History Shapers

LaRese Purnell and Meltrice D. Sharp

CLE (Creating Leading Enterpris es) Consulting Firm, an accounting and tax and payroll service company in downtown Cleveland. Founded in 2016, it is one of the largest minority firms in Northeast Ohio. It provides accounting, bookkeeping, outsourced controllership, and tax services to meet the fiscal needs of entrepreneurs, non-profits, professional athletes, and religious organizations.

Purnell and Sharp are philanthropic in their mission. In 2022 they created a donor advised fund at the Cleveland Foundation to help advance their vision for a more financially empowered Greater Cleveland. They both serve on several notable local and national boards of directors and are members of Alpha Phi Alpha

Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Al

Purnell has extensive experience in business management, taxation and finance. He co-owns Black Box Fix restaurant with two locations in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. He has served in executive positions and financial departments within multi-million dollar for-profit and non-profit corporations.

Purnell is pursuing a master’s in accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University, having received an MBA in finance from the University of Toledo.

Committed to the community and its residents, he serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, the Cleveland eryday language to address the most he also works with organizations and non-profits nationally to decrease the wealth gap in the Black community. Among many recognitions, Purnell was named one of Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People, Smart Business’ 50 and Crain’s Cleveland Business 40/40.

Purnell enjoys spending time with his wife Rashaunda, sons Gaven and Maceo and daughter Gabbi, playing sports and traveling.

Meltrice D. Sharp, CPA, has extensive knowledge and experience in accounting, tax, management, finance, and business consulting.

Aubrie’s Adventure to Cashland, a children's picture book created by Sharp, teaches children about budgeting money, saving up for their future, and giving back to those in need.

Sharp received a BBA with a concentration in accounting from Kent State University and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace University.

A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Sharp’s favorite pastime is hanging out with her family and telling corny jokes. Her guilty pleasure is vegging out on the coach and watching reality TV shows.