To My Cleveland Friends and 450 Clients
Looking back, it’s been a great privilege to help you grow by over $400 million and I look forward to continuing to do so. Being recognized as an asset to Northeast Ohio’s economy was a great honor and I hope that you will reach out to me whenever you and your business needs my specialty of empowering optimism and helping you and your business discover and leverage your Best and Highest Use®.
My role as a catalyst for many NEO business owners to develop the courage and conviction to invest in themselves has been my life’s work. I have profoundly enjoyed helping stalwart business leaders see past their limitations and grasp and commit to opportunities to take their businesses to the next level. While there are many organizations and associations I have helped lead, my biggest contribution has been working directly with the business owner to accomplish their ends, rather than by joining organizations to create the means for economic development. By taking this contrarian approach and investing hundreds of pro bono hours annually, I was able to have a direct effect on many small businesses that I could not have had by working “within the system.” As the number of business owners I helped grew, my work was recognized by all of Cleveland’s mainstream business media and organizations that focus on small business.
My biggest challenge was continually finding the strength and conviction to help these businesses take responsibility for their own success despite extreme economic pressure to do the opposite. While thousands of businesses went bankrupt, I fought with and for scores of firms that survived and are contributing taxes, employment and hope to a region reeling from economic decline.
If I have one parting wish for Northeast Ohio, it would be that it rejects its reliance on traditional practices, leaders and ideas for solving the insidious challenges it faces and engages new methods, voices and solutions quickly.
Comments
7 Comments on To My Cleveland Friends and 450 Clients
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John Milgram on
Wed, 30th Jun 2010 4:23 pm
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Andy Birol on
Thu, 1st Jul 2010 1:15 am
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John Adams on
Tue, 6th Jul 2010 3:52 pm
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David J. Akers on
Wed, 7th Jul 2010 1:38 am
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Andy Birol on
Wed, 7th Jul 2010 11:25 am
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Andy Birol on
Wed, 7th Jul 2010 11:26 am
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Pete Kever on
Wed, 21st Jul 2010 5:03 pm
Andy, I know how hard you have worked to make a difference in this town we (mostly!) love. Pittsburgh is getting a good man, and a good family.
Thanks for helping make a difference for me, too.
John
John, thanks for your kind words and loyalty to working with and supporting my business and your friendship over the years since meeting you in the first week I moved to NEO. Your commitment to your business and to Cleveland are what will keep Cleveland a great city.
Andy, While you no longer will be residing in Northeast Ohio you are only a short drive away. Given the use of technology you are “still around the corner”.
No matter where your travels will take you, your ability to cut through the fog of uncertainty in business operations will always travel well.
I agree whole heartedly with your closing wish on the state of affairs in Northeast Ohio and how they should fix their problems.
The best of Heath and Happiness to you and your family.
Andy, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you over the past several years and am confident that our relationship will continue to grow and strengthen.
You are funny, smart, irreverant, and a conversational delight. I have no doubt that Pittsburgh is in for quite a ride over the next 14 years.
You are welcome at a 3 Guys event anytime.
DJA
PS – loved the column above. I share the same desire for my town.
John,
Your courage in taking risks to grow your company is just what NEO needs. I look forward to seeing you soon and thank you for all your support overe the years. Best, Andy
David,
Your persistence in growing your business while continuing to work to improve the region is why NEO will prevail. Thanks for your friendship and encouragement.
See you soon, Andy
Andy, it’s NE Ohio’s loss and Pittsburgh’s gain, sorry to see you go but wishing you all the best. I hope you and your family continue to do well. I trust we will hear from you and see you from time to time.
Pete
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