S P O N S O R E D
S1 February 11, 2019
c on t en t
Building on more than 90 years of networking, education S
ales & Marketing Executives (SME) of Cleveland has been supporting sales and marketing professionals for more than 90 years through networking, education and leadership opportunities. With 255 members, 38 corporate members and five corporate sponsors, SME Cleveland focuses on assisting members in reaching their sales and marketing goals, and improving their skills through networking luncheons, educational workshops, Business After Hours networking events, sales training programs and four Business Connection (BizCon) Lead Exchange Groups. SME’s Distinguished Marketing and Sales Awards (DMSA), says
SME Cleveland executive director Mary Margaret Lavelle, is the best networking opportunity of the year. CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and sales managers — the decision makers at Cleveland’s top companies — are available for networking and sharing best practices. The 58th annual DMSA banquet is the profession’s premier honor to acknowledge excellence and provide recognition for outstanding sales and marketing achievement. The awards will be presented this year on Feb. 28 at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven and will honor 2019 Business Executive of the Year Carl J. Grassi, chairman of McDonald Hopkins LLC law firm in Cleveland, as well as the area’s elite business professionals. Selection criteria are based on the demonstration of the highest business, professional and ethical standards. Lavelle says the Business Executive of the Year award recognizes a top leader who has contributed significantly to the profession and the Greater Cleveland community and is given solely on merit.
“Things that make Carl worthy of this include the fact that he’s very active in the community and also involved in many public service endeavors,” Lavelle says. “SME Cleveland is honored to be able to present Carl with the Business Executive of the Year award for 2019.” The Business Executive of the Year was first awarded in 1962 to Elmer Lindseth, chairman of the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. It is the longest running and oldest award recognizing pillars of the Northeast Ohio community. Lavelle says the DMSA continues SME Cleveland’s mission of being active in the industry and promoting the successes of individuals in the sales and marketing profession. SME Cleveland works to enrich the careers of its members by connecting them to industry professionals and providing opportunities to grow their networks. No matter where someone is in their career, Lavelle says members can walk away with new ideas and information from meaningful presentations, educational opportunities or networking luncheons.
We make what matters work.*
*
Power is a fundamental part of our world. That’s why we’re dedicated to improving people’s lives and the environment with power management technologies that are more efficient, safe and reliable. Because that’s what really matters. And we’re here to make sure it works. To learn more go to: Eaton.com/WhatMatters
We make what matters work.
This advertising-supported section is produced by Crain Content Studio-Cleveland, the marketing storytelling arm of Crain’s Cleveland Business. The Crain’s Cleveland Business newsroom is not involved in creating Crain Content Studio-Cleveland content.
S P O N S O R E D
c on t en t
February 11, 2019 S2
Carl Grassi: 2019 Business Executive of the Year
D
riven to succeed. That phrase succinctly captures the essence of Carl J. Grassi, chairman of the McDonald Hopkins LLC law firm in Cleveland. Grassi is 2019 Business Executive of the Year, an annual honor given by Sales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland. The award recognizes a top leader who contributes significantly to the profession and the Greater Cleveland community, says SME Cleveland executive director Mary Margaret Lavelle. Honorees demonstrate outstanding leadership, vision and creativity. “Carl is active in public service to the community and very active in the business community,” Lavelle says. “He has extensive experience in assisting clients in complex mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, executive compensation and tax planning.” Along with his role as a corporate counsel and business adviser, Grassi is an author and speaker on business planning related topics. He is a member of the American and Federal bar associations, the International Lawyers Network and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. In the community, Grassi is chairman of the Greater Cleveland
Sports Commission and chairman of the board for Regional Brands Inc. He is a past director of the Cleveland chapter of ORT America, a Jewish nonprofit for education, and a past board member of Business Volunteers Unlimited, Easterseals Northern Ohio, Greater Cleveland Film Commission and Lake Erie College. Shawn Riley, who succeeded Grassi as president at McDonald Hopkins, says Grassi is “driven to success in all aspects of his life, and unwilling to
Managing editor, custom and special projects: Amy Ann Stoessel, astoessel@crain.com Writer: Kimberly Bonvissuto
settle for anything less than success.” “Carl became president of our firm at a difficult time – our president had died suddenly,” Riley says. “Upon taking over, he stabilized the firm through a strong, steady example, and thereafter led the firm to even greater success.” Fred DiSanto, chairman and CEO of Ancora Advisors LLC, and the 2017 Business Executive of the Year, says his history with Grassi dates to their two grandfathers – best friends who left Italy together and settled in Cleveland. “Carl is not only a great business partner in a number of different ventures, but also one of my dearest and closest friends,” DiSanto says. “His ability to look at a situation and figure out a solution should there be a problem is one of the best I’ve ever seen.” DiSanto says Grassi’s success lies in the fact that he not only is an attorney,
but a business adviser and problem solver who is driven and goal oriented. “He is one of those guys who has a sense of urgency in everything he does. That’s critical to not only the success he’s had professionally and personally, but it permeates down through McDonald Hopkins,” DiSanto says. “During Carl’s tenure, he built that infrastructure at McDonald Hopkins that Shawn Riley is taking to the next level.” David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and the 2016 Business Executive of the Year, calls Grassi a “wonderful leader, mentor and friend.” “I have learned so much from him in watching how he has grown and managed McDonald Hopkins and his businesses,” Gilbert says. “His guidance and leadership as chairman of
WE’RE
the Sports Commission Board over the past four years has made an impactful difference to our organization, this community and to me personally.” Grassi says he is humbled by the award. “I’m really humbled looking at some of the past honorees and their accomplishments and contributions,” Grassi says. “For the firm and myself, it’s a recognition of what we’ve tried to accomplish at McDonald Hopkins as we continue to build the firm, its stature in the community, our clients and friends of the firm.” The Business Executive of the Year first was awarded in 1962 to Elmer Lindseth, chairman of the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. It is the longest running and oldest award recognizing pillars of the Northeast Ohio community.
honored
to celebrate your achievements
Graphic designer: Lisa Griffis
For more information about custom publishing opportunities, please contact Amy Ann Stoessel.
“EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS”
BANKING
Congratulations Carl J. Grassi 2019 Business Executive of the Year On behalf of our team at Shamrock, we salute your success & exemplary leadership.
And we’re proud to celebrate our own Ellen Moriarty and all 2019 DMSA recipients. You make all of Cleveland proud.
Building Brands WITH INTEGRATED MARKETING SOLUTIONS We’ll grow with you. You don’t need a bank that’s right for “every” business. You need one that’s right for “your business”. At FNB, we have the credit and cash flow solutions to help your company get to the next level. With local decision-making that gets you what you need faster. To learn more about a bank that thinks like you, visit fnb-online.com or call 1-866-362-4603. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER, MEMBER FDIC
www.shamrockcompanies.net | 440.899.9510
Good things come to those who make a difference.
S P O N S O R E D c on t en t
2019 DMSA RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to all 2019 Distinguished Marketing and Sales Awards honorees.
Nimitt Adhvaryu
We especially want to recognize our KeyBank colleague Matt Chaney, Vice President, Marketing Technology Manager, for this outstanding achievement. You exemplify our values of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, and leadership. For that, you make us very proud.
Director of business development OMNI Systems
Linda Barita
Director of strategic alliances MAGNET ©2019 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC.
190118-528151
A Label We’re
Proud to Wear
Congrats to Nimitt Adhvaryu on Your Distinguished Marketing and Sales Award! OMNI Systems is the largest privately owned thermal label manufacturer in the U.S. consistently growing double digits every year. OMNI has an extensive support network that allows us to effectively supply high-volume, multi-site companies’ labeling requirements throughout North America. We are a complete source for stock or custom barcode labels, including thermal transfer, direct thermal, thermal ribbons, water activated tape and more.
Call Nimitt or any OMNI rep to learn how we can help you save on your label needs. www.OMNIsystem.com | 800.252.2533
S P O N S O R E D c on t en t
Achieve Better.
Matt Chaney
Vice president, marketing technology manager KeyBank
Culture, communication and rewards are major factors that impact your ability to recruit and retain top talent. Gallagher works with you to understand your unique environment and identify opportunities for improvement. We’ll partner with you to design the right programs to mitigate risk, manage costs and achieve better results. To learn more, visit ajg.com
Keith Davisson
Director, global marketing and communications The Riverside Company
Brian Gale
CEO and president ID Images
Congratulations to Ethan Hendrickx for being honored with the Distinguished Marketing & Sales Award.
We salute you. Congratulations, Amanda Todorovich, for being a 2019 Distinguished Marketing and Sales Award Recipient. Thank you for demonstrating business, professional and ethical standards in the community.
Same-day appointments 216.444.CARE
clevelandclinic.org
Amanda Todorovich Senior Director, Content and Creative Services
S P O N S O R E D c on t en t
accomplish more
Aaron Goldhammer Host and producer Good Karma Brands
Give your company greater opportunities by working with the No. 1 asset-based lender.* Providing flexibility, strength and commitment you can count on.
Ethan Hendrickx
What would you like the power to do?®
Area vice president AJ Gallagher
Christopher C. Tran Sr. Business Development Officer 216.776.4833 or ctran3@baml.com bofaml.com/businesscapital
Michael Hudak Sales manager BlueBridge Networks *No. 1 U.S. Lead Left Arranger of asset-based loans for Q1-Q3 2018, Thomson Reuters. “Bank of America Merrill Lynch” is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation. ARSXJ7XV 01-19-2584
Join us. As we celebrate the Sales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland. At Ancora, our sales professionals offer proprietary investments, wealth planning and retirement plan solutions - all delivered with a personalized service that’s focused on helping you to get more out of life. Get more with Ancora. 216-825-4000 / www.ancora.net
S P O N S O R E D
c on t en t
February 11, 2019 S6
Amanda Todorovich Senior director, content and creative services Cleveland Clinic
Chris Tran
Vice president, senior business development officer Bank of America
Patricia LoPresti Executive director The First Tee of Cleveland
Honoring
Carl Grassi
DMSA 2019 Business Executive of the Year Sandra Madison
CEO and chairperson Robert P. Madison International, Inc.
Bill Major
VP sales and marketing Everstream
In celebration of our Chairman, Carl Grassi, and all DMSA honorees, we thank you for your inspiration, leadership, and achievements in our community.
Ellen Moriarty Director of marketing and creative services The Shamrock Companies
mcdonaldhopkins.com Chicago | Cleveland | Columbus | Detroit | Miami | West Palm Beach
S7 February 11, 2019
S P O N S O R E D
c on t en t
Zari Venhaus
Director, corporate marketing communications Eaton
Shauna Wilson
Director of communications Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Congratulations We are proud to sponsor SME Cleveland and congratulate Carl J. Grassi and all 2019 DMSA recipients for their achievements. MedMutual.com/Support
Congratulations on your rock star performance!
Shauna Wilson Director of Communications
DISTINGUISHED MARKETING & SALES AWARD RECIPIENT
DEBBIE HARRY; BLONDIE Class of 1995
www.rockhall.com 216.781.ROCK
Photo by James Shive
More Than a Game
CONSIDER THIS OUR VERSION OF A HIGH FIVE, STANDING “O” AND CHEST BUMP ALL IN ONE. We'd like to congratulate the SME Award recipients and nominees for their hard work, dedication and talent. And for making our community that much better.
The First Tee of Cleveland congratulates
Patricia LoPresti Executive Director 2019 DMSA Award Recipient We’re grateful for your passionate leadership and dedication to local youth. You embody The FirstTee’s Nine CoreValues™
The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. ® and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington.® Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2019 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
Honesty Integrity Respect Confidence Courtesy Judgment
Sportsmanship Responsibility Perseverance
www.thefirstteecleveland.org | (216) 641-7799
S P O N S O R E D
c on t en t
Past business executives of the year 2018 tom and jeff heinen, Heinen’s 2017 Fred DiSanto, Ancora Advisors
1989 James M. Biggar, Nestle Enterprises, Inc./The Stouffer Corp.
2016 David Gilbert, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission & Destination Cleveland
1988 Robert B. Horton, BP America, Inc.
2015 Dr. Marc Gillinov, Cleveland Clinic
1986 John G. Breen, The SherwinWilliams Co.
2014 Bernie Moreno, The Collection Auto Group 2013 Len Komoroski, The Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena 2012 Paul Matsen, Cleveland Clinic 2011 Jared Chaney, Medical Mutual of Ohio Family of Companies 2010 Joseph M. Scaminace, OM Group, Inc. (OMG)
1987 J. Richard Kelso, The East Ohio Gas Co.
1985 Roy H. Holdt, White Consolidated Industries, Inc. 1984 Arthur B. Modell, Cleveland Browns Football 1983 M. Brock Weir, Ameritrust Corp. 1982 William E. MacDonald, The Ohio Bell Telephone Co. 1981 Ruben F. Mettler, TRW Inc.
2009 Terry Stewart, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1980 William J. De Lancey, Republic Steel Corp.
2008 Sandy Cutler, Eaton Corp.
1979 Claude M. Blair, National City Bank
2007 Toby Cosgrove, Cleveland Clinic
1978 Francis A. Coy, The May Co.
2006 Glenn Renwick, The Progressive Corp.
1977 Charles E. Spahr, The Standard Oil Co. (Ohio)
2005 Christopher M. Connor, SherwinWilliams
1976 Thomas Vail, The Plain Dealer
2004 David A. Daberko, National City Corp. 2003 K. Michael Benz, United Way Services 2002 Kent W. Clapp, Medical Mutual Ohio 2001 William B. Summers Jr., McDonald Investments, Inc., A KeyCorp Co. 2000 Richard W. Pogue, Dix & Eaton 1999 Farah M. Walters, University Hospitals Health Systems 1998 Irving I. Stone/ Morry Weiss, American Greetings, Corp. 1997 Alex Machaskee, The Plain Dealer 1996 William N. Hulett, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum 1995 Edward Brandon, National City Corp. 1994 Mark H. McCormack, International Management Group 1993 Joseph T. Gorman, TRW Inc. 1992 Robert Gillespie, Society Corp./ Society National Bank 1991 Morton L. Mandel, Premier Industrial Corp. 1990 James R. Stover, Eaton Corp.
1975 Herbert E. Strawbridge, The Higbee Co. 1974 Semon E. Knudsen, White Motor Corp. 1973 E.M. De Windt, The Eaton Corp. 1972 G.J. Tankersley, The East Ohio Gas Co. 1971 Francis A. Coy, The May Co. 1970 J.G. Bell, Jess A. Bell, Bonne Bell, Inc. 1969 Hon. Carl B. Stokes, City of Cleveland 1968 George J. Grabner, The Weatherhead Co. 1967 Ralph M. Besse, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. 1966 James J. Nance, Central National Bank of Cleveland 1965 Randall M. Ruhlman, Cleveland Chamber of Commerce 1964 Louis B. Seltzer, The Cleveland Press 1963 Harold T. Clark, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1962 Elmer L. Lindseth, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.
Advice-driven financial service.
Life is full of financial decisions. And instructions aren’t included. Let Cerity Partners help you navigate your financial journey with ease. Our team of experts – financial planners, tax advisors and investment professionals – will work with you to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your goals. Visit ceritypartners.com to learn more. Terminal Tower 50 Public Square Cleveland, OH 44113 | (216) 464-6266 Investing in the financial markets involves risk and is not appropriate for everyone. For additional information about Cerity Partners, please contact us or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).
February 11, 2019 S8