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April 2008 Issue
A Collaborative Approach
I am pleased to announce two management changes atInside Business and explain why we are more excited than ever about the magazine’s mission. Effective with this issue, Steve Gleydura, editor of Cleveland Magazine , will also be editor of Inside Business , and Frank Bird, publisher of Cleveland Magazine , will add to his responsibilities the role of publisher of IB . There are important changes happening in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, and we believe this experienced, highly successful editor-pub... |
Please, Don’t Ask
John Carney, board chairman of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, opened the recent public hearing for the relocation of the port’s maritime facilities by announcing there would beno questions from the more than 100 people in attendance. If this happened in a Third World country, Washington would term it a human-rights violation. The public could not ask why the port was being moved, or how much it would cost, or what the impact on the environment would be, or why the studies, costing m... |
Belting the Rust
The young Sullivan had just discovered that, after three summers working at the family business in the late 1970s, he was being paid $2.65 an hour compared to the $4.50 an hour earned by other recently hired workers. Tom Sullivan, chairman and former president and CEO of Medina-based RPM International Inc., believed, like his father before him, that sons should start at the company by sweeping floors or stacking boxes, and then gradually work their way up, position by position, rank by rank, to learn ev... Building the Road Ahead
ucked two-thirds of the way between Cleveland and Akron, Hudson is a safe eye in an economic storm. The city’s prim residential houses and large tended lawns seem sheltered from foreclosures, resident flight and dwindling tax bases. The historic downtown storefronts along Darrow Road are busy with afternoon shoppers. By evening, First & Main is alive with local and national retail stores and restaurants. Across the street from the bustling commercial center, the grassy town square is surrounded by... Cleveland vs. Wall Street
While falling behind in his mortgage payments, Ken Winchester developed serious health problems. But before undergoing surgery, he wanted to make sure his wife and their disabled daughter would be able to keep their Richmond Heights home. So he signed for what he thought was a second mortgage. The financial-services company even promised to pay his subprime mortgage while he was recuperating. It also told him the deal would be a way to fix his damaged credit and he could later refinance for better terms... |
The Shopping Trip
If you are a regular at the grocery store like me, you have likely encountered these three general types of shoppers: the racer, the saver and the scientist. Combining the right blend of traits from these stereotypes can yield terrific results. And their approaches to food shopping can provide some great lessons on how businesses can better shop for talented employees. But first, let’s take a moment to explore each: The racer is all about speed. From the moment he pulls into the store’s park... |
Cultural Connections
The first time Ken Kovach traveled to Russia, the country was still under communist rule. The Moscow airport was stark, dingy and dark. Armed guards were everywhere. Today, the airport is bright and busy with travelers, retail stores and restaurants. “They have caught on to some of the trappings we have in the U.S. marketplace,” says Kovach, executive director of Cleveland’s International Community Council, which promotes awareness and understanding of international communities’ ... |
Letters
CRAZY FOR CLEVELAND I am a Floridian who moved to Cleveland within the last six months. I knew for more than nine months that I was moving to Cleveland and discussed this new venture with many friends, peers and acquaintances in Florida before moving. I never met any fellow Floridian who was also moving to Cleveland. So I find it surprising that there is a “movement” of dedicated Floridians headed to Cleveland. I happen to find Cleveland surprisingly delightful. It is a great place to live. ... |
Let’s Make a Deal
Despite a sluggish economy, credit crunch and mortgage meltdown, the market for mergers and acquisitions is expected to remain healthy, if only for the next few months, according to Northeast Ohio experts. Today’s economic warnings of a looming recession may significantly dampen M&A deal making in late 2008 and 2009. “This is still a very good time to be a seller of a business,” says Jim Hill, partner and executive chair of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arnoff LLP. Hill recently moder... |
Potty Mouth
Most people look at the humble bathroom toilet and think about ... well, you know what you think. Celeste Massullo sees inspiration. That’s how Massullo — a former fashion designer and serial product developer — came up with Toilet Tattoos, removable decorative appliqués for toilet lids. Last Christmas, Kmart sold the appliqués with seasonal graphics for $4.99 under the name ToilArt at all of its stores nationwide. Some stores shelved them in their home department, while othe... |
Joseph LaGuardia, 30
“I guess there’s nothing to substitute for hard work. The workday isn’t from 8 to 5. It requires persistence.”Joseph LaGuardia, 30 Are you ready for fatherhood? I am. I really am. We are so excited. As a child, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a professional bass fisherman. It’s something I still enjoy today and I look to as an avenue when entertaining. If someone has never [fished], I try to see if that’s something they might like to do. I do golf, but fishing... |
Joseph LaGuardia, 30
“I guess there’s nothing to substitute for hard work. The workday isn’t from 8 to 5. It requires persistence.”Joseph LaGuardia, 30 Are you ready for fatherhood? I am. I really am. We are so excited. As a child, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a professional bass fisherman. It’s something I still enjoy today and I look to as an avenue when entertaining. If someone has never [fished], I try to see if that’s something they might like to do. I do golf, but fishing... |
Potty Mouth
Most people look at the humble bathroom toilet and think about ... well, you know what you think. Celeste Massullo sees inspiration. That’s how Massullo — a former fashion designer and serial product developer — came up with Toilet Tattoos, removable decorative appliqués for toilet lids. Last Christmas, Kmart sold the appliqués with seasonal graphics for $4.99 under the name ToilArt at all of its stores nationwide. Some stores shelved them in their home department, while othe... |
A Commitment to Quality
Meaden & Moore has been creating value for its clients since 1919. With 180 employees in 13 offices across the country, the firm provides a variety of solutions in accounting, auditing, tax, employee benefits, consulting and investigative accounting. At the heart of the firm’s success are its employees, who are always ready roll up their sleeves and work alongside their clients to help their businesses grow and thrive. CEO James Carulas says that commitment stems from the value Meaden & Moore puts... A Long-Term Relationship
At Zinner & Co. the success of its clients is its business. As a full-service accounting firm, the partners and associates work alongside their clients to provide everything from accounting and tax services to wealth management consulting. “We look to develop long-term relationships with our clients,” says Gabor Adler, partner in the firm’s Pepper Pike offices. “We work with their goals and respond to their needs as they change. Our motto is, ‘Your success is our business.&... A Practical Approach
More than 5,000 employees in 140 offices throughout the United States have helped make CBIZ one of the top 10 accounting firms in the country. And in Cleveland, CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services (CBIZ Cleveland) offers comprehensive business services designed to help companies at every level — from the sole proprietor to the billion-dollar corporation — but its main focus is on middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. “That’s the s... Cultural Connections
The first time Ken Kovach traveled to Russia, the country was still under communist rule. The Moscow airport was stark, dingy and dark. Armed guards were everywhere. Today, the airport is bright and busy with travelers, retail stores and restaurants. “They have caught on to some of the trappings we have in the U.S. marketplace,” says Kovach, executive director of Cleveland’s International Community Council, which promotes awareness and understanding of international communities’ ... Entrepreneurial Edge
The CPAs at Cohen & Co. look out for the entrepreneur. The firm — with 230 employees in offices in Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron, Mentor, Westlake, Canton, Columbus and an affiliate in Tampa — specializes in working with closely held businesses. Founded in 1977 by Ron Cohen and three partners, the group decided from the outset that they wanted to work with people much like themselves. “Ron felt strongly that he wanted to represent entrepreneurs because he understood their challenges. He... Let’s Make a Deal
Despite a sluggish economy, credit crunch and mortgage meltdown, the market for mergers and acquisitions is expected to remain healthy, if only for the next few months, according to Northeast Ohio experts. Today’s economic warnings of a looming recession may significantly dampen M&A deal making in late 2008 and 2009. “This is still a very good time to be a seller of a business,” says Jim Hill, partner and executive chair of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arnoff LLP. Hill recently moder... Northeast Ohio Top Accountants
More than 5,000 employees in 140 offices throughout the United States have helped make CBIZ one of the top 10 accounting firms in the country. And in Cleveland, CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services (CBIZ Cleveland) offers comprehensive business services designed to help companies at every level — from the sole proprietor to the billion-dollar corporation — but its main focus is on middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. “That’s the s... The Industry Experts
The CPAs at Howard, Wershbale & Co. truly know their clients. That’s because they devote full attention to them in all areas of their business, and use the talents and experience of the entire firm to bring a unique mix of business, entrepreneurial and technical skills to each client’s challenges. “When we take a client on, we ensure we have or can obtain the expertise in that industry to truly help them,” explains Joseph Sbrocco, principal. That philosophy sets Howard, Wershbale... |
A Commitment to Quality
Meaden & Moore has been creating value for its clients since 1919. With 180 employees in 13 offices across the country, the firm provides a variety of solutions in accounting, auditing, tax, employee benefits, consulting and investigative accounting. At the heart of the firm’s success are its employees, who are always ready roll up their sleeves and work alongside their clients to help their businesses grow and thrive. CEO James Carulas says that commitment stems from the value Meaden & Moore puts... A Long-Term Relationship
At Zinner & Co. the success of its clients is its business. As a full-service accounting firm, the partners and associates work alongside their clients to provide everything from accounting and tax services to wealth management consulting. “We look to develop long-term relationships with our clients,” says Gabor Adler, partner in the firm’s Pepper Pike offices. “We work with their goals and respond to their needs as they change. Our motto is, ‘Your success is our business.&... A Practical Approach
More than 5,000 employees in 140 offices throughout the United States have helped make CBIZ one of the top 10 accounting firms in the country. And in Cleveland, CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services (CBIZ Cleveland) offers comprehensive business services designed to help companies at every level — from the sole proprietor to the billion-dollar corporation — but its main focus is on middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. “That’s the s... Entrepreneurial Edge
The CPAs at Cohen & Co. look out for the entrepreneur. The firm — with 230 employees in offices in Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron, Mentor, Westlake, Canton, Columbus and an affiliate in Tampa — specializes in working with closely held businesses. Founded in 1977 by Ron Cohen and three partners, the group decided from the outset that they wanted to work with people much like themselves. “Ron felt strongly that he wanted to represent entrepreneurs because he understood their challenges. He... The Industry Experts
The CPAs at Howard, Wershbale & Co. truly know their clients. That’s because they devote full attention to them in all areas of their business, and use the talents and experience of the entire firm to bring a unique mix of business, entrepreneurial and technical skills to each client’s challenges. “When we take a client on, we ensure we have or can obtain the expertise in that industry to truly help them,” explains Joseph Sbrocco, principal. That philosophy sets Howard, Wershbale... |
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