Warrensville Reaching New Heights

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.

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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.

"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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

Ms. Edwards makes very clear that she has a solid perspective on the game basketball and her place in it right now. Listen as she talks about being called a tom boy a few years ago and how that bothered her, but now? She's fine with it. "If they hop on that court with me, they're going to say another thing." Confident? Check. Hard working? Check. Good listener? Check some more. She likes to play point guard and shooting guard, and her highest scoring game was 29 points. In this episode, let Ms. Edward's words reinforce your belief in the next generation! For additional details, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-27-stand-out-basketball-player

This graphic designer, magazine publisher, event planner and business owner in Warrensville Heights offers a mini master class in graphic design with respect to commercial application. Her biggest gripe? "The mistake that many businesses make is that they don't have a design strategy." In this illuminating conversation, Ms. Deluca Dolan also introduces listeners to the concept of "environmental graphic design," and she reveals the work she has completed for clients including W.F. Hann & Sons, Cleveland Indians and Infinity Construction. She notes that she has seen an uptick in clients' interest in custom publishing which includes magazine production. She shares her experiences with visual branding work which she breaks down into corporate identification materials like logo design, marketing materials, and branding guidelines and standards. Some of her most visible work appears at Progressing Field in the concession stand area and bars. Most of all, Ms. Deluca Dolan stresses the need for strategy. "We can design something that looks great and people will say, Wow!, but if it doesn't have a purpose or isn't part of a bigger plan, then it won't be effective." Listen as she also shares the details surrounding her annual Female Entrepreneurial Summit which has featured some high profile keynote speakers such as Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post, Diane Nyad whom swam between Cuba and Florida, and the founders of Rent the Runway. It is scheduled for October 23. For more details, visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-26-founder-president-contempo-design-communications

Omar Campbell is the 35-year-old owner of a gym that opened in Warrensville Heights in October 2018. "People want that microwave way of fast results but they don't know the steps to get there." In this highly energized conversation, Mr. Campbell taps into every aspect of fitness! Listen as he shares his approaches to fitness training and how he achieves the goals clients set for themselves. He admits that he was starting to get a belly a number of years ago, and a friend's father pointed out to him that he needed to do something about it since he had become a dad and that's not how a man should look. He took it seriously and went back to school and transformed his mind and body state. What he shares here stands a very good chance of inspiring you to push yourself farther and discover what's possible! For further details, visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-25-owner-limitless-chanxes-personal-trainer

Dr. Isaac Kirstein, D.O., is the Dean of the Cleveland campus that opened in 2015. The main campus in Athens, Ohio began 40 years ago, and recently, a campus was added in Dublin, Ohio. "Our mission is to train doctors but at the end of the day, the bigger 'why' is to keep communities healthy." In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Kirstein traces the story of osteopathic medicine in general, and the details surrounding the osteopathic school here in Warrensville Heights in particular. It's a triumph of great timing and a wonderful partnership between Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital and the staff at the school. He also points out that osteopathic medicine is undergoing rapid growth, with one in four medical school students currently pursuing a D.O. degree. The highly selective school has a mission to serve students from Ohio and to place them in facilities in Ohio, largely in primary care where there is a need for more doctors. Listen to the excitement in Dr. Kirstein's voice when he shares that the first class to graduate from the Warrensville Heights campus will occur on May 11, 2019. For further details, please visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-25-dean-ohio-university-heritage-college-of-osteopathic-medicine-osteopathic-internist

W.F. Hann & Sons, located in Warrensville Heights, is the area's largest residential HVAC company with a fast-growing commercial HVAC division. Ms. Johnson is the first female president in the company's 112 year history. In this enlightening conversation, Ms. Johnson discusses her role in this male-dominated industry. She oversees a fleet of more than 50 vehicles and manages a warehouse for inventory that includes hot water heaters, air conditioners and furnaces. She explains how she manages a business that handles 6,000 residential, commercial HVAC contract customers, along with clients who have plumbing issues and those who call with emergencies. As one of seven children (she's #3, with one brother and the rest being sisters), she understands family and the needs people have professionally and personally. In fact, she discusses how staff members call her "mom" and others will say, "the doctor is in." She says she likes when this happens, especially because "you never know what someone is going through." With great honesty, she shares some of the pain from her past, including the death of her twin sisters who suffered from cystic fibrosis. The closeness she shares with her family members is something that informs her leadership style, she explains. Listen as she mentions one source of peril in her industry with 30 million service techs due to retire nationwide in 2019. The implication: W.F. Hann & Sons is hiring!

"To transform people is an amazing gift." Dr. Kates has treated between 20,000 - 30,000 patients in his 25 years of practice. In that time, he has had a dramatic impact of each of those lives. Listen as he shares some drama in his own life that led him to choose orthodontics for a profession. He always knew he wanted to be a businessman, and when he was exposed to renowned dentist Dr. Henderson Jonhson Sr.'s work, he was sold. He saw how Dr. Johnson helped the community and was respected by it and was able to make profound changes in people's lives. He also was shaped by the mandatory travel abroad program during college which afforded him a trip to Kenya, his significant adventure beyond home. "This helped me discover who I am. I had to go deep within myself." For six months, he lived there and learned Kiswahili in the process - and he speaks it in this episode! He spent three months with a family and three months in the jungle living in a tent. Listen as he details some wild stories about hippos and buffalo! His talks about Hell's Gate, a place that's essentially a zoo with no cages, where, upon entry, a sign reads, enter at your own risk and peril! Hear him tell a suspenseful tale about when the ground began to shake and a dust storm kicked up which meant only one thing - a stampede! Ultimately, Dr. Kates explains how, through his work, he can help people obtain the self confidence that comes from having a great smile. For further details, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-22-orthodontist

Hear Ms. Foxman discuss her 25-year-old special events production company coordinates creative, one-of-a-kind events for clients in the private, non-profit and for-profit sectors. She imparts valuable wisdom such as this: "Easiest theme to execute: Hawaiian luau. Colorful. Cheap. You can decorate your guests, too - with lei's." She is a true storyteller who has planned enough events to fill a book....which maybe one day she will....about her storied career...ba-da-bing. She'll entertain you will her successes, her challenges and her stress! She has handled events for many of the larger institutions throughout the Cleveland area, and she has planned weddings for many couples with a range of budget limits. The biggest fee with which she was involved was $2 million wedding, spread across all vendors. Drawing on her experience, she emphasizes the need to spend money to raise money among the non-profit sector. Tune in to her colorful captures of the party life!

"Sometimes the best thing God can do is knock you down to make you look up." This conversation allows Dr. Vernon to explain himself by tracking his path to the pulpit and giving insight into how he feels about his work. He boldly shares why the happiest day of his life was (with the exception of the birth of his children) when the Second Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cleveland made him its pastor in 1999, at the age of 27. He learned the lesson that he has about three minutes to not be boring, otherwise he'll lose their attention. He refers to his present location in Warrensville Heights as "the mothership," and he films all of his Sunday worship programs at that location. With the topics he pursues, he discusses how he always seeks relevance to people's daily lives. he wants them "to feel church." Dr. Vernon also is well known for serving as a pastor who pastors other pastors. He believes that if he can help those individuals, then he can help all of their communities by extension. He details his life growing up in various Cleveland neighborhoods, including the E. 40th and Kinsman area and the Corlett community. His fond memories of those days is one of the reasons why he established one of his churches there. For more details, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-20-popular-pastor

"I had to be the best, no matter where the work was coming from." This conversation follows Mr. Dillard's intense journey as a business owner. His first exposure to entrepreneurialism came when he worked in a bank and found himself paying close attention to those who worked as entrepreneurs. He drew on his hardwired mentality as a competitive athlete to drive his success, something he quickly experienced in advertising sales for the CBS affiliate WOIO-Channel 19 early in his career. He shares the challenges an athlete feels in replacing the high that sports deliver. "That never goes away." He also discusses his franchise business which provides opportunities for other to become entrepreneurs. About 80% of those owners have other full time jobs, so this becomes a meaningful source of supplemental income. Entry starts at $950 and requires a 5-week training program at his office in Warrensville Heights. I hate to give away too much here, but Mr. Dillard made some powerful points, like the following: "I have an affinity for helping African American males see their future. When I was 18 years old, on my way to an Ivy League school (Cornell), while being all-state in two sports, I had never met a black business owner or doctor, attorney or dentist. Never had a black teacher. Obviously, there's a problem with that. So, I was like everyone else, I wanted to be a professional basketball player. That's the only thing I saw on TV. That's not a good thing. So that's why I give back." Please dive into his story and surface with a real appreciation for the work he is doing in the community. For additional details, please visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-19-entrepreneurialism

"A client said that getting his diagnosis felt like being pushed out of an airplane without a parachute. InMotion provides a soft landing," says Ms. Schwartz. These guests discuss how no one has an excuse to be alone with their illness - the services they provide are completely free of charge. Operating for nearly four years, InMotion exists as possibly the only facility in the country where so many sources of support - exercise programs, education and healing arts - can be found in a single space. Discover how people feel embraced by this community and they return regularly for more. But not only are the clients happy, so are the staff members, with a 100% retention rate. The guests explain how classes are offered at four different levels so clients' abilities are catered to, without requiring instructors to teach to only a narrow range. Ages of those participating include 40s to 90s. What they can expect to achieve is some stabilization of the disease. Listen and learn as they describe how they are delivering on one of their core missions: helping people get through their day and maintain their quality of life. For further details, please visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-18-inmotion-a-nonprofit-center-devoted-to-those-affected-by-parkinson-s-disease

"The biggest symptom can be no symptom. It can be a silent thing so you're not aware." Listen as Ms. Timko discusses the annual diabetes fair at South Pointe Hospital, held on the first Friday in November. She also covers the diabetes education program and support group at South Pointe Hospital. She explores how the illness affects people and what the risk factors are for developing it. She sheds light on what qualifies as normal blood glucose levels and other diagnostic numbers like HbA1c. She also clearly explains treatment options for diabetes and its complications. For further details, please visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights

The solutions to wellness lie within this episode! Address your New Year's resolutions by learning how you can become involved with the tri-city health challenge, a competitive way to earn points for participation in activities and surpass your neighbors! The programming includes activities that will motivate you to become active and eat well. The program also involves health screenings to identify areas to address. Trying some new activities and approaches to your health could transform how you feel and how well you live. Attend the kick-off event at South Pointe on Thursday, January 17, from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Listen as Ms. Sims leads the way to a new you. For additional details, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-16-community-wellness-initiative

Listen as Dr. Morse describes his life journey which involves a variety of challenges, but not once will you hear him complain. His positive energy and can-do spirit permeates this conversation. He is an academic, with deep roots in education and the circumstances to apply what he has learned. He is a passionate person who cares not only about every pet he treats, but also about cultural and civic institutions in the community. His hobbies are as colorful as he is, and one of them is fly fishing, something about which he can become very meditative and spiritual. He has jokingly been referred to as the Tiger Woods of the sport. This episode will draw you into his world, and it's a very dynamic and pleasant place to be. For further details, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-14-veterinarian

This entrepreneur who launched an indoor family adventure and performance training center in Warrensville Heights shares some unexpected information...she's also an attorney (partner) who handles large, complicated corporate deals, but she also has a creative side that leads her to pursue other activities like throwing amazing theme parties. She explains how she juggles it all including running marathons, championing the underdog and redefining the meaning of being highly detail oriented. Hear her talk about how people are responding to the facility from both near and far, and how she has received interest from several entities that want to be involved in opening additional locations. She embraces the notion of franchise possibilities in the not too distant future, too. She is fully forthcoming with how she achieves quality, if brief, sleep, her key to pulling long hours. And she explains how her $4.5 million investment in the business covered the obstacles, build out and working capital. She admits that she opened during the slowest time of the year - summer - when people like to be outside enjoying the nice weather. Learn how she rises to all challenges! For more details, visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-15-adrenaline-monkey-owner

Listen as Ms. Miller talks about the work she completes for her large client base and their extensive range of themed events. Her company's creativity knows no bounds with its centerpieces, walls, arches, sculptures, columns, ceiling decorations and mylar balloons for letters. "What's fun for us is when people give us a challenge or something we've never done before." She also reveals a simple truth: "Balloons just make people smile. No matter what you're going through, balloons make people happy. They add to the excitement." For further details, visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-13-pink-gorilla-balloons-events-founder-and-president

Listen as Mr. Carr talks about his sports journey beginning in the Washington, D.C. schools where he played baseball (as a left handed catcher) and football (full back) until 9th grade when he got knocked out and his mother told he couldn't play any more. Back then, he and his teammates engaged in candy drives to raise money for their uniforms. He started playing basketball in 7th grade. Mr. Carr shares how his parents' initial plan for him was to graduate from college and for that reason, they never pushed him toward athletics. He majored in economics at Notre Dame, but his talent shined so bright which forced a new plan - a career in professional basketball. This didn't feel like a reality, however, until his junior year. He was a top draft pick on the newly created Cleveland Cavaliers franchise, an experience he likens to a new relationship. "We were like the first girlfriend. Everyone was just in love with us and we were a good team." During this time, he lived in the Granada apartment complex back when it was inhabited by white people and talks about that experience. His teammates liked Footsy Walker, Campy Russell, Bingo Smith and Roland Garrett lived there as well. You'll likely be amused when he explains the genesis of "the L Train" expression and his insight into LeBron James himself. "A lot of guys ask for a leadership role, but when they get it, it's a tough thing. What LeBron is, and what he did for this franchise, is unbelievable. You've got it bring it not just one day but every day." Mr. Carr also lends some perspective to the Cavs in LeBron's absence. For additional information, please visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-12-cavs-commentator

Listen as Mr. Embrescia talks about his past which began with life in Cleveland until his family moved up to Warrensville Heights where his father served on city council. As a teenager, Mr. Embrescia worked on garbage collection until he was fired for goofing around. He tells about the life lessons he learned watching his father's work come and go at times as a carpenter while his mother would handle the family's tight budget. He shares one of his early sources of wonder, experienced while handling delivery for his Cleveland Press paper route when he lived on King's Highway in Warrensville Heights. "I would try to figure out what people did who lived in the area's nicest houses." He understood the importance of money and how it could transform family life, so the seeds for entrepreneurialism began to germinate at a young age. He discusses how his learning curve was extended by working for mentor and businessman Nick Mileti, who had ownership interests in the 1970s in the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Crusaders hockey team, the Coliseum at Richfield and radio station "3WE" - WWWE AM/1100 with the corresponding FM station WWWM 105. Little known fact: the "E" stood for Embrescia and the "M" stood for Mileti. He sums up his own radio and TV station ownership journey by saying he had some good luck to be "in the right place at the right time in good industries." But he undersells the central role his keen ability to pay attention to all the forces at hand played in his success. Lastly, note Mr. Embrescia's explanation covering his entry into the business of selling licences for the use of domain names he has purchased such as .JOBS. For additional information, visit: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-11-broadcast-businessman

Mr. Heinen discloses the story of how the family business got started which largely related to his grandfather Joseph Heinen's visionary abilities, his independent thinking and his willingness to take risks. He shares that Joseph knew the extension of I-480 would be arriving at some point which made Warrensville Heights a very attractive location so that he could more easily deliver supplies to stores on the west side. Mr. Heinen also discusses how the business was driven from it its earliest days by an interest in dealing directly with suppliers, thereby circumventing wholesalers when possible which permitted a price advantage that was passed along to customers. Items could be bought in bulk and stored, too, with the company's tremendous warehouse capacity. He explains how this also allowed the company to control its own destiny. He also explores the company's incorporation of private label products, including its Two Brothers line with its logo inspired by Picasso's style. He reveals the exponential growth in prepared foods, with the chain being one the national leaders in this aspect of sales. Convenience is a big part of today's lifestyles, and the store has positioned itself to provide healthy options...while eliminating the time and dishes required to put dinner on the table. Waste prevention is another factor - consumers buy as needed, and it solves lots of problems, he explains. Food delivery is another channel that is opening up, with industry experts predicting that 25% of all food will be acquired through this method by 2025. Enjoy a window into this business which has a big footprint in Warrensville Heights and makes a huge impact on lives throughout the area. For further details, visit https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-10-grocery-business

Ed Chambers has been a Warrensville Heights resident since 1968 and has a unique perspective on this neighborhood and life itself. "There are no problems, only challenges," he says. Mr. Chambers came to Warrensville Heights from the Glenville area in pursuit of a better educational situation for his children. What he found here was affordable housing which enabled him to save for his children's college education. This plan worked, along with running a tight ship at home. Listen as he talks about growing up in Alabama as a sharecropper, then escaping in the middle of the night for Georgia. Later in life, after earning his college degree in chemistry, he faced further racial issues when going to work in Cleveland. As he describes it, it was his faith and belief in himself that allowed him to excel in life and achieve his goals. He delivers a great deal of wisdom as he recalls many vivid experiences over the years. His stories will linger in your mind, well beyond the end of the podcast. For more details, see https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights/blog/episode-8-local-historian

Yvette Nicole Brown is a Warrensville Heights High School graduate and a comedic actress starring most recently in the NBC series Community, the Nickelodeon show Drake & Josh and the CBS production of The Odd Couple series. She also is featured in guest roles on popular tv shows and supporting roles in films. Listen as Ms. Brown describes her journey which has taken her in directions that she didn't anticipate. As she explains it, that's the way life unfolds and it's a good thing. She has seized opportunities and has been rewarded by being talented and hard working. She discusses the enormous range of acting and hosting roles she has filled and the lessons she has learned along the way. She mentions how family is her first priority and how she has delivered in this area of her life. Learn about how she first revealed her performing abilities while attending Warrensville Heights High School, and how she made the bold move to L.A. after graduating from the University of Akron. This singular talent shines in so many channels, and the space where she can be reached most easily is Twitter, @YNB.

For some insight into a few of the coming election's ballot issues, hear Ms. Brown explain what's important and why it is so. She stresses how much each vote matters and the importance of everyone taking their role in the election seriously. She also details her role in helping improve people's lives through her work representing those living in District 9. To learn more about Ms. Brown's own journey, listen as she shares how her path was partly by design, but also the result of other interventions. Her highly enthusiastic, informed and accessible qualities are transmitted throughout her conversation. She is a real beacon in the community, listening and working hard to address the needs of others.

Listen as Dr. McKenzie explores issues related to health, leadership and her youth spent in the South American country of Guyana where money was scarce but literacy and educated people were in abundance. She drills down on causes for infant mortality, which has an elevated incidence in the local area, and mentions measures to counteract this trend. She also touches on the common culprits for declining health: * hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) * diabetes (also referred to as "sugar") * excessive weight (obesity) * heart disease She stresses that all of these conditions are preventable regardless of income and access to healthcare. She also shares her unique perspective on medical setbacks and challenges - essentially, everything can be managed.

This conversation explores how Mr. Doss, a Detroit native of humble origins, transitioned out of corporate America after achieving great success with General Motors in Southfield, Michigan. He details how, in 2010, the doors opened at his franchise in Harvard Park, near the corner of Harvard and Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights. His location leads the market in Northeast Ohio in terms of retail sales, a significant achievement in and of itself, but accomplished while having the smallest stand-alone structure in the area. When total sales are considered, including outside sales and catering, the franchise ranked #2 in 2017, another monumental accomplishment. Mr. Doss shares details surrounding how it was a tough journey at the beginning when he was working 80 hour weeks. "In the first 90 days, I wanted to give the keys back." Listen as he describes how he came to understand that he was in business for himself but not by himself and grew more comfortable with developing and relying on his team. He employs around 80 people and has drawn satisfaction through seeing some of them advance from taking the bus to work to owning their own car. His wife, Gale, handles marketing for the franchise and is a key decision maker for the operation. Mr. Doss has been very active in the community and has engaged in mentorship with students in neighboring schools including the Warrensville Heights City School District, Shaker Heights and Orange, focusing on leadership skills. He also has spent time with youths in a local juvenile detention center to help them plan for their futures. "The young people are part of my heart." He also regularly donates Chick-Fil-A food to charitable causes.

This conversation explores the creation of the $9 million Warrensville Heights branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. It was the first new construction project that was part of a $110 million capital improvement program to build new branches across the county. There was great need for a new facility in Warrensville Heights and there was tremendous support for it from across the city, including residents, city council members and city hall staff. "The old branch looked like a bunker and felt like a bunker," she said. She discusses the new role that libraries are playing in patrons' lives, with the emphasis now being less about the circulation of materials and more about what services can be provided. As a result, the branch has seen its participation numbers rise significantly from all ages groups.

This illuminating conversation covers the early days of Warrensville Heights' residential development through the lens of one prominent developer. Mr. Ratner, 90, reveals how members of the family-run business were very inventive and how this defining trait guided their progress and enhanced their ability to determine what might be the next big profit generator. Mr. Ratner shares how his family found opportunity in Warrensville Heights during the beginning of a building boom when soldiers returning from WWII and needing homes in the 1950s. He reveals that the construction of homes and apartments here marked Forest City's first major semi mixed-use project. Forest City's footprint amounted to around 1,700 apartment units in Warrensville Heights. Ratner discusses how he learned the industry while on the job, as each project was completed. "There were no leadership classes back then - it was called life." For background info, see https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights

This dialogue dives deep into the issues surrounding the proposed school bond funding proposal appearing on the November ballot as Issue 9. Phase I is funded and underway with the imminent demolition of Randallwood Elementary School and the old library with new construction to follow, erecting a state-of-the-art new pre-K through 5th grade space. Listen as the school officials describe how nearby districts have built new facilities over the past decade including Maple Heights, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Euclid and Solon. They make the point that to be competitive and not fall further behind, the passage of the bond issue is required to fund Phase II. This will encompass the construction of a new middle school and high school campus and other recreational facilities. Let this conversation shed light on all aspects of the bond passage's necessity. For background info on guests, please see: https://junescharf.wixsite.com/reaching-new-heights

Welcome to the city's weekly podcast! In this introductory episode, the Mayor is extremely candid about his life in the City of Warrensville Heights, beginning with his youth growing up here to his time as the economic development director under Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge for 11 years to his own tenure as Mayor since 2012. He also shares some thoughts listeners have never heard about his transition out of professional basketball. In fact, he reveals several personal details that offer insight into his character and world view. "Basketball is something I did, it's not who I was." He is very clear on this point. He also lends some perspective on what life is like being 7 feet tall. Listen as he talks about the way he approaches work in this city which involves always looking for opportunities. This episode will pull back the curtain a little further on a man who is abundantly accessible, but with this conversation, he's just a little bit more so.