Recording of the 100 Business Forum event. Led by the city’s Community and Economic Development Department, it was held in September at Corporate College and was a great success. More than 110 participants heard from local business leaders about development opportunities, market trends, business incentives, the new school facility plan and much more. It was co-sponsored by the Warrensville Heights Area Chamber of Commerce.

Episode 47 - 100 Business Forum

Exercise equipment these days transcends previous generations with the introduction of connectivity to personal devices like Fitbits and Apple watches, along with screens that have Bluetooth capability for personal viewing. The quality and range of options offered at Specialty Fitness Equipment are some of the key differentiators between what he's selling and what's offered at chain stores. Listen as he describes how to approach fitness so that it's part of your daily life.
For further details, visit:
https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-46-specialty-fitness-equipment

Episode 46 - Chuck Herman, owner, Specialty Fitness Equipment

"I love that everything is becoming so pet friendly these days."  
Listen as Ms. Hrovat shares information about the services at the 24-hour treatment facility in Warrensville Heights and some of her experiences there. She shares lots of wisdom concerning pet ownership, based on her 20 years in the business. Also, pets are sometimes available for adoption. Check the clinic's social media for further details.   
For additional information, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-45-technical-supervisor 

Episode 45 - Katey Hrovat, technical supervisor, VCA Great Lakes Veterinary Specialists

 "I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything."  
Listen as Dr. Tami Prince recalls her fond memories of growing up in the tri city area. She details her journey as a medical student leading to a career as an obstetrician/gynecologist. She cares deeply about her patients and considers it part of her job to teach them how to be the best self advocates. She also shares some of her past involving life in a home that was considered the fun, hang out house. 
For more details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-44-physician 

Episode 44 - Dr. Tami Prince, Warrensville Heights High School 2018 Hall of Fame Inductee and resident of Atlanta

 "We have so many blindfolds involved with our activities, it's hilarious, so there's a lot of trust being built." 
 Listen as Ms. Boone describes how ELA takes kids who are not so confident - and even those that are - to a new level of ability and understanding for what it takes to succeed and how to achieve their goals. Industry experts make appearances at ELA programs and students are heavily involved with learning experiences that get them out of their chairs. The programs have changed students' lives and enabled them to envision a future full of possibility.  
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-43-effective-leadership-academy 

Episode 43 - Faith Boone, marketing director, Effective Leadership Academy

 "One of life's simplest pleasures - a good meal."
 Listen as Mr. Whitmore tells his family history, starting with grandfather Virgil Sr. who left Texas to find work beyond the family farm where they grew vegetables. He eventually found his way into Cleveland and worked as a waiter at the Shaker Country Club in the 1930s. Someone suggested he start his own BBQ restaurant, and soon after that, he found a space in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Cleveland.
Learn a few of Mr. Whitmore's BBQ preparation secrets...but he'll never tell you what's in the sauce! What he will say is that it has changed over the years, as public taste has evolved. It's made in 25 gallon vats right in the store. And just in cases you're wondering, like others have over the years, no, there are no franchise opportunities. The Whitmores aren't letting go of the keys! 
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-41-whitmore-s-bbq 

Episode 42 - Virgil Whitmore III, co-owner, Whitmore's BBQ

"We get people back to living their life with less interference from their limb loss."
This episode introduces the life experiences of those with limb loss who need prosthetics to restore their mobility and/or functionality in life.  
For more details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-35-president-bright-prosthetics 

Episode 41 - Jeff Hagman, President, Bright Prosthetics and Certified Prosthetist

"Furniture building was a hobby in the basement for 17 years before it became a business."
Listen as Mr. Myeroff explores the furniture making craft and the opportunities that exist in his shop here in Warrensville Heights. 

Episode 40 - Shel Myeroff, owner, Chagrin Valley Custom Furniture

"The modern home now feels like indoor/outdoor living with glass walls."
Listen as Mr. Bloch describes how he got into the luxury home construction business, starting from scratch. He shares some of the stories behind his projects, including a few surprises he's found in the ground when digging begins. This episode figuratively takes you inside and reveals what lies behind closed doors. 
For more details, go to  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-39-premiere-custom-home-builder 

Episode 39 - Larry Bloch, Custom Home Builder

"We pretty much accept everything except for baseball cards and stamps."
Ms. Pinney discusses how the auction house operates, noting the top three categories it's known for nationally and internationally: American Indian Art, historic firearm and military items and American historical items (antique photographs, Civil War artifacts). The 20-year-old company will conduct roughly 70 auctions in 2019. 
The company's founder, Wes Cowan, is a frequent guest on the popular TV show, Antiques Roadshow. He has a large following.
Ms. Pinney has many great stories surrounding the acquisition of certain items. The value of any piece lies, essentially, in each one's provenance, or its place of origin and ownership history.
The price range extends as low as a few hundred dollars and scales as high as $1 million, and the average item sells for $1,000 - $5,000.
Learn about what's of value and what's not and why on this fascinating episode!
For additional details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/post/episode-37-cowan-s-auctions 

Episode 38 - Carrie Pinney, Business Manager, Cowan's Auctions

Juanita Brent, who represents residents in Bedford, Bedford Heights, parts of Cleveland, Highland Hills, Maple Heights, Mayfield Heights, North Randall, Orange, Pepper Pike and Warrensville Heights, discusses many hot topics facing the community right now.
"I'll be honest with you - and I've said this before in many public places - it's stressful being black. When you look at infant mortality and maternal mortality, the highest numbers are among African American women."
Listen as Ms. Brent describes her own journey that led to holding an office in Columbus where she plays an important role in shaping the legislation that affects people's lives throughout the state. Also learn about the issues facing this state as the conversation touches on many key Democratic priorities.
As a millennial, she likes to maximize the use of social media to communicate with constituents. The driving force behind this activity is her interest in being transparent. "The biggest misconception that happens with elected officials is that we do nothing during our day. I like people to know that I have very full days, probably longer that most people because on average, my days last 12 hours, easily. To bring some transparency, I show snips of the day." She can be found on Twitter at @juanita_brent and Facebook at facebook.com/juanitaobrent
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-41-state-representative-house-district-12 

Episode 37 - Juanita Brent, Ohio State Representative, District 12 which includes Warrensville Heights

Thriftique Boutique is the largest and oldest (since 1937!) upscale resale shop in Northeast Ohio.  "We provide a sense of dignity for our shoppers. Yes, we are a thrift store but we carry high end items, too." 
Listen as Ms. Axner describes operations at the Thriftique showroom in particular and discusses the larger community-wide mission of NCJW in general. The organization works to change the lives of women, children and families. "We have 'Jewish' in our name, but we work well beyond the Jewish community. We're building libraries in schools - at least nine over the past four years - in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and we have a literacy program for those who need assistance." 
NCJW also also has programs for kids in and out of foster care, mentoring opportunities, activities during holidays for foster care families, and entertainment for seniors in community centers and nursing homes, to name just a few of the organizations activities.
Regarding the structure of the store, Ms. Axner says, it could be considered a business or community service. "We look at it as both since it funds a lot of the community service, educational and advocacy work that we do," she says.  "People can feel good when they shop at Thriftique because the money is going back into the community to support the great work we do."   
Hear the finer details on this episode! For further information, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-36-thriftique-showroom-operated-by-the-national-council-of-jewish-women-cleveland 

Episode 36 - Mindi Axner, Executive Director, National Council of Jewish Women, operator of Thriftique Boutique

Ms. Morris joins the podcast in May which is Water Safety Awareness Month. Listen as she describes her own children's journey with swimming which began with great reluctance and evolved into her son making it to the state competition as a freshman in high school. "You get back out what you put in to this sport," she explains.
She describes how small children can benefit from lessons and what skills they can start building to ensure their safety. Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in small children, so this topic is being taken seriously. It happens quickly when you're least expecting it. So it's important to not have any distractions.
She has operated the school since 2012 and has grown the business to include 2,000 students per week at the Warrensville Heights location. Tune in to gather some new ideas surrounding swimming!
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-35-goldfish-swim-school-cleveland-east-side 

Episode 35 - Sonali Morris, owner of the Goldfish Swim School Cleveland East Side in Warrensville Heights

Andrew Brickman is a driving force behind the residential real estate development company which has created communities in neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio such as Edgewater, Rocky River, Tremont, Cleveland, Beachwood, Cleveland Heights and Ohio City.
"While other builders are going to China to figure out how to buy materials cheaper, we're going to Italy to find higher quality which is more expensive."
Located in Warrensville Heights for 15 years, Brickhaus has developed some of Cleveland's most spectacular properties, with quality and design execution foremost among his priorities. No two developments are identical, and their highly attractive locations add to their desirability. Without sounding like a commercial here, the work is truly exceptional. 
Listen as Mr. Brickman offers some insight into real estate in Cleveland and how his approach separates him from other local developers. 
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-34-developer-partner-brickhaus 

Episode 34 - Andrew Brickman, Developer/Partner, Brickhaus Partners

The Warrensville Heights-based company, which specializes in new construction, renovations and expansions, serves as a general contractor and offers a turnkey approach to construction management and building design.  Listen as Mr. Izzo discusses some of his company's high profile and impactful projects within Warrensville Heights and well beyond its borders. He touches on Infinity's current involvement with the construction of the new elementary school here, and he shares details surrounding the the company's development of the YMCA and library properties. For additional information, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-33-president-infinity-construction 

Episode 33 - Charles Izzo, President, Infinity Construction Co., Inc.

  "Part of my practice is focusing on stillness, as opposed to movement. It's a calm recovery and restoration process." 
Listen as Mr. Sterling, a strength and conditioning coach, certified personal trainer, yoga teacher, kettle bell instructor and Thai massage practitioner, shares his fitness and wellness journey.  
This episode will cause you to unlearn and relearn what you may hold to be true when it comes to fitness and mental/emotional health. Mr. Sterling covers a full range of approaches that defy conventional practices. In other words, he does not fit neatly into a box. He draws on eastern disciplines, as well Russian fighting techniques. 
But wait, there's more. He's a practitioner of cold water immersion therapy. That's water roughly in the 40 degree neighborhood and he has a bath in his gym for which he can adjust the temperature. He recommends about three minutes of immersion.He trained with a well known expert and touts the virtues of this habit. The wisdom behind it lies with how is acts as a "vascular system workout" through blood vessel constriction, then expansion. He also notes that this method can kill viruses and bacteria. Additionally, it contributes to muscular recovery. But he also mentions how it works on the mind and engages extreme will power. All this, while simultaneously forcing a person into the moment. 
Listen as Mr. Sterling discusses sound immersion and vibrational healing. He explains how it affects people on a cellular level and causes the release of neurotransmitters which help people calm down.
He also explores self defense techniques including Jujitsu and Systema, a Russian meditative martial art which teaches stress resistance and how to stay calm under pressure.
Ultimately, he shares the secret to keeping yourself calm...by turning your awareness to your breath. Stick with this episode til the end to unlock all of these compelling truths.
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-32-owner-soul-fuel-tribe 

Episode 32 - Shaun Sterling, Owner, Soul Fuel Tribe fitness studio in Warrensville Heights

 "Thistledown is part of the cultural fabric in the community," Mr. Lokke says of the 94-year-old thoroughbred racetrack and casino. 
Listen as Mr. Lokke shares the inside story on Thistledown operations. Did you know that on the property, there are 1,050 stables and dorms for some employees? He dispels some myths surrounding the video lottery terminals and he describes the excitement surrounding opening day which is Monday, April 29. 
In 2016, Mr. Lokke oversaw the racino's $70 million expansion which included a parking garage and new restaurants and sports bar. This included a rebranding at the time, too. That followed $13 million in improvements, including the expansion of an outdoor gaming patio, which opened in 2014. The racino has seen significant growth since making these changes.
Hear Mr. Lokke talk about how millenials are affecting the gaming business. "They aren't inspired by three spinning wheels," he says.   
For further detaild, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-31-senior-vice-president-general-manager-jack-thistledown-racino 

Episode 31 - Scott Lokke, Senior Vice President & General Manager, JACK Thistledown Racino

 "Everything is decision making." This statement by Mr. Maranganti reflects the tactical approach he takes to self defense and how lessons in his studio are framed. In this episode, learn how Krav Maga (derived from the Hebrew words meaning "contact-combat") evolved from a military self-defense and fighting system to a way for civilians to engage with adversaries. These techniques were originally developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces. The moves involve a combination of techniques sourced from boxing, wrestling, Aikido, judo and karate, along with realistic fight training. Krav Maga is known for its focus on real-world situations and its extreme efficiency.  
Listen to Mr. Maraganti as he stresses the  importance of deciding in the moment, based on many factors, whether to engage in a fight. He offers other strategies based on a person's size and physical ability. "Context changes your response," he explains. 
For further details, visit  https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-30-krav-maga-cleveland-self-defense-fitness-and-jujitsu-studio 

Episode 30 - Amit Maranganti, Owner, Krav Maga Cleveland

 "An expression that plenty of people in the autism community use is 'If you've met one person with autism, you've only met one person with autism.' Each person is so unique," says Mr. Morgan. 
 This episode arrives in April which is autism awareness month, so we are happy to dovetail with one aspect of the organization's mission which is to raise awareness of and sensitivity to issues surrounding those with the condition. 
We begin with some new terminology that describes those with autism. These terms better reflect people's abilities, whereas previous words underestimated them. They stress that competence should be presumed when you first meet someone with autism, rather than making quick judgments.
One of the big take-aways here is the diversity within the autism spectrum. Both guests are able to speak to this based on their own personal experiences. Some core features that capture the extent of the range include differences in communications and sensory processing.
Mr. Morgan addresses his experience with bullying and social isolation, but he also shares how he lives a very fulfilling and professional productive life. He also describes his intense passion for and fascination with certain topics, and calls this one of the greatest aspects to his autism. He says he can study a topic to a point where others might feel fatigued or give up. 'I think we're all pretty interesting people," he adds.
Ms. Rotsky addresses issues surrounding her son, including the time when they received her son's autism diagnosis when he was two years old and how it was "life changing for the entire family." She and her husband turned to other parents and found a community of support. She explains how information wasn't coming from the pediatrician, and Milestones filled in the gaps in so many areas. "Knowledge is power." 
Many of us don't know what we don't know, so tune in and get an education that will help you appreciate and better understand others on this planet.
For more details, visit:
 https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-29-milestones-autism-resources 

Episode 29 - Milestones Autism Resources, Leslie Rotsky, Conference Director & mother to teenager on spectrum, and Nathan Morgan, Early Intervention/School Age Coordinator, individual on spectrum

Listen as Gino Jr. tells the tale of the store's beginning with the groundwork being laid when his father attended jewelers training in New Castle, PA through the G.I. Bill. After learning how to handle engraving, mostly for jewelers, he earned himself a reputation for his fine, high quality work. "The awards business and jewelry business went hand in hand," Gino says.
He offers some family history, tracing his ancestors back to Abruzzo, Italy, an hour due east of Rome, and details his Italian upbringing. Surprisingly, he explains that he never planned to join the family business. Instead, he paved his own way, intending to become a professor with an interest in philosophy. But some store circumstances led to him becoming very involved.
He reports that some of his relatives were responsible for building the very recognizable red brick store on Richmond Road. He also sheds light on many other aspects of the company's operations. 
For further details, visit:
https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-28-owner-gino-s-awards-and-gino-s-jewelers

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