What to know when a family business takes on a private equity partner

Governance is a big difference for many family-owned businesses when taking on a private equity partner. Private equity funds meet with the management team at least on a quarterly basis to understand performance over the past quarter and also provide guidance for the balance of the fiscal year. Private equity funds will more often than […]

Customer Service Awards 2017

These 24 organizations have demonstrated a commitment to superior customer service and have made a difference in the communities they call home.

Three tips to build a hiring process that attracts diverse talent

As a leader, you’re bound to have seen at least a few pieces of literature outlining the many benefits — financial and otherwise — of diverse teams in the workplace. You probably already know teams that embrace diversity enjoy a distinct competitive advantage over teams that succumb to sameness. But how do you go about […]

Why being delayed is often just what you need

We all lead such busy lives, trying to get to the next appointment or the next meeting. Sometimes, however, what we really need to do is stop, take a breath and live in the moment. I am stuck at the airport. Flight delayed. Most likely will miss my connection. I quietly curse our city’s loss […]

Program is a ray of hope in these turbulent times

Ron Soeder has helped many young people struggling to find their way to get on a better path through his work at Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland. His most recent effort is Pathway to Resilience, a pilot program to provide at-risk teens and young adults with the tools they need to pursue meaningful employment […]

Pathway to Resilience seeks to turn troubled lives into purpose-driven futures

Ambus Shephard has made mistakes. In 2013, 19-year-old Shephard plead guilty to receiving a stolen vehicle, carrying a concealed gun and falsification, then failed to appear in court for sentencing. Standing on the 57th floor of Key Tower and looking out over the city of Cleveland, the 23-year-old reflected on the opportunity he has to […]

Buyers should use the due diligence period to confirm their expectations

Smart buyers and their brokers do their homework to understand as much as they can about their options before setting foot on a property. Walkthroughs offer a chance to inspect for any issues that could affect their occupancy and operating requirements, says Simon Caplan, SIOR, a principal at Cushman & Wakefield/CRESCO Real Estate.

Best practices for a more impactful nonprofit board

While there are no official “best practices” that can be applied universally to every nonprofit, organizations should consider a few basic steps to ensure they stay aligned with their mission and put themselves in a strong position for the future, says Barnes Wendling CPAs’ Steven Dieringer.

A tighter hiring market means companies must up their game

There is and will be talent available in the market, says Donna Snyder, director of talent acquisition at Nesco Resource. However, Snyder says companies that are not differentiating themselves, either in how they market themselves or the position, may struggle to attract the right talent for the job.