Executive Interviews
Ohio is the state of perfect balance. In this section, you will find Ohio executives sharing their perspective on how locating in Ohio has enabled them to achieve both their professional and personal aspirations without having to sacrifice one for the other. Their stories will explain how, in Ohio, business success can be achieved in the broader context of a fulfilling life.
Ed Burghard, Executive Director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition, facilitated the discussions with these leading Ohio executives.
A.J. Hyland, President and CEO, Hyland Software Inc.
Learn how Ohio-based Hyland Software Inc. has a successful business track record.
Gary Cooper, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Cooper Farms
Learn how Cooper Farms continues to succeed in the wholesale food supply industry.
Eric Boltz, President, Marathon Sensors Inc.
Learn how Marathon Sensors Inc. competes in a global economy.
Bill Fuller, Vice President of Business Development, Akron Polymer Systems
Learn how Ohio's strength in the polymer industry and talented workforce helped APS succeed.
Bob Massie, President, Chemical Abstracts Service
Learn how Bob Massie and CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society and the global leader in chemical information, thrive in Ohio.
Jerry Hutton, Dean of Energy and Transportation Technologies, Hocking College
Learn what the future holds for Ohio's energy industry.
Rob Howlett, Founder and CEO, Circlesprout Ltd.
Learn how Ohio's low cost of living, short commutes, water activities and creative opportunities have brought this executive to Ohio.
Tillie Hidalgo Lima, CEO, Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc.
Learn how Ohio's environment helps Tillie and her company assist clients in improving bottom line profit performance by helping employees better integrate their work and personal lives.
Paul Kolada, Founder and Principal, Priority Designs
Learn how Ohio's creative and talented workforce is benefiting Paul and his business.
Tim Tsao, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Kahiki Foods, Inc.
Learn how Ohio's recent tax reform has helped Tim's entrepreneurial business.
Dr. Raymond Noe, Robert and Anne Hoyt Designated Professor in Management and Human Resources, The Ohio State University
Learn more about Dr. Noe's views and research on how work:life balance positively impacts profit performance.
Andre Thornton, Chairman & CEO, ASW Global
Learn how Ohio's world-class transportation infrastructure is critical to the success of this growing third-party logistics company.
Linda Abraham-Silver, President and Executive Director, Great Lakes Science Center
Learn how Ohio's fresh water supply will be a key consideration for capital investment and site selection decisions in the future.
Stan Ahalt, Executive Director, Ohio Supercomputer Center
Learn how Ohio's world-class cyberinfrastructure can benefit your organization.
Bahman Teheri, CEO and founder, AlphaMicron
Learn how Ohio's advanced materials industry is thriving due to the state's outstanding labor pool, marketplace access and work:life balance.
Glenn Balasky, Executive Director, The Zangmeister Center
Learn how Ohio's quality health care is attracting capital investment in Ohio.
Mike Mallett, founder and CEO of Corporate Research International
Learn how Ohio's promise of Balance Without Compromise is helping Mike attract the best and brightest talent.
A.J. Hyland, President and CEO, Hyland Software Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio)
Hyland Software Inc. (HSI) is a quintessential entrepreneurial success story. The company was started in 1991, fueled by a passion for technology that led to a remarkable business track record. Headquartered in Cleveland, Hyland Software is led by its president and CEO, A.J. Hyland.
I wanted to learn more about why Hyland Software is so successful in Ohio. What I learned is that Ohio provides the perfect balance between cost structure and market access—something that every entrepreneurial initiative can benefit from.
Hyland Software contributes to helping the world adopt "green" practices by moving companies to a paperless operation. Hyland Software has developed its award-winning OnBase® product, enterprise content management software that combines integrated document management, business process management and records management in a single application.
The company is committed to providing service and support that goes beyond customer satisfaction to produce customer "delight." Remarkably, A.J. commits to being personally available to his customers 24/7, 365 days a year. It is a commitment he rightly keeps. Hyland Software is the kind of company we are proud to have headquartered and prospering in Ohio.
Q: Hyland Software has a noteworthy history of success. Since its launch in 1991, the company has consistently outperformed the market. Hyland Software has more than 7,000 customers worldwide. It sounds like a classic tale of entrepreneurial success. Tell me about the creation of the OnBase® software program and how being in Cleveland has been most beneficial.
A: My brother started Hyland Software because he saw an opportunity to help organizations be more efficient and effective through better management of their key documents. The company was founded on an idea and then grew, one customer at a time. Today, we are a global operation with a strong customer base. I joined the company immediately after graduating from college and became president in 1997. I've had the opportunity to see our OnBase® product make a difference in the cost efficiency, functionality and profitability of many companies, as well as our employees win multiple awards for their efforts, including being recognized in 2007 by Mortgage Technology as one of the Top 50 Best and Brightest Mortgage Technology Providers.
From the very beginning, it was decided that Hyland Software would be headquartered in Cleveland and we've never looked back. Cleveland has everything our company needs to be successful. Our past, present and future are in this community.
Q: The recently reformed tax structure in Ohio makes the first $1 million dollars in a company's sales essentially tax-free. What would this have meant for Hyland Software back in the early 90's when you were gearing the company up for success?
A: If the current tax law were in place when Hyland Software was starting up it would have been a huge benefit. The startup phase is a time when every penny really matters. Typically, a startup is leveraged to the maximum and additional capital is difficult to find. Not having to pay state tax on the first $1 million in gross receipts means operational cash is made available for further product enhancement or for hiring additional employees to help propel the business. Even though this law wasn't in place when Hyland Software started, I know Cleveland and Ohio, as a whole, will continue to be great places for entrepreneurs to consider investing capital. Everything you need to create a successful business is readily available.
Q: To borrow a concept from the book "Good to Great," getting the right people on the bus is important to success. Has Hyland Software been able to find the right people in the Ohio labor pool? Have you had any problems recruiting talent from outside Ohio when needed?
A: The Ohio higher education system is remarkable. We have no trouble finding the talent we need to make Hyland Software successful. We have great relationships with a number of outstanding institutions like Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and Kent State University to name a few. Hyland Software gets access to the best and brightest talent, and in return, we give graduates the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology. We are now in the process of extending our reach to take advantage of the talent from other top-notch institutions, like The Ohio State University.
One additional point that I think often gets overlooked is the incredible work ethic of Ohio employees. While I am sure it is true elsewhere, Ohioans take great pride in the quality and quantity of their work. I never have to worry if Hyland Software is getting a good day's effort for a good day's pay. The productivity and loyalty of Ohio workers is something we don't talk enough about.
Q: When I spoke with Stan Aholt, executive director of the Ohio Supercomputer Center, he mentioned that many executives are unaware of how wired Ohio really is. Hyland Software is in the software solution industry, do you feel Ohio has the telecommunications connectivity companies need to be successful?
A: Ohio has given Hyland Software everything it needs to be successful. Our company effectively serves customers around the world. Domestic and international travel is easy from Cleveland because it is a hub for Continental Airlines, and the same is true in Cincinnati with the Delta hub. From an Internet service perspective, we have more than adequate bandwidth to meet our requirements. I think Stan is right when he says Ohio is a well-wired state.
Q: Ohio claims it is the state of perfect balance where professional success is achieved in the broader context of a fulfilling life. From your perspective, how authentic is the assertion?
A: I think Ohio is a terrific place to have a business. There really is an opportunity to achieve your professional goals without having to sacrifice your personal goals. One of the trends I see is people who moved away from Ohio and returning in hopes of starting a family and establishing roots. I think the opportunity to achieve a good work-life balance is real. It is easy to commute to and from work. I can easily be in downtown Cleveland in 15 minutes, and most importantly, my employees and I have time to spend with our families. I am sure other CEOs have told you that a good work-life balance helps improve morale, productivity and continuity. Each of these benefits has direct bottom line performance impact. I know many executives who have left Ohio and want to come back. They want to be part of their children's lives while they are young and don't want to be absentee parents as a result of earning a living. I think Ohio is definitely the "State of Perfect Balance." I am looking forward to seeing Hyland Software continue to grow and help foster a prosperous Cleveland, Ohio.
Gary Cooper, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Cooper Farms
Cooper Farms has been a successful business for 70 years. It employs 1,300 team members who work at four divisions throughout Northwestern and Western Ohio. Every year the company posts a 5-to-10 percent business growth in the highly competitive wholesale food supply industry. In a world where companies start and fail rapidly, sustained success is a remarkable accomplishment that offers important lessons. I wanted to understand how being in Ohio has uniquely contributed to Cooper Farms' amazing track record. To steal a phrase from the book Built to Last, I was eager to talk with Gary Cooper (VP and COO) and learn how he is "building a clock versus simply keeping time."
Q: Gary, how does being located in Ohio contribute to Cooper Farms' 70 years of success?
A: The first thing that comes to mind is people. In Ohio, we have found some of the most amazing people. The employees of our company share Midwest farm values of honesty, trustworthiness, common sense and family traditions. I know, without question, that every Cooper Farms associate comes to work each and every day with the goals of doing what is right and contributing their best. I appreciate that this may be the expectation every company has of its employees. But, I also know it is the rare executive who can legitimately claim that the expectation is reality. Ohio people give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay and take great pride in doing the job right. We have friendly, caring people who are more like family than employees.
The second thing that comes to mind is the logistics capability in Ohio. Our business requires rapid and reliable access to our customers. Ohio is located within 600 miles of 60 percent of the U.S. population. It has a world-class transportation structure that includes road, rail, air and water. The reliability and low cost of transportation services has been key to helping us keep costs down and providing competitive prices.
Third, Ohio's agribusiness and automated manufacturing industries provide important synergies. Having access to operational knowledge of companies in these industries and the academic programs that support them is very helpful when we face challenges to further improve our process productivity. Over the 70 years Cooper Farms has been in business, this community of experts has been very helpful when we've needed support, particularly the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center and The Center for Innovative Food Technology.
Q: The Ohio promise is "balance without compromise" which simply means that professional success can be achieved in the broader context of a fulfilling life and you don't have to sacrifice your personal aspirations to achieve your professional aspirations. How authentic do you feel this promise is?
A: In my opinion, Ohio delivers on the promise. I have a daughter who is practicing law in Los Angeles. It is amazing that whenever she talks about Cooper Farms with her friends, the consistent response is that the product must be good because hardworking people in the Midwest make it. There is a level of trust associated with the Midwest that is based on our value system, straightforward approach and reliability. I've also noted that over the years many people who have left Ohio return to raise their families. They return because they want their children to be well grounded and have solid values. This is possible in Ohio to a large degree because people here believe in the importance of having a balanced life. Children are allowed the time to mature in a safe environment. They build confidence in themselves and they learn right from wrong. Parents are able to spend time with their family because commutes are short. Ohio is a place where you know your neighbors and can count on them to provide help when you need it. In Ohio, you are part of a caring community. This is the type of life I think many people aspire to, and it is definitely available in Ohio.
Q: How important is the food processing industry in Ohio?
A: The industry ships $23 billion worth of product annually and employs about 62,400 workers. It is an extremely important contributor to the state's economy.
Eric Boltz, President, Marathon Sensors Inc. (West Chester, Ohio)
Eric Boltz is president of Marathon Sensors Inc., headquartered in West Chester, Ohio. Marathon Sensors develops and markets atmosphere sensors and instrumentation for the heat treating, power generation, glass and ceramic, refining and petrochemical, metals reheat and incineration industries. Recently, Marathon Sensors was named the 2007 Exporter of the Year in Ohio (photo, left). Governor Strickland described the company as having the "kind of drive, vision, and innovation required to be a leader in Ohio's exporting industry."
I wanted to learn more about Eric's success because Ohio is undergoing a purposeful metamorphosis to become a leader in the global economy. I wanted to know if Eric believes Ohio's business climate changes are helping his company be more competitive worldwide.
Q: First, congratulations on Marathon Sensors being named Ohio's 2007 Exporter of the Year. That is an impressive honor that must make you and your employees proud.
A: The employees and partners of Marathon share the responsibility and deserve the recognition for their hard work. We knew that working with quality partners around the globe and not outsourcing our production and parts to cheaper places was the right way to do business. Our sales and service subsidiary in China and licensee in Mexico have worked hard to increase our market and maintain the quality that makes Marathon the best. Marathon exports approximately 50 percent of our products, while all manufacturing takes place in West Chester, Ohio.
Q: What would you say is "the key" to Marathon Sensors' global business success?
A: Without question, it is our employees. Ohio has an exceptionally strong, skilled labor pool. We have been able to tap into that pool and find the talent we require for both managerial and line work. Equally important, the talent is not cost prohibitive and that has been key to keeping the cost of our product down so we can set a competitive price point. We have found that we rarely have to engage in a national search because there is plenty of talent right here in Ohio. In addition, our employees have a great Midwestern work ethic. They take pride in what they do and are highly motivated to do what is right and to the best of their ability. When you have unwavering confidence in your employees, you have the time to focus on getting other things right in your business so your team's talent can be unleashed in the most competitive way.
Q: Do you have access to the best and brightest talent in the industry?
A: Absolutely. Marathon Sensors enjoys a very productive relationship with The Ohio State University as an example. OSU has been a great resource for licensing patents and we often collaborate with the university on programs. The graduating students are among the best in the nation and they have the skills we need to be successful in this industry.
Q: Ohio has methodically been improving the state's business climate to assist companies seeking to become international players. In presenting the award to you, Governor Strickland punctuated the point by saying, "Ohio is poised to become a leader in our fast-growing global economy, and we must continue to recognize that opportunities beyond our state borders are vital to Ohio's economic success." Do you feel the recent reform of the tax structure will help Marathon Sensors become an even stronger global competitor?
A: Public sector policies can either help a company or cripple it. The most important thing is to have a collaborative relationship between public and private sector leadership; a relationship that behaves like a risk sharing partnership. In Ohio, that relationship exists. The recent tax reform is a great example. It wasn't just a typical reform; it was a complete overhaul of the corporate tax structure. It was successfully completed because there was a clear vision established to have Ohio be the ideal location for globally minded companies to locate, and because the public and private sector leaders collaborated productively. The same thing was true with the earlier tort reform.
The new tax structure is designed to help companies with a global book of business. The fact that new machinery and equipment is exempt from property tax encourages companies to upgrade and become more efficient. The fact that sales to customers outside of Ohio are not taxed helps companies be more competitive in pricing while maintaining margin. So definitely, the new tax structure will help Ohio be considered a great place from which to conduct international business.
Q: Ohio claims to be the "State of Perfect Balance," promising that business success is achievable in the broader context of a fulfilling personal life. Do you feel Ohio delivers on that promise?
A: I feel that living in Ohio makes it easy to achieve balance in your life, and that balance is important. Ohio has a low cost of living. My friends who live in other locations are shocked at how much house can be purchased in Ohio for $200,000. Rather than tie up your cash in housing, you have more of it to invest in getting greater enjoyment from life. I grew up in Los Angeles and I know the challenges of raising a family or commuting to and from work in a large metropolitan area. There is a penalty you pay in your health and your family relationships. In Ohio, I live three miles from my office; my commute is about eight minutes. I can go home and have lunch if I want. I can be actively involved in the lives of my children and I know they are growing up in a safe environment and developing a solid set of values. The low cost of living in Ohio allows our family to take vacations anywhere we want, and to take advantage of the cultural opportunities in our own backyard. I believe my children are growing up in the kind of environment that provides the grounding they need to be successful in life.
Bill Fuller, Vice President of Business Development, Akron Polymer Systems (Akron, Ohio)
Akron Polymer Systems Inc. (APS) is a great example of a company successfully commercializing a cutting-edge technology in an industry that is a core strength for the state of Ohio: advanced materials. The company was founded in 2002 for the purpose of developing and marketing high performance polymers, and has been developing materials that can be used for aerospace, fuel cells, optical and photonic, and medical device applications. The company's affiliation with the University of Akron has facilitated collaboration on projects between the University and APS.
APS's CEO, Dr. Frank Harris, has extensive experience in synthesis, characterization and commercialization of high performance polymer systems. One of his technologies invented while working at the University of Akron is used to improve the viewing angle and image quality on LCD televisions. This patented technology is currently on the market and is the dominant technology used.
I had the opportunity to speak with Bill Fuller, who recently joined APS as vice president of business development. In my talk with Bill, I wanted to learn a bit more about Ohio as a choice location for entrepreneurs.
Q: Bill, why is Ohio a great place for a polymer company like APS to start up?
A: It is fairly well known that the polymer industry is one of Ohio's largest and most important industries. It includes more than 2,800 companies and more than 140,000 employees. The industry generates approximately $50 billion in annual revenues and more than $5 billion in salaries for its workers. When I learned how deep the industry was in Ohio, it made my decision to join APS even easier.
Q: APS does cutting edge work in optical film technology. Are people surprised when you tell them the company is based in Ohio?
A: A little. But, inside the industry Dr. Harris and other people at APS are well known for their commercialized technologies, published research and patents. Most of our staff came from the University of Akron, which has an outstanding reputation in the field.
Also, Northeast Ohio really has a critical mass of research and companies commercializing optical devices. With the research at the University of Akron in polymers and Kent State in liquid crystals, it's really makes sense for us to be located in this area.
Q: Are you able to find the talent you need to effectively compete?
A: There is an excellent professional community in Ohio that we tap into. There are a number of managers with technology start-up experience and of course we have a strong connection with the University of Akron for our researchers. In essence there is a lot of good talent in Ohio for investors interested in starting businesses and for entrepreneurial managers who want to take an early stage technology company to commercial success. I think if you take a close look at Ohio, it becomes obvious there's a low cost structure, plenty of skilled talent and a business climate conducive for success. Ohio may be one of the best-kept secrets in the entrepreneurial world.
Q: We promise executives that in Ohio they can achieve professional success in the broader context of a fulfilling life. Does this promise seem authentic based on your experience?
A: It does. I used to live in Cary, North Carolina and worked in Research Triangle Park. My commute was 11 miles, but it took me about an hour to complete each way. The issue was lack of infrastructure and so everything was always crowded - roads, restaurants, you name it. Also, Ohio offers established communities rich with culture, diversity, character and good school systems. There are one-of-a-kind places to find in every neighborhood, fantastic park systems, pro-sports teams and it's easy to get from place to place.
Q: It sounds like you enjoy the choices Ohio has to offer, and you have the time to take advantage of the opportunities.
A: I think a positive work:life balance is huge and it's an important part of my personal core values. I have two young children and a long commute didn't leave me the quality time I wanted to spend with them. Ohio also offers tons of interesting ways for families to spend that time together. Everything is close and affordable. There are cultural options like museums, concerts and plays; and there are outdoor opportunities like state parks and the Lake Erie shoreline. Being an avid mountain biker, Ohio offers excellent trails that are accessible and not overcrowded.
Bob Massie, President, Chemical Abstracts Service
(Columbus, Ohio)
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society and the global leader in chemical information, provides the most comprehensive databases of publicly disclosed research in chemistry and related sciences. In 2007, CAS celebrated its 100th year of serving scientists and other researchers around the world. CAS is located on a 54-acre campus in Columbus, Ohio. President Bob Massie has overseen a number of significant changes at CAS since he took charge 15 years ago. CAS products have shifted to web-enabled services; 50 percent of CAS' revenues were print-based in 1993. Today, 96 percent are electronic. CAS employees come from around the world, speaking more than 50 languages. Bob also has seen improvements in Ohio over that time period that have reinforced his love of the Buckeye State.
Q: No company survives 100 years without doing something right. What makes CAS a special place to work?
A: CAS information services have been the best in class throughout every era in those hundred years. To compete on a world stage, we have depended on great people; and CAS scientists and technical staff love living in Columbus. Our campus is pretty special. It is located 10 minutes from downtown and the state capital. There is a beautiful river flowing beside it and we have a view of Ohio State University's famous horseshoe stadium. Our associates can walk our grounds year-round, picnic by the river, and park on-site, while creating superb research tools for the world's scientists. CAS employees enjoy a work:life balance that allows them to be their best at both work and in the community. This is very important to me and to our associates.
Q: CAS has a very diverse group of associates. They could move anywhere and be successful professionally. Has retaining top talent been an issue in Ohio?
A: CAS scientists and technology workers come from all parts of the world. Scientists speaking dozens of languages have made Ohio their home. Through their dedication and outstanding skills, they have helped CAS build the world's largest and most comprehensive, chemistry-related information resources. In addition, they have added immensely to the diversity and culture of Columbus.
I must admit though, one of our scientists did leave CAS to follow his personal passion and start a successful, local Vietnamese restaurant. He is doing very well. Good restaurants are part of the fabric of Ohio that help deliver a fulfilling quality of life.
Q: Fifteen years ago, you chose to move to Ohio. What is it about the state and the Columbus area attracted you and continues to keep you here today?
A: I came to Columbus and CAS for the work:life balance, no doubt. It is simply unbeatable to live and work here. The airport is fifteen minutes from any number of communities as well as our office; so we can easily catch planes to meet customers and partners around the world. With 60 percent of our revenues coming from outside the United States, our management group is constantly in the air to Europe, Japan, China, India or wherever serious sci-tech research is conducted. But the beauty of Ohio and the Columbus region is that when you are home, you are home. You don't have to plan your trip to the airport as if it were a major campaign.
I live 10 minutes from the airport, and most of my colleagues are no more than 20 minutes away. Our offices, the downtown area and Ohio State University are even a bit closer. In today's travel climate, with business travel increasingly stressful and delay-ridden, it is invaluable to know that access to the airport is hassle free.
Q: One thing I hear from executives is that the financial component of the capital investment decision is pretty straightforward, but being able to meet the needs of employees and their families is the harder part of the equation. What would you tell an executive who is considering Ohio about the advantages in choosing Ohio as the location for capital investment?
A: CAS celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, with 98 of those years in Columbus. In fact, CAS, a global business with 1,400 employees, is based in Columbus because its second "editor" decided to move to here in 1909. I suppose that demonstrates that even at the turn of the last century, the advantages of Ohio for work and a full life were already known!
One further personal observation: I've worked and lived in Europe, the Middle East, Canada and a number of East Coast cities. In Ohio and the Columbus area, I've found it unique how newcomers are welcomed, and I appreciate the open social and networking climate. Those who wish to do so can participate in the charitable, social and recreational world here without any apparent limits. Charitable giving and community involvement are second nature in central Ohio. And with the short commutes I mentioned, we have more time for those endeavors, which make life outside of work better rounded.
Jerry Hutton, Dean of Energy and Transportation Technologies, Hocking College (Nelsonville, Ohio)
There is a sign on historic Route 33 near Nelsonville, Ohio that reads "This Road Leads to The Future." Jerry Hutton believes the message is even more relevant today than it was when the road first opened. Jerry is the dean of energy and transportation technologies at Hocking College. He also is a man with a clear vision of how Ohio will lead the United States in the creation of an advanced energy industry. I wanted to learn more about how to answer the question "Why Ohio?" when talking about this emerging industry. Our conversation was fascinating, and I found Jerry's perspective compelling and inspiring. Ohio appears to have everything: from the right skilled labor pool, natural assets, a collaborative public and private leadership and a broadly shared view of what needs to happen in order to build a sustainable, world-class advanced energy industry. How fitting is it that Route 33 runs by the new Hocking College Energy Institute? Once again, for Ohio "This Road Leads to The Future," and all of America will benefit.
Q: Jerry, the Hocking College Energy Institute is an amazing concept. It is a great example of collaboration between academia and both the private and public sectors. If I am an executive in the advanced energy industry, do I see the creation of the Energy Institute as the kind of practical approach to problem solving I can expect in Ohio?
A: We envisioned the Energy Institute as a holistic center for learning about advanced energy technologies. There will be a driving focus on fuel cell technology, but all areas of advanced energy will be explored.
The new Energy Institute was created to address the need for the skilled labor pool critical to successfully commercializing advanced energy technologies. We provide extensive training programs and decided to locate the Institute directly across from the Logan-Hocking Industrial Park. We expect this 7.5-acre property to be home to a number of advanced energy companies who can tap into our students through internship programs. These internships will ideally lead to full-time employment opportunities for our graduates and provide businesses with the skilled employees they need.
The Energy Institute also will house an applied research center for business and affordable incubator space for new advanced energy businesses.
So, while the Hocking College Energy Institute is exceptional, the practical approach that led to its creation is not unusual. Ohio is a state of very practical people. In fact, if you were an executive looking to start or move your advanced energy company, I think you'd find Ohio as a place strong in practical innovation.
The recent tax reform is a great example of a challenge that was approached methodically in a broad collaboration between public and private sector leaders. These leaders stayed focused on successfully finding a practical solution to better enable Ohio based companies to compete in the global market. Take a look at tort reform before that. Consider the collaboration it took to create the strength of the automotive industry in Ohio, or capabilities in the logistics industry. This is a state that tends to approach economic challenges in a bipartisan manner with all stakeholders at the table.
Q: But "Why Ohio?" and "Why Now?"
A: Ohio is building on a foundation of success in the advanced energy industry. First, the universities and colleges in Ohio have outstanding programs for students in technical fields as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These graduates are one reason why Ohio has a strong presence of advanced engineering, advanced materials and advanced design companies. Second, there is a world-class computational and telecommunications capability in Ohio requiring skilled workers. Third, there is a strong technology and transportation infrastructure, created over time to support other industries that simply needs to be leveraged. And fourth, Ohio has the abundant natural resources like coal, water and wind that are important to a robust advanced energy industry.
Why now? Because Ohio's public and private sector leadership agrees on the importance of developing an advanced energy industry as a driver of Ohio's future economic well being. For example, Governor Strickland has made building a strong advanced energy industry in Ohio a high priority for his administration. This strategy is supported financially as well. The Energy Institute received a $1.6M U.S. EDA grant to help in this mission. The Third Frontier Program has funding available to support qualified and promising new technology with commercial potential. Large corporations like AEP are investing in ways to make advanced energy applications cost effective and feasible for broad scale application. There has never been a better time to invest capital in Ohio if you are an executive in the advanced energy industry. Of course, we'd like businesses to consider investing in and around our new Energy Institute to take advantage of our training programs and college graduates.
Q: Ultimately, do you see Ohio leading the nation in creating a viable advanced energy industry?
A: I think the potential is definitely there. In Ohio there are already a number of successful initiatives and ongoing research programs that explore advanced energy applications. For example, the Air Force is interested in the possibility of using liquefied coal as a replacement for jet fuel. If it can be successfully accomplished in an economically feasible manner, imagine the possibilities. As another example, Technology Management Inc. in Cleveland and the Ohio Soybean Council recently collaborated on the first public demonstration of a kilowatt-scale solid oxide fuel cell system that runs on vegetable oil from soybeans. Even more exciting advances in fuel cell technology research and development are summarized on the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition Web site. We have the potential to make Ohio the "Energy Valley" of the United States. Everything required to be successful is already here in Ohio. The key is to harness the capabilities in this state and direct them toward aggressively pursuing creation of a nation-leading advanced energy industry.
Q: Clearly, to be successful in building an advanced energy industry, it will take an entrepreneurial spirit. How entrepreneur friendly is Ohio?
A: Everything an entrepreneur needs to succeed is available in Ohio. In fact, I would encourage entrepreneurs to seriously consider locating their start-up businesses in Hocking County and the surrounding area. What their due diligence will find is that they can enjoy low overhead and have easy access to a major metropolitan center within an hours drive. We have a number of support resources for entrepreneurs (like the Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs located in Athens), incubator centers, access to venture capital and a vibrant community of successful entrepreneurs available to provide wisdom along the way.
Q: Our Ohio promise is that you can pursue your professional aspirations and your personal aspirations without having to sacrifice one for the other. We call Ohio the "State of Perfect Balance." In your opinion, is the promise authentic?
A: Absolutely! I think reducing stress in your life helps you be more creative and productive. Hocking College and the Energy Institute are located in an area that is beautiful, offering many recreation opportunities and abundant natural resources. There are cultural opportunities too. There are colleges, museums, theater and city amenities just a short drive away. We have entrepreneurs who have started their business in our area with the intent of moving to a big city once their cash flow would allow it, only to find that there really isn't a compelling reason to burden their P&L with additional overhead cost after they have experienced how easy it is to do business and enjoy life in our area. I like the phrase "State of Perfect Balance." I think it captures what Ohio offers quite well.
Rob Howlett, Founder and CEO, Circlesprout Ltd. (Cleveland, Ohio)
One consistent theme in my conversations with executives centers on Ohio as an ideal location to call home and raise a family. In fact, many Ohioans return to our state to find the perfect balance between professional success and family life. In addition, many non-Ohioans find the balance in Ohio is exactly what they are seeking in their life.
I recently spoke with Rob Howlett, founder and CEO of Circlesprout Ltd. Rob is a graduate of The Ohio State University who left Ohio to pursue his professional career and decided to return when he and his wife, Ellen, wanted to start a family. Rob is an unabashed Buckeye and prouder than ever to be one. He left Cleveland seeking professional and personal success only to find that it was most easily attainable in Ohio, the state of perfect balance; the state he proudly calls home.
Q: What have you found are the key differences between the locations you've lived and Ohio?
A: Once I graduated, I moved to Chicago to start my professional career. I was in my 20's and the city seemed exciting. There were lots of people, activity and hustle and bustle. It was very different than my Ohio experience. But, after a while the city lost its luster. The sheer volume of people, crazed pace, and high costs became more noticeable. Additionally, the transient culture did not make it easy to create sustainable friendships. I was always surrounded by people, but never felt like I was really getting to know anyone on a personal level. In fact, the volume of people quickly became problematic. It translated into long commute times, long lines and high costs to visit any local attraction or event. I lived four miles from my office in Chicago and I could literally jog home faster than drive home. Los Angeles had the same dynamic. It was no different in San Francisco, either. In fact, when we lived in San Francisco we would drive to the suburbs to do our grocery shopping and go to the movies simply to avoid the excessive crowds.
My wife Ellen and I decided to move to Cleveland, Ohio to get back to a more balanced life so we could raise a family. It is amazing to go to the Cleveland Museum of Art and encounter no lines to get in. We can actually take time to enjoy the Ansel Adams collection. I live on the 12th hole of an amazing golf course and five minutes away from our child's day care center. I have a short commute to work. I can spend quality time with my children in the morning and again in the evening. I'm not getting home after they've gone to bed for the night or leaving for work before they get up in the morning.
Q: You mentioned that it was harder to form friendships with people in the other locations you lived. Why do you think that it is easier in Ohio?
A: In part, it is the Midwestern culture. In Ohio, people want to know you as a person. Everybody looks out for each other. In the cities I lived before returning, it was unusual to know your neighbor's name. People tended to rent versus own and move frequently. As a consequence, there wasn't the same desire to invest in getting to know somebody on a personal level.
Friendships are important, especially for children. In Ohio, our children are making lasting friendships and Ellen and I know the parents of their friends. We see each other at school and social events because everybody has the time to get involved. We feel like we are part of a community and with that comes an increased degree of safety. I know my neighbors are helping to look after the interests of my family. They keep a watchful eye on our property when we are not around and are quick to lend a helping hand when needed.
I have a good friend who lives in New York City. I was visiting him one time and while we were walking, I noticed he kept his head down. I asked him why, and he said it was to avoid being hassled by strangers. I found that quite revealing. In Ohio, people keep their heads up so they can say hello to their neighbors and friends. It made me appreciate that in Ohio, you can actually see the world versus just the tops of your shoes.
Q: What are the biggest misperceptions about Ohio that you encountered when you lived outside of the state?
A: Probably the number one misperception is that Ohio doesn't have a lot to offer. This perception is fueled by sit-coms and late night shows that poke fun at our state and cities. Additionally, when executives visit Ohio they normally don't have time to get a good look at how their counterparts live. When I tell my friends about the amount of home I am able to afford, the low cost of living and the short commute I have to get to work, their jaws drop. It is hard for them to wrap their minds around the fact that they could be enjoying the same balance Ellen and I are.
The second misperception is that Ohio has no water activities. I hear this a lot from my California acquaintances. Honestly, for most of the west coast the ocean is cold. I'd much rather be able to enjoy the Great Lakes. It is a lot more fun. People don't realize that Ohio has access to 20 percent of the world's fresh water supply. And boaters can actually afford dock slips. There is so much recreational activity on the lake that the hardest thing is to choose what to do on any given day.
The third most common misperception is that the creative opportunities are few and far between in Ohio. People are amazed when I tell them that the Cleveland Orchestra is regarded as one of the top five in the nation. Cleveland is also home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. There are 21 art museums in Cleveland. And if you consider professional sports a form of art, there are the Browns, the Indians and the Cavaliers. Most important, though, is that it is all accessible and affordable. We find if Cleveland doesn't have exactly what we want, then the chances are good Columbus or Cincinnati will. Both cities are a short drive and Ellen and I take advantage of their offerings whenever we want to.
Q: The Ohio Promise is that you can achieve both your professional and personal aspirations without having to sacrifice one for the other. How authentic do you feel the promise is?
A: After we moved to Ohio, I was able to buy a wonderful home I am thoroughly enjoying and save enough money to start my own business, which is doing extremely well. If we were still living in any of the cities we lived, that simply wouldn't have been possible. My earnings would have been spent to just keep our heads above water because of the cost of living. I feel my family and my employees live in a safe environment that is conducive to them doing their best work. My employees have a strong work ethic and people take their job responsibilities seriously in Ohio. Often my biggest problem is ensuring they take all of their vacation days! My children are making lifelong friendships and getting a high quality education. I am not stuck in commuter traffic and am an active part of my kids' childhood so when they are grown and Ellen and I are empty nesters, I'll be able to have a wonderful relationship with them as adults. Call it the American dream if you want, but I am definitely living it in Ohio.
Tillie Hidalgo Lima, CEO, Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio)
There are people we meet in life who have amazing business accomplishments and who inspire us to achieve more professionally. Then there are people who, through the way they live their lives, inspire us to make a difference personally. Tillie Hidalgo Lima is one of those rare individuals who is incredibly inspiring both personally and professionally.
Tillie is CEO of Best Upon Request, a concierge services firm that helps companies improve bottom line profit performance by helping employees better integrate their work and personal lives. Under her leadership, Best Upon Request has nearly quadrupled in size and in 2005 was awarded the Small Business Excellence Award for minority business of the year by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. But her role as a mother and volunteer leader in organizations like the Girl Scouts, YWCA, the Cincinnati Chamber's Women Excel Executive Advisory Board, Leadership Cincinnati Steering Committee and Agenda 360, is what provides Tillie with a fulfilling life, which, as she puts it, "helps define my dash."
Q: We are saying to executives that everything they need to build a successful business is here in Ohio. Has that been true for Best Upon Request?
A: Yes, in several ways. Most important to me is the quality of the people in Ohio. For example, there is a wonderful Midwest work ethic among those on our leadership team. They are energetic and engaged in life. These qualities translate into a passion for providing customer service and in our business that means superior performance for our clients. I also have been impressed by the support we receive from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. They have been a source of information we have leveraged often to help build our business. The quality of the Ohio education system is also top notch. I have personal experience with both the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University. Both have cutting edge research programs and amazingly vibrant campuses. Based on my experience, the graduates of those programs are well prepared to be highly successful in life.
Q: As a small business leader, do you feel Ohio has a friendly business environment for entrepreneurs?
A: One of the more remarkable programs in Ohio is the Third Frontier Program. My husband is involved with the initiative. This program provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with other professionals and get guidance on best practices that can make them successful in the marketplace. Grant money is available to support entrepreneurs that have qualified technical projects with great commercial potential. This program has the potential to put Ohio on the map for entrepreneurs and is a definite reason to take a close look at Ohio as a place to invest capital. In addition, there is a great infrastructure in place to help small businesses access venture capital funding, making it easier for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
Q: We claim success in Ohio is defined in the broader context of a balanced life. Your company mission is to support employer efforts to help employees achieve work:life integration so they can achieve more professionally and personally. What benefits do your clients see when their employees achieve that goal, and do you think the choice of business location plays a role in this outcome?
A: Yes. We have data from our surveys that demonstrate employees can save an average of two hours per every fulfilled concierge service request. Almost 60% of respondents say that this saved time is invested in increased productivity on the job. It also results in employees taking less work home and having more available time to spend in pursuit of their personal goals. We've also found the new generation of employees want a more fulfilling life. They want to integrate their work and personal lives in a way that allows them to accomplish their goals in both. I think Ohio offers the possibility to have the best of both worlds. Time freed up by being more productive during the work day is of little value if you can't afford to capitalize on it, or there are few opportunities to enjoy yourself.
Q: What has been your personal experience with balancing personal and professional success in Ohio?
A: One of the things I cherish about Ohio is that I can be home for dinner with my family. It is an important time for us. I have always made it a priority to be part of my children's lives as they grow up because I believe it is a lot harder to have a meaningful relationship with them after they are adults if you didn't have one when they were children. In Ohio, there are a lot of things to do as a family - bike trails, parks, the Ohio River, the small towns, the theme parks, the museums, the restaurants and downtown Cincinnati. This is a great state in which to raise a family and provide the solid grounding children need to be successful in making their way in a global economy. I think Ohio is an ideal location to raise a child.
Q: Talk to me about the Ohio business climate for minority led companies. Would you recommend it as a location to consider for capital investment for a minority company?
A: Diversity is an area of great personal passion for me. Best Upon Request was an honoree for the 2006 and 2007 Torch Awards, the Marketplace Ethics Award of the Better Business Bureau. And in 2007 we were ranked 47th on Hispanic Business magazine's 100 fastest-growing Hispanic companies in the United States. I'm also frequently asked to speak on the subject of diversity. I think Ohio's potential to be a beacon of light for valuing diversity in the workplace is outstanding. Ohio is a place where individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and my experience is that the people in Ohio live the YWCA concept of "lift as you climb." In Ohio, I see examples of minority leaders reaching out a hand to lift others whenever possible. I would say to minority business leaders that Ohio is a state that is definitely worth a close look and would welcome their business with an open heart.
Paul Kolada, Founder and Principal, Priority Designs (Columbus, Ohio)
Priority Designs is a company with a unique and refreshing outlook on life. Paul Kolada is the principal and owner of the firm. Paul believes in challenging his employees to work for a higher purpose than just routine business. He believes that, in doing so, people's work product will be better and their lives more fulfilling. In his own way, Paul captures the essence of the Ohio Promise - professional success is defined in the broader context of a fulfilling life. I decided to talk with Paul about the impact Ohio's business culture has on his company's efforts to create a global book of business and how Ohio's labor pool meets his need for creative talent.
Q: Ohio has made some changes to the tax structure to make it easier for companies to compete internationally. Has Ohio's business climate helped you in this regard?
A: We really appreciate any assistance we can get from the public sector to do business worldwide. Right now, Priority Designs has a number of clients and suppliers in the Far East. In fact, I am going to China to speak with a few people next week. Strategically, we see serving the global market a key to future growth. Ohio's new tax structure promises to be a wonderful enabler for us. The fact that revenues generated outside of Ohio are not taxed is a great benefit. We have to invest money to secure more international business and if we had to pay state taxes on top, the margin would be reduced.
Also, my team and I appreciate the quality of telecommunication services in Ohio. I literally can't think of anything we are lacking to deliver a quality design service. This is extremely important when working with clients who are literally on the other side of the world.
Q: You have created an extraordinarily positive work culture at Priority Designs. I know you concentrate on doing so through unique programs like sponsoring an annual derby car race. In fact, your reputation among industrial engineers as a desirable place to work is second to none. What role do you think location plays in helping you create an organization in which employees enjoy a good work:life balance?
A: I think creating a culture that values work:life balance starts at the top. I am committed to having it in my life, so it is easy to encourage everyone at Priority Designs to do so. The reputation we enjoy is because the people who work here are happy. Word gets out and professionals take notice. We often get inquiries about potential employment because people want to work at a place with top-notch professionals and feel great about the work they do.
I believe location plays a role in enabling people to more easily achieve a good work:life balance. If employees have a long commute, then they have less time to devote to the other parts of their life. Virtually anywhere in Ohio, in less than a 30-minute drive from work, you can live downtown or in the quiet of a rural location. You can choose the lifestyle that is best for you. Contrast this with working in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles or any mega-city. You either sacrifice disposable income to live close to work, or you sacrifice time by enduring a long commute. Nothing saps creativity quicker than the constant grind of a bumper-to-bumper commute.
If your location is not conducive to work:life balance there is inevitably less time to create lasting relationships because they require an investment of your time. You're probably not as involved in your church or community. You're likely not volunteering and giving back through social organizations. You may not be investing the quantity or quality of time you want in building a strong marriage or relationship with your children. None of these things sound like things you'd want to trade off, so I think it is fair to argue that location must have a positive impact on the ability to achieve a good work:life balance.
Q: For your company to be a successful global player, access to quality creative talent seems critical. Are you able to find the caliber of talent that your clients deserve in Ohio?
A: Absolutely! Some of the world's best design talent is available in Ohio. There are several outstanding educational institutions in this state that produce exceptional graduates. Equally important, these professionals have core Midwest values of honesty and straight-forwardness and they tend to be unpretentious and extremely hard working. Two programs I'd highlight are the Department of Industrial, Interior and Visual Communication at The Ohio State University, and the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati.
We regularly have two students from the DAAP co-op program on rotation. This program is unique and, I would argue, produces some of the best, practical designers in the world. These are exactly the type of people our clients deserve: designers who listen to client needs and come up with workable and elegant solutions.
Ohio has an amazing labor pool of creative talent and a sustainable academic infrastructure to meet a company's long-term expansion needs.
Q: Creative people like to be inspired. Does Ohio offer enough creative stimuli to feed the soul?
A: Very poetic way of asking the question. The creative culture is definitely available in Ohio. You simply need to take advantage of it. In Columbus, there are some wonderful art museums and a vibrant local artist community. The Wexner Center is a fantastic facility that inspires you from the moment you look at the unique structural design of the building and continues to inspire with the art exhibits featured in its galleries.
Other assets include great off-Broadway shows, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with Jack Hanna as its Director Emeritus, to name a few. These all provide a wide range of stimuli for inspiring creativity.
Then when you consider Cincinnati is only a four-hour drive from Cleveland, you can select from such diverse things as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, to Amish Country in Holmes County, to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. We find our employees have no complaints about a lack of things to do with their free time. The best way to appreciate what Ohio has to offer is to experience it.
Tim Tsao, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Kahiki Foods, Inc. (Columbus, Ohio)
From being recognized as "The best Polynesian restaurant in the world," and "One of the top 100 restaurants of the 20th century," Kahiki Foods has evolved into one of the top manufacturers of authentic Asian frozen food products. It was a real pleasure speaking with Tim Tsao about the incredible success of the company his father founded.
I was particularly struck by the Kahiki Foods mission statement that focuses on operating with "passion and the Aloha spirit." The Aloha spirit recognizes the interdependence of people and encourages mutual regard and affection with no obligation in return. While the Aloha spirit is a guiding principle of Kahiki Foods, I couldn't help reflect on how well the concept also describes Ohio. Tim and I had a great discussion about how Ohio is a state that people can truly call "home." A place where people say what they mean and mean what they say. A place where entrepreneurs can find a business community that wants them to succeed.
Q: Kahiki Foods is a phenomenal success. Do you think Ohio is a good place to start, expand or relocate a business?
A: Yes, for a variety of reasons. I think the cost structure in Ohio is better than most states, incentives are available to help reduce risk and quality labor is readily accessible and affordable. Ohio's central location minimizes distribution costs and the state's recent tax reform makes doing business here more affordable. All of these benefits make Ohio a location that warrants due diligence by any executive looking to make a capital investment.
Kahiki Foods has a steady stream of top-notch talent from the Food Science and Technology Department at Ohio State University. The talent we've brought into our team are passionate and eager to learn more. Equally important, we are able to find line associates for the operational side of our business. Hard-working, loyal workers with a passion for the work:life balance they enjoy in Ohio. We have many employees that have been with us for over 15 years.
Q: Let's talk more about the business climate. How does the new tax structure in Ohio help entrepreneurs increase their odds of business success?
A: The two aspects of the tax reform that are of greatest interest to entrepreneurs are 1) no tax on the first $1 million in annual gross receipts and 2) the elimination of taxes on the sales of goods and services to customers outside of Ohio. It is important to appreciate that entrepreneurs often put everything on the line to pursue their dream. They risk their own money, investors' money, often their friends' and family's money and may even max out their own credit cards. It is a big deal to go out on your own. As an entrepreneur, you are often boot-strapping your way to success. Having the state as a risk-sharing partner is an important, positive consideration when you are investing your money and reputation.
Q: You've lived in D.C., San Francisco, Beijing and New York City. How does living in Ohio compare to those locations?
A: In Ohio it is easier to found and grow a business. The environment is not as cutthroat as the cities where I've previously lived. Business costs are definitely lower. The public sector is very helpful and the banks are easy to work with.
It is also very easy to network here. There are many energetic communities of entrepreneurs and seasoned industry professionals alike, all with the desire to share and grow.
The other big difference is that I now actually get a good night's sleep. It is easy to get around in Ohio and you don't have to trade a long commute to live in a family friendly neighborhood. In the other places I've lived, I'd often drive to work in the dark and drive home in the dark at the end of the day. With a 45-60 minute, one-way commute and the extra hours required for offsetting overhead costs, you end up sacrificing your personal life for professional success. It wears on you after a while and the added stress can take a toll on your health.
Q: It's interesting that you mention the potential negative health implications of sustained stress. Studies from Duke, Yale and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute show that mental-stress-positive patients are at increased risk of various cardiac events. Your sense that daily stress can negatively impact health has a scientific basis.
A: I am not surprised. I know that simply by getting more and better sleep I am more productive. If you are able to lead a well-balanced life, I think you will also lead a longer life. Ohio is called the "State of Perfect Balance." I believe that is true for the employees of Kahiki Foods and for me too.
Dr. Raymond Noe, Robert and Anne Hoyt Designated Professor in Management and Human Resources, The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
I have been exploring the possible business implications of Ohio's promise of perfect balance. I believe balance is a key to sustainable performance excellence, and have been trying to absorb as much knowledge on the subject as possible. When I was presented with the opportunity to speak with Dr. Raymond Noe, a distinguished professor in the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, I leapt at the chance to ask him for his thoughts on many of my questions. Dr. Noe is a Robert and Anne Hoyt Designated Professor in Management and Human Resources. He is a well-respected author and serves on the editorial boards of several journals focused on organizational behavior and human resource management. I found our conversation fascinating and educational. I know you will as well.
Q: Studies have started to emerge that suggest a positive work:life balance can improve shareholder value for companies. Do you believe that work:life balance can help deliver increased profit?
A: Yes, I do believe work:life balance positively impacts profit performance. But the definitive studies to demonstrate the cause and effect relationship are yet to be published. The literature is reporting on studies that evaluate proximal criteria versus distal factors. However, these studies provide convincing directional evidence that a connection exists. For example, a study by Vanderbilt University and Hewitt Associates found companies on the Fortune "Best Places to Work" list substantially outperformed the S&P 500 over a three-year, five-year and ten-year time frame. The published material suggests employees who have a positive work:life balance deliver real benefits to their employer through productivity gains, higher retention rates and increased honesty. Each has a cost avoidance component associated with it that can also translate into improved shareholder value. There also are studies showing a positive correlation between work:life balance and customer satisfaction.
Q: I've been reading medical literature indicating that long-term stress has negative health implications. I also read an interesting report that looked at Boeing Aerospace and Lockheed Martin retirees that suggests the longer you work past age 55, the shorter your life span. One hypothesis is that the body is not able to recover as easily from the health damage of sustained stress. What are your thoughts on the potential impact a life with balance in Ohio might provide?
A: There is no doubt that work:life conflict leads to stress and that stress has a negative impact on health. Over the long run, the implication is a greater utilization of health benefits by employees. Therefore, if you can replace work:life conflict with work:life balance, an employer should realize a reduction in health care costs over time. This would clearly provide an opportunity for improved shareholder value.
To my knowledge there have not been any specific studies run to look at the health impact of Ohio's lifestyle as it relates to stress. But, logically it makes sense that the ability to achieve work:life balance in Ohio would have a positive effect. Top-of-mind, a key reason why work:life balance is easier to achieve in Ohio is that the pace of life is less frantic. The transportation infrastructure makes it easy to get places, so travel stress is reduced. The infrastructure is "right sized" for the population density so it can handle the traffic flow. You only have to drive once in L.A., D.C., Chicago, Boston or New York City to appreciate how much stress can be induced because the transportation infrastructure isn't sufficient to accommodate the demand on it. Another reason may be that in Ohio, people are transparent and honest to deal with. There is less "gamesmanship" in interactions and people can be themselves. It can be very stressful to always have to "be on" in every interpersonal interaction for fear of being taken advantage of. You don't have to do that in Ohio because there is genuineness to the interactions here.
Q: I have been hearing from the experts that the best and brightest of Generation Y value a location's ability to deliver work:life balance when selecting a job. Is this consistent with what you are hearing and reading?
A: When it comes down to having a job versus not having a job, then location isn't the driving factor. But when we talk about recruiting the "best and the brightest," these graduates have options and the ability to have the time to enjoy life is a key consideration in their final decision. I believe Ohio has great appeal. You can essentially choose the lifestyle that best suits your personal needs in Ohio. If we just consider Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, each has very unique characteristics and cultures. However, they all have a lot of cultural and academic resources that can contribute to a balanced life. Another reason I believe Ohio has appeal to Generation Y is that we have a hard time convincing graduates from our university to leave Ohio. Their desire to find employment in Ohio is a great testimony for the ability to find work:life balance, but it doesn't help our university's goal of creating an even stronger national image. Another phenomenon I find telling is that many of the graduates from Ohio colleges and universities who do leave the state come back when they get married and want to raise a family. It speaks highly to Ohio as an ideal place to create a well-rounded life.
Q: Do you think that an executive who chooses Ohio is in any way disadvantaged in his or her professional career?
A: I don't think making the choice to live and work in Ohio presents a disadvantage. The state has a very diverse population that provides cultural exposure and an exchange of ideas. In part, the number of colleges and universities in Ohio that seek to enrich the international representation of their student population drives this. At The Ohio State University, we have a strong focus on ensuring our graduates have a global perspective and the opportunity in their academic career to study abroad. Additionally, Ohio is home to roughly 60 Fortune 1000 company headquarters. These companies have a global footprint and recruit employees from around the world to work in their headquarters. These professionals contribute to the diverse tapestry of Ohio communities. Finally, it is so easy to travel from Ohio to anywhere that professional seminar and learning experiences are within reach. I really do not believe an executive is disadvantaged at all if he or she chooses to live and work in Ohio.
Andre Thornton, Chairman & CEO, ASW Global (Akron, Ohio)
This week I had an opportunity to talk with Andre Thornton, chairman and CEO of ASW Global. Andre's professional history is marked by a series of successful roles ranging from an acclaimed major league baseball player, to father of three sons, to his current role as leader of one of the largest minority owned and certified third party logistics company in America. By locating in Ohio, ASW Global has easy access to much of the country. And, by operating in Foreign Trade Zone #181, Andre has a competitive advantage through the ability to provide more than 150 clients with tax and duty benefits. I learned a lot from Andre about the opportunity for minority business leaders to enjoy personal and professional success in Ohio.
Q: How has Ohio's business environment helped ASW become the highly successful logistics company it is today?
A: To a large degree the answer is location, location, location. Ohio is a wonderful location for a logistics company's headquarters. We have access to 65 percent of the North American population within a one-day haul. In addition, Ohio's world-class transportation infrastructure gives our clients access to rail, water, air and road to cost effectively move their product. I have been courted by a number of states to relocate ASW Global, but I can't imagine how we could replicate the commercial benefits of operating our business in Ohio.
Q: What is your perception of the labor pool in Ohio?
A: Ohio has the right type of labor force to support future ASW Global expansion and to meet the needs of our clients. The labor force in Ohio understands logistics. The logistics industry in Ohio is well established and ASW Global has access to the wide range of resources available.
In addition, the Ohio educational system is excellent. We are able to find top talent graduating from Ohio universities and colleges and have hired a number of these graduates to meet our operational needs. I raised three sons and the education they received in Ohio prepared them to compete for acceptance in any program in the country. We find the access to professional sports, the arts community, remarkable parks and recreation, the world-class medical care system and a low cost of living allows us to recruit from among the best and brightest graduates. Equally important is that these state assets allow us to retain these employees and develop them to be outstanding contributors to our business.
Q: Does the opportunity to achieve a good work-life balance in Ohio translate into a meaningful benefit for you?
A: I have lived in Ohio for 30 years. What I like most about this area is the ability to do everything I want to do in both my professional and personal life. Ohio's transportation infrastructure makes everything in the state accessible to me. The airports are not crowded, I never feel claustrophobic. I can watch professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey or soccer. I have access to a world-renowned symphony, excellent museums and one of the country's best golf courses at Firestone Country Club. Other states may offer great venues for entertainment as well, but in my experience, they are not as easily accessible as they are here in Ohio.
Q: As a minority business leader, what is your perspective of Ohio as a location choice for minority led businesses?
A: I am very bullish on Ohio. I can easily see the upside potential for Ohio to be a leading state in nurturing minority led businesses. I bet few people know that the biggest cities in Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati) are led by black Mayors. We have strong representation of minority leadership in the public sector on which we can build. Minority leadership in the private sector is growing. ASW Global is one of the largest minority owned companies in Ohio. Sam's Club of Wal-Mart is a client and their management recently asked me to share the ASW Global story with them. We have roughly 60 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in Ohio. Imagine what could be achieved if the leadership of those companies and ASW Global could work together to nurture accelerated growth of the minority business community in Ohio. I believe no other state has the same potential as Ohio to lead the nation. The challenge moving forward is to fully realize that potential. Minority business leaders with a passion for contributing their talent to helping realize the dream even faster should definitely consider joining the Ohio business community.
Linda Abraham-Silver, President and Executive Director, Great Lakes Science Center (Cleveland, Ohio)
The Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) in Cleveland, Ohio is one of America's largest interactive science museums. The President and executive director of the GLSC is Linda Abraham-Silver, a West coast transplant who has come to love the balance she has found in Ohio. One very interesting topic we discussed was the growing importance of fresh water as a natural resource. I have been reading about more and more locations like Georgia running out of drinking water because of drought conditions and I wanted to learn more about Ohio's fresh water supply. As it happens, the GLSC (and nine other partners) recently collaborated to create a traveling exhibition that addresses the topic. I think you'll be surprised by what I learned.
Q: How does living in Ohio compare with living on the West coast?
A: I was born in San Francisco and lived in L.A. for 17 years before moving to Ohio. You can think of me as a California girl turned Clevelander. The most significant difference is that life is easier here in Ohio. You don't have the complications of congestion or unaffordable real estate. I was most surprised by the natural beauty of Ohio. I traded the shores of the Pacific Ocean for the shores of Lake Erie and I love it!
Q: What has been the biggest difference you've observed about living in Ohio?
A: In L.A., there is an expectation that you will do whatever it takes to be successful professionally. You arrange your life around your work. You are defined by your professional success. In Ohio, the expectation is that you will lead a balanced life. Employers expect you to and support you in taking care of your family and community. You are encouraged to lead a well-rounded life and be engaged in your community through volunteerism or serving on Boards. In Ohio, you are defined by how balanced your life is. I find it a much more rewarding way of living. Ohio has been an exceptionally welcoming state. I think the Cleveland area is a community that really empowers women, promotes education and has amazing natural resources as well as cultural opportunities. Ohio is a state where you can make a personal impact. I believe, in Ohio, my children can truly make a meaningful and authentic difference and be recognized for it.
Q: The GLSC is located on the shore of Lake Erie. In light of the recent reports of severe drought conditions across the nation, I have been thinking more about the role water plays in our economy. Tell me about the new water exhibition the GLSC has helped create, and your thoughts about Ohio's fresh water supply.
A: Water is a natural resource more precious than oil and more valuable than gold. It is required for life. The traveling exhibition is titled "Water H2O = Life" and is opening at the American Museum of Natural History on November 2. The exhibition will raise the public awareness on the importance of intelligent management of our world's water supply. If water is the "new oil," then Ohio is the new equivalent of Saudi Arabia. Ohio has access to the world's second largest supply of fresh water, roughly 20 percent of all the fresh water on the planet. This is going to be an amazingly important competitive advantage for Ohio's economy as demand for fresh water increases globally.
I never really thought about the impact of a fresh water supply on a company's decision to select a location for capital investment. But, it makes a lot of sense. If the company requires a reliable supply of fresh water to operate, Ohio will be an extremely attractive choice. As demand on a location's fresh water supply grows, the frequency of mandated restrictions on that water would increase. I assume the cost of that water would increase as well. It is not hard to imagine the costs associated with accessing fresh water will become an important expense line item that would depress profits. If it was my company, I would be thinking long-term and certainly view Ohio's fresh water supply as a positive consideration in my site location decision.
Stan Ahalt, Executive Director, Ohio Supercomputer Center (Columbus, Ohio)
One of the great things about Ohio is there are amazing stories of people who are achieving outstanding professional and personal success. Stan Ahalt, Executive Director of the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), has one of those incredible stories. He left college to work at a lumberyard, switched to working at a grocery, discovered a personal passion for engineering, went back to college and earned a Ph.D. and now is running one of the most sophisticated high performance computing centers in the world. And now Stan has a vision to make the competitive benefits of high performance computing accessible to the Ohio business community. Stan has a very clear, very bold professional vision and he is making it happen in Ohio. He is not an Ohio native yet has found himself in love with the life he has been able to enjoy in this state. Stan's story is the quintessential example of why Ohio is called the "State of Perfect Balance."
Q: As I have studied Ohio's history, one constant has been the ability to cost effectively and efficiently move products and services to market. The transportation and logistics infrastructure has always been world-class. But what about our digital commerce capability? What is your opinion of Ohio's technological strengths?
A: I was in California last week giving a talk to an audience of high performance computing experts. In my presentation I made the claim that Ohio has the best "cyberinfrastructure" in the nation and then asked the audience if the statement was accurate in their opinion. The collective perspective was yes. In Ohio, the creation of this world-class cyberinfrastructure has been enabled by a strong and forward-thinking public-private collaboration. In Ohio, we have more than DSL capability to offer businesses. We have a real core infrastructure that enables Ohio-based companies to leverage high performance computing to be more competitive in the global economy. Ohio further differentiates itself from other states through its world-class analytics capabilities. Companies like Lexis-Nexis, the Ohio Computer Library Center, Chemical Abstracts Service and others provide the analytical expertise to capitalize on the ability to rapidly move bits and bytes of information. Executives should definitely evaluate Ohio's cyberinfrastructure and consider the competitive advantage it could represent before choosing any other location for capital investment.
Q: I read an article explaining how P&G leveraged high performance computing to solve a manufacturing challenge on the Pringles production line, and routinely uses sophisticated virtual design tools to provide superior products that improve consumer lives. But, P&G is a Fortune 500 company. How does Ohio's cyberinfrastructure translate into a competitive advantage for smaller companies with less financial resources to bring this type of computing power to bear on business problems?
A: In Ohio, the solution is Blue Collar Computing™. It is a service provided by the Ohio Supercomputer Center that makes the potential of high performance computing accessible to Ohio companies. Blue Collar Computing offers the hardware, software and people required to get started in using the technology to solve complex business problems. For example, we worked with Edison Welding Institute to create an online tool that allows engineers to simulate welds without having to learn complex programming codes and languages. OSC developed the Web layout, the middleware, and is hosting the application on its supercomputers.
Because of our charter from the Ohio Board of Regents, OSC can provide the comprehensive solution services of Blue Collar Computing at cost, making it affordable for companies to leverage the power of high performance computing. We enable companies to solve problems more efficiently and effectively, which translates into the ability to more effectively compete for global market share in their business category.
Q: You've convinced me that Ohio has a world-class cyberinfrastructure and an enabling capability through OCS to translate it into a competitive advantage for Ohio based companies. But is the Ohio business climate innovative enough to be a world leader in high performance computing?
A: Ohio has made impressive strides that have established the benchmark for what great looks like within the small (but growing) global community of high performance computing professionals. Ohio's university systems are a driver of innovation, and the relationship between academia and the private sector in Ohio is continuing to strengthen. The $1.6B Third Frontier Project is a great example of a collaborative approach to enabling the continued development and commercialization of higher risk, promising research. We need to keep pushing in this direction to create incentives for industrial research. In my mind, Ohio has a core capability in "practical" innovation. Maybe it is the heritage of the Midwest, but Ohioans like to find ways to translate scientific breakthroughs into products and services that have market value. I think Ohio is definitely on a path to be the global leader in knowing how to leverage high performance computing for practical and profitable applications. I also think OSC will play a key role in making that vision a reality.
Q: What you have been able to accomplish to date professionally is, frankly, remarkable. But have you had to sacrifice your personal aspirations to do it?
A: No. I am not originally from Ohio. When I first moved to Ohio in the late 1980s, I had no expectation of caring as much as I do for this state. In fact, the depth of my passion for Ohio is a constant surprise to me. But the people in Ohio are refreshing. They exude the Midwestern values of honesty, transparency and trustworthiness. I get to work daily with people who are straightforward and practical. I don't have to fight to get from point A to point B in Ohio. Everything is accessible. The state has great resources and room to build. I find it a wonderful place to live. The cultural, recreational, medical and other services that help make a great life are available and affordable. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the point is whenever I am returning from my travel and land in the Columbus airport, I get an overwhelming sense of coming "home." It is one of the best feelings in the world. Ohio is big enough that a person can access the resources required to accomplish important goals, and small enough that you can actually leave a personal mark with your work. For me, making a real difference is priceless and I can do that in Ohio.
Bahman Teheri, CEO and founder, AlphaMicron (Kent, Ohio)
I recently had an opportunity to speak with Bahman Taheri, CEO and founder of AlphaMicron. This is a cutting-edge company that is pioneering the application of polymer technology in the world of fashion. AlphaMicron is utilizing liquid crystals for color changing garments and light sensitive eye wear. Soon, the company's products will be found in the cockpits of U.S. fighter planes as well as in haute couture in Paris. The work at AlphaMicron is just one example of why Ohio is a leading state in both polymer research and application.
Q: In Ohio, our promise is that executives and their employees can achieve their professional and personal aspirations without having to sacrifice one for the other. Are you finding this to be an authentic statement?
A: Absolutely. There are three areas I would highlight in my answer—1) financial partnership, 2) excellent labor pool, and 3) access to the marketplace. The Ohio Department of Development offers a number of programs to help share risk and has been excellent to work with. There is a strong, supportive infrastructure in place that includes organizations like NorTech that make the business environment friendly for entrepreneurs. In addition, I have been very impressed with the quality of the labor pool available for employment. We have been fortunate enough to form a close relationship with Kent State University and many of our employees have either graduated from the institution or have had an affiliation with it. We hire engineers, scientists and artists as well as classic business people. We are able to find and successfully recruit hardworking, genuine and truly innovative talent across a variety of disciplines. Finally, Ohio's location and transportation infrastructure has helped AlphaMicron create a global book of business. To achieve our commercial aspirations, we need to serve the world's consumers and having our company in Ohio will help us deliver our growth projections.
Q: You indicated most of AlphaMicron's sales will be to customers outside of Ohio. Have you found the new Ohio tax structure to be helpful in competing in the global market?
A: I was really pleased to learn that in Ohio, only sales to companies within Ohio are subject to the commercial activity tax. This will be increasingly important as AlphaMicron's sales outside of Ohio continue to grow. I also like the fact that the first $1 million in annual gross receipts are not taxed. This is a big help to entrepreneurial companies and frees up additional revenue for reinvestment in company expansion. This is partly why I believe Ohio is a business friendly state.
Q: In addition to offering everything needed to grow a successful business, the Ohio promise speaks to allowing you to achieve your personal aspirations. Is this part of the promise authentic as well?
A: I believe it is. Throughout my career, I've lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London. All are great entertainment cities. But in reality, taking advantage of many of the opportunities can be limited because of issues like traffic and cost. I found nothing was easy to access and everything required a significant investment of time to enjoy. For example, when I lived in San Francisco, if I wanted to go out for a cup of coffee at, say, Starbucks or Peet's Coffee, I'd have to invest 10 minutes getting the kids ready and into the car, 20 minutes to get to the coffee shop, 10 minutes to get served, 20 minutes to drive back home, and a few more minutes to get the kids out of the car. Before I knew it, I had invested an hour to simply have a cup of coffee. In the city I live now, a short 5-minute walk with the kids on their bikes and I am at the same coffee shop. And to top it off, I will have passed by my neighbors who know who I am.
Ohio gives me the gift of time to invest in life's simple pleasures and in the most important priority in my life—my family. I can spend quality time with them and I can make a difference in their lives. You can imagine how much extra time saving one hour of driving a day gives you. This is more time to spend with your family, not to mention less aggravation from being stuck in traffic.
As for my children's education, the city we live in is consistently ranked among the nation's top for secondary education. Also, the lower cost of living allows me the flexibility to send my children to private school (if needed) and have enough money to enroll them in other after school activities like piano lessons or horseback riding class. I think that I can give my children a more well rounded education and better prepare them for the life ahead of them.
Q: Don't you give up exposing your children to culture as they grow up?
A: No. Ohio has outstanding cultural opportunities. In Cleveland, we have the world-class Cleveland Orchestra, the Playhouse, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Art Museum, Science Museum and the Inventors' Hall of Fame, among many other attractions. We also have professional baseball, basketball and football events practically in our back yard. We have at our disposal all the big city amenities without the big city issues like crime and traffic.
When we lived in San Francisco, I never found time to enjoy the sights like Alcatraz. When we moved to Ohio, we took a trip back to San Francisco to visit friends and I went to visit Alcatraz for the very first time. Anything culturally I can't get in Ohio that I want my children to see, we see as tourists. The time and cost savings by living in Ohio allows us to take meaningful family trips to places such as Europe or the east and west coasts. Cleveland's airport makes it easy to fly to any destination we want because it's the hub for Continental. In fact, we are a short one-hour trip to New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Toronto and many other places.
Q: How important do you feel the work-life balance Ohio offers is to your business?
A: It has an enormous positive impact on the bottom line. At AlphaMicron, we hire high quality scientists and engineers who often get recruited by other companies. But they choose to stay with AlphaMicron because of the work-life balance they are able to enjoy.
To illustrate this point, we have scientists working at our company who go home every day to have lunch with their family. The close proximity of things in Ohio and the ease with which you can travel between places makes a meaningful difference in people's lives. They would not be able to have the type of relationship they do with their children if they lived in some of the places they could have chosen for employment. It would simply not be practical and in many cases not even possible.
Glenn Balasky, Executive Director, The Zangmeister Center (Columbus, Ohio)
The Zangmeister Center (www.zangcenter.com) is an amazing outpatient resource for patients with cancer and blood disorders. It helps patients dealing with difficult health challenges get easier access to medical expertise by providing a full range of services including oncology care, clinical trial access, treatment and prevention as well as patient advocacy. The Center is an innovative approach to helping improve the quality of life for patients.
Glenn Balasky, Executive Director, has a professional aspiration of leveraging his healthcare business experience to enable The Zangmeister Center to fully realize the dream of setting the "gold standard" in comfort and convenience of medical care for oncology patients. Glenn moved to Columbus, Ohio in 2004. As I talked with Glenn, I was struck by his passion for making a difference in the lives of others and how that included not only oncology patients, but also his family.
Q: Glenn, in Ohio we promise executives that they and their employees can achieve their personal and professional aspirations without having to trade one for the other. Everything you need to build your business is available here in Ohio, but business success is delivered in the context of a fulfilling life. Is this promise consistent with your experience?
A: I think it is. As a businessperson, you are dependent upon a variety of other services and the business community as a whole. I think this is an area where Ohio excels. There is everything you could possibly need as far as supporting services, from accounting, legal, construction, transportation and so on. All those services are more than readily available and easy to access.
Q: If an executive outside Ohio in the healthcare field were to ask you if they should consider Ohio for capital investment, what would your counsel be?
A: I'd tell them this is a place where you are going to be able to plug-in very easily. There are professional networks and companies eager to help and have a great track record in doing so. I think the excellent transportation infrastructure is a hidden secret for Ohio. It is not New York City or Chicago, and that is what makes it good. It is easy to get in and out of Ohio. That is good for transportation of goods and services as well as business travel. I'd also point out that the pace of life is not as hectic as the large and crazy cities. People aren't spending an hour and a half commuting to and from work. There is less stress in life as it relates to running a business.
Q: It sounds like in Ohio you have the gift of time to devote to achieving your personal aspirations. How does that play out in your life?
A: I used to live in Chicago, where getting from one place to another was neither convenient nor efficient. It was also stressful. Now I have a short commute. At work I have more time to devote to quality thought which leads to better business decisions. At home I have the opportunity to see my children off to school and attend my son's ball games. I am not as stressed out when I get home, so the time I spend with my family is better quality time. My wife and I believe sitting down and having dinner as a family is very important, and in Ohio I am able to do that consistently.
Q: Do you find Ohio offers you enough opportunities to do things as a family?
A: Absolutely. Ohio is centrally located and you can easily hop in the car and explore some wonderful outdoor activities. I recently took my family to Grand Lake St. Mary's State Park. It was a great location with a 13,500-acre lake, hiking trails and a lot of fun things to do. Within a two-hour drive I can go skiing in the winter, go boating, go hiking in the woods or jump on a plane and visit any resort I want. Flights from Columbus are reasonably priced and the airport is not the hassle of an O'Hare or LaGuardia. My family and I have yet to run out of things to do or places to explore.
Mike Mallett, founder and CEO of Corporate Research International (Findlay, Ohio)
I really enjoyed my conversation with Mike Mallett, founder and CEO of Corporate Research International (CRI, located in Findlay, Ohio). CRI has been named two years in a row to the Inc. magazine's Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private firms in the U.S. CRI provides consumer insight to clients through the effective use of mystery shoppers to collect data. CRI has a confidential client list that includes some of the top company names in America. CRI employs roughly 150 people at the headquarters operation and manages over 350,000 field representatives. It is no "mystery" why CRI has been successful when you read their capabilities presentation (www.mysteryshops.com). Mike believes he is a great example of Ohio's promise of work-life balance.
Q: Mike, the Ohio promise is "Balance Without Compromise." In Ohio, business success is delivered in the broader context of a fulfilling life. Or, as I like to say, you can achieve both your professional and personal aspirations without sacrificing one for the other. Has this been your experience as you've built the CRI business?
A: Good question. I am the "poster child" for this question. I live minutes from my office. I have a wonderful house in a great community with excellent schools for my children. Family life is extremely important to me. It is a personal priority to attend my kids' school and sporting events and support them as they grow. I also need to be successful in business so I can provide the quality of life I want for my family. Ohio offers me the opportunity to find that perfect balance that I could not conceive of finding in Washington D.C. where I was living before moving to Findlay. I would have missed a lot of things in my kids' lives if we had stayed there.
Q: Obviously CRI is very successful, but are you finding everything you need to continue growing your business in Ohio?
A: I really appreciate the business resources the state has available and the quality of labor CRI has access to. We are expanding rapidly. We have a need to fill high level IT positions, and we have no trouble finding the quality of talent required. Findlay is located right in the middle of Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo.
Q: How does Ohio help you achieve your personal aspirations?
A: When I lived in D.C., if I wanted to attend an event with my children, I would have to leave work early to beat the traffic and would still have a long commute home. It forced me to have to make a priority choice between my work and family. It was impossible to achieve an effective balance. You simply couldn't take that much time off from work and be successful. You don't have that problem anywhere in Ohio. I have family members who live in Columbus, and they are able to find a good work-life balance as well. In D.C., it took forever to get anywhere.
