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Jay Apple
Generalist |
Jay Apple is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded TenantMagic. TenantMagic.net is an online residential rental application management system that provides the most comprehensive background screening reports available. TenantMagic is free to agents, property managers and landlords. In addition, Jay has extensive experience in operations management, market development and strategy implementation SMBs. He also focuses on integrating new technology with existing businesses to significantly improve efficiency with minimal disruption to operations, policy and procedure development, process improvement and digital applications specifically in web and mobile. His previous experience includes management consulting for Fortune 50 companies. Jay is actively involved in mentoring entrepreneurs and college students. |
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Victoria Avi
Generalist |
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Lynn Buchinsky
Staff |
Lynn Buchinsky is an entrepreneur and the Manager for the Weston Ideation Lab and Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State University. She created, ran and sold Little Racquets and has advising experience from start-ups to small businesses (<5 M). Lynn has successfully grown regional and national brands: Weston Ideation Lab-Cleveland State University, Goldman Sachs 10KSB, LaunchNET-Kent State, Young Launchers, Little Racquets, Sealy, Rubbermaid and Cystic Fibrosis. She holds an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management, a master’s degree from the Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. |
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Destiny Burns
Generalist |
Destiny is the founder of CLE Urban Winery, a fun, inviting, upscale boutique winery experience in the historic, urban setting of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The CLE Urban Winery produces, serves and sells a wide variety of wine, all branded to honor and celebrate the city of Cleveland. CLE Urban Winery is a Federally Bonded Winery and sells their own hand-crafted wine exclusively. The company’s wine production facility, a signature Tasting Bar and primary retail outlet are located in the Cedar-Lee District at 2180B Lee Road In Cleveland Heights, Ohio. |
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Jessica Colombi
Team Dynamics |
Jessica is a native Clevelander, having been raised in Shaker Heights. She has an undergraduate degree in Art History from John Carroll University, a Master’s degree from Cleveland State in Social Psychology and Diversity, and is a Gestalt Professionally Certified Coach. Before coming to Cleveland State, Ms. Colombi served as Chief of Staff to the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Jessica has always taken her responsibility to give back to the community seriously by volunteering with many organizations. Currently, she serves on the board of Global Ambassadors Language Academy, a charter school that offers immersion in Mandarin and Spanish. Ms. Colombi is also part of a small team that has developed an Ohio Attorney General certified cultural competence training for law enforcement, and has trained over 100 officers from four counties. |
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Michael Dever
IT |
Michael holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cleveland State University. He is a systems administrator for the IS&T department at Cleveland State, where he manages projects, supports enterprise hardware and software, and coordinates, focuses and customizes services for the campus community. |
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Dave Fornari
Finance |
Dave Fornari is an executive with over 35 years of business experience in management consulting and hands-on corporate management. He has successfully led and grew profitable businesses and consulting practices providing high quality and innovative services to strategic clients. Dave retired from Deloitte after 31 years, 22 years as an Energy Consulting partner with 10 years as the Global or US Energy & Resources Consulting Leader. As a Deloitte Eminence Fellow, Dave was a frequent speaker and author on energy and resources strategy and management.
An alumnus twice over, Dave earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1976 and his Master of Business Administration in 1980 from Cleveland State University. He serves not only as Executive in Residence at the Monte Ahuja College of Business, but also on the College’s Visiting Committee. In Fall of 2016, Dave earned the Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Business. View his video from the event discussing his relationship with Cleveland State University. |
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Jesse Gannon
Legal |
Jesse is a creative problem solver, fearless advocate and trusted advisor. As an attorney, Jesse has advised and represented workers, retirees, unions, employers, employee benefit funds, non-profits, and small businesses on a variety of matters related to employment law, employee benefits law, collective bargaining, breaches of contract, tax exemption, estate planning, privacy and health care benefits.
Before practicing law, Jesse served for more than eight years as an Aide to United States Senator Sherrod Brown. During his employment with Senator Brown, Jesse worked on economic development, labor, job retention, job creation, entrepreneurship and small business matters throughout Ohio. During this time, Jesse spearheaded a number of innovative efforts throughout Ohio to stop employers from closing their manufacturing operations, ultimately helping to save more than 3,000 Ohio jobs. Jesse was also proud to lead Senator Brown’s outreach and advocacy around the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, where he helped businesses, start-ups, local governments, non-profits and schools find federal funding opportunities. Jesse received his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University. While working full time for Senator Brown, Jesse attended law school in the evenings and earned his Juris Doctor from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law with a concentration in Employment and Labor law. |
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Anthony Gasparo Finance |
Anthony was a winner of Startup Vikes in 2015 with his company, PuppyMatch. In a year and a half of business he successfully matched 49 families and revenue exceeded $100,000. In 2017 he decided to focus on completing his degree and paused business operations. He then completed a 9-month internship with the Veale Entrepreneurship Forum, an organization committed to supporting high school entrepreneurship in Northeast Ohio. Anthony graduated in December with his bachelors in Finance and is currently an accountant at MAI Capital Management. |
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Colette Hart
Staff |
Colette Hart is Senior Director of the Centers for Outreach & Engagement in the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University. In her capacity as Senior Director, she is responsible for establishing Centers of Excellence in the College of Business that provide responsive and strategic business educational programs for the Northeast Ohio business community. Colette was instrumental in establishing the Global Business Center and securing over a million dollars in funding to develop interdisciplinary academic, research and outreach programs focused on applied international business education. The Global Business Center is the 2006 recipient of the Ohio Governors Export Award and the 2010 Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the 2011 President’s “E” Award.
Colette brings a global frame of reference to her work through her extensive experience engaged in economic development, small business, trade, and education initiatives throughout Europe, China and Chile. Colette serves on the Northern Ohio District Export Council, NASBITE International Board of Governors, Jumpstart Higher Education Council, and the Corporate Sustainable Network Steering Committee. She obtained her MBA at Cleveland State University and her BA in International Relations and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin. |
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Charles Hubbard
Generalist |
A serial entrepreneur all my life and full-time for the last 12 years building multiple ideals and businesses; currently I am the founder and CEO of Crystal Clear Solution Inc. – Commercial Cleaning Service, Hubbs Pics 4U – Photographer and newly launched EnDepth Data Inc. – Software Technology Company. The link between them all is my ability to understand, connect and deliver to my client’s wants and needs!
Started my educational journey at Cleveland State University until my Junior year; completed my degree at the University of Phoenix Cleveland Campus in Business Management. In the process of completing my degree, I accumulated a 20 years career in Inventory Control, Supply Chain and Operations Management at Allen Telecom, Agilysys Inc. and Swagelok Company. My life passions are my family and helping others see and grow to their potential! In my opinion, failure is one of the greatest gifts and lessons life can give you! |
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Zack Klein-Stefanchik
Generalist |
Zack is a self-taught bicycle mechanic and the owner of Two One Fix Bicycle, a mobile bicycle repair shop based in Cleveland, Ohio. Two One Fix is entering its fourth season, offering a convenient solution for all types of riders in need of bicycle maintenance and repair. In addition to being an expert mechanic, Zack is well-versed in the Cleveland business landscape and would be able to assist Start Up Vikes participants with pitch practice and customer validation. |
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Jeremiah Landi
Engineering |
Jeremiah Landi has worked in the computer industry field for twelve years. In the industry he has led various sizes of projects and teams ranging from small intimate teams by five to large teams of over fifty. He has worked in extensive Microsoft, VMware, and Cisco environments, monitoring and managing them as well as designing proactive defense systems. Often as a Network Administrator, he found himself designing high end solutions for low cost budgets without compromise. This helped Jeremiah transcend into Project Management, allowing him to use his extensive knowledge of IT architecture to lead many IT projects on a very detail orientated basis.
He combines a magnitude of talents that stretch many fields of study, which gives him a unique advantage over others. He is very calm under pressure and gets excited by complex projects. |
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Dave Lupyan Generalist |
Lupyan & Associates offers strategies to help with the “fuzzy front end” of new product development as well as execution tactics for the commercialization phase. 1. Focus roughly defined technology platforms into topline sales contributors. 2. Validate an opportunity and stress-test an idea. 3. Advise teams on project management methods that is the best fit for the organizational culture. 4. Get to market quickly. |
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Chris Mapus
Graphic Design |
Strategically focused + creatively driven graphic design and marketing professional.
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Dan Maxymiv
Graphic Design |
Dan Maxymiv is a graphic designer and jeweler. He graduated from Cleveland State University in 2015. He has worked as a graphic designer for Pat Catan’s Craft Store, Duck Tape, and is currently with Kay Jewelers. Dan also studied in Florence, Italy. He runs his own small business, Green & Silver Jewelry. He has been a mentor for StartUp Vikes since 2016. |
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Justin Meinecke
Engineering |
Experienced Co-Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the Defense & Space industry. Skilled in Problem Solving informed by my knowledge of Python, C++, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Troubleshooting, and Entrepreneurship. Strong engineering professional with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University. |
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Ed O’Donnell
Finance |
Ed O’Donnell is an Adjunct Accounting Professor at Cleveland State University, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Ed is a practicing CPA with a firm located in Westlake, Ohio. Recently retired from PPG Industries where he spent 27 years, Ed earned his BBA degree from Cleveland State University in 1979 and his MBA from the University of Georgia in 1983. |
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Dennis O’Toole Generalist |
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Ben Richards
Research |
As a librarian, Ben Richards works with students and faculty at Cleveland State University to connect them with the wealth of information available through the Michael Schwartz Library and elsewhere. He serves as a resource to the College of Business through instruction, reference services, and managing the library’s collections. Ben received his MLIS in 2014 and has been working at Cleveland State University since 2015. |
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Blaise Roncagli
Finance |
Dr. Roncagli has been a lecturer with the Department of Finance at CSU since Fall 2011. Prior to that, he spent 30 years in the software industry working for firms like Hyland Software, Rockwell Automation, Sensormatic Electronics, Digital Equipment Corporation and Thorn Automated Systems. He has also worked for several startup firms, one of which was an IT consulting firm he founded with two partners in the early years of his career. Working with small startup firms established his interest in how small firms make their financing and investment decisions, which was the subject of his doctoral dissertation. Dr. Roncagli teaches courses in Corporate Finance, International Finance and Financial Markets and Institutions. He has maintained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification since 1998. |
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Meghan Salkin
Staff |
Meghan is the Program Manager for the Centers for Outreach and Engagement in the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University. Meghan is a two-time alumna of Cleveland State University having earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Global Interactions.
In her role, she is responsible for providing exceptional operational support to the Centers for Outreach and Engagement, Small Business Development Center, Global Business Center, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Weston Ideation Lab. Meghan manages planning, logistics, finance and communications for many of the Centers for Outreach and Engagement’s programs, workshops, conferences, special events and day-to-day operations. Meghan is also instrumental in coordinating, planning and providing support for the Centers for Outreach and Engagement larger, university-wide events such as Startup Vikes and TEDxClevelandStateUniversity. |
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Jay Schach
Generalist |
Jay Schach is serial entrepreneur who holds an MBA from the Monte Ahuja College of Business and a Bachelor’s degree from Bradley University. Jay has a rich experience in a variety of businesses. He serves as an adjunct professor in the Monte Ahuja College of Business specializing in Entrepreneurship, Strategic and Organizational Management. He is also an adjunct professor in Entrepreneurship at Hiram College and Kent State University. |
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Heather Schlosser
Staff |
Heather is the Marketing Communications Manager at the Monte Ahuja College of Business. She is responsible for internal and external communication on behalf of the college including six academic departments, six centers and two advising units. She collaborates with University Marketing, Admissions, Advancement, Alumni Affairs and Web Operations on university-wide initiatives in addition to planning, managing and executing promotional efforts for College of Business programs, events and other initiatives. She has over 20+ years of experience in marketing communications strategy, advertising management, media planning and buying, public relations, social media, copy writing and digital marketing. Most of all, she enjoys working with students at Startup Vikes (of course!) and in her role as advisor for Cleveland State’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. |
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Luke Shaffer
Engineering |
Luke is a Sales Engineer at Hyland Software where he helps develop demonstration tools for the broader Sales organization. |
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Lauren Smith
Research |
Lauren has personally worked with nearly 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in 5 years working as a start-up coach and instructor. Currently acting as Manager of Entrepreneurial Education at ECDI and the Women’s Business Center, Lauren develops curriculum, teaches training courses, and follows up with clients individually to develop unique and viable strategies to start and grow their businesses. |
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Nick Stevovich
Engineering |
I have enjoyed positions throughout my career in product development, operations, strategy planning, business development, and innovation.
o My hospitality career taught me customer service and how to keep customers for life. |
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Mike Stuart
Finance |
MC Stuart, CPA, LLC specializes in offering tax, bookkeeping, and other financial accounting services. Michael earned a Bachelor’s in Accountancy from Miami University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Akron. His career includes serving as a Big Four accountant auditing financial statements with Ernst & Young, working as a Financial Analyst in the Corporate Accounting Department of Moen, Inc., and starting his own practice to use the knowledge and experience gained to help clients of all shapes and sizes maximize their financial potential. |
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Igor Tutelman
Generalist |
Igor Tutelman is a local entrepreneur living and studying in Cleveland. Igor is studying Accounting and Data Analytics at Case Western Reserve University as a full-time Master’s student while simultaneously running PastryNow. PastryNow is an online late-night bakery offering locally-sourced pastries from your neighborhood bakers/bakeries delivered to your doorstep. Igor’s interests include technology, telecommunications, IoT, AI, and analytics. |
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Katie VanDyke
Staff |
Katie’s main mission is to support local small businesses that are a critical component and major contributor to the strength of local economies. Focusing on the amazing entrepreneurs in our beloved CLE, her time is spent on supporting their successes.
For over 10 years, she has worked in the entrepreneurial world; currently as the Director of the CSU Small Business Development Center, and previously as an Entrepreneur Advisor, providing assistance, training and advising to local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. She has also created many entrepreneurial experiential learning opportunities and training for entrepreneurs, corporate and academic entities. Katie has developed curriculum in entrepreneurship, as well as taught business and marketing classes for ten years as an adjunct faculty member of the Business Division at Lorain County Community College. She earned her MBA from Cleveland State University and got her start at Ernst & Young as an eLearning Consultant and Instructional Designer and new hire trainer. |
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Nate Ward
Generalist |
As Director of the Global Business Center and the SBDC Export Assistance Network, Nate Ward, has extensive international experience within manufacturing and banking industries. His international business experience includes sales, logistics, marketing, pricing, research and product development. In addition to his diverse cultural knowledge, Nate speaks multiple languages including French, Spanish and Japanese. |
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Jaclyn Williams
Customer Development |
For nearly four years, Jaclyn has served as a Market Research Analyst at JumpStart Inc., assisting entrepreneurs all across Northeast Ohio in their market research and validation efforts. Prior to joining JumpStart, she honed her skills in market research and data analysis at leading industry research firm The Freedonia Group, as well as in the consulting space where she spent a lot of time on the phone and quickly mastered the do’s and don’ts of conducting effective customer interviews. Jaclyn is a homegrown Clevelander, with a passion for the Cleveland Indians to match, and enjoys supporting the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. She is also Cleveland State alum, class of 2011! |
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Jessica Yox
Finance |
Jessica is the co-owner of Two One Fix Bicycle, a mobile bicycle repair shop based in Cleveland, Ohio. Two One Fix is entering its fourth season, offering a convenient solution for all types of riders in need of bicycle maintenance and repair. Jessica is also currently pursuing a Masters of Accountancy at Cleveland State University, and serves as a graduate assistant for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at CSU. In her work counseling new and existing small businesses, she focuses on financial forecasts as well as accounting and taxation procedures. |
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Claude Zoghzoghi
Finance |
Claude is a recent alumnus of Cleveland State University. He currently works as a Financial Analyst at a startup company, Latitude Airlines and Aladdin’s Eatery. He is a motivated professional skilled in fundamental and technical analysis, leveraged finance, LBOs deals, financial modeling and team-building. In the summer of 2016, Claude interned in Leveraged Finance-Middle Market Group at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in New York, one of the largest financial institutions in the world. Claude now serves as an FP & A for Aladdin’s Eatery Systems, Inc. |
