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The City of Beachwood, Beachwood City Schools and the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce are delighted to welcome you to the 2024 edition of Discover Beachwood Magazine!
This issue highlights how innovation and technology are reshaping the business landscape in Beachwood. From the city’s advanced health care facilities to being a home base for national and global headquarters of light manufacturing companies, business in Beachwood is thriving. Beachwood is also a community dedicated to the evolving needs of business leaders. New and exciting projects are reinvigorating our community’s existing businesses and attracting new ventures to our area. These projects are gaining recognition far beyond our city — the latest is the new, state-of-the-art Porsche of Beachwood.
The partnerships and collaborations between the city, school district and chamber of commerce create a business infrastructure dedicated to future growth. The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce hosts vital networking events
for young professionals, women and business owners, providing a platform for growth and learning. This fall, a new Business Expo and Women’s Entrepreneur Summit will showcase many of Beachwood’s strongest companies, offering opportunities for collaboration and expansion. Beachwood City Schools students are eagerly building skills to fill the growing
regional opportunities emerging in new industry clusters. A newly established Community Improvement Corporation aims to catalyze community rejuvenation and foster creativity amidst emerging land development opportunities. These focus areas are all transforming the possibilities for Beachwood’s future, promising a bright and prosperous tomorrow.
BY KELLIE INNES
The Beachwood Community Improvement Corporation is ready to serve. After a few years of brainstorming, this organization began its work in May of this year, with the goal of enhancing economic development efforts around the community. Including pooling resources and bringing together partnerships and collaborations, the corporation is intending on playing a key role in commercial revitalization.
“We’re focusing on attraction, retention and expansion of businesses and industries here in the city,” says Beachwood Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman. “It really serves as a catalyst to more focused economic development initiatives in our community.”
One of the main facets of the corporation is its Revolving Loan Committee. This team is responsible for reviewing all loan requests that come into the city supporting new employment opportunities, commercial revitalization and sustainability.
“The Revolving Loan Fund has the ability to leverage financing to support business growth in Beachwood,” Bieterman shares. The program is structured to support multiple financing programs, including a loan program for emerging cluster industries and revitalization efforts as well as a link deposit program, partnering with local banks and financial institutions to buy down the interest on a company’s commercial loan.
The corporation is also in the early stages of implementing an Innovation Committee that would work on connecting networks in the community and the region. They will do this by building and strengthening Beachwood’s relationships with the larger institutions and colleges and universities in close proximity to Beachwood.
“We want to support and cultivate the growth of new ideas that are emerging in our existing companies here and those looking to come into our community,” says Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns. “We’re here to support our companies in all stages of growth.”
BY KELLIE INNES AND ANN-MARIE VAZZANO
At Beachwood City Schools, preparing students for the workforce takes a combination of both knowledge and hands-on experience. For some students, this means attending a partnering vocational program for pursuits such as culinary school, marketing or education. Other students, though, can hone and develop their real-world skills right in the classroom.
“From a curriculum perspective, we are focusing on providing students with opportunities through experiential learning to interact with and engage with people from different professions and interests,” says Linda LoGalbo, director of curriculum and instruction.
Take, for instance, the STEM Program at Beachwood City Schools, which helps kids learn skills such as problemsolving and collaboration. Middle school and high school students utilize a state-of-the-art engineering lab to design, create and build projects using advanced equipment such as 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, a CNC router and woodworking machinery. In 2022, the school district expanded this program to include elementary children, who build robotic kits similar to LEGOs.
“Our young kids love those classes with the design and engineering because they are very curious and natural learners,” LoGalbo says. “They are very excited about the opportunity to create and build and integrate the technology.”
While STEM challenges and tasks start young, students interested in health care careers can look forward to the Beachwood Medical Academy in high school. The program prepares teens for competitive pre-med programs through advanced coursework and hospital immersion experiences. Highlights include a three-day camp, hosted in partnership with University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, which combines lectures with hands-on activities such as dissecting a cow’s heart and practicing suturing techniques. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an anatomy lab hosted by the Case Western Reserve University Physician Assistant Program.
“This is an interactive experience where students get an opportunity to be in a hospital setting and to learn from physicians,” LoGalbo says. “We really tap into the global hub for medicine in Northeast Ohio to get physicians of all specialties to speak to our students.”
A recent addition to the Medical Academy is a day with the Cleveland Food Bank, where students learn about the effects of poverty on health care and spend the afternoon volunteering. This approach to career development reflects the school district’s mission statement of nurturing and guiding students to be intellectual entrepreneurs with a social conscience.
“Intellectual entrepreneurship is about learning and getting as much information as you can, and the social consciousness is about applying
the information to be helpful,” LoGalbo shares. “We really encourage kids to think about what kinds of problems in this world need to be solved and then how can they apply their knowledge to come up with solutions for that.”
In the last few years, the health care industry has been one of the most rapidly changing fields. To navigate this, the nursing program at Tri-C has doubled down on emphasizing foundational principles that ensure students are prepared to go out and serve.
“No matter what changes happen in health care, our approach with students remains the same,” says Wendy Batch-Wilson, dean of nursing at Tri-C. “We give them the foundational principles that allow them to be nimble and adapt to changes.”
challenging, because you are entrusted to care for people’s well-being and their lives.”
It helps that a lot of the faculty at Tri-C are practitioners in the field. They are well suited to share their knowledge and experience of what it means to be on the front lines of health care.
In addition to critical thinking, clinical judgment and patient advocacy, one of the most important skills that Tri-C instills in its students is a commitment to work. While career stability and earning potential are certainly positives of a profession in health care, sustaining a long and fulfilling career requires grit and perseverance.
“You have to be committed,” BatchWilson says. “The education and the work are
“Our faculty bring that expertise to the classroom, skills lab and clinical setting so students are ready when they enter the workforce,” says Batch-Wilson. “And then we are in continuous contact with our health care partners to understand their needs so we can incorporate that into our curriculum.”
This approach helps students continue on to earn their bachelor’s degrees after they complete
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their associate program at Tri-C, as well as climb from State Tested Nurse Aid to LPN to RN. Tri-C’s four campuses spread across Cuyahoga County also position students to transition into health care facilities and hospitals throughout the region, including in Beachwood.
“More than 85% of our graduates live and work in Cuyahoga County,” says BatchWilson. “We connect students with health care partners to serve all facets of the health care sector in Northeast Ohio.”
Students enrolled in John Carroll University’s (JCU) engineering physics program aren’t just learning textbook science. They’re delving deep into a well-rounded curriculum that equips them with the adaptability to succeed in an ever-evolving field.
“Engineering physics is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that emphasizes foundational modern physics and its application to 21st century materials and technology,” explains John Carroll Professor of Physics Jeff Dyck. “The coursework, culminating in a significant yearlong engineering design, has been envisioned to allow stu-
dents to be prepared to enter a wide array of engineering fields.”
The program has been developed by faculty made up of both physicists and engineers working together to create the curriculum, which focuses on fundamentals that provide “broad adaptability.” In other words, graduates aren’t pigeon-holed into one facet of engineering.
Because of JCU’s liberal arts foundation, students are taking an array of classes that help them hone the communication and reasoning skills that employers seek. “Today’s engineering problems require much more than just science and math, but also ethics, communication and much more from the humanities,” Dyck says.
Ohio is a great place for graduates to launch their careers, too. Dyck points to the new Intel facility coming to the state, as well as the plethora of opportunities right here in
Northeast Ohio. Think NASA, UH, Cleveland Clinic and local biotech firms, to name a few.
JCU also has an alumni panel, which has created a mentoring program that helps grow relationships with local companies. A connection with Beachwood’s MIM Software is just one example. “We’ve had people from MIM come visit our department, helping with our professional development program, which is a required course to know how to compete for an internship and how to be prepared,” Dyck says.
Also exciting for JCU is the plan to seek ABET accreditation after the school’s first cohort of students graduate this spring. ABET is the “official accrediting body for engineering programs,” explains Dyck. “ABET accreditation signals to prospective students and employers that we are meeting the high standards and expectations of the engineering profession with our program, and our graduates will be prepared to excel.”
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BY LISA GALEK
Tucked away in Commerce Park, Beachwood boasts several cutting-edge manufacturing companies. These businesses aren’t just keeping up with the latest trends — they’re setting them. From building better roads to making renewable energy a reality, Beachwood’s businesses are at the forefront of innovation. With its prime location and dedication to being business friendly, the city attracts forward-thinking companies shaping the future of manufacturing across the globe.
Eaton has deep roots in the Cleveland area. The company is known for its intelligent power management systems. Eaton caters to a wide range of industries, including data centers, utilities, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets.
“We’re dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere,” says Kelly Jasko, vice president of corporate communications at Eaton. Change and innovation are hallmarks of the Eaton business model. Initially a truck axle company in the 1920s, Eaton eventually expanded its product range to include automotive components. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the company diversified into the industrial, electrical and aerospace markets. Today, Eaton operates in 160 countries, employs nearly 94,000 people and reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023.
At its core, Eaton is dedicated to enhancing sustainability and efficiency. “Our work is helping to power the world’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy,” says Jasko.
Eaton’s innovative products are part of the move toward a more environmentally friendly future. By providing solutions to give customers
We’re dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere.
— KELLY JASKO
the ability to manage power safely and sustainably, Eaton plays a crucial role in lowering carbon emissions and curbing global warming. “Our products and solutions are enabling our customers and stakeholders to achieve their sustainability goals,” Jasko adds.
People are also part of what drives new ideas at Eaton. The company’s emphasis on inclusion creates a workplace where varied perspectives and talents thrive, sparking creativity and innovation. “We’re continuing to create an inclusive and engaging workplace where every employee has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” says Jasko. This inclusive culture not only attracts top talent but also nurtures a collaborative spirit, pushing the company toward groundbreaking ideas and solutions.
Beachwood is an ideal home for a global corporation like Eaton. With easy access to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, global travel and worldwide connectivity are always within reach.
“Beachwood offers excellent amenities such as top-notch dining, shopping centers and health care facilities to our employees and visitors,” adds Jasko.
With headquarters in Beachwood, Helix Linear Technologies specializes in linear motion products. The company manufactures items like lead screws, ball screws and linear actuators. Unlike the fasteners available at hardware stores, which are designed to secure or prevent movement, Helix’s products are engineered to do one simple job — they help objects move more precisely.
Helix’s innovative products cater to customers who need to ensure accurate movements. “Our products are used anywhere that precise motion is required in a clean and compact solution,” says Chris Nook, CEO of Helix Linear Technologies.
Without knowing it, you may have come across a Helix product in your daily life. The company’s components are essential to some medical devices and laboratory automation equipment. For instance, Helix screws are used for raising and lowering hospital beds and operating patient tables in MRI machines.
Our products are used anywhere that precise motion is required in a clean and compact solution.
— CHRIS NOOK
Helix Linear Technologies serves thousands of customers worldwide, offering both custom-designed and off-the-shelf products. One of its clients is working to automate the blood-drawing process, demonstrating the advanced applications of Helix’s technology. Additionally, the company’s products play a crucial role in 3D printers, some of which can print human skin or tissue cells.
The aerospace sector is another area where Helix is driving innovation. Helix components can be found in drone wing flaps
and commercial and business aircraft seating mechanisms. In July 2024, Helix showcased its advancements at the London Air Show.
“The people we meet with there are building aircraft,” says Nook. “They would come to us for an actuator that might lock a door or open up doors on landing gear.”
As technology changes, Helix has also modified its workspace to meet market demands. One of the latest trends is increased automation in manufacturing. Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are designed
to work safely alongside humans but can also handle monotonous or repetitive tasks. With customers across North and South America and Europe, this automation helps Helix stay competitive.
Despite global pressure to reduce costs, Helix remains committed to maintaining high quality. “We are one of the few companies left in the United States that do this type of work,” says Nook. “There are some lower-cost manufacturers around the world, but those are for applications that don’t
require as much precision as our customers do.” The supportive business environment in Beachwood has enabled Helix to expand and innovate continually, reinforcing its position as a leader in the linear motion industry.
Did you know concrete is the world’s most widely used artificial material? Master Builders Solutions, a supplier of specialty admixtures, is not only a leader in technological advancement in the concrete industry but also a global influencer.
Admixtures are formulations added into the concrete mixture during the mixing process to enhance its specific properties. For example, a builder might need concrete that hardens very fast or can withstand a lot of applied load. In the design of One World Trade Center in New York City, the engineers needed concrete that would be fluid for a considerable amount of time to allow it to be pumped all the way to the top of the 1,776-foot tower. Master Builders Solutions provided admixture technologies and expertise to make that possible.
Founded in Cleveland in 1909, Master Builders Solutions moved to Beachwood
Master Builders Solutions developed the first waterreducing admixture for concrete back in the 1930s. It was then used in the construction of the Hoover Dam.
— BRUCE CHRISTENSEN
in 1980. This global company operates 13 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada. While not a manufacturing site, the Beachwood location is a hub of innovation. Over 200 patents have been granted for inventions created on-site at Beachwood.
These cutting-edge products have not only revolutionized the industry but have also left their mark on some of the world’s most well-known projects. “Master Builders Solutions developed the first water-reducing admixture for concrete back in the 1930s,” says Bruce Christensen, president of Master Builders Solutions in the U.S. and Canada. “It was then used in the construction of the Hoover Dam.” More recently, in 2018, the company’s waterproofing admixture was used at the International Space Station to evaluate concrete mixtures at zero gravity.
Master Builders Solutions’ products have been used in iconic structures such as One World Trade Center in New York City, Pier 27 in Toronto and the Willis Tower in Chicago. Locally, its state-of-the-art admixtures have been used in many of Cleveland’s highways, bridges, sidewalks, skyscrapers and underground tunnels. They have also
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been used to construct landmarks like the Key Tower, Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.
Construction projects have a major environmental impact, and Master Builders Solutions is at the forefront of the movement to develop products that promote sustainability. “For anybody building today, an important objective is to reduce the carbon footprint of the project,” says Christensen. “All efforts are to eventually get to net zero carbon.” Master Builders Solutions has unique admixture technologies
that help significantly reduce the embodied carbon in concrete.
Other products enable the beneficial use of leftover concrete. One admixture allows fresh concrete to be recycled for reuse, while another transforms leftover concrete into road base material. In addition to innovative research and design, the Beachwood facility serves as the headquarters for U.S. and Canadian operations. Including towering skyscrapers and critical infrastructure, the products developed locally by Master Builders Solutions are helping to build the cities of tomorrow.
BASF, a multinational company with over 150 production and research and development sites across the United States, includes a research and development location
in Beachwood. Known for its diverse portfolio, from chemicals and materials to industrial solutions, surface technologies, nutrition & care and agricultural solutions, BASF also stands out because it invests more in research and development than any other chemical company in the world — over $2.1 billion globally.
In 2002, the company acquired its Beachwood location, which is home to about 75 fulltime employees. The facility plays an essential role in the research and development of new cathode-active materials, with a focus on serving North American customers. These materials are used in lithium-ion batteries — the type found in electric vehicles.
Scientists at the Beachwood location contribute to global research efforts. Their work includes creating new battery materials and enhancing the existing battery products in BASF’s portfolio.
With the growing interest in electric vehicles, BASF is leading the way in developing cutting-edge technologies for the EV market.
“Through industry-leading research and development platforms and a tradition for innovation, BASF’s battery materials unit develops unique solutions for customers,” says Rob Prunchak, site manager at BASF in Beachwood. BASF has invested heavily to develop innovative lithium-ion battery recycling processes, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Like many in the manufacturing field, sustainability trends are significantly influencing BASF. The company’s chemical catalysts are essential for the chemical and energy industries. These products speed up chemical reactions, helping customers increase yields, reduce energy consumption and enhance competitiveness.
The chemical industry’s drive to use more renewable feedstocks such as biomass also requires new and robust catalysts to deal with their unique and variable characteristics, such as oxygen and water content. Using a biomass solution can help companies reduce the amount of CO2 emissions they put into the environment.
Another notable innovation is the company’s liquid natural gas (LNG) pretreatment
technology, which effectively removes impurities from natural gas before it enters the liquefaction section of an LNG plant.
“The drive toward renewable energy and the need to reduce greenhouse gases are critical trends influencing BASF,” says Prunchak. By leveraging its technological expertise, BASF aims to develop sustainable solutions that address the most challenging needs of its customers.
A new addition to Beachwood’s manufacturing community is Millennium Control Systems, a cutting-edge company shaping the future of manufacturing with innovative automation solutions.
Founded by a team of engineers, the company has evolved from a small startup at a kitchen table to a robust company with nearly 100 employees. Today, clients include Fortune 500 businesses such as Georgia Pacific, First Solar, Novelis and Guardian Glass.
The company’s impact is evident at Goodyear’s tire plants in Oklahoma and North Carolina, where control systems have been upgraded to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Millennium Control Systems is also heavily
focused on the growing EV industry, particularly emphasizing the power and energy sectors. The company is working with partners to enhance the lifespan and efficiency of EV batteries, which can be costly to replace.
At the end of this year, the company will open a new headquarters in Beachwood. This new, 115,000-square-foot facility will accommodate about 75 employees and help centralize operations and provide access to a wider talent pool.
“We are very excited to start the next chapter of our journey with the move of our headquarters to Beachwood and enjoy all the amenities and synergies of Beachwood,” says Joe Chuhran, Millennium Control Systems president and CFO.
BY LISA GALEK
Here’s a look inside three thriving local companies deeply rooted in Beachwood
Beachwood is more than just a wonderful place to call home — it’s an ideal location for growing businesses. The city is home to nearly 2,500 companies and over 25,000 employees. With access to an educated workforce, proximity to universities, highways and airports, and a vibrant retail and commercial area, Beachwood offers excellent resources for expanding companies.
One example is Ionbond, a company specializing in advanced coating technologies. “You know the gold color on drill bits? That’s what we do,” says Mike Greenwell, plant manager at Ionbond. This coating is applied through a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD), which enhances the strength and durability of the parts. While PVD is a common technique, Ionbond in Beachwood is one of very few coating suppliers in the United States to use chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The process is similar to PVD but operates at much higher temperatures, around 1,800° F.
Ionbond serves a wide range of customers, including the aerospace industry and forming and molding industry. The company’s process coats dies that are used in machines that produce aluminum siding and in manufacturing equipment that shapes and seals aluminum cans. “Our coating interfaces with probably every beer or pop can in Northeast Ohio,” says Greenwell.
Ionbond has been in Beachwood for over 50 years and has seen substantial growth over time. In 2002, the company expanded its facility by 33%, and this year, it is adding another 800 square feet. The Beachwood plant, which spans 23,000 square feet, houses five CVD and PVD
machines. “We’re bringing in new machines and updating a lot of the technology, and so we just need to expand that out,” says Greenwell. The latest update includes a utility room that will serve as an exhaust/ neutralization area for the machinery and as storage, ensuring the company continues to innovate and grow.
Another business with deep roots in Beachwood is Helix Linear Technologies
The company specializes in manufacturing lead screws, ball screws and linear actuators used to automate various types of precision machinery. All the product design, engineering and manufacturing happens at the Beachwood location.
Chris Nook was formerly the CEO of his family business, Nook Industries, which was founded in Beachwood in 1969. Together with
his father, he founded Helix in 2011. The initial focus was on providing products for the growing medical device market, such as hospital beds or machines that handle blood samples.
Starting with just three or four employees, Helix now has 70 employees in its 40,000-square-foot facility. The company recently expanded to lease an additional 10,000 square feet of space in Commerce Park. While Helix started with a focus on medical devices, the company is moving more into the aerospace industry. The new space will be used to assemble and produce products for aerospace clients.
Nook highlights the strong relationship with the city of Beachwood, noting that the city has been very supportive of the company’s growth. “Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that we’ve grown to 70 employees, and we work with customers all around the world,” says Nook. “That wouldn’t happen without our great team of people.”
When it comes to the chemical industry, BASF is a global leader. “Chemistry plays an important role in our everyday lives. Chemistry is all around us. In buildings we live in, shoes we wear, asphalt we walk on,” says Rob Prunchak, site manager at BASF in Beachwood. BASF provides chemicals for a wide variety of items including automobiles, skincare products and building materials.
At the Beachwood location, BASF employees research and develop chemical catalysts, adsorbents and cathode-active materials for lithium-ion batteries. The facility houses an advanced analytical laboratory, supporting BASF’s research and development activities. The site is expanding to include additional support for the adsorbents business, with specific projects in liquid natural gas pretreatment and CO2 purification.
In 2002, BASF acquired its Beachwood location as part of the acquisition of Engelhard Corp. “Beachwood is a great location with access to high-quality universities and major industries,” Prunchak says.
The 80,000-square-foot Beachwood facility has about 75 fulltime employees. In 2015, it underwent a major upgrade to enhance its research and development capabilities for cathode active materials.
Looking ahead, BASF plans to expand its research and development capabilities, including building a new warehouse and laboratory. This expansion highlights BASF’s commitment to strategic growth in Beachwood as the company works to support sustainable development within the chemical industry.
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Business to Business Expo and Women’s Entrepreneur Summit
The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business to Business Expo and Women’s Entrepreneur Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1–6 p.m., at Tri-C Corporate East. Sponsorships and vendor opportunities now available!
THIS EXPO AND SUMMIT WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO A WEALTH OF RESOURCES, INSIGHT, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. BENEFITS OF BEING A SPONSOR OR VENDOR INCLUDE:
• Networking with fellow business owners Access industry experts
• Discover new business opportunities
• Participate in empowering break-out-sessions
• Listening to inspiring stories from female entrepreneurs
• Accessing mentors and support
• Becoming involved in our community
• Celebrating the Beachwood business community
Visit www.beachwood.org today to become a sponsor or to secure a vendor booth. Booth space is limited. The early bird booth price for members is $150, through Sept. 9. After that date, the price will be $250.
BY ANN-MARIE VAZZANO
Porsche of Beachwood isn’t your typical car dealership. The brandnew, $45 million, state-of-the-art complex, located at 3750 Orange Place, promises an experience.
“It’s called Destination Porsche, and it’s a lifestyle,” says General Manager George McCarley. “We want the dealerships to feel like you’re in a very luxurious, high-end sort of nightclub.”
Or, for more seasoned clientele, “They may feel like they’re in a Ritz Carlton,” says McCarley.
Natural light pours through skylights, and sleek furniture welcomes customers to sit and relax.
Porsche curated a 33-hour playlist of music, which is piped through the dealership to create ambiance that changes throughout the day. “It starts off really soft in the morning, and then it ramps up as we go into dinner,” McCarley explains. “It’s not just 33 hours of the same music — it’s constantly being updated by Porsche in Germany.”
The Beachwood dealership, which encompasses some 60,000 square feet, is owned by Penske Automotive Group, the largest Porsche franchiser in the U.S., and is Penske’s first Generation 5 Porsche dealership. It’s not uncommon for racing icon Roger Penske himself to pop in unexpected. During one
surprise visit just after the grand opening, Penske signed the underside of the hood on a sales representative’s classic Porsche that was on display in the showroom. McCarley says the video of Penske signing the car, which was posted on the dealership’s Facebook page, racked up 1.7 million views in two days.
Two buildings comprise the dealership — one housing the showroom and service center and the other featuring three detail bays, a large carwash and a photo studio equipped with special lighting to help capture images of the luxury cars.
The new facility also allowed the service department to expand, going from 11 service bays to 19. “That’s a huge number of cars that we can get through the shop,” McCarley says. “So instead of being three weeks or four weeks out for a maintenance appointment, now we can probably get you in next day.” For bigger jobs, McCarley anticipates no longer than a week’s wait.
McCarley adds that the service technicians are always on top of the latest technology. In fact, many of them go away for a week at a
time several times a year to learn about new technology and how to work on the latest cars. “Our guys are second to none,” he says.
While internal combustion engines are still Porsche’s bread and butter when it comes to sports cars, hybrid and electric technology is making its way into the fleet. In particular, a new electric Macan coming to market soon is expected to draw significant interest. The gas-powered version of the small SUV is one of the dealership’s bestsellers.
To accommodate the forthcoming electrification, the facility will include several fast chargers that will be able to charge vehicles in 20 to 30 minutes, according to McCarley.
As for the location of the new dealership, McCarley says they couldn’t have found a better spot. “It just made sense to get this location and put it right next to Pinecrest, and also in Beachwood, where we have a massive client base and a very loyal client base,” he says. “It was perfect.”
Driving into Crestmont Cadillac’s service department, you’ll know whether you need a wheel alignment or air in your tires before anyone even looks at your car. A machine measures all of it, and your tire tread depth, too. “You probably wouldn’t even notice you’re driving over it,” Crestmont President Alex Park says of the sensor equipment. “We used to have people who would do that manually. It was pretty laborious.”
This technology is all part of the dealership’s commitment to innovation, which is nothing new. Crestmont has been on the cutting edge for a long time. Park points to the Cadillac dealership’s collision center, which, a decade ago, was one of the first body shops in the area to switch from an oil-based paint to an eco-friendly water-based alternative. “Our business, just like every other service business, is always having to evolve,” Park says.
More recently, the transition to online transactions has been a focus for the Crestmont dealerships, which include Crestmont Cadillac and Crestmont Buick in Beachwood, as well as Crestmont Hyundai and Genesis in Brunswick.
Through new technology implemented over the last three years, customers can transact in any department — sales, collision or service — 100% online, without ever setting foot in the dealership. This includes valet pickup and delivery service in addition to receiving real-time text message and/or email updates about vehicle status from the service department. After an inspection, customers receive a message outlining the recommended services, which they can choose to accept or decline. They then receive an invoice when the service is complete, which can be paid online, and they can schedule a time to have their car delivered back to them.
As Crestmont’s president, Park says his most important job is keeping the company culture intact. This culture revolves around the core values of understanding that associates are the business’s most important asset, staying positive, effort, accountability and continuous im-
provement — attributes that all of Crestmont’s employees strive for. “We are very lucky to have great people, and great people make my job easy,” Park says.
Last year, Crestmont Cadillac, the company’s flagship, celebrated its 50th anniversary. “And that’s all because of our associates and the people in our community,” Park says. “Most small businesses don’t make it that long.”
Crestmont shows its appreciation through partnerships with the city, including sponsoring fireworks shows and supporting programs through the high school. “Our community is very important to us,” Park says, adding that he and his sister both reside in Beachwood. “We love the community; we love the city services.” Park also appreciates the convenience of the location. “You can’t hear the highway from my backyard, but I could be on I-271 in five minutes,” he says. “It’s perfect.”
BY KELLIE INNES
If you explored Beachwood this summer, you might have noticed some new, towering, bright blue flowers that cropped up near the Beachwood Community Center. The new flora are part of the community’s brand-new playground, which opened May 31.
“There are lots of shady spots, way more shade than there was previously,” Community Services Director Derek Schroeder says. “Shade is probably the most important thing for me when considering playground designs.” Along
with the shade flowers, the new playground has a 26-foot-tall tower, ziplines, a rock-wall mound, slides and a giant sandbox. Additionally, there are several musical components, as well as open turf spaces where children can play games or families can have picnics.
“We put together what we believed to be a unique, one-of-a-kind playground design and then engaged the community with a survey to ensure that the project would meet their needs,” Schroeder says. “There’s not a playground in
Shade is probably the most important thing for me when considering playground designs.
— DEREK SCHROEDER
Northeast Ohio that can compare to it. You simply can’t put into words that moment when we cut the ribbon in May and hundreds of kids rushed out to be the first to play.”
The Community Services team also wanted to focus on accessibility and safety when finalizing the playground. The ground surfaces are rubber for smooth access, and the playground is fenced in to alleviate fears of children running into parking lots. There is also a unique wheelchair swing that fits two people so that children with disabilities can still play with their buddies.
“You can swing with your friends or with your mom and dad instead of swinging by yourself, which is what most wheelchair swings are,” Schroeder says.
The playground is the latest development in the area after six pickleball courts and two sand volleyball courts debuted last summer. These additions, along with the existing pool, tennis courts and community gardens, have transformed the block into a hub for Beachwood.
— DEREK SCHROEDER
“It’s a gathering space,” Schroeder says. “This whole area has created these mini multi-generational communities that are so cool to see.”
“We couldn’t be happier with the product as well as the installers. Very kind, professional, and clearly very knowledgeable. Extremely respectful of us and our property. From start to finish, this was a great experience.” - Vicky
B.
