Oswald Unites Bernie Kosar with Business and Sports Leaders

When the Oswald Companies moved into a new home on the East Bank of the Flats in 2024, it was a clear indication that the company was not only poised for future growth, but also very much committed to the city of Cleveland and the community across Northeast Ohio.

Oswald recently hosted an event at its new headquarters that brought together business leaders and Cleveland sports icons called “Talk @ the Tower, an evening of insight, connection and community.” According to Phil Lopez, senior sales executive at Oswald, who was moderator of the event, it marked the first in a series of roundtables that Oswald will host at its new headquarters in the coming months.

Lopez, a financial professional with over 25 years of experience, has worked with countless business leaders, CPAs and attorneys, as well as civic leaders and athletes.

The roundtable featured Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, a professional boxing champion who held the WBA lightweight title and is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, who has since transitioned into film, philanthropy and public speaking. Mike Fratello, former NBA and Cavs coach, broadcaster and television personality, was also on hand sharing his insights on sports and life. And Bernie Kosar, former Browns quarterback, offered some of his life lessons as well as stories on the importance of resilience.

Indeed, it was rumored that Kosar, who was at the time awaiting a liver transplant in a local hospital, actually “escaped” from his hospital bed to attend the event.

“These kinds of social events are a nice combination of work and relaxation, and I am honored to be here,” Kosar told the crowd. “Telling stories, being energetic and charismatic are very important to me, but the most important is being genuine.”

In addition to some extremely interesting stories from both Fratello and Mancini, the evening offered commentary, stories and insights from local business leaders, including: Bill Considine, CEO Emeritus of Akron Children’s Hospital; Michelle Kuhrt, EVP and chief transformation officer of Lincoln Electric; Susan Hennike, CBO of Carhartt; and Matt Gregory, CEO and president of Gregory Industries. Each talked about the importance of adapting to change while remaining focused on mission and culture.

“Business and sports are a great matchup because they are very similar,” said Lopez. “Whether you are a CEO of a company, or a quarterback in the NFL, you are always being coached.”

Jessica Jung, president of the Oswald Companies, added, “The one thing we know is that change is a constant. I was listening to a speaker in Europe recently who said that the No. 1 skill, not just for business leaders but for all humans, is that you must embrace change in order to survive.

“People don’t like change, but the speed and rate of change is multiplying by the day,” she added. “A lot of change is positive. I think about what has happened in the last two years just with our company. We have gone from employee-owned Oswald to creating a national footprint.”