Meet the Instructors
Want to know more about the instructors who are teaching the courses at the Center for Entrepreneurs? Let's get to know them and their businesses.
- Reka Barabas
- Edvige Rita Camardo
- Tenora Edwards
- Mike Fegan
- Saidah Farrell
- Tina Peery Gholson
- Sheila Gibbons
- Anne Goodman
- Anup Gupta
- Manny Hall
- BrandonDavid Hawkin
- Melina Higbee
- Fatimah Jackson
- Jing Lauengco
- Amy Neumann
- Jumar Newell
- Mike Nwankwo
- Eryka Parker
- Maria Paparella
- Mary A. Paxton
- Cheryl Perez
- Lisa Ryan
- Josh Troche
- Harry J. Vande Velde III
- Catrice Williams
- Mark Wolanzyk
Business Type: Entrepreneurship education, accelerator programs, nonprofit management
How Long in Business: More than 15 years
Biography:
Reka Barabas's career centers around entrepreneurship program design and implementation as well as building strategic partnerships and collaborations for economic development and educational organizations. Over the past 15 years, she has led initiatives focusing on entrepreneurship education and talent development for college student entrepreneurs, social enterprises, female entrepreneurs and international entrepreneurs. She fell in love with Northeast Ohio and its resources during her first job, planning U.S. State Department-sponsored professional development study tours for visiting foreign dignitaries.
A lifelong learner, Barabas most recently completed a Behavioral Design course and is working on a project management certification. She holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University and a master's degree in education and German from Bowling Green State University. A graduate of the Cleveland Bridge Builders' leadership program, she was also recognized as a Crain's 40 Under 40. Barabas is the immediate past board chair of Collaborate Cleveland and often serves as a panelist, facilitator, competition judge, mentor and presenter.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
You immediately become part of a peer group that is ambitious and optimistic.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride. Make sure you have a support network, and never get too comfortable!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Fall in love with the problem you want to solve, not your solution.
Teaches a Nonprofit Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Type: Business marketing, strategy, brand ambassadorship
How Long in Business: Since the summer of 2025
Biography:
Rita Camardo is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania. She earned her undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University, majoring in economics with minors in Spanish and business. She completed her MBA in Strategic Marketing at Baldwin Wallace University in the summer of 2024.
Business Type: Consulting, mentorship
Website:
How Long in Business: Over 25 years
Biography:
Tenora Edwards is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with over 25 years of experience as a consultant, business entrepreneur, author, property developer, mentor and CEO of Excel Inc. She currently serves on several boards, including the Better Business Bureau, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Community Advisory Council and the OH-11 Small Business Advisory Council, to name a few. Edwards leverages her expertise to drive positive change and impact. Additionally, as the founder of the Pink and Black Honors, Multi Resource Networking Expo and the Pink Party Retreat, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, learn and thrive.
Edwards has a passion for supporting communities, and she actively advocates for their empowerment and advancement. She has a proven track record for delivering exceptional results and driving business growth through strategic planning, innovation and strong leadership. Edwards is committed to promoting inclusion in the workplace and is actively involved in community initiatives. She is a visionary thinker, adept at identifying opportunities and delivering impactful solutions that meet business needs and exceed expectations.
Business Name: Professor of Accounting and Finance at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Professional Tax Consultant
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Mike Fegan is currently a professor in Accounting and Finance at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. He has also been an instructor for Corporate College's Accounting, Finance and Tax division as well as the Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Businesses program. Fegan owns a professional tax consulting firm and was a small business owner at the start of his career.
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Joy Craft Cocoa
Business Type: Consumer packaged goods, subscription box, corporate gifting
Website:
How Long in Business: 12 years
Biography:
Saidah Farrell is a passionate entrepreneur and educator with a deep commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and mentorship. With over 12 years of experience as an entrepreneur, she has built and grown multiple ventures that celebrate the art of handcrafted sweets while creating opportunities for others.
Through her entrepreneurial ventures, Farrell has honed her skills in product development, branding and business strategy. She understands how to transform a creative vision into a thriving business and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others.
As an adjunct professor at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, she equips students with practical industry skills, blending hands-on learning with real-world applications. She specializes in culinary innovation, entrepreneurship and business development, empowering students to think creatively and build sustainable careers.
With a unique ability to bridge the gap between education and entrepreneurship, Farrell continues to inspire the next generation of culinary and business professionals, fostering both technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted the freedom to create without permission.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Before you do anything else, develop your email strategy.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Let your customer be the hero of your product or service.
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: TPG & Associates
Business Type: Payroll and HR consulting
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Tina Gholson has over 40 years of management experience in payroll and human resources. She has worked in the healthcare, manufacturing, payroll service bureau and financial services industries. Her most recent role involves managing the payroll department for JACK Entertainment.
Gholson has also been an active member of the PayrollOrg's (formerly the American Payroll Association) Greater Cleveland Chapter for over 40 years. She is currently the chapter's vice president and served as its president for two terms. In addition, she served as the chair of the Ohio Conference for Payroll Professionals, the annual Ohio statewide payroll conference.
In 2015, PayrollOrg awarded her the Meritorious Service Award, and she was inducted into the APA Hall of Fame for her contributions to the association and the payroll profession. She is currently an instructor for the PayrollOrg Pay Train program at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s Corporate College.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I decided to become an entrepreneur because of my passion for the payroll profession and my desire to share the knowledge I have gained over the last 40 years as a trusted advisor and educator.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Seek out people who know more than you do, get a good attorney, and underpromise and overdeliver. Always remember that you can do anything you set your mind to do.
Workshop Series Course:
Business Name: The 501 Pros
Business Type: Consulting
Website:
How Long in Business: Seven years
Biography:
Sheila has worked with nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years in leadership, advisory, and instructional roles. She has served as Executive Director of an art and culture organization, a chamber of commerce, and a foundation, bringing broad and real world experience across multiple nonprofit sectors.
Sheila is a founding board member and Treasurer of the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce. She has advised nonprofits and mission driven organizations on compliance and governance, operational strategy, risk management, leadership development, and fundraising.
Sheila founded The 501 Pros to address unique needs of nonprofit organizations at all stages of development. Sheila and her team support: nonprofit formation, 501(c)(3) tax exemption assistance, compliance and governance, grant readiness, fundraising and advancement planning, donor strategy, grant writing, leadership training and so much more.
Anne GoodmanBusiness Name: AG NonProfit Advisors
Business Type: Nonprofit capacity building consulting
Website:
How Long in Business: Consultant - six years; Nonprofit executive - 30 years
Biography:
With over 30 years of leadership in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Anne Goodman is a respected nonprofit executive and strategic consultant with experience in fundraising, executive leadership, governance, grantmaking, executive coaching, and organizational assessment. As a consultant she brings insight, credibility, and clarity to conversations about organizational excellence, mission impact, and the evolving landscape of social good.
With fifteen years as CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and later six years with Saint Lukes Foundation, overseeing $12 million in annul grantmaking, in 2020 Anne launched her consulting practice. Driven by a deep commitment to building nonprofit capacity at every level, her guidance combines hands on expertise of an executive leader with the perspective honored through years at the helm of a philanthropic foundation.
Business Name: AG Consulting Business
Business Type: Author coaching, publishing strategy, creative support
Website:
How Long in Business: Since 2022
Biography:
Anup Gupta is a dynamic speaker, author and consultant who coaches ambitious business owners to scale profitably and implement strategies for an eventual successful exit. After running his marketing services agency successfully for over 25 years and achieving his business and personal goals at the age of 49, he exited the business on his own terms. Upon the exit, Gupta pivoted to empower fellow entrepreneurs. Today, he runs a thriving consulting practice, teaches entrepreneurship at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, serves on the Black Chamber of Summit County's board and mentors at SCORE. His insights have appeared in local, regional and national publications.
Business Name: Manny Hall and Associates
Business Type: Marketing agency
Website:
How Long in Business: Eight years
Biography:
Manny Hall is a premier brand development coach, business leader and author dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build strong, profitable brands. He believes branding should come before marketing, ensuring businesses avoid common challenges and achieve long-term success.
As a CEO, instructor and workshop facilitator, Hall teaches branding and marketing at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s Corporate College and conducts monthly workshops through his organization. Some of his top partners include Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, John Carroll University, the Presidents' Council and COhatch.
Hall is also the cofounder of Propel Cleveland, a nonprofit he runs with his wife, providing free personal and business development resources to the community.
With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Hall continues to inspire and equip business owners with the tools to scale and succeed in today's competitive market.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted more freedom to use my gifts and skills differently.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Build a personal brand as you build your business.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Understand that everyone's journey is going to look different. But you have to build a sustainable model from the start.
Teaches a Discovery and Foundation Tracks for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Music Tech Ventures
Business Type: Venture capital, community and business development
Website:
How Long in Business: More than 10 years
Biography:
With a background in the music business and a heart for hospitality, BrandonDavid is committed to equipping and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to grow themselves and their communities.
As Investment Lead and Connector at MusicTeach Ventures, he helps build a community of founders, investors, advisors, and service providers -- bridging the gap to healthy capital and meaningful collaboration. With recent focus on bringing ecosystem leaders and entrepreneurs together across cities BrandonDavid is honored to support the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community that once supported him in his early journey into entrepreneurship.
Business Name: The Bee Experience
Business Type: Business development and planning
How Long in Business: One year in business, but has worked with small businesses entire career
Biography:
Melina Higbee is a dedicated leader, strategist, and fundraising professional with over 20 years of experience in organizational development, philanthropy, and program execution. With a strong passion for mission-driven work, she thrives in environments where collaboration, innovation, and impact converge.
Throughout her career, Melina has spearheaded transformative initiatives in leadership, fundraising, and strategic program development. She also has extensive experience in corporate solicitation strategy, grant research, donor stewardship, and large-scale fundraising campaigns. Her work has included launching and managing programs that support faith-based and social entrepreneurship efforts, as well as developing internal systems to drive efficiency and impact.
Melina’s strengths include strategic thinking, relationship-building, program development, and problem-solving. She is known for her ability to implement vision into action, assess and evaluate complex situations, and lead teams with empathy and decisiveness.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I have been an entrepreneur in different capacities for over 20 years. However, this time, I decided that I wanted to be invested in my community in a more meaningful way.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Make sure you find a community that supports you.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
The same advice I gave myself: "This is your journey and no one else's. Therefore, remember to be gentle with yourself along the way."
Teaches a Nonprofit, Discovery and Foundation Tracks for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: AI Mind Power Consulting
Business Type: AI Education, integration, consulting for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Website: aimindpowerconsulting.com
How Long in Business: Two years
Biography:
Fatimah Jackson, A Registered Nurse, Educator, and AI Integration Specialist helping small businesses and entrepreneurs work smarter using the power of AI. Founder of AI Mind Power Consulting, Fatimah blends over 20 years of experience in healthcare and teaching with cutting edge technology to simplify systems, save time, and turn ideas into income.
Through consulting, workshop, and speaking engagements, Fatimah breaks down complex tech into clear actionable steps. With the simple mission of: "help everyday experts confidently use AI to grow, create, and profit. From talking at business conferences, women's wealth events, and entrepreneurship trainings, Fatimah is known for making technology feel practical, empowering, and easy to implement. In addition to teaching Fatimah creates digital products and automation systems that help business owners streamline their processes and scale with confidence.
Business Name: Next Thing Now
Business Type: Executive entrepreneur business coach for brand and story strategy
Website:
How Long in Business: 21 years
Biography:
Jing Lauengco is the next thing now. She helps you tell your story and build your brand for calm, clarity, confidence and connection — turning your "someday" into "day one," starting now. Her 30-day Part 360° workshops bring brand and story strategy to the everyday world. Her experience as an entrepreneur and business and executive coach helps her inspire individuals to write creatively through her brand lab. Lauengco is a visionary who loves to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
It allowed me to evolve personally and professionally with no limits and enabled me to expand exponentially across a range of industries and categories. As an entrepreneur, I am able to grow and have creative financial freedom with no limits for myself and others.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Know that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle and a long game. Manage burnout and how you define success beyond financial gain. Be clear on boundaries to maintain mental and physical health and well-being — yours and your team's. Trust your instincts when working with partners, and make sure you share the same values and work ethic. Leadership and mentorship are entrepreneurship. Be grateful for everything. Open doors and show and share your journey with others.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Be clear on your "who, what, where, when and why." Work with the right mentor, find your community and always give back!
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Good Plus Tech
Business Type: Consulting, primarily around technology for businesses and nonprofits, workforce/talent, investment readiness for entrepreneurs and startups, marketing and communication strategy
Website:
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Do you own any other businesses? Resourceful Nonprofit, which provides technology tools, resources and training to other 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Biography:
Amy Neumann is a social impact entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, trainer, technology strategist, consultant and artist.
Neumann enjoys discovering new social impact applications for technology. With a focus on blockchain and AI, she also founded a startup nonprofit called Resourceful Nonprofit (and its subsidiary, Technology Inclusion) to help nonprofits accomplish their goals more efficiently while being inclusive.
She is also the CEO and principal of the social enterprise consultancy, Good Plus Tech, with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies and smart communication strategies to solve global social impact challenges. She often speaks at places like the Dell Social Innovation Conference, Arizona State University’s Sustainability Conference, Blockland Solutions, nonprofit events and universities. She is widely published, including as a contributor to Forbes, an author of PR News’ Crisis Management Guidebook and a columnist for the Huffington Post.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is thrilling for people who have ideas to solve problems. Every day is different, exciting and full of new learning.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Most of being an entrepreneur is two things: networking and a curiosity to always be learning.
Workshop Series Courses:
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: LaunchArts Media
Business Type: Business marketing, advertising
Website:
How Long in Business: 10 years
Biography:
LaunchArts Media LLC was founded in 2014 by Jumar Newell. LaunchArts services both project-based and retainer accounts. The signature offering is professional video services, including creative (storyboarding, directing, theme and concept strategy) and technical (shooting and editing). LaunchArts' other major offerings include social media marketing and management as well as creative marketing and brand strategy, with service specifics such as web administration, graphic design, content writing and video/media production, including professional photography.
Throughout its history, LaunchArts has served hundreds of clients, spanning industries such as professional services, trades, real estate brokerages, medical practices, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, civic organizations and local municipalities.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
After seeing the inner workings of small businesses and recognizing the viable resources I could provide, the opportunity to do business grew and grew, and I stepped into it. I pushed even more when I realized that a certain culture and business integrity were lacking, and I could help in their restoration.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
I wish someone would have explained the concepts of working capital and access to capital.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give someone who is just starting out is to not expect overnight success. Business is a refinement process, and branding takes repetition and consistency to gain consumer trust. Time must be spent.
Teaches a Discovery and Foundation Tracks for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Apogee Leadership Group LLC
Business Type: Leadership, professional/personal growth coaching, training and consulting services
Website:
How Long in Business: Four to seven years
Biography:
Mike Nwankwo is the founder and CEO of Apogee Leadership Group LLC, which he started after working at Intel Corporation with his wife and business partner, Toni. Nwankwo has more than 30 years of experience as a business and sales consultant with a variety of public and private organizations.
Nwankwo is certified to facilitate, speak, train and coach individuals and groups in the areas of leadership development, professional skills and personal growth. Trained and mentored by John Maxwell and mentors of his world-class faculty, he is equipped with the tools, resources and experience to help individuals and teams improve their productivity, performance and profitability. Nwankwo is also FranklinCovey-certified.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
It is a calling to help positively transform the world by developing exceptional and ethical leaders.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
I would advise others to ensure their business of choice aligns with their passion or purpose in life. When things get tough, falling back on your "why" can help sustain you.
Workshop Series Course:
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Eryka ParkerBusiness Name: Legacy Book Coaching
Business Type: Author coaching, publishing strategy, creative support
How Long in Business: Since 2009
Biography:
Eryka Parker is the founder of Legacy Book Coaching & Consulting, a book coaching and publishing strategy firm that helps writers, executives, and thought leaders turn their ideas into impact. With more than 17 years in the publishing industry, Eryka blends literary expertise with business acumen to guide clients in creating books that elevate their brands, clarify their messages, and establish authority in their fields.
With work rooted in craft and strategy Eryka has supported authors to win honors for their literature. Eryka is the Resident Editor for the Western Reserve Writes Conference, a contributor to the Indie Author Magazine, and former member of the Editorial Advisory Committee for IBPA Indepent magazine. Eryka is also a multi award winning contemporary romance author under the pen name Zariah L. Banks, she bring dual perspective as a industry professional and working author.
Driven by a passion for diversifying the publishing landscape, Eryka is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and empowering writers to build lasting legacies through their work.
Business Name: Chair-ity
Business Type: Nonprofit
Website:
How Long in Business: 11 years
Biography:
Maria Paperella, Founder and Executive Director of Chair-ity, a nonprofit focused on furnishing the first home of those aging out of foster care and supporting their success. Maria is a graduate of Kenyon College with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology. Additionally, Maria was recognized by Crains as 20 in their twenties in 2021, and Local Forbes 30 under 30 in 2023. She graduated from Cleveland Leadership Center's Bridge builder program in 2023 and Clevland Foundation for Philanthropy in 2022.
Mary A. Paxton
Business Name:
Business Type: Nonprofit
How Long in Business: More than 25 years
Biography:
Mary A. Paxton is a nonprofit leader, strategist, and fundraising professional with over 25 years in experience. She currently serves as Vice President of Jump Start Inc., where she leads funding strategies and build partnerships that support high impact entrepreneurial and community initiatives across Ohio. Mary brings deep expertise in fund development planning, grants management, systems building, and more with experience spanning from economic development, civil liberties, workforce development, and social impact organization. Known for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style, and ability to translate visions into actions; Mary holds a masters in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University and her Bachelors degree in Economics from Allegheny College.
Business Name: Cheryl C Perez Enterprises
Business Type: Consulting, coaching and online training programs for entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small business owners who want to develop and build the "Strategies, Structures, Systems and Squads" (her 4S Freedom Framework)
Website:
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Cheryl "CP" Perez is the CEO of Cheryl C Perez Enterprises, a brand of companies that provides consulting, coaching and online training programs to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small business owners who want to develop and build the "Strategies, Structures, Systems and Squads" (her 4S Freedom Framework) to start and scale their organizations. Perez has over 25 years of experience in capacity-building for businesses and nonprofits — including her own — and possesses a uniquely qualified insider view of what makes a business truly succeed. She provides step-by-step guidance so you can strategize and create the systems and processes to experience the freedom of living a life you love while you grow the business of your dreams.
Perez is also the host of CPTV, a weekly YouTube show with over 25,000 subscribers providing free step-by-step process training for anyone who wants to systemize their organization.
What do you like about being an entrepreneur?
I enjoy being an entrepreneur because it gives me the freedom to live my life on my terms and allows me to share my expertise and insights with individuals who are passionate about growing their organizations. I find immense fulfillment in helping entrepreneurs and leaders develop the necessary structures and strategies for success. My experience in building and selling companies has provided me with valuable insights, and I appreciate the opportunity to assist others at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, I wish someone had emphasized the importance of effective operational, sales, service and HR structures and strategies right from the start. Additionally, the value of documenting processes and delegating tasks to reclaim time and achieve the freedom to live a fulfilling life is something I've come to appreciate deeply.
Workshop Series Courses:
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Grategy
Business Type: Keynote speaker, podcast host, founder, chief appreciation strategist
Website:
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Lisa Ryan is the founder and chief appreciation strategist at Grategy. As a keynote speaker, she leverages her extensive experience across a wide range of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, inspiring positivity and gratitude strategies in workplace environments. Ryan's approach helps enhance employee engagement, retention and workplace culture. Her insights are informed by her background in sales, marketing and human resources, as well as her nontraditional educational path — where she worked all day and attended classes at night, completing her MBA over 14 years at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Cleveland State University. Ryan is also an author, with books focusing on engagement strategies in various professional environments.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
My journey into entrepreneurship began under rather abrupt circumstances. My position in medical sales was eliminated during a group conference call — a stark and impersonal method that profoundly impacted me. This experience catalyzed a firm resolution: No organization would ever have that control over my career again. It was during this pivotal moment that I recognized my true calling — spreading the message of gratitude. Since 2010, I have been dedicated to bringing this vital message to the world, helping organizations enhance their culture and improve employee engagement through the power of gratitude.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
It's going to be harder and take longer than you can imagine.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Don't quit your day job! Make sure you have the finances to get started so you don't have to worry about money from the start.
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Pedal Stomper Productions
Business Type: Multimedia (podcasting, photography and video production)
Website:
How Long in Business: Six years
Biography:
Josh Troche is a versatile professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales, technical assistance and video production. He cultivated a strong online presence, amassing over 19,000 YouTube subscribers with videos reaching 1 million views. Leveraging his expertise, Troche founded his own photo, video and podcast production company, Pedal Stomper Productions, where he has helped hundreds of people present their best selves and businesses to a larger audience.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I've always tended to "do my own thing," which often made me a tough fit in some organizations. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to do my own thing while being successful.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Do it, but do it with the attitude of learning and growing as you go.
Teaches the Launch a Successful Podcast courses
Harry J. Vande Velde IIIBusiness Name: The501Pros
Business Type: Nonprofit Consulting
Website:
How Long in Business: 20 years
Biography:
A seasoned professional with over four decades of nonprofit management, planning, fundraising and communications in his toolbox. Harry has raised over $75,000,000 utilizing every technique available.
Business Name: Closeknit Connections
Business Type: Merchant service provider — credit card processing
Website:
How Long in Business: Two years
Biography:
Catrice Williams, Founder and CEO of Closeknit Connections, bringing over 22 years of leadership and expertise in the payments industry. Known for her innovative strategies and personalized approach, she has helped organizations of all sizes grow, streamline operations, and optimize their credit card processing payment systems.
A trusted advisor, dynamic networker, and passionate advocate, Catrice leverages her strong industry relationship and deep knowledge to deliver impactful results. A proud Univeristy of Akron Alumna and mother, Catrice is dedicated to building strong connections and creating lasting, positive change.
Business Name: Mr. PC Inc.
Business Type: Full-service IT consultant company
Website: mymrpc.com
How Long in Business: 26 years
Biography:
Mark Wolanyzk is a seasoned IT administrator with more than 40 years of experience in the technology sector, specializing in system security and cybersecurity. Throughout his career, Wolanyzk developed deep expertise in managing, securing and optimizing IT infrastructures to ensure business continuity and data protection.
As a Microsoft Certified Engineer, Wolanyzk is highly skilled in working with Windows environments and has extensive experience in implementing robust security measures to safeguard against evolving cyber threats. His expertise includes designing and managing secure networks, performing vulnerability assessments and developing comprehensive disaster recovery plans.
Wolanyzk has a proven track record of enhancing system performance and reducing operational risks through the implementation of advanced security protocols and solutions. His commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and adopting best practices has helped organizations improve their security posture and mitigate potential threats.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
After spending 40 years in IT administration, I realized that my passion for technology and problem-solving extended beyond the boundaries of traditional corporate structures. The dynamic nature of the tech industry, particularly in system security and cybersecurity, inspired me to seek more independence and flexibility in how I could contribute to the field.
Becoming an entrepreneur allowed me to leverage my expertise in a more personalized and impactful way, helping businesses and individuals navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and IT challenges. The opportunity to not only solve complex problems but also create tailored solutions for clients is something I find incredibly fulfilling. Moreover, being an entrepreneur allows me to stay at the forefront of innovation and provide high-quality, customized services that align with the specific needs of each client.
The desire to take control of my professional future and make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity realm motivated me to step into entrepreneurship. I'm excited to help companies secure their digital infrastructures while continuing to grow and challenge myself professionally.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
When I first ventured into entrepreneurship, I wish someone had told me just how important it is to build a strong network from the very beginning.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Document it, or it never happened. Always document things so you can review them later.
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course