Award Winners 2018 and Earlier
2018 On the Road to Success Award Winner
Squad FiftyOne Pet Medical Transportation
Founder: Yalanda Medina
Squad FiftyOne began full operations in April 2016 as the only veterinary medical transport service for pets in Ohio. In 2018, the company saw considerable growth which owner Yaland Medina attributed to mentorship from her Business Advisers of Cleveland mentor.
Squad FiftyOne was the Spring 2017 Winner of Aviatra Accelerator’s $25,000 Business Pitch Competition. Recently the company has expanded operations by adding an ambulance van and new veterinary technician personnel and hired a new territory representative for area veterinary practices. Current plans include adding a permanent presence in Summit County and evaluating outside investment offers for expansion and franchising.
Squad FiftyOne was featured in both the Plain Dealer and The Sun News and has participated in ride-along interviews for local TV news stations including WKYC, WEWS, Fox 8 and Cleveland 19. In 2017, the company was invited to participate in a new reality show about pet ambulance for the National Geographic Channel (NatGeo Wild).
2018 On the Road to Success Award Winner
uBreakifix Founder: John Gnanasekhar
uBreakiFix stores located in South Euclid and Avon repair all electronics including but not limited to cell phones, gaming systems, tablets and computers.
The company has partnered with national and international brands like Samsung, Google, HP Computers and Asurion for in-warranty and out-of-warranty same-day phone and computer repair and enjoys over 950+ five-star Google reviews between both locations. The third location is planned to launch by the end of 2020 in the Strongsville area.
2017 Pinnacle Award Winner
Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank Co-Founders: Judy Payne and Judi Kovach
The mission of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is to foster improved literacy and a love of reading by providing free books to children through collaboration with community partners. Judy Payne and Judi Kovach were active in the Cleveland Little Free Library movement in 2014-2015. They recognized that the need for books in our city was more than Little Free Libraries could address. With passion, drive, and a little luck, the Kids’ Book Bank was formed in 2016 to collect, manage, and distribute tens of thousands of books a month.
Since opening in 2016 the Kids’ Book Bank has distributed more than 3 million free books to kids in Greater Cleveland, reaching 100,000+ children annually through more than 1,300 partner organizations including county agencies, schools, and nonprofits that serve children and families—plus our network of more than 130 Little Free Libraries. More than 8,000 volunteers of all backgrounds including teens, college students, young professionals, families, retirees, and corporate and civic groups have helped sort and box books for distribution.
2013 Pinnacle Award Winner
The Cleveland Storyteller (The Cleveland History Lessons Storyteller) Founder: Dan Ruminski
Dan Ruminski began The Cleveland Storyteller one spring evening in 2008 at the Gates Mills Library by telling stories to 100 people about Cleveland’s history. Motivated by the response to his talk and his passion, Dan continued to research Cleveland history and tell stories, specifically about the families of Millionaires’ Row and their contribution to Cleveland’s greatness during the years 1875-1929.
Dan continues to be a popular corporate event speaker and has helped more than 20 nonprofits produce successful fundraisers. He published his book, Cleveland in the Gilded Age: A Stroll Down Millionaires’ Row, in 2012 and in 2014 released his DVD, Great Estates of Wickliffe.
2011 On the Road to Success Award Winner
Cristiano Print Solutions Founder: Joe Cristiano
When Joe Cristiano of Cristiano Print Solutions decided to started his own printing company in 2007, he already had more than 20 years of experience in the graphic arts industry.
Today his company provides all types of printing services for customers: digital, offset, heatset, web, and large format printing for reports, brochures, and promotional materials. It also offers screen-printing and embroidery on clothing and blankets.
2012 On the Road to Success Award Winner
Patient Computer Help for Grownups Founder: Bruce Corson
Bruce Corson was once a frustrated IT user who now connects, trains and fixes problems for users of computers and wireless networks, specializing in helping people who did not grow up with computers. He also provides networking, online backup, trouble-shooting and training services for small office environments.
Patient Computer Help, Inc. is now a certified member of the Apple Consultants Network, though the company also works in the Windows environment. Bruce and daughter Karen Poccia are the principal service providers at the company, bringing in specialists when needed. They recently opened a second location in Ohio City.
