KraftMaid Cabinetry - Middlefield Means Business

geauga
Fall 2014
KraftMaid
Cabinetry:
Celebrating 45 Years of
Continuous Improvement
PLUS:
How About Them Apples?
Geauga County Orchards in Full Fall Swing pg 4
Caring for the Aged
A Big FAMILY Business in Geauga County pg 8
Family-Owned Plastics Fabricator Values
Its Employees and Geauga County Roots pg 12
and more...
PUBLISHER
Chris Yuhasz
Owner, Persistence of Vision, Inc.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Margie Wilber
Owner, Write 2 the Point
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rebekah Maples
Denise A. Milhollan
Glen Miller
Keith Scherzer
Jennifer Seward
Chris Taylor
Sandy Ward
Margie Wilber
DESIGN
Ellen Seguin
Write 2 the Point
A special thanks to our partners whose financial
contributions make this publication possible.
Geauga Medical Center
GEAUGA
1
K R A F T M A I D C A B I N E T R Y : C E L E B R AT I N G 4 5 Y E A R S O F
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
4
HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES?
G E A U G A C O U N T Y O R C H A R D S I N F U L L FA L L S W I N G
8
CARING FOR THE AGED
A B I G FA M I LY B U S I N E S S I N G E A U G A C O U N T Y
11
K E N T S T AT E U N I V E R S I T Y AT G E A U G A
O U R H I S T O R Y, O U R M I S S I O N A N D F U T U R E V I S I O N
12
F A M I LY - O W N E D P L A S T I C S F A B R I C AT O R
VA LU E S I T S E M P LOY E E S A N D G E AU G A CO U N T Y R O OT S
14
SLEEP APNEA: A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION
17
W R I T E 2 T H E P O I N T R E C E I V E S N AT I O N A L A W A R D
18
PERFECT OCC ASION COSTUME AND MAGIC EMPORIUM
ONE TRICKY BUSINESS
20
R A V E N W O O D L A U N C H E S S A M E - D AY A C C E S S T O
M E N TA L H E A LT H C A R E
23
UHHS: EMERGENCY CARE JUST FOR SENIORS
24
C C M R E N TA L
F O R B U S I N E S S , PA R T Y O R O U T D O O R E Q U I P M E N T
26
I N T R O D U C I N G T H E L O C A L TA S T E O F T O M ’ S F O O L E R Y D I S T I L L E R Y
28
G E AU G A PA R K S
29
KELLER WILLIAMS
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#
KRAFTMAID
CABINETRY:
#
Celebrating
45 Years of
Continuous
Improvement
This year marks KraftMaid Cabinetry’s 45th year
By: Keith Scherzer,
Managing Director, KraftMaid Operations
of business and 30th year in the historically Amish
community of Middlefield. Just as the village has
a reputation for quality and tradition, so does
the brand. While these values are deeply rooted
in KraftMaid Cabinetry, so is the commitment to
continually evolve. Passion for the business and
customers has led to ground-breaking technology,
innovation and craftsmanship that help define
KraftMaid® as a leader in the cabinetry industry.
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
1
KRAFTMAID
CABINETRY
#
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1
“We pride
ourselves on the
ways we’ve blended
handcraftsmanship
with precision
A RICH
HERITAGE
automation.”
#
KraftMaid
Cabinetry
was founded
in 1969 by
Richard
-Quality Assurance Manager
Moodie in
Mike Dugan
Walton Hills,
Ohio. The
initial kitchen countertop business was
founded in a modest two-car garage.
Less than a decade later, it expanded into
a fully functioning manufacturing facility
in Independence. It was there that
Moodie successfully experimented with
building kitchen cabinetry and began to
grow the business.
The company experienced rapid growth
thanks to an expanding housing market
and pioneered the made-to-order
segment of the cabinetry industry. To
meet increased demand, KraftMaid
Cabinetry relocated to a 125,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art facility in Middlefield
in 1984. A secondary facility in Middlefield
opened six years later, followed by a third
building in nearby Orwell.
Today, KraftMaid® is one of several brands
within Masco Cabinetry, a subsidiary of
Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) of Taylor,
Michigan. One of the world’s largest
manufacturers of brand-name products for
the home improvement and new home
construction industries, Masco acquired
KraftMaid Cabinetry in 1990 and grouped it
under the Masco Cabinetry division in 2010.
2
UNDERSTANDING CUSTOMERS AND
EVOLVING TO MEET DEMAND
KraftMaid Cabinetry isn’t just focused on
making products. The business pays close
attention to the customers it serves and the
people it makes products for. Since every
family is unique and special, the philosophy
at KraftMaid Cabinetry is that their kitchens
should be, too.
In the late 1990s, customer demand and
housing growth drove the need to build
cabinetry more quickly and efficiently
while staying true to the craftsmanship
attributes that KraftMaid® cabinetry was
known for. As a result, the leadership team
implemented an innovative built-to-order
manufacturing model and redesigned the
entire manufacturing process to bring it
into the 21st century. Cabinets were then
built similar to cars by bringing parts to
the line to assemble them. Today, cabinets
are built one kitchen at a time to the
exact specifications on a customer’s order.
After the kitchen order is assembled, it’s
packaged and loaded onto freight trucks,
dramatically reducing lead times and
improving customer satisfaction.
The new built-to-order flexibility enabled
the manufacturing team to use automation
where speed and precision were most
important and focus skilled craftsmen
on the furniture-quality details that
customers desire. This successful blend of
art and automation has enabled KraftMaid
Cabinetry to meet the ever-changing
demands of its customers.
Over the years, KraftMaid® has evolved
into one of the most recognized cabinetry
brands in the United States. It has become
a trend leader in manufacturing, function,
style and design. The enhancements have
resulted in its substantial offering of 70+
finish colors and techniques, 100+ door styles,
200+ storage solutions, 800+ decorative
enhancements and countertops – available
through the nation’s leading home centers as
well as more than 1,100 independent dealers
throughout the United States and in 13
international markets.
A FINISH REVOLUTION
Perhaps KraftMaid Cabinetry’s most
significant accomplishment to date, resulting
from its commitment to continuous
improvement, is the development of
the DuraKraft™ Plus Finishing System. In
2013, the leaders of KraftMaid Cabinetry
recognized that in order to continue meeting
and exceeding customers’ expectations,
they would need to adopt a revolutionary
approach to finishing cabinetry. This
commitment to continuous improvement
inspired an investment of millions of
dollars and thousands of man-hours into
introducing DuraKraft Plus in 2014, a system
which is supported by four foundation
elements of our manufacturing process:
wood selection, sanding and prepping, color
application and a proprietary new topcoat.
WOOD SELECTION
The DuraKraft Plus™ Finishing System begins
with high-quality wood. KraftMaid Cabinetry
uses only the highest grades of renewable
American hardwoods to make doors and
drawer fronts. The wood is inspected by
sophisticated imaging equipment to
measure and identify the ideal wood
characteristics. To maintain the integrity of the
wood during the drying process, KraftMaid
Cabinetry recently invested in custom-built
lumber-drying kilns, using the latest research
in wood sciences and technologies.
SANDING AND PREPPING
PROPRIETARY TOPCOAT
During KraftMaid Cabinetry’s revolutionary
new DuraKraft Plus™ Finishing System,
wood is sanded and prepped for color
application. The company recently invested
in state-of-the-art sanding machines, the
first of their kind in North America, to
remove raised wood grain and prepare a
smooth, even surface for color application
and clarity of finish. KraftMaid Cabinetry
employs talented craftsmen to then handsand doors and drawer fronts for an artisan
touch. The team at KraftMaid Cabinetry also
developed a new cleaning tool to remove
dust from doors and drawer fronts prior to
color application. “We pride ourselves on
the ways we’ve blended handcraftsmanship
with precision automation,” says Quality
Assurance Manager Mike Dugan. “We’ve
incorporated the latest technology and
system improvements, all while retaining
an emphasis on our employees and the
importance of artisan detail.”
The DuraKraft Plus™ Finishing System
concludes with a new two-layer topcoat.
The primary layer seals in the color and is
oven-cured to heat-activate the first of two
protective barriers. After the second layer
of topcoat is applied, it’s oven-cured again
to deliver added protection, clarity and a
silky-smooth feel. “From the initial sanding
to the final finish application, each piece
of cabinetry is made to a consumer’s exact
specifications by the company’s skilled
craftsmen. KraftMaid Cabinetry wouldn’t
be what it is today without the passion and
talent of our employees,” explains Dugan.
COLOR APPLICATION
At KraftMaid Cabinetry, color is applied
only by skilled craftsmen who must first
undergo rigorous training to perfect their
craft. Craftsmen are trained and assessed
using an innovative virtual spraying
simulator – the same technology used by
the aerospace and automotive industries.
Sophisticated mixing and color-application
equipment is also an important element of
the DuraKraft Plus™ Finishing System. Not
to mention hand-detailing, which adds an
artistic touch to cabinetry.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
UNRELENTING PURSUIT OF
EXCELLENCE
The DuraKraft Plus™ Finishing System is
just one example of KraftMaid Cabinetry’s
dedication to continually improving
its processes, services and products.
The company operates with a lean
manufacturing mindset, approaching
challenges through Six Sigma philosophies.
Employees of all levels are encouraged to
identify improvement opportunities, on both
large and small scales, and are assigned to
teams to identify potential solutions, test
varied methods, and share their resolutions
with the rest of the organization.
Over the years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has also
exceeded expectations by researching and
installing top-of-the-line manufacturing
equipment. Not only did it provide new
functionality, it also attained ISO 14001
certification and was recognized by the
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for
Outstanding Environmental Stewardship.
Since then, all KraftMaid Cabinetry facilities
have attained Environmental Stewardship
Program (ESP) certification by the Kitchen
Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).
Whether the achievements have been
consumer-focused or behind the scenes,
KraftMaid Cabinetry has continually sought
ways to improve its product offerings while
reducing its environmental impact.
GIVING BACK
“KraftMaid® has been fortunate to be
associated with some amazing programs
and organizations over the years,” says Karen
Brawn, director of marketing. “Our goal is to
support the community as much as it has
supported us.”
In addition to donating product and
employee support to a number of local
charities and schools, KraftMaid® has enjoyed
strong relationships with national programs
such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,
Habitat for Humanity, House Beautiful
Kitchen of the Year and more.
“Due to the brand’s extensive offerings,
KraftMaid® products can meet the simplest
of functional and practical needs or provide
the most stunning high-end details. We’ve
worked with top designers as well as
nonprofit groups and are always proud to
showcase our products, regardless of the
budget or project complexity,” says Brawn.
For more information about KraftMaid®
cabinetry, visit kraftmaid.com or go to
kraftmaid.com/durakraftplus to watch a video
about its revolutionary new finish process.
3
How About
Them Apples?
by Jennifer Seward
Geauga
County
Orchards
in Full
Fall Swing
“From September
20th through
the end of
October, I think
it’s hard to
beat the old
Jonathan.”
Nancy and Jim Patterson
ast
rioa
n
ni
- Jim Patterson
t
o:
Geauga County. Here, the fall beauty,
Ro
ge
rM
There’s just something about fall in
o
Ph
flavors and family fun are at a level all their
own. One reason for that is the county’s four apple
orchards, which produce thousands of bushels of apples
each year, which in turn attract thousands of appleappreciating customers.
4
Patterson Fruit Farms, Inc. is a member of Geauga Growth Partnership.
“They’re just better than what you can get
in grocery stores,” summarizes Bob Sage,
62, who co-owns Sage’s Apples and Fruit
Market at 11355 Chardon Road in Chardon
Township with his brother John, 60.
Sage’s, Patterson Fruit Farm, and Eddy Fruit
Farm in Chester Township, and Blue Jay
Orchard in Troy Township have long-standing
traditions as family-run farms and family-fun
destinations, and they have a loyal customer
base from within the county and beyond.
That success is a blend of many things: An
ideal climate, customer-friendly service,
community involvement, expertise, and
generations of experience. Geauga County
plays a big part in Ohio’s ranking as ninth
in the country for apple production,
according to the Ohio Department of
Agriculture. For example, at Patterson
Fruit Farm, an average of 6,000, 40-pound
bushels are produced each year, notes
Jim Patterson. That’s nearly a quarter-of-amillion pounds of fresh, juicy apples, with
roughly three apples in each pound.
Though both Sage’s and Patterson
specialize in other fruits and vegetables, the
business of apples is their most fruitful.
“That’s our core business,” Sage says, with
a full 60 percent of business in September
and October. “We have about 25 acres of
apples; 25 acres of peaches, sweet corn, pears,
blueberries, green beans, pumpkins and all of
the other things; and 25 acres of woods,” Sage
continues. “Chardon and this area is known for
its fall color, and we specifically want to keep
those woods as part of the atmosphere of
coming into Chardon Township.”
When it comes to ownership of the farms,
the apples tend to not fall far from the tree.
“My grandfather started the farm as a general
“ Anything we
can do to
farm with eggs and sheep,
and he wanted to have a
keep the
nursery,” recounts Sage. “The
tree
first year, though, the trees
didn’t sell – so he planted
healthier,
them in the orchard. We still
the apple is going
have the invoice from the
first trees he bought.”
to taste better.”
The Patterson
Today, Bob Sage’s son Ben,
- Bob Sage
operation comprises
34, works side by side with
two locations. One
his father and uncle, doing
is the year-round
“most everything John and I do” – picking
Patterson’s
Farm
Market
at 11414 Caves
produce, chopping brush, mowing,
Road
in
Chesterland,
which
is adjacent to
spraying and so forth.
Patterson’s seasonal Orchard Hills Café and
The Sage brothers’ mother Eleanor, who
their Orchard Hills Center, which serves as
turns 91 in October, also is active in the
the West Geauga Senior Center during the
business, doing “too much,” Bob Sage says
week and an event center on the weekends.
with a laugh.
The other site is Patterson Farms at 8765
Mulberry Road, home to the Family Fun
Patterson Fruit Farm shares a similar history,
Fest, school tours, and pick-your-own
starting as a general farm, then specializing
strawberries and apples, picking for which
in fruits around 1950. “We’ve always been
runs from about late August to late October.
farmers,” states Jim Patterson, 72. “I’m the fifth
generation; David and Bill are the sixth; and
The farm encompasses 30 acres of apple
their kids will be the seventh, if they go into it.”
trees of about 27 different varieties; about
10 acres of strawberries; and roughly
In recent years, Jim and wife Nancy have
five acres of peaches. Among the most
turned much of the business over to
popular apples at Patterson are Honeycrisp
sons David, 45, and Bill, 43. They also
and Fuji. Demand for the mild and sweet
have a daughter, Susan Swiger, an
Honeycrisp, for example, led the farm to
occupational therapist.
plant 300 such trees this year, totaling at
least 500 Honeycrisp altogether, Patterson
Bill runs the market and wholesale cider
says. Other favorites at both farms include
business, while David does all of the
Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Melrose,
production. David and his wife Pam run the
McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Idared, Gala …
ever-popular Family Fun Fest, and Bill’s wife
the list goes on. Patterson’s personal favorite
Mindy works in the market in the fall. Nancy
changes with the season.
handles hiring and scheduling for hayrides
and events such as birthday parties. “We
“From September 20th through the end
think we’re still active. I tell people the
of October, I think it’s hard to beat the
difference is if we want to get away, I call
old Jonathan,” he says. “After the first
the ‘boys,’” Patterson says with a chuckle.
of November, one of the ones I like is
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6
Patterson Fruit Farm also offers pick
your own strawberries in season.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
5
How About
Them Apples?
Sage’s Apple and Fruit Farm (photo: Ben Sage)
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5
Winesap – which you pick in October and
is probably never good until Thanksgiving
– and others such as Melrose, which is
Ohio’s State Apple, and Fuji.”
At Sage’s, “We have 50 varieties of apples,”
Sage notes. “They ripen throughout the
season, with about half in the summer
and the rest in the fall through winter. We
specialize in things others don’t have, such
as the Macoun, a tender, purplish apple that
ripens in October. “ An old favorite is the
Melrose, an all-purpose apple Sage’s has
been growing since the late 1940s and is an
important part of Sage’s shipping business
around Christmas.
Not sure what to choose? Sage’s and
Patterson both offer samples.
Needless to say, sales are very weatherdependent.
“The one thing we pray for is no hail,” Sage
emphasizes. “A hail storm will do a lot of
damage to apples. Spring frosts will also
do a lot of damage to apple blossoms.”
However, despite last winter’s brutal cold,
“The apples came out fine. But the peaches
– there was no crop.”
A great deal of science goes into a
successful orchard operation; in fact,
Bob, John and Ben Sage as well Jim, Bill
and David Patterson all have degrees in
horticulture from Ohio State University.
Additionally, all of them are keenly aware
of the climate advantages of a location in
Geauga County.
“One reason we have orchards in Chardon
is that there is a positive lake effect that
helps us avoid frosty mornings,” Sage
explains. “In our little microclimate, our
snow will keep our soil cold,” he elaborates.
“Further north, trees will come into bloom
about 10 days ahead of us. But, our
snow reflects the heat, and our trees stay
dormant longer here. The colder soil from
the snow cover delays bloom to later in
May, when there is less chance of frost.”
Once trees bloom and there is a clear, cold
spring morning, Sage’s location at about
6
1,265 feet above sea level – roughly
400-500 feet above Lake Erie – can
provide a layer of protection. As the
lake releases heat and the heat rises,
the colder air settles over the lake and
valleys, and the warmer, breezy air off
the lake carries inland over the orchard,
raising temperatures by several degrees.
This effect is often recreated by orchard
and vineyard owners with tall turbine fans
and helicopters.
“That microclimate is really what helps us
raise great apples here,” Sage summarizes.
Proper planting and care of trees is equally
important to an orchard’s success.
“We keep apple trees about 35 years, taking
some out every two or three years and
planting new trees, and we try to do new
training systems and new varieties,” Sage
notes. For example, two generations ago,
Sage’s grandfather would raise trees in a
40-by-40-foot plot, with trees reaching a
towering 40 feet.
Today, Honeycrisp trees at Sage’s are planted
two feet apart, may reach 12 feet and are
held up with wires, much like a vineyard.
“Dwarf trees are easier to pick, easier to
prune, are more efficient, and produce
redder, better-tasting apples,” Sage explains.
“Anything we can do to keep the tree
healthier, the apple is going to taste better.”
Another technique is to thin the apples
on the trees in June, spacingthe fruitlets
(young, small, quarter-sized apples)7 to 8
inches apart. “It’s important to have a good
leaf-to-fruit ratio,” Sage notes. “The leaves
convert the sunshine into sugars.”
If the trees are not thinned, they run the
risk of becoming alternate-bearing trees –
producing a large crop one year and not
blossoming the next. “Our job is to make
sure that tree has a consistent crop, year
after year,” Sage says.“Customers want nice
big apples that taste great.”
That also means investment. “We are
continually investing in what we’re doing,”
Patterson says. For example, Patterson’s is
looking into purchasing a new apple grader
that washes and grades apples according to
their size – a $50,000 piece of equipment,
and a major expenditure for the family
operation. The machine would minimize
handling and bruising by floating apples out
of an 18-bushel bin, versus tipping the bin to
get them out.
Patterson’s also puts a lot of investment
in its Family Fun Fest, a seven-week-long,
seven-days-a-week event started about 25
years ago and that attracts as many as 3,500
people in a single day. Among the attractions
at the Family Fun Fest, which runs through
Oct. 26 this year, are 15 slides, including a
56-foot-long racing slide in the woods and
a fun-filled treehouse; real and wooden
tractors; games; a corn maze; a 20-by-10-foot
box in front of a combine that is filled with
shelled corn for kids to frolic in; pumpkin
painting; a new, 19-foot silo slide; and a 600bale straw pile in the pavilion. In the fall, the
pavilion echoes with the laughter and squeals
of children with straw in their hair and who
seem to never tire of the climbing, sliding and
leaping that abounds inside.
Patterson Fruit Farm is known for its school
tours – attended by about 10,000 students a
year from preschool through primary school
in September and October – and for its
maple syrup, tapped from about 1,200
trees in its sugarbush.
That said, Patterson emphasizes, “Apples, by far,
and cider are the biggest things we sell.” Pies
and doughnuts baked in house and sold at the
market are another significant part of business.
Accordingly, changes in the seasons also
means changes in staffing.
“We have about 120 people on the payroll
during the fall,” states Patterson, adding that
the number is misleading. “They’re very
much part time, and probably 75 to 80 of
them are kids, who work face-to-face with
our customers. For many, it’s their first job.”
At Sage’s, staffing includes about a dozen
high school students in the summer and
after school in the fall to work in the market.
About six employees plus another five hired
in the fall pick the apples. There are also
market employees who work during the day
in the fall and throughout winter and spring,
as Sage’s sells apples and cider year round.
The cider business has been another source
of change for orchards all over. Most cider
retailers, including Sage’s and Patterson,
outsource their cider production because
of challenging and costly changes in food
safety regulations.
“Twenty years ago, there may have been
50 people who made cider,” Patterson says.
“Today, there is less than 20. Another fellow
makes it for us. We take whatever apples we
have, and then he makes the cider.”
Shoppers throughout the region are able to
purchase Patterson’s cider, the only product
the farm wholesales, at various Heinen’s,
Giant Eagle and Zagara’s markets.
As active as the families are on the farms,
they are equally active in the community.
Jim Patterson served a nine-year term on
the OSU board of trustees; served on the
Ohio Board of Regents; is a member of the
board at University Hospitals Geauga Medical
Center; is on the board of the Cleveland Food
Bank; and has been active with the Ohio
Farm Bureau. Nancy Patterson is well known
for her involvement with 4H and served as
chairman of the Ohio 4H Foundation.
David Patterson puts a lot of his free time
into West Geauga Schools and is a soccer
coach, active in his children’s 4H projects,
a past president of the Ohio Fruit Growers
Society, and on the Leadership Council for UH
Geauga Medical Center. Bill Patterson serves
on the Boards of the Ohio Farm Bureau and
Farm Credit Services of MidAmerica and has
been very active in efforts to build a new Turf
Field at West Geauga.
For his part, Sage has served as president and
on committees for the Ohio Fruit Growers
Society, and is active in and has been
president of the Geauga County Farm Bureau.
He also serves on the board of directors for
the Western Reserve Farm Cooperative.
Though many factors play into the
success of the orchard industry in Geauga
County, a love of the product, a love of the
location, and a love of the labor are among
the biggest.
“I like being outside. I like all the different
jobs. I like working with customers and in
the market. I like eating fresh produce,” Sage
adds with his easy laugh. “I drink cider three
meals a day, all year round, and I eat two or
three apples a day, just about every day.
“I like being around equipment and fixing
equipment, and especially the challenges of
working with the weather. We pray for nice
weather, but sometimes we don’t know
what weather to pray for. Every morning
we see what the weather’s going to be, and
that affects what we’re going to do perhaps
for the next couple of days.
“I like snow, too, but don’t print that; that
might make some people upset,” he jokes,
which brought to mind a memory from last
year’s frigid winter.
“We had 15 to 20 customers on the
snowiest day last year, just to prove they
could. That’s how we Chardon people are.”
Another contribution to the community is
the donation of extra produce to local food
banks and kitchens.
Patterson’s also puts a lot of investment in its Family
Fun Fest, a seven-week-long, seven-days-a-week
event started about 25 years ago and that attracts as
many as 3,500 people in a single day.
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 8
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
7
Caring for the Aged
a Big FAMILY Business
in Geauga County
by Margie Wilber
Affectionately termed “The Hills” by family
members and those in the know, Holly Hill,
Blossom Hill, and Briar Hill, senior living
communities in Geauga County, are enjoying
near-full occupancy, and the family-owned
nursing home facilities will most likely be
expanding in the near future thanks to steady
demand for skilled nursing, assisted living
and independent living facilities in Geauga
County. In fact, they launched home health
care services for residents of Geauga County
and beyond in 2013.
Owned and managed by the same dedicated
family since 1965, step into Holly Hill, Blossom
Hill, or Briar Hill and you’ll immediately
understand why demand is high. All
three facilities are beautifully decorated,
meticulously maintained, and provide an
“at-home” feel that resonates with family
members who must rely on others to care for
their loved ones.
“Home is more than a place to live. Home
means a place of beauty, comfort, and
compassion. That is what we provide.
However, I believe the most important
service provided at Holly Hill, Blossom Hill
and Briar Hill – that differentiates us from
other skilled nursing facilities – is the level
of care residents receive,” Anderson “Andy”
Ohman, Administrator of Briar Hill Health
Care Residence, located at 15950 Pierce
Street in Middlefield, explains. “The mission
and value statement that guides all business
decisions at Holly Hill, Blossom Hill and Briar
Hill stem from the Christian family values we
learned from our parents, George Sr. and Joan
Ohman. We feel our work is a calling, and our
primary focus is to serve.”
Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield
His brother George Ohman, Jr, Administrator
of Holly Hill Health Care Residence, located at
10190 Fairmount Road in Newbury, concurs.
“The concept of serving our residents, their
families and our staff has been entrenched
in my brother and sisters and me since my
parents first purchased a four-bedroom
ranch in Middlefield on Old State Road in
Blossom HIll Health Care Residence in Huntsburg
8
“The mission and value statement that guides all business decisions at Holly Hill,
Blossom Hill and Briar Hill stem from the Christian family values we learned from
our parents, George Sr. and Joan Ohman. We feel our work is a calling, and our
primary focus is to serve.”
- Anderson “Andy” Ohman,
Administrator of Briar Hill Health Care Residence
When the Ohman family purchased Holly
Hill, they were living in a two-bedroom
apartment in Burton. The family converted
a barn on the property into their new home
in 1968. George, 9, Andy, 7 and Nancy, 5,
saw the move as an adventure. All three
children pitched in, working primarily on
maintaining the grounds. Their sister Amy
was born the following year.
By December of 1968, now-named
“Holly Hill” was running at full occupancy
with 44 residents. In 1971, the Ohmans
purchased Briar Hill and long-term family
friend Don Gray came on board to serve as
administrator of the new facility. “My dad
was an entrepreneur, a visionary, a marketing
guru. Don was the guy who paid attention
to details. They complemented each other,”
George remembers with a smile.
In 1976, Holly Hill’s first addition occurred,
adding 33 beds. George, Jr. left to attend
Moody Bible Institute and later served
as a pastor in worship and music at his
church. He would not return to the family
business until 2001. Andy recalls, “Our family
purchased Blossom Hill, located at 12496
Princeton Road in Huntsburg, in 1978. It
was a 30-bed facility. I graduated from John
Carroll University in 1982 and began working
there full time. My father and Don expanded
Blossom Hill in 1984, more than doubling
its size to an 86-bed facility.” In 1985, Andy
became administrator at Briar Hill.
1965. Our father and mother had just lost
their bookstore downtown and were in a
transitional stage of life, wondering what
they ought to do. They were caring for
Dad’s brother Bill at the time who suffered
from MS (multiple sclerosis). It was Bill who
suggested this type of work is a perfect fit.”
Dad always said, “I love old people,” adds
Andy’s and George’s sister Nancy Ohman
Milner, Administrator of Blossom Hill Health
Care Residence. Nancy describes how the
three siblings shared a bedroom while their
parents slept on a sofa bed in their tiny
living room. The garage was converted into
another bedroom, and the remainder of the
house was used to care for nine residents
in the modest Middlefield ranch. “Mom did
the cooking, cleaning, laundry and provided
much of the personal care for our residents.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
There was also a nurse on staff.” Their father
served as a minister of music at Riverview
Church at the time.
It was very humble beginnings for the now
successful business venture.
In the summer of 1968, the Ohmans
purchased “Little Acres” on Fairmount Road.
“There was a dirt driveway, and the stench
was bad when you walked in the doors,”
describes George, shaking his head in
disbelief. “There, residents had no privacy
with only saloon doors for each room. At
the time, there were 22 residents in this
44-bed capacity home. I remember my
dad saying, ‘I am not discouraged but
encouraged because we can do so much to
this place. Those people deserve better and
we can do better.”
To describe The Hills as a family affair would
be to understate the family’s dedication
and commitment to the business and the
residents they serve. Amy Ohman Grubbs
now serves as Director of Human Resources
at Holly Hill. Andy’s son-in-law Joshua
Wallace is an Administrator-In-Training at
Briar Hill. George’s son-in-law, Kurt Ingersoll,
is an Administrator-in-Training at Holly
Hill. Andy’s wife Jeanie and George’s wife
Kim work tirelessly behind the scenes to
ensure each of the Residences is beautifully
decorated and running smoothly. Many
of George Sr. and Joan’s grandchildren
work in various capacities at each facility,
in Activities, the offices, kitchens and in
maintenance. All see their mission is to
serve and provide exceptional care for the
residents, their families, staff and each other.
Today, The Hills is comprised of three skilled
nursing facilities, three assisted living facilities
and six independent living homes, totaling
over 325 beds in our county. Holly Hill is the
flagship, with 76 licensed skilled nursing
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 0
9
Caring for Aged
a Big FAMILY Business
in Geauga County
“The values passed on from our Mom
and Dad cannot be passed on from a
corporation,” Andy explains.
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 9
beds, 18 licensed assisted living beds and
four independent living units. Briar Hill has
85 licensed skilled nursing beds, 45 licensed
assisted living beds, and 11 independent
living units. Blossom Hill has 86 licensed
skilled nursing beds, five assisted living
licensed beds and three independent living
units. Holly Hill, Blossom Hill and Briar Hill
skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour,
long-term nursing care; rehabilitation
services staffed by licensed practitioners in
occupational, physical and speech therapy;
medication administration; housekeeping
and laundry services; on-site activities; and
delicious “home-cooked” meals.
Catherine Dahlem, Director of Nursing at
Holly Hill, has worked at the nursing facility
for more than 11 years, after working for 30
years at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
She says the first thing people notice is the
decor. “The decor is reflective of the whole
philosophy of uniquely caring for people
as individuals. The Ohmans care for these
people as if they were their own parents.
They want to make sure we do everything
right. Caring is the most important
element in the services we provide. We
are also staffed well because we want to
provide the best care we can,” Dahlem
states. “The food is also delicious!”
Holly Hill Health
Care Residence
on Fairmount
Road in
Newbury
The experienced Registered Nurse says
the Ohman family has set goals for each
facility since entering the business. The
goal is five-fold. Their nursing facilities
will not look, smell, taste or feel like an
institution and the residents will not be
inactive. Instead, their facilities will be
reminiscent of home and the residents will
be content and engaged in life.
10
Dahlem explains, “Relationships are very
important at The Hills – not just between
residents and the staff but also between
the staff and our residents’ families. You
will not see people just sitting in their
wheelchairs staring off. We keep them as
active as they would like to be with music,
Bingo, weekly entertainment coming in,
ceramics, exercise classes, and plenty of fun
events. Last year, we enjoyed hosting teas
around the world each month.”
“We celebrate life here. We want to
celebrate life at the end of life at our three
According to the four Ohman siblings,
State and Federal government regulations
are very demanding. “We continue to face
regulatory challenges, which in turn affect
reimbursement rates and staffing. However,
the joy in caring for our residents far exceeds
the feeling of challenge in the complexity of
running a successful business.”
Holly Hill, Blossom Hill and Briar Hill
employ approximately 350 individuals,
including nurses, state-tested nursing
assistants, dietary aides, activity personnel,
housekeepers and others. The Hills have
professional relationships with all major
hospitals in our area, including University
Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Hillcrest
“We celebrate life here. We want to celebrate life at the end of life
at our three facilities. These years should be meaningful.”
- George Ohman, Jr.
Administrator of Holly Hill Health Care Residence
facilities. These years should be meaningful,”
states George Jr. emphatically. “We believe
in the supremacy of love. It begins with
God’s love for us and our call to love others.”
“It’s the serving attitude that makes us
different,” Nancy adds. “We strive for
excellence in everything we do – from
nursing care, to dietary, to housekeeping
and our ground maintenance. We want our
nursing homes to reflect excellence. Our
parents wanted everything to be beautiful.
They still come in and greet our residents
and will fix their collars, wipe their noses,
pick lint off the floor. Dad will go into the
kitchen and taste the food. It has to be hot.”
Andy adds, “Dad and Mom always wanted
our places to be reminiscent of home,
including relationships. That is why a family
business is so important. Our facilities
are family-managed, and there is a family
member in the buildings almost daily. We
have third-generation-Ohmans starting in
management. Our ownership avails itself
to our customers each day.”
Amy says that former staff have become
residents of The Hills and current staff have
their own family members living at these
facilities.
Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, University
Hospitals of Cleveland, Lake West Medical
Center, TriPoint Medical Center, Trumbull
Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health
Center in Warren and Robinson Memorial
Hospital in Ravenna.
George admits that there are challenges
in this business but that all three locations
have terrific staff. “We have longevity of
staff. Many have worked here for 20, 30
and even 35 years,” says George proudly.
“We would love to expand in the future –
enhance the space for rehabilitative services
and add assisted and independent living
units. All aspects of our services are at a 93%
occupancy rate all year, at all three facilities.”
Holly Hill will be celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2015. Watch for activities
planned to commemorate this event.
For information on services and availability,
please call Holly Hill Health Care Residence
at 440.338.8220; Blossom Hill Health Care
Residence at 440.635.5567; and Briar Hill
Health Care Residence at 440.632.5241.
For information on home health care
services, please call The Hills at Home at
440.338.8220.
Kent State University at Geauga
Our History, Our Mission and Future Vision
By Denise A. Milhollan
“The great thing
in this world is
not so much where
we stand as in
what direction
we are moving.”
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
We’re Moving Forward!
2014 is a significant year for Kent State
University at Geauga.
It marks fifty years of delivering world-class
education to residents in Geauga County and
surrounding communities. The campus celebrated
this milestone throughout the year, with the most
memorable celebration taking place on July 19,
with a day of musical celebration culminating in
a dynamic performance by The Cleveland POPS
Orchestra –a first for Geauga County.
This year also marks a year of significant
administrative changes.
This past August, Kent State’s newly appointed
president, Dr. Beverly Warren, spent two days in
Geauga County getting to know the campus and
our community. Her mission is to understand
“the heart of Kent State.” Her genuinely affable
nature seeks to engage in conversations that will
contribute to the future vision of Kent State as
one university, regardless of location.
While Kent State University’s new president works
to move Kent State –as a whole- to a new level
of engagement, the Geauga Campus is also
experiencing change. Dr. Jarrod Tudor accepted
the position as interim dean at the Geauga
Campus at the same time the university’s new
president took office.
Kent State University President Dr. Beverly
Warren and Dr. Jarod Tudor, dean of Kent
State Geauga campus.
His commitment to relationship building began
with a residential move to Burton Village. In the
same engaging manner as the university’s new
president, Tudor began to meet with educators,
business leaders, political constituents, non-profit
groups and donors –those who recognize the
value of higher education in the community. He
was quick to discover the gem he inherited and
the strength of community support.
These conversations have contributed to his
vision for the Geauga Campus as we develop
more degreed programs that align with the
needs of the business community.
That’s how relationship building turns genuine. This
vision is all about an investment that benefits our
community now and in the future. Think about all
the graduates that have walked from the campus
hallways into area businesses; this is value added.
Tudor spent many years building those
relationships within the Kent system teaching
courses, which connected him to students,
and serving on executive committees. He also
served as the 2013-2014 Provost Fellow. It’s in
this role that he developed relationships with
college deans and department administrators.
These partnerships are key when it comes to
envisioning a new direction for the Geauga
Campus and the Regional Academic Center.
What is the Vision?
The vision is about connecting the dots. The
better question would be how Kent State
University at Geauga can best serve the
community? Geauga is a vibrant, thriving county
and Kent State is committed to enhancing that
vibrancy in any way it can. Enrollment keeps
growing as the campus continues its mission of
delivering world-class higher education close to
home and work.
We’re Moving Forward!
Cleveland POPS Orchestra performs on the Kent State Geauga campus this summer in celebration
of the regional campus’ 50th anniversary.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
11
Drummond custom-machines plastic
parts in a wide range of diameters,
lengths and thicknesses.
All in the Family
Family-Owned Plastics
Fabricator Values its
Employees and Geauga
County Roots
by Chris Taylor
As vice president and general manager
of ETC, Inc., Paul Spangler Sr. was an expert
in the design of electrical connectors and
pneumatic crimping tools. The Russell
resident began his career at the Clevelandbased company in 1962.
Ten years later, while vacationing on
Michigan’s Drummond Island—the “gem
of the Huron”—a friend suggested that
he start his own machining business. The
idea took hold. In 1979, when Spangler Sr.
rented 500 square feet of space in Auburn
Township, Drummond Manufacturing was
born. The company specialized in custom
machining of plastic and non-metallic
components. The idea formulated on the
gem of the Huron would one day become
a gem of Geauga County.
12
Today, customers look to Drummond for
precision machined plastic components,
which are generally used when quantity,
material, or
configuration
“Our employees
are not suitable
for molding or
are family. Our
stamping. The
number one priority contaminantfree
is keeping these
environment
people employed.
surrounding
I couldn’t survive
plastics
machining
without a job and
makes
we know that they
Drummond
components
couldn’t, either.”
suitable for
- Paul Spangler Jr.
use in highDrummond Corporation
President
grade medical, instrument and food-grade
applications. Drummond’s extensive
customer base includes several Geauga
companies and serves a variety of industries,
including chemical, medical, automation,
and defense.
Product quality, on-time delivery,
engineering services, and competitive
pricing are Drummond’s hallmarks. To
ensure product quality and optimal
turnaround times, the company relies on
high speeds and accuracies of state-ofthe-art computer numerical control (CNC)
lathes and machining centers.
In addition, Drummond offers plastic
laser-engraving services. From engraving
customer logos to part marking—of
information like date codes, manufacturer
identification codes, and part size—the
fabricator works closely with its customers
to meet specifications.
Thicker Than Water
Paul Spangler Sr. built his new business
while keeping his position at ETC, Inc. During
the first five years of Drummond’s existence,
he continued to function as an industrial
engineering consultant in the design and
manufacture of plastic-related components.
Spangler Sr.’s business approach shaped
his legacy for future decades. Since
Drummond’s inception, the privately owned
company has relied on lean manufacturing
practices and slow, steady growth without
the help of external financing.
As Drummond grew, the Spangler family
grew. Paul’s wife Joan, a Russell Fire-Rescue
paramedic and the school nurse at West
Geauga Junior High, helped out at the
family business on nights and weekends, as
did the couple’s four children. After 25 years
at West Geauga, Joan retired in 1997 and
began working full time at Drummond. She
retired in January 2014.
Paul Spangler Jr., Drummond Corporation’s
current president, was just 14 years old
when he began working part-time at his
parents’ company. He never imagined that
he would follow in his father’s footsteps and
take over the family business, though he
was already an entrepreneur at the ripe age
of 12. The ambitious sixth grader launched
a grass-cutting business, eventually earning
enough money to buy a used tractor. When
the snow came—as it inevitably does in
Geauga County—he expanded his business,
adding a plow. Next came a four-wheel drive
truck, and by the time he was 16, Spangler
had 22 customers. In his spare time, he
followed his mother’s lead and became a
volunteer fireman and dispatcher for the
Russell Fire-Rescue Department.
In 1986, the company incorporated
as Drummond Corporation, moved to
Newbury Industrial Park, and rented 1600
square feet of space. An additional 1600
square feet was rented three years later.
Ready to make the move from tenants
to owners, in 1992, Paul Sr. and Joan
purchased 2.4 acres of land in Burton
Township’s Berkshire Industrial Parkway
and built a new 6000-square-foot
manufacturing facility. The family business
continued to grow, as did the family. Eric
Hammonds met Paul Spangler’s youngest
sister, Linda, when the two were enrolled
at Kent State University. After Hammonds
graduated and the couple married,
he worked for the Cole key division of
American Consumer Products, a Solonbased hardware goods manufacturer. While
he honed his marketing and engineering
skills, the Spangler family business
continued to expand.
“Meanwhile, Paul was seeing a lot of growth
here. I think his dad had his eye on me for a
while. He made his offer to all the sons-inlaw; I was the brave one to step forward,”
jokes Hammonds, Drummond Corporation
vice president.
The year 1986 was significant for Spangler.
He graduated from college, married his
wife Bonnie, and committed himself
whole-heartedly to Drummond. “That’s
when I had to make it happen,” he says. “I
became full-time in 1986. My dad went into
engineering consulting, solving everyone’s
problems. I told him I needed help. So, he
phased out of consulting. Our company
was then big enough that he could draw
a salary. When I finally realized this was
life-long, I talked Eric into quitting a stable
management position. I thought, ‘This has
to work or he’s not going to be real happy
with me, and neither is my sister.’ It was the
best thing we ever did.”
“I came here hoping to help with the
marketing end of things, but I was also
pretty mechanical,” says Hammonds. “It
was a big adjustment. I had to learn all
about CNC machining and programming.
I learned everything I could and passed it
along to new employees.”
Sadly, Paul Spangler Sr. passed away in
November 2009 at the age of 69. It was
now up to Paul Jr., Joan and Eric to carry on
the family business.
Geauga Business Benefits
Purchasing land in Geauga County proved
to be a wise investment for the Spangler
family. With room to grow, the company’s
building footprint kept pace with its
steady business expansion. Additional
manufacturing space was added on in
2001, doubling the production facility
to 10,000 square feet. Besides space
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
advantages, Spangler appreciates the
additional perks of his company’s Burton
location.
“Obviously, when we bought, the land was
very reasonable,” he says. “That was a while
ago but it is still reasonable compared to
areas closer to town. We feel we have the
best of both worlds. We’re close enough
to the freeway and downtown—a lot of
our material suppliers are from Greater
Cleveland—and we’re far enough away
that we don’t have to deal with the traffic
and high taxes. Honestly, one of the biggest
things that drew us out here was the rural
setting and the lack of hustle and bustle.
The traffic is a huge factor. It’s really nice on
those snowy nights. Instead of taking hours
to get home from downtown Cleveland,
we might add a few minutes to our drive.”
The Burton locale is ideal for most of
Drummond’s employees as well. One half
of the company’s 16 employees—including
Spangler and Hammonds—are Geauga
County residents. Many of the rest reside
in Portage County. Another benefit of the
company’s location is its proximity to two
trade schools.
“We’ve been fortunate—we’re right
between Auburn Career Center (Concord)
and Maplewood Career Center (Ravenna),”
says Spangler. “We work in partnership with
them. We’ve had class tours for vocational
students to show them what it’s like once
they finish their studies.”
Hammonds, who has conducted mock
interviews with students at Auburn Career
Center, adds, “It’s nice to get out and see
what they’re teaching the kids. Interviewing
helps the students interact with someone
in the business community and allows us
to review some of their curriculum.”
Over the years, Hammonds and Spangler
have met with students and staff at the
career centers. They advise instructors
on the specifics of what employers are
seeking. By letting the training centers
know what specific job skills and qualities
are in demand, students become
much more employable. In fact, many
Drummond employees completed work
study programs through the vocational
schools before they were eventually hired.
Spangler and Hammonds are more than
happy to lend their combined expertise
to the career centers. After all, investing
in and valuing employees—current and
future—are key
philosophies
at Drummond.
To offset
worldwide
competition,
Spangler vows
to invest in his
most valuable
resource: his
employees.
“We are looking
for long-term
stability and we
feel this is a nice
place to do that.”
- Eric Hammonds
Drummond Corporation
Vice President
“Our employees are family,” says Spangler.
“Our number one priority is keeping these
people employed. I couldn’t survive without
a job and we know that they couldn’t either.
We have never had to lay off a full-time
employee for lack of work, and we’ve had
some tough times. We have a responsibility
to treat them as family. On the flip side, family
can be demanding of family. We expect
nothing but the finest out of our employees.”
In addition to its partnership with local
career centers, Drummond has worked with
Geauga County job placement services and
hired some employees through Geauga
County Job and Family Services.
“I’m not looking to employ as many people
as General Motors,” says Spangler of his
future hiring plans. “We need to be at a size
where we can stick to the fundamentals
that we started with: highest product
quality, on-time delivery, and making it
personal. And, making a profit allows us to
continue making capital improvements. We
are not here to be silent partners. We want
to be actively involved and make sure we
stay on course.”
“We really try to look at the long term,”
adds Hammonds. “We reinvest a lot in new
equipment. We are looking for long-term
stability and we feel this is a nice place to
do that.”
When asked what Drummond Corporation
excels in, Hammonds cites customer service
and on-time delivery. “We treat our customers
the same way we treat our employees, like an
extension of us,” he says. “They are part of the
family, too. It’s a two-way street. We don’t exist
without each other.”
For your machined plastic part needs,
contact Drummond Corporation at (440)
834-9660 or drummondcorp@sbcglobal.
net. Or visit www.drummondcorp.com.
13
SLEEP
APNEA:
A SERIOUS
MEDICAL
CONDITION
by Margie Wilber
Do you or a love one snore, wake up
periodically through the night choking or
gasping for breath, have difficulty falling or
staying asleep, or feel fatigued throughout
the day? Don’t ignore these warning
signs. These are symptoms of a potentially
life-threatening disorder called sleep
apnea, and if left untreated, individuals
with this medical condition are at greater
risk of a heart attack, stroke, hypertension
and even death, warns Anthony DiMarco,
M.D., a leading sleep specialist doctor from
Geauga County.
14
who are overweight or obese, but sleep
apnea can occur in people who are at their
ideal weight, as well. Proper treatment can
provide dramatic relief from symptoms,
including feeling more energized and help
people enjoy a better night of sleep.”
The Sleep Disorders Center in Geauga
County is located at 100 Seventh Avenue,
Suite 225, Chardon, Ohio. Other Sleep
Disorders Centers are located at 1611 South
Green Road in South Euclid and 32901
Station Street, Suite 108 in Solon.
The Center for Disease Control has called
insufficient sleep a public health epidemic.
Studies estimate that 100 million people
worldwide have sleep apnea, of which 80
percent remain undiagnosed.
Dr. DiMarco says despite the tremendous
strides being made in the diagnoses and
treatment of various forms of sleep apnea,
many people are unaware of the deadly
consequences if this condition goes
untreated.
“Sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder
that restricts breathing during sleep,
particularly in the important REM sleep
stage. Feeling fatigued or tired during the
day and/or snoring are major indicators
of sleep apnea,” explains Dr. DiMarco,
Director of the Sleep Disorders Center and
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehab
at Case Western Reserve University. “The
disorder is commonly seen in individuals
“I want to raise awareness of the disorder
and let people know there are effective
treatments. Individuals who suffer from
sleep apnea are at risk of heart attack, stroke,
hypertension, Type II diabetes, depression,
and heart failure,” warns Dr. DiMarco. “They
are also at much higher risk of vehicular
accidents and work-related accidents
because of their inability to get quality sleep.”
Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring,
chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness,
morning headaches, loss of concentration,
memory loss, restless sleep, frequent
urination at night, and waking up choking.
According to Dr. DiMarco, there are more
than 70 different sleep disorders generally
characteristic of a lack of sleep (insomnia),
disturbed sleep (sleep apnea), or excessive
sleep (narcolepsy). The average adult
needs seven to eight hours of sleep per
night, and as people age, it is estimated
that about 50 percent of adults over 65
have some sort of sleep disorder, even if
mild. The most common types of sleep
disorders and syndromes include:
•
•
Obstructive Sleep apnea–a disorder
characterized by cessation of breathing
throughout the night as a result of partial
or complete blockage of the airway.
Insomnia– several disorders
characterized by the inability to
fall asleep or stay asleep. There are
multiple causes including emotional
stress, underlying medical disease or
depression.
“I want to raise awareness
of the disorder and let
people know there are
effective treatments.”
-
•
•
Dr. Anthony DiMarco, Director of the Sleep
Disorders Center and Professor of Physical
Medicine and Rehab at Case Western
Reserve University
Narcolepsy–a disorder which causes
people to feel drowsy or sleepy
during the day. This disorder causes
an abnormal sleep pattern in which
cycling during the normal sleep stages
does not occur and REM sleep occurs
prematurely. It may be genetic but may
be also be related to other neurological
disorders.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) – a person
has an uncomfortable or unpleasant sensation in their legs while lying down,
causing an irresistible urge to move
their legs. This disorder may interfere
with sleep resulting in insomnia.
Sleep apnea affects approximately 30
million people in the United States. The
most common form is obstructive sleep
apnea or OSA. While it is estimated that
one out of every two Americans suffer from
some form of sleep disorder, approximately
84 percent of sufferers have OSA. With this
condition, a person’s breathing stops and
starts during sleep because the airway is
either narrowed or completely blocked. The
cessation of airflow typically occurs for 10
seconds or more, on and off, perhaps more
than 100 times during the night.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
“Most people are completely unaware of
the disorder as it occurs during sleep. Often
times, a bed partner will be the first to
alert an individual of abnormal breathing
during sleep. Importantly, the impact sleep
disorders have on overall health is also not
recognized,” Dr. DiMarco explains. “People
who are sleep deprived have difficulty
performing even basic tasks, putting them
at high risk for accidents. Longer term, they
are at risk of coronary artery disease, stroke,
hypertension, and a shortened life span. “
He encourages individuals who believe
they may have sleep apnea or another sleep
disorder to schedule an appointment at
the Geauga Sleep Center, located at 100
Seventh Street, Suite 225 (Eltech Building) in
Chardon. The Geauga Sleep Center opened
in November 2000 and is an independently
owned facility providing diagnosis and
treatment for all sleep disorders. Physician
referrals are not necessary.
Dr. DiMarco says the cost of testing and
treatment at the Geauga Sleep Center is
significantly lower than hospital-operated
sleep centers. The Geauga Sleep Center is
accredited by the American Academy of
Sleep Medicine, which sets high standards
for patient care.
At the Geauga Sleep Center, a sleep study,
or polysomnography, is used to diagnosis
or rule out sleep apnea or other sleep
disorders. Geauga Sleep Center has four,
spacious bedrooms, each equipped with
a full-size bed and a standard mattress for
patient comfort. The rooms are soothingly
decorated to resemble a home bedroom
with comforters, space heaters, and
comfortable pillows.
“Other sleep centers typically provide only
a thin, twin mattress in a sterile, medical
environment where patients find it difficult
to fall asleep,” Dr. DiMarco explains. “Patients
at Geauga Sleep Center are often surprised
at the level of comfort and home-like
environment. We want to provide a relaxing
environment where patients can replicate
the sleep they achieve at home.”
Patients generally arrive between 9:30 to 10
p.m. and are hooked up to electrodes and
sensors which monitor their brain waves, chest
movements, cardiac rhythm, eye movements,
and oxygen levels while they sleep.
A second sleep study may be necessary days
later to determine the appropriate therapy
for their specific disorder. The Geauga Sleep
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 6
15
SLEEP
APNEA
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5
Center operates seven days a week, day
(for those who work shifts) or night to
accommodate every individual. “The cost
of a sleep study is approximately $1,800
with insurance reimbursements averaging
$500 to $600. Compare that to the typical
hospital cost of $5,000 to $7,000, and you
see why our facility is so attractive,” Dr.
DiMarco states.
In addition to diagnostic testing and
prescribing specific therapy tailored to
the individual, Dr. DiMarco provides close
follow-up care to achieve optimal results at
the Geauga Sleep Center.
Treatment of sleep apnea can help patients
achieve a good night’s sleep, feel more
refreshed in the morning, have less daytime
sleepiness, and reduce the health risks
associated with the disorder.
Dr. DiMarco says the most common
treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP
(continuous positive airway pressure) or a
BiPAP (bi-level positive pressure) machine.
This device is worn by the patient while he/
she sleeps to prevent cessation of breathing
during sleep. CPAP treats OSA by applying
positive airwave pressure through a nasal
16
mask. This positive pressure acts as a
pneumatic splint to hold the upper airway
open, and prohibits the airway from collapsing
– ensuring normal air flow during sleep. The
recommended level of pressure is determined
for each patient during a sleep study.
Dr. DiMarco is an attending physician at
University Hospitals/Geauga Medical Center,
Lake Hospital Systems and Bedford Medical
Center. He is a former Chief of Staff at UH
Geauga Medical Center and past president of
the Geauga County Medical Society.
Positive pressure devices are not the only
therapy for sleep apnea. Individuals who
have trouble with CPAP therapy can try
other options, such as oral appliances or
nasal valves. In some cases, supplemental
oxygen may be necessary to help ensure
the body gets enough oxygen during
sleep. In special cases, medications may
also be necessary to reverse daytime
sleepiness.
Dr. DiMarco earned his Medical Degree
from Tufts University School of Medicine
in Boston, MA. He was a Clinical Fellow in
Pulmonary/Sleep Division at Case Western
Reserve University and is a Professor in
the Department of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation and Physiology at CWRU.
Dr. DiMarco has spent his extensive career
studying pulmonary care, critical care and
sleep medicine. Nationally recognized for
his research and published work on sleeping
disorders, Dr. DiMarco is licensed by the State
Medical Board of Ohio and a Diplomate in
Pulmonary Diseases with the American Board
of Internal Medicine. In 2003, he earned his
certification with the American Academy of
Sleep Medicine and certification with the
American Board of Medical Specialties in 2012.
“If you are experiencing any symptoms
of sleep apnea, it is extremely important
to discuss the condition with your doctor.
An appointment can be made at the
Geauga Sleep Center; a physician referral
is not necessary,”
Dr. DiMarco concludes. “By detecting
and treating sleep apnea early, a myriad
of cardiovascular diseases and other serious
health conditions can be prevented
or decreased.”
For more information on the Geauga Sleep
Disorders Center, please call 440.285.9598 or
toll free at 888.285.9598. It could save your life.
WRITE 2 THE POINT
RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
This year, Graphic Design USA received more
than 8,000 entries from across the country. A
highly select 15 percent were recognized with
a Certificate of Excellence.
Write 2 the Point, a full-service marketing and
public relations firm based in Geauga County,
won a 2014 American Graphic Design Award
through Graphic Design USA recently for
Network, a magazine produced by the Sisters
of Notre Dame, Chardon Province.
For five decades, Graphic Design USA has
sponsored design competitions that spotlight
areas of excellence and opportunity for
creative professionals. GDUSA’s American
Graphic Design Awards is the biggest and
broadest of these, open to everyone in the
community: advertising agencies, graphic
design firms, corporations, associations,
universities, government, publishers and
more. It honors outstanding work of all
kinds and across all media.
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“The writing, design and production of
Network is truly a collaborative effort,
starting with Sister Margaret Gorman, SND,
Provision Superior of the Sisters of Notre
Dame, Chardon. Dena Adler, Director of
Advancement for the Sisters of Notre Dame,
serves as editor of Network and provides
excellent direction and creative input
throughout the production process. Ellen
Seguin, of Write 2 the Point, serves as the
publication designer. She is, quite simply,
excellent, and we’re fortunate to have her
amazing talents and creativity as part of our
team,” Wilber says.
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Margie Wilber, president of Write 2 the Point,
says she is thrilled to receive recognition on
the national platform.
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Network is written and designed by Write
2 the Point, and printed by POV Print
Communications of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Network is published three times a year and
distributed to a mailing list that exceeds
14,000. The attractive, four-color magazine
reports on the many diverse missions of
the Sisters of Notre Dame locally as well as
throughout the globe.
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For more information on Write 2 the Point,
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GEAUGA BUSINESS
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Answering the
Call to Serve in
Prison Ministry
ALSO INSIDE:
Prayer Shawl Ministry:
Wrapping the Suffering
in Comfort & Prayer
60th Anniversary
of Julie Billiart School
65th Anniversary of
the Missions in India
“ I was in prison
and you visited me..”.
(Matt 25:36)
17
Mark Miller, co-owner of Perfect Occasion
Perfect Occasion
Costume
and Magic
Emporium
– One
Tricky
Business
by Margie Wilber
Have you ever wanted to be Bill Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger,
or George W. Bush? Or perhaps a French maid, the Cowardly
Lion, Tin Man, or Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, or a superhero
like Spiderman, Superman or Wonder Woman? You can become
any one of these or a host of other characters, personalities and
superheroes by stopping in Perfect Occasion Costumes and Magic
Emporium, next door to the Olde Towne Grille, at 15918 West High
Street in Middlefield.
Perfect Occasion is owned and operated by Mark and Debra Miller,
of Champion, Ohio. A graduate of St. John College in St. Augustine,
Florida, Mark first tried his hand at magic while working as an
operation specialist in the U.S. Navy. “In the Navy, I basically served as
an air traffic controller and radar navigator on an aircraft carrier from
1993 to 1997. I traveled around Europe twice and spent a great deal
of time on the seas.”
However, it wasn’t until he ventured into a magic shop at Mardi
Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana while on leave in the Navy that he
became fascinated with magic.
“After I visited this magic shop, I bought a lot of books and VHS tapes
on magic and spent my off time in the service studying card tricks,
sleight-of-hand and other magician tricks and techniques.”
When his tour of duty was complete, Mark worked in a magic shop
and bartended while attending college in Florida.
The self-taught magician’s life took another twist while attending a
workshop in Mentor, Ohio as a guest lecturer. “Debra was teaching
clowning. Her clown stage name is Spitunia. I saw her in full
costume and fell instantly in love – sight unseen,” recalls
Mark with a laugh. After a few years of maintaining a
long-distance relationship, they decided to marry and
merge their talents under one roof – well, two roofs.
The couple owns another Perfect Occasions Costume
and Magic Emporium in Champion.
Debra/Spitunia has been clowning since 1980.
“How I stumbled into clowning is a silly story. In
the mid-70s, an older friend had hired a clown to
celebrate her child’s first birthday. The clown never
showed up. Instead, I rummaged through her closet
and found an outlandish costume to wear. I had
a ball, and people started calling me when they
needed a clown,” reminisces Debra.
18
The non-stop performer has won several
awards for skits, face and body art, and
costume design. She is an accomplished
seamstress, illustrator, and performer.
Debra has performed in Canada and
several states across the U.S. Among her
other talents are games, stories, party
planning, wedding planning, make-up
application, and theatre. Debra also directs
a traveling puppet and performance troop.
“My wife is absolutely amazing, and
multi-talented,” exclaims Mark. “Debra
just finished making costumes and doing
makeup for a soon-to-be-released movie,
‘Myth from Legends – The Last Knight,’
by Hollabaugh Films,” says Mark. “The list
goes on. She wrote and illustrated a book,
‘Grandpa Popsicle’, available for purchase
through local bookstores. She sings in
a popular singing group, The Ray Rea’s,
who perform throughout northeast Ohio.
Debra frequently teams up with me for
events doing clowning, ballooning and
face painting.”
“I enjoy singing the most. That is my
passion,” admits Debra. The Ray Rea’s
perform at family events like reunions,
anniversary parties and weddings as well
as at community events, nursing homes,
American Legion/VFW halls, etc. “We sing
songs from the 1950s that will take you
down memory lane to the present. We do
not perform in bars,” she adds.
Tracy Hall, of Middlefield, is one of their
satisfied customers. “I rent costumes from
Perfect Occasion every year. Let’s see – I’ve
been a pirate, correction officer, Victorian
bar maid and bumblebee. They have a great
selection and provide excellent customer
service,” says Hall. “I wouldn’t go anywhere
else for a costume.”
Perfect Occasion has more than 20,000
costumes available for rent including
time-period clothing, political figures, and
popular television and movie characters
such as Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, Adams
Family, and Flintstones. “Zombies and
vampires are really big now along with
Disney’s Frozen characters,” Mark says.
Children’s costumes range in price from
$9 to $20 to rent and adult costumes, $25
to $45 depending on the quality desired.
A discount is available for rentals of five
or more costumes. Perfect Occasion is
also happy to design and create mascot
costumes for businesses, organizations
and schools. “We can make any costume
needed. We even made a tooth for a dental
office,” adds the passionate business owner.
This fall, Perfect Occasion will be featured
on a reality show featuring Chardon’s Polka
Kings. “My wife and I also do a lot of work for
the Shriners and their hospitals,” adds Mark.
“I love what I do. I love entertaining,”
Mark insists. “I am known throughout the
“I rent costumes from
Perfect Occasion
every year. Let’s see
– I’ve been a pirate,
correction officer,
Victorian bar maid
and bumblebee. They
have a great selection
and provide excellent
customer service,”
- Tracy Hall, of Middlefield
country’s
lecture
circuit for
my magic
skills and
have spoken
on magic in
Columbus,
Cincinnati,
Tennessee,
Pennsylvania,
Los Angeles
and even
Japan. Debra
and I are
good at
what we do.
“There is so much yuck in the world. It
is great to make people smile and laugh.
Debra and I have fun. I consider myself very
fortunate to love what I do. I couldn’t think
of anything better to do with my life.”
The successful businessman concludes, “I
don’t gauge success by how much money I
put in my pocket but by satisfied customers.
We are a luxury business in a one-horse
town. To sustain a living here for more than
15 years is a success to me.”
For more information on Perfect Occasions
Costume and Magic Emporium, please
call 440.632.1147. For story time with
puppets, contact Debra at 234.806.4166 or
440.781.9875.
This Halloween, the Millers decided to turn
their Middlefield storefront into a medieval
castle to attract attention and,
hopefully, more business.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
19
RAVENWOOD Launches
Same-Day
Access to Mental Health Care
by Margie Wilber
Understanding the scope of mental illness
in the United States is the first step in
understanding its effect in the workplace,
in homes, and in our communities
throughout Geauga County.
Mental disorders are common throughout
the United States affecting tens of millions
of people each year, according to the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Terms such as anxiety disorders, bipolar
disorder, borderline personality disorder,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
schizophrenia, panic disorder, phobias,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, and
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) have become almost as common
as the names of board games or television
shows. In 2012, there were an estimated
9.6 million adults age 18 and older in
the U.S. with Serious Mental Illness (SMI),
representing 4.1 percent of all U.S. adults.
This included mood, anxiety, eating,
impulse control, substance use, and
adjustment disorders.
In addition, mental disorders among
children are not only common but on the
rise in the U.S. More than 20 percent or one
in five children either currently, or at some
point during their life, have had a seriously
debilitating mental disorder.
20
Geauga County businesses and residents
can breathe a sigh of relief. Ravenwood
Mental Health Center is now offering SameDay Access to mental health care for all
Geauga County residents and neighboring
communities. Traditionally, scheduling an
appointment for mental health services
could take two weeks to months locally
and throughout the country – prolonging
treatment and leaving businesses and
families to struggle with mental health
problems alone.
Vicki Clark, chief executive officer of
Ravenwood, says, “Deanna Brant, chief
operating officer of intensive services at
Ravenwood, and I attended a workshop in
Columbus on same-day access to mental
health care. At the time, Ravenwood had
a significant waiting list – often several
weeks. Our current delivery model was not
working for our patients and us. We both
agreed the Same-Day Access model would
be a perfect fit for our community.”
Today, people in need of mental health
services can call or visit Ravenwood Mental
Health Center before 2 p.m. Monday through
Thursday and be seen that day by an intake
specialist or outpatient clinician. Individuals
arriving after 2 p.m. are seen the next day
if requested. At this first meeting, formal
treatment is initiated. Patients leave with an
initial diagnostic assessment, treatment plan,
and at least one skill to help them cope. A
first appointment for ongoing counseling
will be initiated within seven days of that first
meeting in most situations.
She says it is critical patients feel treatment
has begun on the first visit. “The goal of
Same-Day Access is simple. When someone
needs help – whether for an addiction
problem or some mental health problem –
they need help now. That is when we want
to see them –when they are engaged and
in the moment. Oftentimes, if a week or two
has passed, appointment cancellations or
no-shows skyrocket,” Clark explains.
“Same-Day Access is separate from
crisis intervention,” adds Brant. “People
experiencing a crisis will typically be seen
within 15 minutes of entering our facility.”
Brant directly oversees intake scheduling for
Same-Day Access. “My goal in life is to help
people who are suffering. At Ravenwood,
we are supporting a quality of life that, with
treatment, can be much better, productive
and happy. While sometimes there may be
no cure, there is hope.”
Clark concurs, “We get to see progress
– more than people may think. I believe
Same-Day Access to mental health care
is the coming state-of-the-art. I’ve seen a
huge increase in need for mental health
services in Geauga County. In the past
15 years, Ravenwood’s caseload has
tripled. Part of this growth is due to more
sophisticated services being offered here.
There is also a huge increase in demand for
children and adolescent services and much
more intensive services.” Since launching
same-day access, Ravenwood staff are
seeing on average 20 new clients a week.
“ MY GOAL IN LIFE IS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING.
AT RAVENWOOD, WE ARE SUPPORTING A QUALITY OF
LIFE THAT, WITH TREATMENT, CAN BE MUCH BETTER,
PRODUCTIVE AND HAPPY.”
- Vicki Clark, chief executive officer of Ravenwood
“Immediate access to care is a critical
element of recovery from mental illness,
trauma and addiction-related issues,” Clark
explains. “Same-Day Access is fully up and
running. We believe this will make treatment
readily available to those most in need.”
While the demand for
psychiatric services tops
the list, counseling follows
for all ages and every
diagnosis – depression,
anxiety disorders, mood
disorders, personality
disorders, bipolar disorders,
schizophrenia, etc.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 40
million Americans each year, or 18 percent,
suffer from an anxiety disorder. Under
recognized and under treated, more than
six million men alone have depression each
year, and left untreated, depression can lead
Ravenwood Mental Health Center’s Intake Specialist
Patricia Spadaro meets with a client at Ravenwood.
to personal, family and financial troubles.
Approximately 11 percent of adolescents
have a depressive disorder by age 18. Girls
are more likely than boys to experience
depression. According to the World Health
Organization, major depressive disorder
is the leading cause of disability among
Americans age 15 to 44. Depression can
also increase a person’s risk for heart disease,
diabetes and other diseases. Thankfully, with
appropriate treatment, most people with
depression recover.
Victor Matthews, founder of the local affiliate
of National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
and current administrator of the Family Life
Intervention Program under Judge Timothy
Grendell, Juvenile/Probate, describes, “It
used to be frustrating to deal with the onset
of mental illness because you couldn’t get
immediate access to help. It was frustrating
and frightening for families who worried
their loved ones might die or end up on the
wrong side of the law. It is imperative to start
the healing process immediately.”
Matthews recognizes that mental illness
still has a negative stigma in society. “What
people don’t realize is that one in five
families are impacted by mental illness,
according to NAMI. I am a strong advocate
and cannot say enough about the need for
immediate access to treatment. All I can say
is treatment works.”
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 2
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
21
Ravenwood Launches
Same-Day
Access to Mental Health Care
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1
A former board member for the Geauga
Board of Mental Health & Recovery
Services, Matthew also serves as a part-time
fireman with Russell Township. “It used to
take six to nine months to get an mental
health assessment done. Thanks to the
work of myself and Judge Grendell, we
have gotten it down to two to three weeks
in Geauga County. Judge Grendell is very
compassionate and a strong believer in the
merits of family unity. He backs his words
up with action.”
communities in order to maximize the
autonomy, independence and quality of life
of recipients of their services.
The courts often refer individuals and
families to Ravenwood for help, in some
cases, making participation in their
programs mandatory.
•
According to Chardon Municipal Court
Judge Terri Stupica, approximately 25 to 50
percent of people who appear before her
in court have a legitimate mental health
issue. In fact, more than 85 percent of
substance-abuse cases that she presides
over have underlying mental health issues
that need to be addressed.
•
“On any given day, I refer someone to
Ravenwood Mental Health Center for a
mental health assessment or treatment. In
particular, Ravenwood staff can work with
dual diagnosis because often alcohol and
drug use are involved. We have a great
working relationship.”
Judge Stupica says that while her position
affords her immediate access to mental
health services for court-appointed
treatment, the new Same-Day Access
program is great news for individuals and
families who need immediate mental
health services for themselves or lovedones. “Same-day Access is incredible. It
is such an important new aspect to an
already great program.”
Ravenwood Mental Health Center provides
high-quality, comprehensive, communitybased behavioral health services to residents
of Geauga County and surrounding
22
Ravenwood services include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mental health assessment and
counseling
Outpatient psychiatric care
Specialized counseling services for
victims of sexual abuse
Offense-specific treatment for
adjudicated sex offenders
Community psychiatric supportive
services
Partial hospitalization services for
children and adults
Employment/vocational services for
adults
Residential support
24/7 crisis intervention and hotline
Dual diagnosis and drug & alcohol
counseling services
Drug & alcohol prevention and outreach
services
Youth and adult residential services
Social/recreational services for adults
Specialized programming for the Amish
Geauga community
ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
for severely and persistently mentally ill
adults
Intensive home-based treatment for
families
Transitional Living Center for adults
Parenting skills
Group therapy
“The goal is often improved quality of life
– for the patient and the family,” Clark insists.
Clark has more than 30 years of experience
in the Human Services and Mental Health
Care field. Clark earned a B.A. in Psychology
and a M.ED. in Mental Health Counseling/
Counselor from Kent State University. She
is a licensed professional clinic counselor
with supervisory endorsement. She began
her career with Ravenwood as the Director
of the Sex Abuse Treatment program, later
acquiring additional positions of Director
of Emergency Services, Drug and Alcohol
Treatment, and Mental Health Treatment.
She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer
in 1989 and Chief Executive Officer in 2012.
Clark concludes, “Every aspect of a
community is affected by mental illness.
Businesses, in particular, see increases in
their health care costs and an inability to
find reliable, efficient workers due to mental
illnesses. Whether you are a company
executive, construction worker, doctor or
entrepreneur; whether you are rich or poor –
no one is immune to mental illness.”
She says that many local businesses have
stepped up to help Ravenwood Mental
Health Center through the years. Recently
local businesses contributed their time,
staff, equipment and money to turn
an empty two-acre lot into an outdoor
recreational area at the Geauga Youth
Center. This new recreation center includes
a sand volleyball court, corn hole pits,
fire pit, raised garden beds and a halfbasketball court. The Ravenwood staff
would like to thank the following corporate
donors to the Geauga Youth Center
Recreation Project:
• Arms Trucking
• Fairmount Minerals
• Mentor Lumber
• The Pattie Group
• Ronyak Paving
• Ullman Oil Comany
There is a sliding scale for fees for Geauga
County residents, depending on income
and family size which is funded by the
Geauga County Board of Mental Health
and Recovery Services. Ravenwood accepts
Medicaid, Medicare and most insurances.
For more information on Ravenwood
Mental Health Center’s Same-Day Access
or if you are in need of mental health,
trauma-related and/or addiction-recovery
services, please call our Intake Specialist at
440.285.3568 to request an appointment.
Geauga Medical Center
Emergency Care
Just for Seniors
Older patients now
have a team trained
especially to treat them
Assessment
and Evaluation
A medical emergency can be frightening
for anyone, but for seniors and their
caregivers, there are added challenges
that come with the inevitable physical and
cognitive changes of aging. That’s why
UH Geauga Medical Center has designed
a Senior ER care model to meet the
specialized needs of older adults.
When it comes to heart, lungs, kidney,
liver and other bodily functions, there’s a
big difference between treating someone
at age 40 versus age 80. All UH Geauga
Medical Center nurses are certified in a
continuing education program called
Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem
Elders (NICHE), which provides enhanced
and expanded skills for recognizing and
treating conditions that are unique to
elderly patients.
Once a person is admitted to the Emergency
Department, a Senior ER interdisciplinary
team manages every aspect of care, taking
the person’s pre-existing conditions and
cognitive, functional and nutritional needs
into consideration. “We help put seniors and
their families in touch with key community
resources, and even follow up with patients’
primary care physicians to relay important
information and make them aware of any
issues,” says Denise Griffin, RN, BSN, nursing
accreditation and geriatric coordinator at UH
Geauga Medical Center.
UH Geauga Medical Center
has put a program in place for
seniors experiencing frequent
falls, memory lapses, depression
or difficulty managing home life.
The Senior Adult Assessment
Program includes a comprehensive
assessment and home-safety
evaluation with a skilled and
caring team, including a physician,
a psychiatrist, an occupational
therapist, a physical therapist, a
As a result of Senior ER, older patients
are more likely to enjoy a reduced
length of stay and a decreased chance
of readmission. “Our goal is to meet the
acute needs that prompted the Emergency
Department visit,” Griffin says, “but also
address their overall health.”
pharmacist and a social worker.
“We identify special health care
needs and provide personalized
recommendations to help ensure
a safe future for them,” says Denise
Griffin, RN, BSN, nursing accreditation
and geriatric coordinator at UH
DON’T WAIT FOR AN EMERGENCY
Geauga Medical Center.
To learn more about specialized care for seniors available at
UH Geauga Medical Center, call 440-285-7757 today.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
23
CCM RENTAL
FOR BUSINESS, PARTY OR OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT RENTAL NEEDS
by Rebekah Maples
Shawn Dolan, vice president of CCM Rental
Ten minutes. That’s all it takes to rent a
dance floor, bull dozer, excavator, a bounce
house, slushy and popcorn machines,
canopy tents, or any of the more than 475
other products CCM Rental offers.
The third-generation business that began
in 1971 with a couple of plumbing snakes
has grown exponentially to offer everything
from party rentals to construction machines
in four locations including Chesterland,
Chardon, Middlefield and Mentor, hence
the company’s title, CCM.
The first store opened in Chesterland,
followed by Chardon in the 1980s,
Middlefield in 1994 and Mentor in 2008.
The mother ship location in Chesterland is
responsible for 56 percent of rentals.
Vice President Shawn Dolan says his
grandfather, who founded the company,
was always an entrepreneurial-type guy
who started small and added more as
needed. Dolan’s father and current owner
24
Tom took over the business for his father
when he passed away and has brought it to
what it is today.
“The only way you’re going to stay ahead
is if you do things the way the customer
expects,” Dolan explains. “Our goal is to
get people in and out of the shop in 10
minutes. Not rush them, but get them the
heck out of there.”
A Forbes.com article states that only about
40% of U.S. family-owned businesses turn
into second-generation businesses; even
fewer—approximately 13%—are passed
down successfully to a third generation.
Not only has CCM survived into its third
generation, the fourth generation of Dolan
men is coming up. Dolan and his wife have
their hands full with four sons ranging in
age from 2 to 10.
Although he doesn’t own the company just
yet, both Dolan and his father say he is the
future of CCM. Dolan knew right off the
bat that he wanted to work for the family
business. He was always at the shop as a
child and would cry if he didn’t get to go in.
He had to maintain good grades or his dad
wouldn’t let him come in that day. Dolan
remembers riding along on deliveries,
sweeping floors and washing machines.
Now he works hard for 10 hours each day
in the Chesterland store answering phones
ringing off the hook from six different
lines, scheduling pickups and deliveries,
taking care of walk-in customers, and most
recently setting up tents again.
Each day brings a new set of challenges and
obstacles, but Dolan tries to keep the hectic
pace hidden from customers so they have a
pleasant experience. It’s a lot of little intricate
stuff that makes things go smoothly.
“They don’t care how quickly the machine
was loaded or that it came in with three
flat tires,” he says. “They care that the truck
driver showed up, was cordial and showed
him how to use it.”
The business is definitely seasonal, as
most people aren’t renting tents, concrete
mixers or bounce houses in winter, but the
colder months still keep Dolan and 10-12
other employees busy. There are winter
mechanics, counter guys and a truck driver
or two working across the four locations.
They rent interior products like tile saws,
floor sanders and floor nailers unless the
winter is on the mild side and then some
outdoor products get rented, too. Even
though all the exterior equipment sat
during northeast Ohio’s brutal winter last
year, the company brought in $2.4 million
across the board in annual sales.
Graduation season starts in early summer
and tapers down after the Fourth of July,
then weddings begin around August and
clambakes and other festivals begin in the
fall and late summer.
“We’re an eight-month-out-of-the-year
business. Strong business,” Dolan says. “We
have a solid eight months where we have
to make a year’s worth of salary, a year’s
worth of repairs, a year’s worth of expenses.
It’s nice, but it falls off quick,” he laughs.
The business also owes much of its success
to repeat customers, word of mouth
and a lot of advertising. Dolan says the
equipment itself actually serves as the best
advertising. He makes a machine display
every morning hoping to attract new
customers. Something as simple as setting
up a tent is also an extremely effective way
to reach the people, says Dolan. “They see
a tent, which is essentially just drying out
from the weekend, and it brings them in.”
CCM has also been moving more toward
online mediums to get their name in front of
people. They send promotions to customers’
cell phones and e-mail blasts announcing
specials. Customers can also save money
the longer they rent an item, as the price
decreases for weekly and monthly rentals.
Dolan says CCM welcomes everyone
and treats its customers in a neighborly
way, offering competitive pricing, with its
delivery being the least expensive among
competitors, hands down. They do a lot of
deliveries and will also move equipment
from one job site to another for a charge.
They might be a touch higher on things
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
“Customers know that at the drop of a
dime, if they need something right away,
we will be there right away for them.”
- Shawn Dolan
that cost more to maintain, but they’re
very competitive and “kill ‘em with
kindness.” CCM Rental raised their rates
this past year, but they hadn’t done so in
six to eight years.
Their clientele is 60 percent businesses
and 40 percent homeowners. There is
definitely something for everyone. Dolan
says they have a lot of good, understanding
customers who help out when they
can. One customer will sometimes take
a machine where it needs to be for the
next customer. “We’ve established great
relationships, and it’s like a big family.
Whatever needs to get done, they do it,”
describes Dolan.
“Customers know that at the drop of a
dime, if they need something right away,
we will be there right away for them,” Dolan
adds. “I don’t care who it is, we try to build
a rapport with every customer.”
The CCM web site links to products for
sale on Craigslist. They sold a lot of their
products last year, including to people
from South Carolina, North Carolina and
Canada. They try to sell everything in
rental-quality condition.
“If I can rent it tomorrow before it sells,”
Dolan says, “I’m going to rent it. It may not
look the best because it’s a rental piece of
equipment, but it will be rental quality and
rental ready. We do not scam people.”
Dolan sees positive growth in the future
for CCM. “The party business is growing
so greatly that there is potential for a
separation between it and equipment
and tools,” considers Dolan. He would also
like to get into more intricate things like a
sewer camera or sewer jets, but it’s difficult
because each store has a different need but
can expand in its own unique way.
CCM Rental rents a lot for the Cleveland
Indians and for events like the St. Anselm
Church festival in Chesterland, which is a
four-day event, and the Lyndhurst Home
Days, a weekend-long festival.
“I see us expanding,” Dolan states. “I just
think expanding at a rate you can control
and where you don’t lose your rapport is key.
I wouldn’t mind another location as long as
we could handle it. That’s the real key to it all.
I don’t want to lose what we have.”
“We’re able to accomplish a lot with a
limited inventory, but it requires us to stay
on top of it,” Dolan says. “It’s amazing what
you can accomplish with just a little bit –
people with heart and drive.”
The focus of this family business is just
that: family. It is about treating people
the way you want to be treated and being
flexible. Dolan says it is about patience and
knowing when to just say, “Let it go.”
When an item is returned, it gets serviced
and washed and is good to go. Dolan
prioritizes for the next day and readies
everything as well as possible.
“We want more customers, and we want it
to be a good experience for everyone,” he
says. “If it’s not, we want to know where we
can improve. That is the name of the game.
The only way you’re going to stay ahead is
if you get ahead.”
Rentals aren’t the only name of the CCM
game. It is also a non-stocking dealer for
everything it rents. If someone is renting
a product and decides he would like to
purchase it, CCM gives him 50 percent of
his rental cost back and puts it toward the
purchase price. In the fall, they look at the
numbers and what has rented well and
decide if it is time to turn the machine over.
25
A lot of people thought Tom Herbruck
was just fooling when he first dreamed
of opening a distillery. After all, he was
only 15 years old. To his disappointment,
the proper state and federal regulatory
agencies told him he wasn’t old enough.
Introducing the local taste of
Tom’s
Foolery
Distillery
By Glen Miller
But, thirty years later that dream has
become a reality, with lots of long hours,
money, research and dedication resulting
in Tom’s Foolery, a fledgling brandy and
whiskey micro-distillery in Bainbridge
Township not far from the Herbrucks’ home.
“We thought the name was appropriate,”
says his wife, Lianne.
By day, Tom is a busy employee benefits
consultant with Arthur J. Gallagher, a
Chicago-area-based global insurance
brokerage and risk management services
firm with offices in Cleveland.
In addition to being a housewife and the
mother of four teenagers, Lianne spends
at least 40 hours a week working at the
small business.
“Tom has always talked about this. So, in
2008, we finally decided to file the proper
paper work and got our state and federal
permits to make this a reality,” adds Lianne.
Yet, Tom decided Northern Ohio weather
isn’t always conducive to wine making.
“It seemed to me I could have the
enjoyment of making crafted product
without the burden and heartache that
can come with having a vineyard in Ohio,”
he says. Instead he chose to
make Applejack, a type of
brandy made from hard
apple cider, purchased
from farmers in Ohio and
parts of Geauga
26
County. Although Tom had basic
knowledge of making Applejack,
in 2009 he and Lianne spent three
weeks in England and the Normandy
region of France learning more about
technical aspects of distilling it. Since
late 2010, the Herbrucks have made a
little more than 3,000 bottles of Tom’s
Foolery Applejack. All sold in state
liquor stores not long after it was put
on the shelves. About 250 gallons
were released and sold last year.
But, the Applejack soon turned out to
be what Tom says was an incubator for
an expanded businesses.
Three years ago, Tom’s Foolery
underwent a major business change
after the Herbrucks met David Beam,
a Kentucky man who owned historical
bourbon distilling equipment formerly
used in a Pennsylvania whiskey
distillery. Beam was getting up in years
and decided he wouldn’t set up the
equipment that had gone unused for
more than 15 years.
“He and his three boys were a bit
choosy about who they would sell it
to and how they would sell it,” explains
Tom. “In our case, I think there was
some good chemistry between us and
David and his sons.”
Tom didn’t intended to expand his
micro-distillery. He was happy only
making Applejack brandy. Yet, he says
he couldn’t pass up the opportunity
to acquire the bourbon-making
equipment at a “very good price.”
Beam, a relative of the Jim Beam, sold
the equipment — a mash cooker,
wooden fermentation tanks, and
copper pot stills — to the Herbrucks
with the understanding he and his
sons could help set it up and teach
Tom and Lianne how to use it.
Tom and Lianne Herbruck, owners of Tom’s Foolery
“With our colder,
longer winters and
more temperate
summers, the
mingling of the spirit
with the wood will be
quite different from
your usual Kentucky
or Tennessee
bourbons,”
But learning
the whiskey
making
process
required
more
training. After
moving and
installing the
equipment in
a renovated
barn in
- Tom Herbruck
Bainbridge
Township,
Tom also located 77-year-old Dick Stoll,
the only man who ran the stills in the
old Pennsylvania distillery. Stoll came in
Bainbridge to show Tom and Lianne how to
make traditional sour-mash bourbon made
from corn, rye, and malted barley. Beam,
who has been to their home several times,
is pleased with the results, says Tom.
“Fortunately, we’ve had some very good
teachers. It’s a lot of work, but we have a lot of
energy, and we love what we are doing, which
helps make it fun,” says Tom. “We are doing
things at a pace that’s manageable for us.”
As Tom’s Foolery grew, Tom decided two years
ago it was time to add an experienced distillery
employee to help Lianne, a former nurse
midwife. More employees will be added with
the with the anticipated opening of a distillery
in Troy Township, where most of the Herbrucks’
equipment is to be relocated, he adds.
“We have plans on the drawing board.
Other than that, we’re taking things slow
so we don’t overwhelm ourselves,” Tom
says. “That way we can concentrate on the
quality of our products.”
Helping make Applejack and bourbon is an
even bigger learning experience for Lianne.
She knew nothing about distilling prior to
2008, although she did help Tom and his
father, Peter Herbruck, crush grapes from
the elder Herbruck’s vineyard while she and
Tom were dating many years ago.
“So, this has all been a bigger learning curve
for me,” says Lianne.
It took “hands-on training” with Tom to
become competent in her new job even
though she delved into her husband’s
private library on distilling and making
alcoholic beverages. The most recent
addition to Tom’s Foolery is the 2013
purchase of a 100-acre Troy Township farm
on Rapids Road near the La Due Reservoir.
The land is being leased to an area farmer.
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
“It’s raw land, so we’re starting from the
bottom up and will have to build every
single piece of it, so it is taking time to
get all the ducks in a row before we can
start,” says Lianne. Some of the property
will continued to be farmed after all the
necessary infrastructure is erected, a process
that hopefully will start this fall followed
by a distillery structure next spring after
financing is arranged, Lianne says.
Plans call for Tom’s Foolery to open in
its new location by late next summer or
early fall 2015. Until then, the Bainbridge
Township location is not open to the public.
Although the Herbrucks intend to sell
bourbon and apple brandy by the bottle,
as a distillery, state law only will allow Tom’s
Foolery to provide quarter-ounce samples
to customers who want to taste the
products before they buy.
This means business for Geauga County
and Ohio farmers. Tom has contracted with
a Troy Township farmer to plant for him
this fall. Unfortunately, he must buy malted
barley which not grown in Ohio, rather the
Midwest or Canada, he adds. The apples or
apple cider for the Applejack come from
Geauga County and elsewhere in Ohio.
The first bourbon is ready for sale this
October after about four years of aging in
nearly 400 oak barrels housed in a specially
built rack house near their County Lane
home. Made of charred oak, each has
Tom’s Foolery, LLC painted on one end
with the percentage of corn, rye and barley
malt written on each. The barrels, most of
which are 53 gallons, and rack house are
a “substantial investment” in the business,
with each barrel costing $200, says Tom.
By law, Tom says bourbon must be aged
in new, charred oak barrels, which means
he has to buy each one. After the bourbon
is made, however, they can be used in the
making of other products, like malt whiskey
and Applejack, he adds.
Unlike the bourbon, the Applejack can
be put in used barrels, such as older
Chardonnay and Cognac barrels the couple
also has acquired, says Tom.
Like most Southern distilleries, the rack
house is not temperature controlled. This
allows for seasonal temperature variations
that create expansion and contraction in the
oak barrels. The end result is “good brandy”
because of a complex reaction between
the wood and liquor that helps give it flavor
during the aging process, Tom explains.
He is interested to learn how Northeast
Ohio weather will affect the first batch of
bourbon this fall. “With our colder, longer
winters and more temperate summers, the
mingling of the spirit with the wood will be
quite different from your usual Kentucky or
Tennessee bourbons,” he adds.
The Herbrucks say they want Tom’s Foolery
to remain a small distillery, although they
feel the new location will create more
business and interest in their two products.
Several restaurants, especially good local
establishments offering better wines and
alcoholic beverages with carefully prepared
meals, have interest in Herbruck’s two products.
“Those emphasizing local products know
we make hand-crafted local Applejack and
bourbon, and know we are one of the few
in the area making handcrafted, authentic
spirits,” Tom says.
While increased sales of the bottled products
is their main goal, the Herbrucks say sales are
secondary to producing quality products.
Customers who cannot find Tom’s Foolery
Applejack or bourbon at a state liquor store,
wine store or a Giant Eagle can ask store
managers to order it.
Stores that carry it in Greater Cleveland are:
Downtown Liquor, 216-579-1313; Giant
Eagle, Legacy Village, 216-920-3300; Giant
Eagle, Solon, 440-248-9923; Minotti’s, Fairview
Park, 440-333-0057; Warren Village Beverage,
216-252-5080; Wine Reserve Aurora, Aurora,
330-562-1850; Wine Reserve, Bainbridge
Township, 440-543-3339; and Zagaras,
Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7917.
For more information, see Tom’s Foolery’s
website at: www.applejackohio.com.
27
A Trail
Map to
the
Future
How a Strategic
Plan Will Direct Us
By Sandy Ward, Geauga Park District
Losing yourself in the parks, in Nature, can be
a welcome escape.
But like any good scout, it usually makes
sense to have a plan of where to go, to
consult a map of the trails ahead.
Consider Geauga Park District’s 2015-25
Strategic Plan, currently in creation, as a trail
map to the future of Geauga County’s parks.
The Park District previously completed
strategic plans in 2006 and 2009, and is now
in the midst of a three-year process that will
set the tone for decision-making and staff
goals for the next decade.
Led by Matt McCue, planning and NRM
manager, the completed plan will serve as a
guide for how Park District policy, operations,
programming and capital improvements can
meet the changing needs of Geauga County
and its residents.
It will also assess and prioritize the county’s
natural resources, including preservation
and protection of its three major watersheds:
those of the Chagrin, Grand and Cuyahoga
rivers.
Previous plans inspired the creation of five
new parks, including Sunnybrook Preserve,
Orchard Hills Park and Observatory Park, and
the construction of Bass Lake Lodge and
camping amenities at Chickagami Park.
28
“A strategic plan is a working document,”
McCue said. “It is not an end in itself, but a
way to organize priorities and objectives for
the future and to help identify strategies to
achieve them.”
Where to begin
Planning kicked off in late 2013 with the
Inventory and Analysis Phase, to gather
information about regional trends affecting
parks, open spaces and outdoor experiences,
and to ensure that the planning process
aligns with both the Park District’s mission
and the needs of county residents.
“We must strike a balance in the natural
resources we manage, our current
commitments as an organization, and our
mission without sacrificing the future,” he
said. “That’s sustainability.”
Internally, McCue assessed the Park District’s
departments, current plans, commitments
and fiscal stewardship. Externally, he
surveyed more than 100 community
leaders, such as township trustees, city
council members — yielding a 40 percent
response rate — and more than 70 leaders
in the education field regarding Park District
programming and natural science education.
McCue continues to assess park facilities and
properties within the park system and study
the 2010 census for county and regional
demographics.
This data will help forecast how
development and demographics may
impact the focus of the Park District over
time — for instance, meeting accessibility
needs for an aging population.
“Another part of this phase will be
conducting community-wide surveys (of
users and non-users), focus groups and
public input meetings,” McCue said.
“Surveys will not only tell us about public
needs, interests, concerns, values and
perceptions, but also identify potential
information gaps, underserved users and
non-users. We want to know what people
may be looking for in their parks.”
The next phase
Once the above objectives are met, the
Assessment and Evaluation phase will
define priorities and goals, gleaned from
research and public input, that may fulfill
identified needs going forward.
Then a final phase will include review,
document development and additional
public input.
The beauty of obtaining public input
throughout the process is that it ensures
the final plan mirrors the desires of the
people being served. It is a proven process,
but it takes time.
“Developing a strategic plan for the next 10
years is no small undertaking, particularly
when your goal is excellence,” McCue said.
“We welcome input as one part of the
process to formulate a plan that will meet
the needs of the county for a long time.”
Find strategic planning updates on the
What’s New page of www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
KELLER WILLIAMS
Greater Cleveland Southeast
Experience the Difference
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yourpaulteam.com |
GEAUGA BUSINESS
Fall 2014
(440) 840-3538
29
Persistence of Vision Communications, Inc.
16715 West Park Circle
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 111
Willoughby, OH
BENEFIT FUNDRAISER HELD FOR A MEN’S
TRANSITIONAL HOUSE IN GEAUGA COUNTY
The non-profit group “Bridges To Discovery, Advocates For Recovery” held an outdoor benefit event
to raise funds for a transitional ¾ house for men in recovery. A transitional home helps an individual
transition from drug and alcohol treatment to independent living in a supervised setting. Sometimes
called ¾ housing, residents benefit from life skills classes and on-site group meetings, and they are held
accountable for their own sobriety..
Money is needed to procure a house, staff it, furnish it, and provide the structured support needed to
walk these final steps to independence. The house will be located in Geauga County, and will serve men
throughout Ohio and neighboring states.
The benefit was held at Chardon Square in downtown Chardon. If you would like to contribute to this
worthwhile venture, please contact (President, Bridges To Discovery) Cheryle at 440-897-8912; Carol at
216-526-4185; or Deirdre at 440-257-2069. All tax-deductible donations will go directly to Bridges To
Discovery, Advocates for Recovery. Please make checks payable to “Bridges To Discovery.” Donations
can also be made at any Charter One Bank location.