Name a country anywhere in the world and chances are Jaime Sisto has been there, developing new economic opportunities for Ohio. In fact, after working in more than 40 countries as an economic development attorney and the former international trade director for two Ohio governors, he’s lost count of the places he’s traveled.
Today, Jaime continues to strengthen Ohio’s growth nationally and internationally as the president of Value Recovery Group. At the heart of Jaime’s globetrotting public and private service is his enthusiasm for building upon all that Ohio has provided his family. “I live within a few minutes of where I work, shop and play, and most of my family surrounds me, because they’ve found the right opportunities to keep them happy and successful here.”
Although golf and hiking are high on Jaime’s list of favorite things to do, his time with family wins the top spot. In particular, Jaime and his wife like to cook. “One of the great things about living in Ohio is that I can leave work, stop off at one of my favorite markets for fresh local produce and be home cooking with my wife in less than an hour. What other metropolis can you do that in? To me, that’s the meaning of the State of Perfect Balance.”
Watch this video as Jaime discusses the variety of opportunities he's had in Ohio, how the deep partnership with government and industry has helped the state thrive and compete globally, and the sense of community that exists on a professional and personal level.
Cynthia Booth always wanted her own company. But when she began searching for her perfect opportunity, she insisted on three things: great success potential, the ability to give back to the community and above all, to remain in Ohio where she and her family love their lives. Still, it surprised some when she left a very successful career as an officer at a local bank for her dream opportunity with McDonald's®.
Cynthia bought her first franchise in 2000 and is the founder of COBCO Enterprises. But as her mother often told her, "Where much is given, much is expected." Cynthia's career success allows her to work tirelessly for her community. She serves on a variety of Boards, including the Cincinnati Museum Center and the YWCA, where she fulfills a personal mission to help young women improve self-esteem and succeed in life.
She's able to do so much because living in Ohio is like having more hours in the day. Instead of long, stressful commutes, she uses that time to build her business, help her community and enjoy her life. In Ohio, Cynthia has the balance she demands. And it's perfect.
As children, we have all sorts of dreams. We dream of what we’ll become, the families we’ll raise and the successes we’ll find along the way. As we get older dreams give way to reality---and suddenly we find ourselves making compromises just to stay afloat.
Rick Griffith, president of McGinnis Inc., and Jaime Sisto, president and COO of Value Recovery Group, recently shared with me how they are living their dreams for their career and life in Ohio, with no compromises. They believe Ohio truly is the State of Perfect Balance – where world-class companies and those who aspire to be don’t have to sacrifice professional or personal satisfaction in pursuit of their ambitions.
Griffith says Ohio’s short commutes allow him to spend more time with family, while its location on the Ohio River provide McGinnis Inc., one of the country’s leading providers of marine transportation, equipment and repair, with everything it needs to thrive. And, Sisto believes Ohio has allowed his company to grow nationally and internationally by attracting a hard-working and skilled workforce that is necessary to stay competitive in this global economy.
Many believe you can’t have a successful career without sacrificing your personal life. Griffith and Sisto have both proved this wrong and have found their perfect balance in Ohio. Read more stories of executives who have found their perfect work/life balance in Ohio.
After leaving the University of Findlay in the mid 80's, Mike Mallett found business success in Washington D.C. But when he and his wife, Anne, started a family, they knew where they wanted to be: back in Ohio, where right-sized cities offer all the amenities of a metropolis at a simpler, relaxed pace.
In Ohio's fertile business environment, Mike founded Corporate Research International (CRI), now one of America's foremost 'Mystery Shopper' Research firms with clients that include many of the world's leading retailers, restaurants and petroleum companies. In Ohio, Mike has found the intelligent, affordable workforce he needs, and Ohio's "At Will" employment laws help him choose the best. Low overhead and CRI's ability to develop technology well ahead of the competition has helped place CRI on INC. magazine's list of fastest growing companies two years running.
In a setting one client describes as a Norman Rockwell painting, Mike can manage this multi-million dollar company and still make the 4-minute trip to pick up his kids for soccer. Or drive an hour to their Lake Erie beach house to ski and fish and enjoy a summer sunset on the beach. Mike can't imagine working or living anywhere else.
Brian Klink left the hustle and bustle of the Beltway for Ohio's promise. If he chooses to take in nightlife and culture they are short drives away in Canton and Cleveland. Professional sports and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are nearby. Multiple airports in the region eliminate hassle and allow him to get away for business and return to the easy life by sundown.
Brian's company, Hydrodec, re-refines mineral based transformer oil for re-use. Generous incentives from Ohio government made the difference, as well as logistical pluses, like being within 600 miles of 60 percent of the U.S. population. An added bonus was the chance to bring new life to a brownfield - important for a company focused on sustainability.
Canton's workforce represents decades of chemical know-how, with a 21st century upgrade. Brian and Hydrodec have tapped into the area's concentrated human capital and Midwest work ethic. Being quickly able to get up to speed for the new age of chemicals and advanced manufacturing is a precious commodity.
Living in Canton and benefitting from its low cost-of-living and shorter commute means Brian has more time to spend with his family, to pursue his dreams, and to lead a fuller, richer life. And as a company, Hydrodec has successfully positioned itself as a global leader right from its hub in Ohio - a place where business and life are in perfect balance.
Watch the video as Brian discusses the business and lifestyle benefits that allow him and his family to enjoy the balance of Ohio over their former home of Washington D.C. and grow his business.
Cynthia Booth always wanted her own company. But when she began searching for her perfect opportunity, she insisted on three things: great success potential, the ability to give back to the community and above all, to remain in Ohio where she and her family love their lives. Still, it surprised some when she left a very successful career as an officer at a local bank for her dream opportunity with McDonald's®.
After leaving the University of Findlay in the mid 80's, Mike Mallett found business success in Washington D.C. But when he and his wife, Anne, started a family, they knew where they wanted to be: back in Ohio, where right-sized cities offer all the amenities of a metropolis at a simpler, relaxed pace.