Business Management students at Chagrin Falls High School networked with professionals from all over the Chagrin Valley to learn about their respective positions on December 13. The speed networking event was held in the Commons of the high school.
There were more than 20 volunteers who served as mentors for the event. Each student had a few questions prepared to ask. Each networking round lasted approximately 10 minutes and each student was able to meet with four mentors. Special thanks to the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce for helping to coordinate volunteers from their membership.
“Our class is composed of mostly upper class students who will head off to college and most likely pursue some type of business major,” said Teacher John Bakalar. “Our class is full of high achievers and motivated individuals and our business community certainly had an opportunity to experience this first-hand.”
“It was a really great experience,” said junior Jessica Brett. “I was nervous at first, but everyone was so friendly and helpful.”
“My favorite part of class wasn't an assignment or a project but the career meet and greet,” said senior Henry Ryan. “It was very engaging and I got to meet amazing people from the community, as well as collect business cards in case I had questions for them in the future.”
Special thanks to the following mentors:
Dick Griffin, Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, US Network
Muffi Sherwin, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway
Tony Palmieri, Owner, Palmieri's Photography
Margo Pokopac, Quickbooks ProAdvisor, CKM Services LLC
Jennifer Emch, Owner, Licensed Clinical Counselor, Ubuntu Wellness
John Finley, Consulting Actuary, Township Trustee, Chagrin Falls Township
Dewey Forward, Entrepreneur, The Popcorn Shop
Mindy Qua, Financial Consultant, Stratos Wealth Partners
Jim Beard '72, Vice President Marketing & Sales (Retired), State Industrial Products
Robert Esper 70’, Market Director (Retired), Praxair
Robert Adleman, Lawyer, Adelman Law Office
Emily Honsa-Hicks, Lawyer, DLA Piper Law Office
Tyler Koepf 05’, JD/CPA, M. Thomas Capital Management
Chris Koepf 01’, Owner's Representative, Harlan + Associates
Evan Webster, Community Relations Director, Anna Maria of Aurora
Jeff Griff, Owner, Lowe's Greenhouse
Michelle Venorsky, Founder, PR, social media, former writer/reporter, Hello LLC
Thomas Fiala, VP Operations, Romeo’s Pizza
Megan Moran, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host, Author, TV Show Creator Mompreneur Guide
Andy Sworan '72, IT Developer, CIO/CTO, Legal, Chagrin Valley Consulting
Mike Baldwin, Police Officer, Chagrin Falls Police Department
Toni & Alan Wesen, Principal Owner of Insurance Agency, Ohio Ark Insurance