Michael’s Bakeshop
Michael Richmond’s name might be familiar to those who follow theater credits in Northeast Ohio, or because the Lake County resident taught elementary school drama classes. Baking was always his side gig. At 14, he took a job at a Chardon bakery, and as an adult, he worked for a Chicago bakery.
But several years ago, realizing baking was his passion, Richmond returned to Cleveland, enrolled in pastry classes and bought a house in Willoughby. During his first attempt to sell his own baked goods at a farmer’s market, he sold out the first week — and every week thereafter.
“I was making loaves of breads and cinnamon rolls from our house. It was crazy. The walls were caving in we were so busy,” recalls Richmond, who opened Michael’s Bakeshop in Willoughby in June 2023.
Cinnamon rolls are the best sellers, followed by crumble buns in seasonal varieties such as peach, strawberry, blueberry and maple pecan. Six signature sandwich breads are made with either a white or honey wheat base and include favorites like brown sugar and cinnamon, cheddar jalapeno and cinnamon raisin.
Richmond says he’s thrilled with his location in downtown Willoughby because of the area’s many community events. He also appreciates the cooperation, guidance and friendship of fellow business owners on the street, as well as his new and loyal customers.
4145 Erie St., Suite 102, Willoughby, 440-201-9818, michaelsbakeshop.com
Create-A-Space
Whether you are an entrepreneur or an established business professional, owner Aisha Childers wants you to know Create-A-Space in Willowick is there for you. Opening her co-work and social venture space in April 2023, Childers’ mission is to help support small- and mid-sized businesses succeed. Looking for a vibrant location where customers feel safe and comfortable, Childers chose Willowick because it fit that description.
It would be difficult to name something Create-A-Space doesn’t offer in terms of supporting businesses, individual proprietors and the self-employed. Product or social videos can be shot in a production studio, self-service podcasts can be created in another studio, and private offices and event spaces are available, too.
In addition, a full-service music studio complements Create-A-Space’s open mic night that’s held every Friday.
“One of the most rewarding things so far has been open mic night. People in the creative and performing arts here feel like they don’t have as many opportunities like they would have in Cleveland to showcase their art,” says Childers. “We’ve had people with a sax, guitar, harmonica, banjo and vocals. They are so grateful. It’s super cool.”
30480 Lakeshore Blvd. (next to Starbucks), Willowick, 440-569-1075, createaspacecle.com
CRAFT Hair & Spa
At CRAFT hair & spa in Kirtland, two walls of windows allow a view of soothing trees and grass.
“It’s peaceful. Our goal at CRAFT is to create a friendly atmosphere for new and existing clients,” says Co-owner Lindsey Pekarcik, who opened the salon and spa in November 2022 with her business partner Renee Healan. “We want you to come in, grab a cup of coffee, experience a relaxing shampoo or treatment and let us achieve your hair goals.”
The location of their joint business venture is important to the two stylists, who first worked together 20 years ago at Raun Hairdresser and Day Spa in Willoughby.
“We love that Kirtland has a small-town community feel,” says Pekarcik. “Kirtlanders seem to really support one another, and that was true when we opened CRAFT. It’s been great.”
The two owners complement each other’s special talents and skills. Pekarcik enjoys formal styling, while Healan is certified in hair extensions. But both pride themselves on “always staying up to date on trends as well as the newest hair coloring and cutting techniques,” according to Pekarcik.
“We are both great at consultations,” she adds. “We really spend the time to walk through any concerns anyone might have.”
9264 Chillicothe Road, Suite 1, Kirtland, crafthairspa.com
Direct Marketing Solutions
When Direct Marketing Solutions held an open house this past September, it was really a dual celebration. The company acknowledged its 15th year in existence and its one-year anniversary at its new location in Eastlake.
The company’s services include direct mail, data management solutions, fulfillment, printing, creative services, promotional items, informed delivery and more.
“I had worked in a couple mail shops
and mail houses, but two other people and I decided we could do it better and also treat people the way they should be treated. And we did, and that’s how we have grown,” says Diane Martin, now the sole owner of
the business.
Martin didn’t have to move her business very far to its new location — just a few doors down in the same complex. The new site doubled the size of her business to 18,000 square feet. Many of Martin’s customers are from the area, so she wanted to keep the location convenient for them.
Martin is active in the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, having been a member since 2013 and serving as chair in 2020 and 2021. She offers an important piece of advice for small business owners: “A lot of times, people think marketing is just an expense — something they don’t consider a priority,” she says. “But without marketing, you won’t grow.”
33851 Curtis Blvd., Suite 202, Eastlake, 440-942-8803, dmsoh.com
The Lubrizol Corporation
You may not see the name “Lubrizol” stamped on a pair of athletic shoes, on a shampoo bottle label or on an additive sticker under the hood of a car. But there is a good chance that the Lubrizol Corporation in Wickliffe has something to do with all three.
Lubrizol consists of two global business segments: additives to help keep vehicles and ships running correctly, and advanced materials for the creation of pharmaceuticals, clothing, plumbing, electronics, packaging and more. “Lubrizol is “synonymous with superior science and solutions,” according to President and CEO Rebecca Liebert.
Lubrizol is the largest employer in Lake County, with its eastern campus in Wickliffe housing its world headquarters corporate services offices. Worldwide, Lubrizol has more than 8,000 employees, with more than 1,900 workers based in Northeast Ohio.
“Northeast Ohio is a great place to be headquartered for many reasons,” says Liebert. “It’s close to railways, it is a cost-effective location to do business and the workforce is strong and dedicated. Northeast Ohio is also home to many great universities with a diverse population and great talent that will lead the future of our industry. We are deeply invested in the community, engaged in supporting local nonprofits and committed to local universities.”
29400 Lakeland Blvd., Wickliffe, 440-943-4200, lubrizol.com
Tec Inc. Engineering & Design
At its 40th anniversary celebration in 2023, Tec Inc. Engineering & Design presented $15 gift certificates to everyone who attended, suggesting that recipients pay it forward by buying someone’s coffee or donating the money to a charity. The initiative was reflective of the company’s values and a way to help others become part of that philosophy.
“From day one, we always felt the need to be a good corporate partner with the community,” says CEO Terrance Kilbourne, who founded the company in 1983 in Willoughby, expanded it several times and now calls Eastlake headquarters. “We are the only independent mechanical and electrical engineering firm in Lake County. There are a couple large civil firms, but nothing else like us. We have a responsibility.”
Kilbourne, who will be vice-chair of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce in 2024, considers Lake County his home, so starting a business there “just made sense.” But other factors, including affordable and adaptable workspace, accessible transportation and “a good business environment,” have also contributed to Tec Inc.’s success, he says.
In 2020, Kilbourne retained his CEO title, but his son, Adam, became president.
“The second generation of leadership is in place, and it has been phenomenal,” says Kilbourne.
33851 Curtis Blvd., Suite 216, Eastlake, 440-953-8760, tecinceng.com
