10 minute read
BUSINESS COMMUNITY LEADERS
North Ridgeville’s
Business & Community Leaders
Advertisement
FIRST ROW (seated, left to right): Stephanie Wiersma, CEO, Lorain County Health & Dentistry; Mayor Kevin Corcoran, City of North Ridgeville; Roxann RamseyCaserio, Superintendent, North Ridgeville City Schools. SECOND ROW: Kent Iler, President & CEO, Iler Networking & Computing, and Iler Aerial Imaging; Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President, Lorain County Community College; Alex Martinez, Owner & Hugo Aceves, General Manager, Fiesta Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant; Kim Lieber, Economic Development Director, City of North Ridgeville; Michael Boukzam, North Ridge Racket & Paddle and North Ridge Indoor Golf; John Reese, Fire Chief, City of North Ridgeville. THIRD ROW: David Bogner, Owner, & Nick Bogner, Funeral Director, Bogner Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services; Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent, Lorain County JVS; Mike Freeman, Police Chief, City of North Ridgeville. FOURTH ROW: Rick Brown, Director of Manufacturing Operations and Drew Dixon, Director of Distribution & Strategy, Riddell; Robin & Kevin Crow, Pastors, Harvest Ridge Church. Cover Location: Riddell Operations Facility, North Ridgeville. Photographer: Michael Wypasek Photography.
Riddell LEADING FOOTBALL FORWARD KICKS OFF WITH RIDDELL
Ohioans love football. Our passion for the game, players, and teams, runs throughout the community.
Riddell, they’re football people, too. A centerpiece of Northeast Ohio for decades, Riddell has been operating at 7501 Performance Lane in North Ridgeville for the last five years. There you will find hundreds of dedicated teammates working to improve athlete protection for football players here in Ohio and around the world. This facility produces new helmets for youth through the NFL, custom shoulder pads for the elite, and distributes a variety of products, including collectible helmets. The biggest activity at Riddell’s North Ridgeville location is equipment reconditioning, which is the refurbishment and recertification of football helmets and maintenance of shoulder pads and athletic gear. Whether you’re a team or a parent of a young athlete, annual reconditioning advances player protection and prolongs the effective life of the equipment. Leading the way for Team Riddell in North Ridgeville are Rick Brown, Drew Dixon, and Leigh Cullen, all of whom have unique career experiences and one constant they all share – their love of football.
As Director of Manufacturing Operations, Rick Brown employs his knowledge across industries to Riddell as he oversees all manufacturing activities, operation, and maintenance of the plant. Rick is valued for his team building and focus on process improvement, endearing him to colleagues. He also believes in the work, “My
Rick Brown, Director of Operations favorite aspect of working for Riddell is the ability to supply a product that is easy to get behind and support. If you choose to wear a Riddell football helmet, you’re getting the very best.” One of North Ridgeville’s newest residents, Drew Dixon, Director of Distribution and Strategy, is proud that Riddell chose our city. Drew remembers Riddell’s open house event with over 5,000 people getting a firsthand look at the facility. “It was exciting to see how the community was interested to learn about what we do. North Ridgeville has fully embraced Riddell.” As a former collegiate player, Drew enjoys blending his passion for football with his career.
Drew Dixon, Director of Distribution & Strategy
People are your greatest asset. That’s what Leigh Cullen, Director of Human Resources, declares. As a manufacturing lifer, Leigh says, “I love the team energy and resilience on display to get the job done. That’s what makes our organization successful.” Also residing in North Ridgeville, Leigh is pleased to know her town plays such a big role in football.
Leigh Cullen, Director of Human Resources
With several manufacturing, operations, and officebased positions available, employment stability, and a competitive benefits program, Riddell welcomes the opportunity to add you to their team.
FAVORITE TEAMS:
Rick Brown: Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and Akron Zips Drew Dixon: Pittsburgh Steelers and Case Western Spartans Leigh Cullen: Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes
7501 PERFORMANCE LANE, NORTH RIDGEVILLE 440-353-8664 RIDDELL.COM @RIDDELLSPORTS
Alex Martinez Fiesta Jalapeńos
Alex Martinez is the owner of Fiesta Jalapeńos. Alex is a proud army veteran, husband, and father of two beautiful children.
Alex has been in the restaurant business for over 10 years, taking over this location in 2020. He has made many renovations to the restaurant, including adding on a beautiful, four-seasons patio!
Hugo Aceves is the general manager of Fiesta Jalapeńos. He has over 14 years of restaurant experience. He is also a proud husband and father of two children. Hugo takes pride in providing exceptional, friendly service.
Both Alex and Hugo want to make sure everyone who enters their doors feels like family. Their upbeat atmosphere, friendly staff, and receptive service makes Fiesta Jalapeńos the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a wonderful meal. All food and margaritas are made from 100% fresh, quality ingredients and are prepared from scratch daily. Come enjoy a margarita on the nicest patio in North Ridgeville!
Alex Martinez, Owner and Hugo Aceves, General Manager
33725 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville • 440-327-1431 www.fiestamargaritas.com
For All Your Computing Needs! Iler Networking & Computing
Iler Networking & Computing has been supporting businesses with their IT needs since 1994. Kent Iler, President & CEO, is passionate about technology, and has built a professional team of technology experts. “For All Your Computing Needs” means they can do it all for you: Wired/Wireless Networking, Servers, Workstations, Cybersecurity solutions, Internet access, E-Mail hosting with Malware and SPAM protection, Website Development and Hosting, Backup/ Disaster Recovery, VOIP Phone Systems, Security Cameras, 3D Printing, and more, thus allowing top notch technology performance with the appropriate security. With the continued increase of cyber-attacks and Ransomware, Iler can make sure you’re not another victim and your technology is well tuned, helping you focus on running your business. Kent and his family have resided in Lorain County since 1998. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Elyria, and is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Elyria. Kent also started Iler Aerial Imaging in 2016 – handling professional video production and drones services/training.
Kent Iler, Owner F or nearly 60 years the Bogner family and staff have served the needs of the community with caring and compassionate services. Therefore, they are proud to announce Nicholas David Bogner, son of David and Mary Beth Bogner and grandson of Harold and Kathy Bogner, has earned his license as a funeral director and embalmer and will be continuing to serve the needs of the community well into the future.
The Bogner family and staff are here to walk with you and provide help and guidance so that your service may be a healing experience. If you are interested in learning more about the services Bogner Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services provide, or would like to discuss advance funeral planning options, please call 440-327-2955 or visit www.bognerfamilfuneralhome.com. David and Nick Bogner
36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-2955 • www.bognerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Kevin and Robin Crow Harvest Ridge Church
Pastors Kevin and Robin Crow moved to North Ridgeville in 1992 to start what would become Harvest Ridge Church.
They gathered a core group that began meeting on May 2, 1992, in Liberty Elementary School. After several location changes, a permanent facility was constructed at 35600 Lorain Road.
For 30 years, the church has experienced consistent growth. Each weekend, hundreds of people gather to worship. From the beginning, one major focus has been a place for children and youth to learn about God and grow in their faith. The many young families that participate each weekend are evidence that this goal is being met.
The church is also known for HarvestPalooza, a yearly party thrown by the church for the community. Every Labor Day weekend, South Central Park is filled on Sunday night with kids’ games, bounce houses, live music, free food, and a fireworks show. The event is free!
Harvest Ridge also has monthly feeding programs, recovery programs and a quality Preschool, as well as many other ministries and outreaches.
Kevin and Robin Crow, Pastors
Lorain County Health & Dentistry (LCH&D) is an independent, non-profit Community Health Center operating since 2002, under the direction of CEO Stephanie Wiersma. With a mission to improve the community’s health, particularly for those most in need, LCH&D provides primary and preventive health care of the highest quality to persons of all ages, at seven locations in Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin. Services include adult & family medicine, pediatrics, optometry, OB/ women’s health, general dentistry, integrated behavioral health and podiatry. Lorain County Health & Dentistry accepts insurance including Medicaid and Medicare, and discounts fees for qualifying insured and uninsured patients. The health center works closely with community partners to expand its reach into the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
Ms. Wiersma is active in the local community and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers and chairs its state-wide Quality Committee.
Stephanie Wiersma, CEO
440-240-1655 • www.lorainhealth-dentistry.org
Dr. Glenn Faircloth has been the Superintendent of the Lorain County JVS since 2012. Under his leadership, Lorain County JVS continues to offer effective, high-functioning programs that equip high school students with curriculum built on integrated academic and technical content and work-based learning opportunities. The JVS Adult Career Center connects motivated adults who want a new career, improve current job skills, or enhance their daily lives with short–term training that leads to certifications and skilled positions in the workforce.
Dr. Faircloth is a U.S. Army veteran. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and a Master’s Degree in Urban Educational Leadership, both earned at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He received his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Dr. Faircloth ultimately believes that education is the true key to unlocking poverty, erasing ignorance, and revealing opportunities!
Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent
North Ridge Sports Complex Resurrected From the Fire
The new, North Ridge Sports Complex, which encompasses North Ridge Racket & Paddle and North Ridge Indoor Golf, (with plans for future basketball and volleyball) has been revamped through the efforts of Michael Boukzam. A fire in 2020 destroyed everything, and, through his vision and great expense, re-opened in November 2021 with immense excitement. North Ridge is now the premier destination for tennis, pickleball and indoor golf for everyone at any age and skill level with over 400 members and growing. These facilities offer a family-friendly atmosphere for Tennis, Pickleball, Golf and excellent socialization with three lounges and plenty of space for gatherings of any kind.
Michael, a Lebanese Immigrant, came to the United States when he was ten years old and has been improving himself, his business acumen, and his community ever since. He is a proud recipient of the North Ridgeville Chamber’s 2021 Business of the Michael Boukzam, Owner Year Pride Award and the 2021 Pride Award Renovations from the Lorain County Board of Commissioners.
North Ridge Racket & Paddle • 5475 Mills Creek Lane • 440-327-2114 North Ridge Indoor Golf • 5495 Mills Creek Lane • 440-327-8860 www.NRrackets.com • www.NRindoorgolf.com.
Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D., has more than 29 years in community college leadership roles advancing student success, workforce and economic development, strategic planning, and institutional advancement. She is the sixth President of Lorain County Community College.
Dr. Ballinger is engaged in the student completion movement at state and national levels serving in leadership roles for the Completion by Design project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Achieving the Dream and Jobs For the Future Policy Leadership Trust for Student Success.
She provides leadership for the College’s economic development initiatives and serves on several boards involved in higher education and workforce and economic development, including MAGNET and NOCHE. She was chosen as a member of the 2021 Smart 50 in Northeast Ohio, won the 2018 Crain’s Women of Note Award, and the 2018 Lorain County Alliance Mike Whitmore Award for Vision in Government.
Marcia J. Ballinger, President
