is a family business. My brother Jim is the warehouse manager, brother Fred is the Warrensville store manager, and brother Paul is a certified public accountant who works for us part-time,” the enthusiastic businessman explains. “My sister Mary Mekota checks over our books.” The family’s three additional sisters include Anna (married to Dennis Ibold, an attorney with Petersen & Ibold, in Chardon); sister Peggy Adamic, of Maryland; and sister Rosemary Adamic, of Las Vegas. For those counting, that brings the Adamic sibling count to eight!

And Adamic knows a thing or two about running a successful business, having worked his way up to managing a Goodyear store for several years with his brother Fred. He says he also learned a lot about running a successful business from watching his brother-in-law Mark Mekota (Geauga County resident, businessman, and founder of Caring for Others charity), take a fledgling Invisible Fence store to a powerhouse company across northern Ohio as well as Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit and many more areas.

“Invisible Fence was looking for something to complement its business in 1989-1990. Mark started what was then-called Child Development Play Systems. I began working there and took over the company in 1996, changing the name to Playground World. Much of my staff previously worked at Invisible Fence until Mark sold the company.”

What’s Playground World’s secret to success? “It’s about providing lifetime customer care,” Adamic insists. “Playground World is family owned and for us, family comes first.”

“Durability is another factor we take seriously,” Adamic says. “All of our products are designed to grow with the child.”

Igniting ImaginationPlayground World’s play sets ignite a child’s imagination with a host of available themes and extras. For instance, there is the “Outback Series,” where children can develop an acrobat’s strength on the trapeze or fly with friends on a tire swing, scramble up a rope-rung ladder, and spy high on either a 5-, 6- or 7-foot sky deck. With the “Monkey Tower,” “Lion’s Den,” or “Jungle Swinger” play sets, kids of all ages can go bananas on a bumpy slide, rock wall, rope rung ladders, swings, picnic bench and/or sand box, and more. Playground World’s Mega play sets offer even more room and accessories with racing slides, crawl tunnels, dual skyboxes and more high adventure.

A Few Playground World FUN FACTS:• Safety is our #1 priority

• Largest selection in the industry

• Most comprehensive warranties

• Certified sustainable redwood & cedar

• Company trained and accredited sales & service experts

• You grow INTO and not out of our products

• All of our products are intended for FULL family FUN!

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 2


“Families can literally design their own play set,” Adamic says. “I want the whole family to enjoy our products and be able to interact with their children on the play sets,” he continues. “We try to educate the consumer about how our modular systems can grow with their children. Parents can add age-appropriate features.” There are more than 100 available.

But the fun doesn’t end with play sets. Playground World sells a host of trampolines, basketball hoops and multi-sport goals and trainers with instant ball return. Also available for purchase are various playground surfaces for baseball, football, soccer and other sports. Height and angle adjustments make this equipment versatile; it can adapt as children grow.

Playground World serves northern Ohio, Michigan and western Pennsylvania as an exclusive Woodplay and Playground One distributor as well as Springfree Trampolines, Goalsetter & Goalrilla adjustable basketball goals, Flexcourt, and Rubber Surfacing products.

Business OpportunityInterested in becoming a dealer for Playground World? Adamic says they welcome individuals interested in becoming product display dealers. In this business arrangement, the dealers purchase their own displays, and Playground World provides the sales training, marketing, sales support and installations.

“We would love to pepper Playground World in other outlying areas, like Mansfield, Lima and Erie, Pennsylvania,” Adamic says, looking forward. Playground World also has satellite stores in Greensburg, PA; Canfield, OH; and Toledo, OH. “We are moving into Detroit soon,” he adds.

Email Playground World your contact information, a brief description of your company, product lines and summary of how a joint venture would benefit both your customers and theirs to be considered part of this winning, family-fun company! Email your information to [email protected].

“I want the whole family to

enjoy our products and be able

to interact with their children

on the play sets.”

- Tony Adamic, owner, Playground World

Playground World C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 1


It’s Party Time!Playground World, in Warrensville Heights, books approximately 15 to 20 parties a week! Parties include two hours in the 14,000-square-foot Play Zone and a private party room (private party room is available to guests for the whole party). “Mainly, these parties are for children 2 to 12 years old. Moms and dads can play on the equipment, too. It’s not going anywhere. And I must admit, this foot traffic helps our sales,” Adamic admits with a grin.

Playground World provides the FUN – you provide the food, cake, non-alcoholic beverages, candles, utensils, paper products, etc. Every child attending needs a signed a waiver by a parent or legal guardian. This can be done at the front counter upon arrival.

Adamic concludes, “We are getting second-generation customers coming in telling us, ‘I grew up playing on a Playground World play set.’ Now they want one for their kids. That’s pretty neat.”

* To check available party times at the other Playground World locations, visit Playground World’s website at pgworld.com. For more information, call 440-729-0909.

Community Outreach Playground World, Inc. loves the opportunity to give back to the communities where its employees live and work. The company’s Community Outreach Program focuses on employee engagement and the organizations that mean the most to their employees.

How does Playground World accomplish this? Eight years ago, the late F. Dave Williams started a program called, “Donate to Play,” at their Play Zone West location. Playground World now offers this “fun with a purpose” play at all their indoor Play Zones. Stop in and enjoy the fun for only $1.00 per child. Charitable Play hours vary by Play Zone so please check the locations party page for availability.

2016-2017 Sponsorships May 2016 Make-A-Wish NEO – $219 June 2016 Cleveland Food Bank – $356 July 2016 Ryan’s Toy Drive – $444 August 2016 JDRF – $684 September 2016 Lake Humane Society – $436 October 2016 Team Jemmah – $316 November 2016 Warrensville Hts. Police Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program – $349 December 2016 Special Services of Geauga Co. – $278 January 2017 McKinley Community Outreach Center – $666 February 2017 Greater Cleveland Dental Society Give Kids A Smile – $573 March 2017 Quentin Park Improvement Project – $813 April 2017 Geauga Sheriff’s K-9 Fund – $287

2017 Summer/Fall Sponsorships May 2017 Prayers From Maria Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation June 2017 Cleveland Alzheimer’s Association July 2017 Sub Zero Mission August 2017 Lake County Humane Society September 2017 Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center Cleveland, OH October 2017 Cleveland Coats for Kids November 2017 Warrensville Hts. Police Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program December 2017 Fostering Hope

Playground World also donates approximately 200 birthday party certificates a year to local charities and organizations. If you wish to book a birthday party at Playground World’s indoor Play Zone and help a local charity, check out Playground World’s Facebook page for a list of organizations they have assisted. To request a donation, please email [email protected] with the event and organization’s information

Take a book, leave a book: Free children’s books are available at their Warrensville Heights location.

Donate to Jump: In addition to having FUNtastic equipment set up at the Home and Garden shows, Playground World offers “Donate to Jump.” For a small donation, show visitors can jump on our Springfree Trampoline -- the World’s Safest Trampolines.

Caring Play: Special play time for Help Me Grow Geauga and other organizations to provide play sessions for children with special needs and their siblings.

Make A Wish: Playground World has worked with Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well as Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana to help make children’s dreams come true.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: In 2005, Playground World installed a play system for the televised show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, for the Novak Family in Boardman, Ohio.

In Geauga County, Playground World employees have delivered food for Geauga Job and Family Services, sponsored families at the holidays, and hosted food drives. “We are continuously humbled by the generosity and passion of Playground World, Inc. employees,” states Adamic.


Each year, thousands of people ask for assistance, guidance and information from the Geauga County Probate Court on a wide range of issues. Here are the topics most frequently asked of the court:

WILLSWhile the law does not require you to have a will, a properly drawn will assures your property will be conveyed according to your wishes after death. The original will may be filed with the court for safe-keeping subject to a state-required fee. All wills MUST be presented to the probate court. Anyone who destroys or conceals the will of another person is liable under penalty of law.

ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATESThe Executor of an estate is required by law to assemble, inventory and appraise the estate’s assets; pay just claims on the estate, including federal estate taxes; and distribute the balance of the estate to heirs or beneficiaries under the will. He or she is also required to post bond equal to double of the estate’s value, although the court is allowed to waive the bond in certain cases.

LAWYERSWhile the law does not require you to have a lawyer, be advised that most people find it advantageous to have professional legal representation due to the complex nature of the legal matters before the probate court. It would be unlawful for me or my staff to offer advice or assistance on any legal matter. If you desire legal representation but need help finding a lawyer, call the Geauga County Bar Association’s attorney referral service at (440) 286-7160.

ADOPTIONSAdoptions are subject to approval by the probate court. The court requires a professional assessment of the fitness of the prospective adoptive parents prior to approval.

MARRIAGE LICENSESIndividuals must be at least 18 years old and no more closely related than second cousins. Sixteen- and 17-year-old girls must have consent from their parents or legal guardian, and both parties are required to have proper counseling. Both parties must apply in person in the county of residence, but can get married anywhere in the state. Please see the court’s website for application requirements.

COSTS & FEESProbate court costs are set by statute and may not be waived. Deposits are required when proceedings are initiated. All costs collected by the court are turned over to the Geauga County Treasurer’s Office. All compensation for executors, administrators and attorneys are subject to court approval. Compensation and fees for executors and administrators are set by statute. Attorney fees are approved only if the court is satisfied the fees are reasonable. There is no minimum or maximum fee that the court will approve.

GUARDIANSHIPS, MENTAL ILLNESS & DISABILITYIf the Court determines a person to be incapable of handling their own personal affairs due to being under 18 years of age, or incompetency following a professional examination and a hearing, the Court will appoint a guardian to act on that person’s behalf. The guardian is strictly accountable to the Court for management of the ward’s affairs and estate. The Court is also responsible for determining whether a mentally disabled person should be committed to a hospital. Proceedings begin with the filing of an affidavit by an individual. The Court may order a person to be detained in a hospital after a hearing testimony from examining doctors and others about the appropriateness of commitment and the length and place of treatment.

GEAUGA COUNTY PROBATE/JUVENILE COURTCourthouse Annex 2nd Floor | 231 Main Street, Suite 200, Chardon, OH 44024

440-279-1830 | Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm


The Probate Court and Business Succession Planning What would happen to your business in the event something happens to you?

A business succession plan establishes how a business will operate if one or more of the owners is deceased or disabled. It confers legal authority for a person or group of individuals to exercise authority over and preserve the company, or perhaps liquidate the assets of the business.

Businesses of all sizes should have a plan in place to address ownership succession. It may serve the business well to have a trust in place should the business owner become disabled or deceased. A trust may allow the business to avoid significant delay in authority to transact business. Further, your business may be delayed in probate court if no one is named to oversee the business, as the court must then make these difficult determinations on behalf of your business.

What can you do?TRUST Form a living trust, transfer the business to the trust, and name your child(ren) as the successor trustee(s).

BUY-SELL AGREEMENT A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract in which the owners of a business set forth the terms and conditions of a future sale or buy back of a departing owner’s share of the business.

REAL ESTATE Several methods exist to avoid probate with real estate, including joint ownership and transfer on death deeds. Consult an attorney. Discuss your business succession with your attorney or call the Geauga County Bar Association referral service at 440-286-7160.

“ Ohio Revised Code assigns over 200 separate duties to the probate court, ranging from issuing marriage licenses to overseeing administration of estates of all sizes. Over time, most people who live in our county will have their lives touched by our court. For over 150 years, the Geauga County Probate Court has established a tradition of outstanding service to our community. My goal, and that of my dedicated staff, is to live up to that tradition with fairness, justice and honor every day.”

- Judge Timothy J. Grendell

HON. TIMOTHY J. GRENDELL • Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge since September 2011;

married to Diane Grendell, 11th District Court of Appeals judge

• State Senator from 2005-2011; State Representative from 2001-2004

• Former partner of his own private practice, as well as the law firms of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell and Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue

• Graduate of the Case Western Reserve School of Law, with a Master’s of Law from the University of Virginia Law School

• Served in the U.S. Army for 4½ years, honorably discharged as a captain

• Ohio Judicial Conference Executive Board member

• Vice President of the Ohio Juvenile Judges Association Board and member of its Law & Policy Committee

• Secretary of the Ohio Probate Judges Association Board and member of its Law & Policy Committee

• Member of the American Legion, Geauga County Farm Bureau and Geauga County Bar Association

• Recipient of the Ohio VFW Legislator of the Year, Ohio AmVets Legislator of the Year, Ohio Fraternal Order of Police Legislator of the Year, Ohio Roundtable Leadership in Government Award, and Watchdog of the Treasury Award (5 times)

• Founder of the Geauga Learn Program and Geauga Fresh Farm Market (South Russell Village)

Community Public Service information provided pursuant to ORC 2303.201(E)(1)


BLOOM BROTHERS SUPPLY:A Modern-Day Story of David & GoliathB Y M A R G I E W I L B E R

Despite the opening of such national retail appliance store giants as hhgregg, Home Depot, Forest City, Giant Tiger, Lowe’s,

and others through the past eight decades, Bloom Brothers Supply remains standing strong and continues to prosper at their two locations in Chesterland and Cleveland. It’s a true modern-day story of David and Goliath!

Bob Bloom, Bloom Brothers Supply’s president, states matter-of-factly, “Like my father, I don’t worry about my competitors. I worry about my customers. I’ve been selling appliances for over 40 years. I watched appliance stores come. I watched them go. At Bloom Brothers, we offer the lowest prices and have low overhead. That’s why we are still here.”

He says their knowledge of the appliances they sell and maintaining personal relationships with people also set Bloom Brothers high above the competition.

“Our low prices keep customers coming back,” he reiterates. “They don’t care what color shirt I am wearing. We help customers select new appliances according to their budget. There is no pressure here. Our employees are not on commission like the other appliance stores. They are all salary.”

“I saw a ‘STORE CLOSING’ sign this week at the hhgregg, at Golden Gate,” Bob adds with a wry grin. Well, who can blame him for smiling? As the rock group Queen sings, “Another One Bites the Dust!”

Heroic Beginnings In the 1930s, two brother-in-laws opened E. 116th Street Hardware on the corner of East 116th Street and Buckeye in Cleveland. They were Bob Bloom’s Uncle Mike Bloom and Uncle Joe Sulzer. When World War II hit, Bob’s father, Harry, and Harry’s twin brother, Dave, immediately enlisted in the Army upon graduating from John Adams High School at the age of 17.

“Uncle Dave was shot down and became a prisoner of war in Germany. The family thought he was dead. It wasn’t until after the war that we found out he was still alive,” Bob recalls. His father was one of some 156,000 brave American, British and Canadian servicemen who landed on the fortified coast of Normandy on D-Day. This invasion resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control.

After the war in 1945, Harry, Dave and their older brother Mike (who was deferred and worked in a factory during WWII) used the money they saved during the war to open Bloom Brothers Supply at the original E 116th Street Hardware location. Together, the brothers embraced their family’s stern work ethic and met competition head on, offering hardware and appliances at a lower cost and impeccable customer service. Business boomed.

“ We help customers select new appliances according to their budget. There is no pressure here. “

- Bob Bloom, President, Bloom Brothers Supply

Bob Bloom, President, Bloom Brothers Supply


Geauga County ExpansionBecause business was so good, in 1956, the three brothers opened a second Bloom Brothers Supply at 7941 Mayfield Road in Chesterland.

“They got a great deal,” Bob says. “They purchased Chester Feed Supply and all the property for $35,000. I guess that would be worth a quarter of a million today. It was basically a feed supply store with a hardware store. Farmers came in to purchase scratch feed, crushed corn, and the like from our big bins.”

Back in the day, the Geauga County store also sold such items as power equipment, paint, garden supplies, and other home odds and ends.

“I was 8 years old when they bought this store. I worked at the Cleveland store until after I graduated from Case Western Reserve

Law School in 1976,” the 69-year-old business owner states. Prior to attending law school, Bob graduated from Beachwood High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

“I practiced law in the early 1970s with Walter Haverfield, LLP, which continues to serve as strategic counselors to private businesses, public entities and high net-worth individuals,” Bob explains. “But, for the past 40 plus years, I have been selling appliances at Bloom Brothers.”

Bob also started Geauga Savings Bank in 1983. “Business people in Geauga County were saying they needed their own bank,” Bob remembers. “I called up Denny Protts, former owner of Protts Grocery Store, in Newbury, and told him I would be interested in putting up some money for a bank, but I wanted to be a director. I eventually became chairman. Denny is still on the board there.”

Bob also served as Beachwood City Councilman from 1997-2000 before he and his wife of 48 years, Doll, moved their family to Pepper Pike, where the couple still resides.

Today’s Bloom Brothers While the exterior of Bloom Brothers Supply has not changed in more than 70 years, many Geauga County residents may recall the store’s no-frills interior up until several years ago. Bob explains that as he took over the helm when his father and uncles passed away, appliance manufacturers began requiring higher inventories and attractive showroom displays. The businessman made the required, costly renovations.

“This kitchen appliance display that features Thermador and Bosch cost us $50,000,” Bob points out, with a shrug of his shoulders. “In the old days, every dealer bought appliances through wholesalers. Now, we have to deal directly with manufacturers, and all appliance lines have a minimum display requirement. It’s almost impossible for the small person to be in the appliance business. The mom and pop stores are all gone.”

Today, Bloom Brothers Supply is an authorized dealer of such brands as Amana, BlueStar, GE, DCS, Maytag, LG, Miele, KitchenAid, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Thermador. They draw customers from throughout Geauga County as well as Beachwood, Solon, Chagrin Falls, Mentor, Painesville, Cleveland and beyond. Appliances sold at the two Bloom Brothers Supply include:• Portable, specialty window air conditioners• Dehumidifiers• Ranges and cook tops, wall ovens, microwaves and grills• Washers and dryers• Refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers

Bob says Bloom Brothers joined an appliance-buying group out of New Jersey and can deliver what anyone wants in one to two days, with more than 10,000 appliances available. Bloom Brothers Supply is also a preferred appliance provider for Payne & Payne Builders in Geauga County. “Payne & Payne are wonderful to deal with. Pat Perrino is also constructing their new headquarters in Chesterland, across the street. That will be one of the most beautiful buildings in Geauga County. Everything Pat does is first class,” Bob states.

In addition to owning and operating Bloom Brothers Supply in Chesterland, Bob is a limited partner with Lake Avenue Land Partners that owns approximately 90 acres behind the Walmart in Middlefield and Shawnee Wood Products in Middlefield.

Looking Ahead“This is home,” Bob describes as he peruses the 15,000 square-foot showroom. “I really enjoy talking to customers. We have many interesting customers, like professional athletes and politicians.” The successful businessman insists all customers, however, are treated the same.

Bloom Brothers Supply employs 10 full-time and four part-time workers, most having worked for the company for more than 15 years. The two Chesterland store managers are both West Geauga High School graduates, who first began working at the supply store in high school.

Bob’s three children elected not to follow in the family-owned business. Son Doug practices law; daughter Lindsay lives in Manhattan and is executive director of oncology for Michael J. Hennessy Associates; and daughter Jodi is busy with her husband raising their children locally in Orange. Bob is also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren between the ages of 11 and 16, including one set of twins.

“It’s very rare to have a third-generation family business. My cousin Eddie’s son, Matthew, works at both the Cleveland and Chesterland Bloom Brothers stores, so we are third generation,” Bob exclaims. “Matthew is also an assistant football coach at West Geauga High School.”

Retirement is also not in Bob’s playbook. “I never plan to retire,” he admits with a laugh. “They will have to carry me out of here.”

Bob Bloom, President, Bloom Brothers Supply


18

If you have a thirst for an old favorite or something completely new, Red, Wine & Brew, located at 8099 Mayfield Road in Chesterland, welcomes you to explore perhaps the widest array of libations in Geauga County and beyond. With a selection of 6,000 wines, 2,500 beer varieties, and 1,000 tobacco products, even the most scrupulous customers will find their perfect pour (or smoke!). Certainly, this local business is more than meets the eye.

In 2006, owner Sam Shah opened the 2,000-square-foot storefront as a friendly, neighborhood tobacconist. Sam began asking patrons for ideas to name his shop. It was the first sign that Red, Wine & Brew would lay their foundation on community relationships and customer service. That ethos has carried the store through two expansions, with a third taking shape in 2017.

Red, Wine & Brew has doubled its delivery service and event orders in just one year. As for weddings, an initial spattering of a dozen over the past year has grown to eight calls in the first month of 2017. Sam eagerly elaborates on the store’s growth, starting with his initial work on the storefront: “The store initially offered more than 1,500 wines and 1,000 beers, and our selection doubled with each growth spurt. The second

expansion increased our inventory to 3,000 wines and over 2,000 beers. Our third expansion brought our inventory to more than 6,000 wines and all beers available in Ohio!”

Current Red, Wine & Brew additions revolve around a spacious floor plan — a cleaner look, with smooth transitions between areas -- wine, beer refrigerators, cigar humidor. The retail phase of Red Wine & Brew’s renovation was completed under the early warm, summer sun.

Longtime customers are in for a surprise. Sam also plans to open a restaurant within Red, Wine & Brew this December, after taking over space next door vacated by a dog grooming studio. The restaurant will be the first of its kind in the area.

Sam says the wall between storefronts is already eliminated. With the new open look, customers will be able to move freely while searching for a new favorite sip. “And when you see the new bar, you may decide to savor a pint while Katie fills your growler,” Sam describes.

The staff has become a family, with a few having roots right here in Geauga County. Everyone who walks through the door joins their clan. In fact, perhaps you’ll meet Katie Moore, a West

Local Destination Sets New Buds this SummerB Y A U S T I N B A T T L E S

Sam Shah, owner, Red, Wine and Brew


Geauga High School graduate. Michael Schultz is the store manager, and as visitors step inside, they can expect a smile and a “Hello” from whomever is near the door.

Behind the front counter, you might see Clay, a ‘Larpin’ aficionado (renaissance-style camps with medieval reenactments), or Alex, the resident musician. If Bob isn’t helping a customer, he can be found walking near the coolers, confirming every space is fully stocked. And to diversify this cordial staff, Cody holds a master’s degree in marine biology. Clearly, Red, Wine & Brew boasts a cross-section of Geauga County’s finest — and despite varied knowledge, their primary skill is a willingness to help!

“Our first priority is customer service,” Katie emphasizes. “We want everyone to feel comfortable in our store. If someone is looking for a higher-proof liquor than what we offer, I let them know where they can find it. And we’ll provide locations in Geauga County because the taxes will be lower for them. People remember that.”

Over the course of 2017’s new developments, people will get to know Red, Wine & Brew as more than a favorite local store. It’s shaping up to be Chesterland’s hot new haven for a unique, all-in-one experience. After exploring the revamped market, visitors will be drawn to the new restaurant’s bar that will feature about a dozen comfortable seats, with a special perk -- purse hooks. Katie explains, “I hate going to a bar and not having a hook to put my purse on.”

There will be plenty of table seating, and certain evenings will feature live entertainment. Don’t be surprised to hear local favorite Top Dawg on a future Saturday! Yet, like her fellow staff, Katie urges new friends to stop in any time and indulge in the enhanced experience. “Sam likes to try new things,” she says, “to be ahead of the game.”

Red, Wine & Brew is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information on their amazing selection of craft beers, fine wines and high-quality cigars, call Red, Wine & Brew at 440-729-737.

“ Our third expansion brought our inventory to more than 6,000 wines and all beers available in Ohio!”

- Sam Shah, owner, Red, Wine & Brew


American diners have become discriminating and are pressuring

restaurants to provide higher-quality meals. To address demand, restaurants look to the kitchen staff. And that’s why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for chefs and head cooks will grow 9 percent in the 10 years between 2014 and 2024. That growth is faster than the average for all occupations.

Despite higher demand, high pay isn’t quite guaranteed. Fine-dining jobs are competitive. Credible culinary education can be a tipping point when launching a kitchen career. And, that’s available in Geauga County.

The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute (ICASI) is in the semi-rural county because of its proximity to farm country. “In Geauga County, we’re in the epicenter of where Cleveland restaurants get their food. It was important to put the school where the food is,” says Executive Director Stefanie Paganini.

ICASI prepares aspirants for the dining market in Northeast Ohio and beyond. The trade school, founded in 2002, offers two tracks – culinary and pastry. Within them, students have two options – a six-month basic techniques certificate program or a two-year advanced techniques diploma program.

These folks spend intense days engaged in lectures and labs in ICASI’s five well-equipped, stainless steel kitchens. In

Geauga School Trains Professional Chefs

B Y P A R I S W O L F E

A DASH OF SWEET SUCCESS


addition to learning all things food, students study recipe development, menu creation, food presentation, business plan writing and restaurant management.

The school has a strong culinary foundation in the early work of local legend Loretta Paganini. When Paganini first moved from Bologna, Italy, to the United States, friends would ask her to teach them how to make traditional dishes. Soon, she was teaching friends of friends. Then, she was sharing her culinary heritage and training through community recreation classes. That eventually led to the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking (LPSC).

After so many people asked her about chef life, Paganini created a one-week boot camp to offer the experience. Students actually paid to spend five days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. being put through the paces. And, they wanted more. So, with careful planning, Paganini and Education Director Tim McCoy developed a curriculum for what would become ICASI. The school is registered with the State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and School.

The professional school quickly outgrew the little brown “gingerbread house” on the south side of Mayfield Road that it shared with the recreational school - LPSC. By 2005, ICASI was in a brand-new, 12,500-square-foot, purpose-built facility across the street.

That shift gave the recreational school enough space to continue offering about 40 classes each month.

“We designed ICASI’s building, including the kitchen classrooms, to facilitate education,” says the school’s new executive director, Stefanie

Paganini, who is the daughter of Loretta Paganini and is continuing the family’s culinary legacy. “Each classroom is designed to meet the teaching paradigm for that part of the program.”

A lawyer by training, Stefanie had an “aha moment” while helping with the school’s legal paperwork to register with the state. So, she completed culinary and pastry arts training and became an instructor. Having worked from dishwasher to chef, she was appointed executive director of ICASI in October.

For those considering a culinary career, Stefanie suggests attending an open house or scheduling a private tour of the school. Information is available at www.ICASI.info.

“To come to a trade school, you really need to know that’s what you want to do,” she says. “This is not a university. You’ll be highly specialized in what you do. For example, you’ll study nutrition and how you, as a chef, create nutritional menus and deal with dietary restrictions. Every class is geared toward making you a better chef.”

Enrollment is a balance of male and female students and usually from two walks of life – recent high school graduates or career changers. “Their common passion blends well in the classroom. They inspire each other,” says Stefanie.

Class sizes are limited to 12 students so everyone is involved, and the group moves through coursework in a prescribed manner. They attend three days a week and finish with an externship to facilitate movement into area restaurants for permanent employment.

“ This is not a university.

You’ll be highly specialized

in what you do. For

example, you’ll study

nutrition and how you, as

a chef, create nutritional

menus and deal with

dietary restrictions. Every

class is geared toward

making you a better chef.”

- Stefanie Paganini,, Executive Director, The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute (ICASI)


American’s shift in food shopping—healthier and more local—is providing opportunities for enterprising entrepreneurs. John Bonner and Tim Ryan,

of Great Lakes Growers in Burton, are perfect examples. The men met in 2010, when Bonner was working in a 300-square-foot greenhouse, using a hydroponic system to grow lettuce. Meanwhile, Ryan was shopping his MBA credentials and looking for a project.

Thinking strategically, the two men decided to nurture the hydroponic concept and grow produce year-round. In 2011, they located their first greenhouse in Burton. There, they grew green butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, and basil.

Today, the dynamic duo have 25 employees, nearly 2 acres in Burton under glass, and are likely to expand even further. They grow eight lettuce and eight herb varieties. They market these products using the term “Living” to recognize the plants still have their roots intact.

Great Lakes Growers Seeing Green $$$B Y P A R I S W O L F E

John Bonner and Tim Ryan of Great Lakes Growers22 GEAUGA BUSINESS Summer 2017

“We feel strongly about what we are doing, and younger generations are becoming more aware of where their food comes from,” says Ryan, referring to the explosion in sourcing healthier, more local food. Americans eat an estimated 24.5 pounds of lettuce annually per capita, according to the Agricultural Resource Marketing Center.

Great Lakes Growers provides 3 million heads of that lettuce annually to shoppers at all Heinen’s and many Giant Eagle grocery stores throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania. Consumers are, perhaps, most familiar with sleeves of “Living Basil,” still bearing roots and clamshell packages of delicate “Living” green butter lettuce.

“Our greenhouse structure is great for growing anything, but the hydroponic system we have is specifically designed for lettuces and herbs,” says Ryan. “The varieties we grow of each lettuce or herb might change with the seasons and climate changes/daylight levels; some varieties do better in summer, and some are better in winter. But basically, they are the

same product types year-round.”

Ryan’s favorite green is “Crunchita,” a lettuce he

describes as having the crunch of iceberg lettuce with the frame and structure of romaine lettuce. “It tastes almost

like sweet corn, and it has crunch,” he

describes.

Marketing features and value-added benefits is easy. “It’s about being more local, being more environmentally conscious; it’s about safety and cleanliness. If you think about organic field farming, cow manure or other animal-based nitrogen sources are used for fertilizer.

“Most of the product we have coming out of the greenhouse still has roots intact; that dramatically increases shelf-life,” he continues. So does being local. “We harvest and get product to store or table within 24 to 48 hours, so it is fresher. We don’t lose time trucking miles from the West Coast.”

On a personal note, Ryan has seen super-fresh lettuces increase consumption by his own children. “I would say my kids, before I got into this business, didn’t eat much lettuce. With the variety of lettuces and herbs we grow, it can be fun to create different salads.” He points to LoveMySalad.com for recipe ideas.

Locating in Geauga County has been a bonus, Ryan says. “Geauga County has been very helpful in getting us connected with partners in the community. We were able to quickly obtain approvals for construction and financing thanks to the people in the county,” he describes.

“We are proud to be members of the Geauga Growth Partnership, and when there are county events, we are happy to participate

when we can and provide the lettuce for any larger events sponsored by the community. Middlefield Bank and Geauga County Community and Economic Development have been great partners, working with to help us get to where we are today.”

“ We harvest and get

product to store or table

within 24 to 48 hours, so

it is fresher. We don’t lose

time trucking miles from the

West Coast.”

- Tim Ryan of Great Lakes Growers


How do you define excellence in health care? Is it an emergency department where patients are seen by a doctor within 15 minutes of arrival? An expanded cancer center where patients receive the latest treatments from the best cancer specialists? Or possibly two cardiac catheterization centers, ready within minutes, if necessary, to provide life-saving treatment to a patient having a heart attack?

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, which has all of these capabilities, has earned a 2017 Baldrige

Platinum Governor’s Award for Excellence in recognition of its ability to deliver outstanding care to area residents. But, the significance of the award – the highest honor among Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana hospitals for performance excellence – goes far beyond the hospital’s physical plant, says M. Steven Jones, President, University Hospitals – East Region.

“The crux of the Award for Excellence is an organization’s ability to create a culture of best practices that leads to sustainable performance improvement,” Jones explains.

The awards are presented by The Partnership for Excellence (TPE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to performance excellence for all types of organizations in the three states it covers. TPE evaluates organizations according to the internationally recognized Malcolm Baldrige criteria. Under Jones’ leadership, UH Geauga Medical Center has participated in the TPE since 2015, earning a Silver Commitment to Excellence Award in 2016.

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center’s Journey Toward Excellence


The Total PackageUH Geauga leadership has worked closely with TPE experts in organizational development to review the hospital’s existing processes in every area from data management to patient outcomes and compare them to national criteria. From the feedback document, hospital leaders implement changes to move the hospital further along in its pursuit of excellence.

Engaging all employees in this process has been essential to success, Jones stresses. “For example, everyone knows that errors cause waste. It was important to communicate that idea to employees at a practical level to gain their trust and engagement. Together, we look for ways to improve.”

The commitment of UH Geauga doctors, nurses and all health care professionals to delivering the best possible care was apparent in the TPE evaluation, Jones adds. “Patient experience - we crushed it,” he says. “Patient safety, we are in the 95th percentile nationally.”

Community Connection CountsUH Geauga Medical Center’s close relationship with the surrounding community contributes to its ability to help ensure area residents receive the best possible care. The UH Geauga Board of Directors, under the leadership of Chairman John T. Fitts, is a critical conduit between area residents and the hospital. Board members, who come from all walks of life, are vigilant in ensuring that the hospital is evolving to meet the community’s expanding and sometimes specialized needs, Jones says. He cites the hospital’s soon-to-open expanded UH Seidman Cancer Center and the hospital’s positive relationship with the county’s large Amish population as initiatives the board has actively promoted.

The hospital’s collaboration with area EMS teams is a powerful illustration of the difference that commitment to a community connection can make. “We provide medical guidance to 35 community EMS,” Jones explains. “When it’s a serious emergency, the EMS team calls ahead from the ambulance to our emergency department so we are ready when the patient arrives.” In 2016, this program saved the lives of 60 people brought by ambulance to UH Geauga.

Far-Reaching ImpactThe hospital’s financial stability, particularly in this era of unprecedented changes in health care, is another criteria the TPE experts evaluate in selecting awardees. Jones notes that the hospital’s financial security is the result not only of strategic operational decisions but also is related to overwhelming community support. A recent fundraising campaign to support the hospital’s expansion raised $2.7 million from Geauga County residents and businesses in just 18 months – perhaps not so surprising, knowing that 60 percent of Geauga County residents have UH physicians.

Beyond the hospital’s importance as the county’s leading health care provider, Jones also is cognizant of its position as a leading employer in the county and UH Geauga’s broader impact on quality of life and making Geauga County attractive to potential homebuyers and businesses. “I feel accountable to this community,” he says.

To Jones, the leadership team and the Board of Directors at UH Geauga Medical Center, winning the Baldrige Platinum Governor’s Award for Excellence is a milestone on a continuing journey. “We want to be the safest hospital, delivering the highest quality care, with the highest patient satisfaction,” Jones says. “Baldrige is a leadership model that will help us move from good to great.”

“ The crux of the Award for Excellence is an

organization’s ability to create a culture

of best practices that leads to sustainable

performance improvement.”

-M. Steven Jones, President, University Hospitals – East Region


© 2017 University Hospitals

UH Geauga Medical Center

440-285-6000 | UHGeauga.org13207 Ravenna Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024

Emergency Room only.

UH Concord Health Center

440-358-0400 | UHhospitals.org/Concord7500 Auburn Road, Concord, Ohio 44077

Urgent Care only.

Most major insurances are accepted.

Our experts will see you now.

We are UH.We are experts in urgent

and emergency care.

At University Hospitals, our specially trained physicians and nurses provide personalized urgent

and emergency care for adults and children, allowing for faster diagnosis with less wait time.

So you can take comfort knowing the expert care you need is right in your neighborhood.


IS YOUR POLICY BUILT FOR TODAY?

FÄRM

AGRICULTURE EQUINE GENTLEMAN

AG EQ GE

ZINCINSURANCE.COM/FARM 440 600-3772Zero degrees of separation between you and your customers has changed the nature of your risk. Get 360° of protection TODAY.CALL SETH to LEARN MORE and find out if your policy is built for today’s exposures.(Seth and his family are 12-year residents of Geauga County)

ZINC3505 E Royalton Rd #110Broadview Hts OH 44147

28

HomeGrown Under the Dome

HomeGrown Under the Domepresented by Geauga Growth Partnership in support of

GGP’s Youth Workforce Development Program

Saturday, August 19, 2017, 5:30-9PMASM International

9639 Kinsman Road, Materials Park (Russell Twp.), OH 44073Sponsorship packages available. Admission tickets ($125 pp) available [email protected] | 440-564-1060 | www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com

Guest Restaurants & Chefs serving Geauga delectables to satisfy your palates

Blazin’ BillsBurntwood Tavernd’marieSirna’s PizzaTom’s FooleryWarren’s Spirited KitchenWelshfield InnChef Jonathan Bennett - Moxie - ft. Adams Reserve Cheddar Chef Will Davis - ICASI & Loretta Paganini School of CookingChefs Timothy Willis & Joe Matteucci - UH Geauga Medical Center Nutrition Services

Guest Entertainers to keep you amusedASM Tours “Beyond the Dome”Event Painter Jacqueline DelBroccoJasmine Dragons Aerial performersEvent photographer Paul A. NewmanVirtual Reality journey “Under the Dome”

Live Music by No MossComplementary Full Bar

Silent Auction (Text to Bid Auction services provided by Qtego)

Raffle Drawing for choice of travel destinations

Queen of Hearts

Geauga Growth Partnership is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization created in 2010, which works to retain and grow jobs, contribute to business growth and strengthen the local economy. GGP’s mission is to enhance the business climate, encourage job creation, to strengthen economic prosperity and to improve the quality of life for all Geauga County residents.

DIAMOND: Great Lakes Cheese PLATINUM: Richard & Christie Frenchie & The Frenchie Consulting Group; University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center

GOLD: Bechem Lubrication Technology / John & Chris Steigerwald; Junction Auto Family; Patterson Farms SILVER: Arms Trucking Company; Hexpol/Burton Rubber Processing; HR Strategies & Solutions; Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling

BRONZE: Heinen’s; Honest Scales Recycling; Kent State University at Geauga; The Middlefield Banking Company; Ronyak Paving; PATRON: Electrolock, Inc.; Dr. Patra Duangjak; Wealthcare Group of Raymond James

Thank you to all HomeGrown Geauga Sponsors

Thank you to all participating chefs & restaurants

RICHARD & CHRISTIE FRENCHIE

renchieroupG

FThe

JOHN & CHRISSTEIGERWALD

NEW YORKEXTRA SHARPCHEDDAR

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDCleveland OHPermit No. 498

Persistence of Vision Communications, Inc.16715 West Park CircleChagrin Falls, OH 44023

THE RED TULIP PROJECTDear Geauga Business Owners:

The Burton Middlefield Rotary Club, in direct response to the Rotary motto, “Service above self,” supports numerous projects in our community. We respond to the housing needs of the veterans in our county, host a fishing project for children with disabilities, and provide student scholarships. We also have built and/or assisted with facilities at the Geauga fairgrounds, at the Geauga County Historical Society Maple Museum in Burton, and within Geauga Park District, among numerous other projects.

Currently, we are looking to add “The Red Tulip Project” to our list of achievements. The Red Tulip Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. RTP is in need of funds to remodel a 1842 century home in Claridon Township. When operational, RTP will fill the need for a sober house for women in Geauga County, where individuals in recovery will have a safe and sober environment to heal from the effects of addiction.

Our Rotary Club is seeking your sponsorship to establish a new fundraising event: “The Big Win.” In short, the event would include a large raffle with cash prizes ($1,000 to $2,500), to be awarded every five to 10 minutes. Other large, to-be-determined items would be awarded periodically, and a large cash award (approximately $50,000) would be awarded at the end of the fundraiser. The Big Win is envisioned as an afternoon event, with a variety of food truck vendors and numerous other fundraising activities. The cost to purchase a ticket for the raffle is $100, and a maximum of 5,000 tickets will be sold. This type of event has proven to be very successful.

At this time, we are seeking ONLY Letters of Intent to Sponsor. It is only upon receiving sufficient sponsorships that Burton Middlefield Rotary can move forward with “The Big Win.”

With your support, I am confident that we can make this a very successful event and benefit the Geauga County communities.

Lawrence A. Fox, Rotarian11410 Pekin Road, Newbury, Ohio 44065440-478-0866 | [email protected]

summer 2017 - middlefield · 2017-06-30 · summer 2017 zany chardon polka band continues to...

Documents