Speaker Shorts

Hear from Northeast Ohio - based entrepreneurs from various industries including fashion, sports, entertainment, and more. Learn about their entrepreneurial journeys and the lessons they learned along the way.

Shay Somerville

Shay Somerville started I Got Your Back Massage and Wellness Center in 2015. Originally, Shay thought about going to nursing school, but wasn't sure about the cost or length of school. She worked at a few spas and massage therapy places and incorporated her learnings from those experiences as she has started and grown her business.

Ken Babby

Ken Babby loved going to baseball games as a kid. As he grew up, he realized how many people want to work in sports. After working his way up the Washington Post, he was let go after Jeff Bezos bought the company. Ken used the following few months to re-engage with his passion, baseball. Now he is the Owner of the Akron Rubber Ducks (AA Cleveland Guardians Affiliate) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA Miami Marlins Affiliate).

Anne Skoch

Anne Skoch is the founder of Anne Cate, a Cleveland-based accessory brand and manufacturing firm. Since she was a young girl, Anne has always loved to create. From beginning on Etsy as a 13-year-old when Etsy was first starting to where she is today, hear about Anne's journey.

TJ Mack

TJ Mack had no idea what he was in for when he was invited to "float the river" with some friends. He had such an enjoyable experience that he decided he wanted to make the activity accessible for more people. Hear about his journey to launching and running his business, Float The River.

Mandi Michaelson

Impäkt Organic is the third business that Mandi Michaleson has started. Hear about what she learned from her first two endeavors that has led to her current success.

Bret Holden

Bret Holden is the Founder and Owner of One T Entertainment. What started out as a DJ side hustle turned into a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor. Bret shares his journey and what he enjoys most about working for himself.

Heather Ciranna-Syx 

Heather Ciranna-Syx, Owner of Corner Cup CoffeeHouse, sees her company as more than a coffee shop - it is a place for people to socialize and be a part of a community. Heather had zero prior experience in the coffee industry, so she partnered with people who did. Heather focuses on instilling a message in her employees that every step is crucial. 

Samantha Amundsen

Samantha Amundsen, Owner of Samantha Skin and Beauty, launched her own company after making money doing hair and makeup for friends for weddings and events. She has learned a lot throughout her experience. Hear about what she wish she knew before she started.

Evan Delahanty

Evan Delahanty is the Founder of Peaceful Fruits, a social goods snack company. Evan has a history of working in the Peace Corps and with nonprofits. He combined many of his experiences to create a company that uses sustainably harvested fruits and employs adults with disabilities. Learn about Evan's experiences and what has led him to be successful.

Alicia Robinson

Alicia Robinson is the Founder and Executive Director of Limitless Ambition. Limitless Ambition is a nonprofit organization that serves young women and young girls throughout Northeast Ohio. Learn about the different programs offered by Alicia's organization as well as what she enjoys most about her work.

Adam Kilgore

Adam Kilgore started a landscaping business at 16-years-old. Over time, he has built the company to what is now known as AK Renovations. AK Renovations primarily focuses on remodeling, first starting with smaller jobs and now working on higher-end custom home building, full house renovations, exterior renovations, and so much more. Adam discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

David Scherba

David Scherba is one of the co-founders of Scherba Industries. Scherba Industries has four business that operate under its umbrella. What started out as making hot air balloons has ballooned into an advertising, product manufacturing, and so much more. David talks about what he has learned as well as how he has adapted over time with the changing technology.

Thom Knepp

Thom Knepp, Founder of Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar, didn't have his first smoothie until the age of 28. One day, he walked into a smoothie place and his life changed. He was fascinated by the operation. Years later, his smoothie company has over 50 franchises throughout the United States. Learn about Thom's journey including how he bounced back from many "nos."

Brent Van Fossen

Brent Van Fossen spent several years working corporate jobs. After realizing how much was outside of his control, he decided he only wanted to work for himself. He looked around for a small business for sale, ultimately landing on Metropolis Popcorn. Learn about the challenges he has faced and overcome since taking over the company.

Tim Frankish

Tim Frankish is the Owner of THE WORKZ, a family entertainment center. Tim shares his story about launching the business, including all of the research that went into deciding what to include in his business model.