Kohoot, Mark

Education: Master’s degree, Ecole Superieur de Commerce, Nantes, France; bachelor’s degree in business administration, The Ohio State University

First Job: Cleaning offices at Cotton Club Bottling in Cuyahoga Heights

Toughest Challenge: Founding a company that challenges a lot of preconceptions. Breaking through tradition is not easy.

Greatest Inspiration: Nature. All around us are cues on how to live a good and happy life.

How I Motivate Others: By not being above, or afraid of, doing the basic work myself. Making sure they know they are appreciated. And, by having a culture where goodness rules.

Most Inspiring Person: Dr. Michael Roizen, a tireless worker with a brilliant mind, all for the betterment of people

Best Advice: Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.

Proudest Moment: Watching my son get through demanding schooling and becoming a fine young man

What Keeps Me Up at Night: Wondering if our breakthrough discoveries will ever be widely adopted

Previous Leadership Positions: Executive director, French American Chamber of Commerce; director of business partners in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Lucent Technologies; director of Global Channel Marketing, Eastman Kodak

Important Lesson Learned: There is no substitute for putting in the work.

Most Important Skill: Critical thinking

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: “Be yourself and follow your instincts.”

Hobby/Passion: Travel

Bucket List: A few six-month stints overseas. Japan, Portugal and New Zealand to start.

Fun Fact: I love making sculptures and, had my childhood been different, I'd probably have gone to art school.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Stan Marsh