Mary Szel - The Bedford Tribune https://bedfordohio.org News you can use from Bedford, Ohio Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:36:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://bedfordohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-icon2-32x32.png Mary Szel - The Bedford Tribune https://bedfordohio.org 32 32 149275078 APEC Engineering Finds New Bedford Home in Old YMCA https://bedfordohio.org/business-news/bedford-business-profiles/apec-engineering-finds-new-bedford-home-in-old-ymca/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://bedfordohio.org/?p=15777 BEDFORD, OH — APEC Engineering has a lot in common with the YMCA. APEC is located at 460 Northfield Road in Bedford, the former YMCA building. The front entry still […]

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BEDFORD, OH — APEC Engineering has a lot in common with the YMCA.

APEC is located at 460 Northfield Road in Bedford, the former YMCA building. The front entry still features the 1955 cornerstone, the YMCA triangle emblazoned with the words SPIRIT, BODY and MIND.

According to president and founder David Berry, who moved APEC to this renovated space in September 2023, that cornerstone also fits his business.

Visitors to APEC see the original YMCA cornerstone at the front entrance.
Visitors to APEC see the original YMCA cornerstone at the front entrance.
Mary Szel

“Developing people through recreation and building a strong mind and body – we’re doing the same thing.” ~ Dave Berry, President and Founder, APEC Engineering

Employees create specialty machinery in the former pool space.
Employees create specialty machinery in the former pool space.
Mary Szel

As proof, he cites more than 50 individuals who have learned about engineering and skilled trades through co-ops, internships and shadowing experiences with APEC.

These include students from Bedford City Schools, who enjoyed field trips and completed senior projects. The firm also has had interns from vocational schools and colleges. These include Cleveland State, Akron, Colorado Springs and William & Mary.

Graduates have moved into top positions with the U.S. Navy’s nuclear programs.

Renovated building honors its history

Physical vestiges of the Y are also palpable. One sees tiles from the pool in a work area. Offices occupy the former dance floor.

 “People will come in and they’re like, oh my gosh. I used to swim here …. They have so many personal stories.” ~ Cheyenne Falz, Operations Manager, APEC Engineering

Remodeling began five years ago. First, the team removed huge bins of trash. Next was concrete work, window replacement and the installation of docks and ramps.

APEC “did most of the design ourselves,” says Berry.

This epoxy stick wrapper and cutter was built for JB Weld in Sulfur Springs, TX.
This epoxy stick wrapper and cutter was built for JB Weld in Sulfur Springs, TX.
Mary Szel

Who is APEC?

An engineer works on tank designs for HAR Adhesive in Bedford, Ohio.
An engineer works on tank designs for HAR Adhesive in Bedford, Ohio.
An engineer works on tank designs for HAR Adhesive in Bedford, Ohio.
Mary Szel

APEC, an acronym for Application Process Enhancement and Control, was founded in 2010. When they outgrew their space at Willis and South Park in Bedford, they looked at multiple sites. Seeing the current space, they knew found their new home.

Today, APEC employs 24 people who work “with industrial customers with improving how they manufacture their products,” Berry says. Solutions can involve the process itself, as well as innovative engineering and specialty machinery.

He and Falz note that many employees have been with the firm 10 years or more.

APEC ENGINEERING
460 Northfield Road, Bedford, Ohio
(440) 232-9701

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Two local non-profits support kids with special needs https://bedfordohio.org/local-news/local-bedford-news/two-local-non-profits-support-kids-with-special-needs/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://bedfordohio.org/?p=15277 BEDFORD, OH — Northeastern Ohio children with severe medical conditions are considered “Gems” at Treasure Each Moment, a non-profit based in Bedford, Ohio. The pirate-themed organization, founded by Jes Zelasko, […]

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BEDFORD, OH — Northeastern Ohio children with severe medical conditions are considered “Gems” at Treasure Each Moment, a non-profit based in Bedford, Ohio.

The pirate-themed organization, founded by Jes Zelasko, helps “make the kids feel better” by planning special “quests” based on each Gem’s age and interests, Zelasko notes. Outings may include trips to the zoo, movies or sporting events. Each child receives a wooden treasure chest at the end of the quest to help them remember the day.

Treasure Each Moment also offers group quests to give “the kids a chance to interact with each other and the parents an opportunity to relax while their kids are just being kids,” the website notes.

 “We are hoping to take the kids to the movie night in Bedford.” ~ Jes Zelasko, Founder, Treasure Each Moment & Marvelous Miracles

Such monthly activities help children feel that, despite what they may be dealing with, “they can do whatever they want,” Zelasko says.

For example, a 3-year-old Gem loves Bon Jovi.

a scrapbook page featuring a recent ballpark outing and the companion treasure chest
Szel

“He knows every word to every song.” ~ Jes Zelasko, Founder, Treasure Each Moment & Marvelous Miracles

So she is working with a tribute group to take him to a concert where the band will dedicate a song to him.

You Can Help

Those wanting to support the organization can volunteer, sponsor a quest or serve on its board. And the group is always looking for new Gems between the ages of three months to 17 years.

Zelasko, who chose the pirate theme based on her fondness for Johnny Depp and his films, has been running Treasure Each Moment for about 14 years. Upcoming fundraising plans include a virtual walk in November and a Giving Tuesday campaign.

Marvelous Miracles also supports kids and families

Zelasko is also president of Marvelous Miracles for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Believing that childhood cancer lacks sufficient funding, she began this organization about three years ago. Its goal is to raise $1.7 million, enough to provide a day’s care to St. Jude patients.

As the website notes, the objective of Marvelous Miracles is “to see childhood cancer gone for good.”

Thus, the business works to connect families who are battling cancer with the life-supporting services at St. Jude.

Planned events include participation in the St. Jude Walk on September 27 and a A Giving Tuesday fundraiser. This organization also welcomes donations, volunteers and board members.

“My passion for this work comes from some of my personal struggles in dealing with Cerebral Palsy and some of the issues that I deal with. Because of this I feel that I can relate to these children in a special way.” ~ Jes Zelasko, Founder, Treasure Each Moment & Marvelous Miracles

Treasure Each Moment
Bedford, Ohio
(440) 317-5497

Marvelous Miracles for St. Jude
Bedford, Ohio
(440) 317-5497
Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm

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Lake Shore Electric Moves to Tinkers Creek Commerce Park https://bedfordohio.org/business-news/bedford-business-profiles/lake-shore-electric-moves-to-tinkers-creek-commerce-park/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://bedfordohio.org/?p=14550 BEDFORD, OH — Lake Shore Electric recently moved from Willis Street to Tinkers Creek Commerce Park, just off Egbert Road in Bedford. The new facility houses an array of equipment, […]

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BEDFORD, OH — Lake Shore Electric recently moved from Willis Street to Tinkers Creek Commerce Park, just off Egbert Road in Bedford. The new facility houses an array of equipment, used to manufacture generator control switchgear and transfer switches, as well as some 80 employees.

Just two years ago, about 50 people worked for the firm. Now, Lake Shore looks “every day” to fill everything from general to skilled positions, says Korey Hinkle, president of the company.

While a fairly typical Lake Shore offering, control cabinets are built by skilled technicians who can wire
out the unit according to an engineering print.
Mary Szel While a fairly typical Lake Shore offering, control cabinets are built by skilled technicians who can wire out the unit according to an engineering print.
Lake Shore’s newest product offering is the eHouse, which stores equipment and is tailored to each customer’s unique specifications and needs.
Mary Szel Lake Shore’s newest product offering is the eHouse, which stores equipment and is tailored to each customer’s unique specifications and needs.

Other growth also spurred the move. As its space became inadequate, for example, Lake Shore utilized an offsite facility. But management knew that solution was only temporary. The business began looking for space and Jennifer Kuzma, Bedford’s economic development director, suggested the commerce park. Lake Shore, unaware of the site, was intrigued. The city helped them find contractors, including Liberty Development Company, and Lake Shore opted to build its new facility in the industrial park.

Founded in 1922 and incorporated in 1945, Lake Shore has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Capstone Equity Partners since March 2018. Firms ranging from large scale utilities to electrical contractors rely on its custom solutions. Products provide control and switching equipment to create on-site electrical power.

This machine laser cuts sheet metal. Once programmed, it can run on its own, even when employees have left for the day. “We’ll just load it for the whole night,” notes Hinkle.
Mary Szel This machine laser cuts sheet metal. Once programmed, it can run on its own, even when employees have left for the day. “We’ll just load it for the whole night,” notes Hinkle.
Lake Shore typically uses this flexible space for lunch and social occasions, but it also serves as a training room for customers when needed.
Mary Szel Lake Shore typically uses this flexible space for lunch and social occasions, but it also serves as a training room for customers when needed.

The firm’s latest product offering is its new eHouse line. The new line offers a prefabricated building that “stores, or holds, equipment,” says Hinkle.

Lake Shore tailors each eHouse to meet unique site, equipment and logistical needs. house switchgear, power apparatus and automation cabinets.

Recognizing its role in our community, Lake Shore Electric also sponsored the Bedford Rotary Rib Fest in 2024.

Lake Shore Electric Corporation
5 Hemisphere Way | Bedford, OH 44146
(440) 232-0200

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Unconventional Move Fits BBG, Bedford https://bedfordohio.org/business-news/bedford-business-profiles/unconventional-move-fits-bbg-bedford/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://bedfordohio.org/?p=14135 BEDFORD, Ohio — Anyone driving about Bedford during the pandemic likely noticed the transformation of 593 Broadway, site of the former Mr. Gee’s Bar & Grill. The renovated building now […]

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BEDFORD, Ohio — Anyone driving about Bedford during the pandemic likely noticed the transformation of 593 Broadway, site of the former Mr. Gee’s Bar & Grill.

The renovated building now sports large, sleek windows, under which are tucked a set of planters. To the right are two glass doors and an unobtrusive sign for BBG, Inc.

Founded in 2003, BBG is an employee benefits brokerage offering health, dental, vision, life and disability group insurance policies. The company – now with a team of 35 providing its branded SharedFunding solution to some 350 clients – eventually outgrew its Beachwood offices.

Mike Barrett, self-described Owner, President and the Guy Who Shovels the Snow, admits that the move to Bedford wasn’t necessarily a conventional one. But he wanted to “buy an old building and breathe life into it.”

So he starting looking, contacting cities that included Cleveland and Bedford.

“Mike Mallis called me back. Nobody else called me back.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

Mike Barrett, President, BBG, Inc., relocated his business to Bedford during the pandemic.
Mary Szel Mike Barrett, President, BBG, Inc., relocated his business to Bedford during the pandemic.

Mallis, City Manager, connected him with Jennifer Kuzma, Economic Development Director.

“Then I got adopted by Bedford. … And every time I came to Bedford, I loved it more.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

He explored locations with Nancy Kennedy, a friend and architect. Then, Kuzma called him about the space on Broadway. Barrett met with the owner and later bought the building “via text.”

Kennedy and Kuzma worked on specs, which they turned over to Stumpf Bros. Renovations just as COVID hit.

The BBG, Inc., office space, designed by Kennedy Design, LLC, is on the site of a former bar and grill.
Mary Szel The BBG, Inc., office space, designed by Kennedy Design, LLC, is on the site of a former bar and grill.

Barrett says “the timing was perfect,” noting that the crew could work without restraints that may have thwarted a home remodel.

“Amazing things happened along the way.” ~ Mike Barrett, Founder and President, BBG, Inc.

BBG offices feature an attractive space for conversation or breaks from routine.
Mary Szel BBG offices feature an attractive space for conversation or breaks from routine.

For example, when someone suggested skylights, the team added them, bringing light to the already fresh, airy, calm space.

Now that the team is settled in, Barrett says employees enjoy walks in the neighborhood and nearby parks. Clients have even asked whether a move to Bedford might serve their own businesses.

“I just wanted to be a good citizen to Bedford,” Barrett says.

Clearly, he’s done just that.

Not part of the original design, skylights were added at the suggestion of the client, adding light even in gray Bedford winters.
Mary Szel Not part of the original design, skylights were added at the suggestion of the client, adding light even in gray Bedford winters.

BBG, Inc.
593 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, Ohio
(866) 845-8600
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 6:00pm

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The Broadway Cyclery rides into its 14th year in Bedford https://bedfordohio.org/business-news/bedford-business-profiles/the-broadway-cyclery-rides-into-its-14th-year-in-bedford/ Sat, 14 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://bedfordohio.org/?p=11628 BEDFORD, OH — Since 2010, The Broadway Cyclery has become a fixture in Bedford. The shop moved to the corner of Broadway and Tarbell in October 2011 (it was originally […]

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BEDFORD, OH — Since 2010, The Broadway Cyclery has become a fixture in Bedford. The shop moved to the corner of Broadway and Tarbell in October 2011 (it was originally across the street) after Mike Hulett purchased the Marshall Building, which once housed a drug store and doctors’ offices. Before the move, he and wife Laura married there on October 1.

While clearly a bike shop, visitors also experience a sense of Bedford history within its walls, which Laura, Mike and Laura’s sister, Michele Morales Wolk, complement with their knowledge of the town.

Before settling here, the couple had met in California and again in Massachusetts. He was a lawyer, she was a geologist. Mike then moved to Bedford where he worked in law and part-time at Royal Cycle. After learning bicycle mechanics, he knew he wanted his own shop. After about four dates, he and Laura knew that marriage suited them better than cross-country dating.

Thirteen years later, both choices seem right.

“We love the community, we love the access to the Metroparks. We’re right on the edge of the biggest chunk of greenspace in all of Cuyahoga County, because we’ve got the Bedford Metroparks, and then that connects right to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.” ~ Mike Hulett, Co-Owner, Broadway Cyclery

The Broadway Cyclery carries “a lot of unique, higher-end bikes that really aren’t available anywhere else,” says Mike.

“It’s not unusual for people to come from Detroit or upstate New York or from several states away [to see our inventory].” ~ Mike Hulett, Co-Owner, Broadway Cyclery

Besides selling bikes, the cyclery provides repairs ranging from brake adjustments to building wheels.

Advice to new businesses?

“Stick with it.” ~ Mike Hulett, Co-Owner, Broadway Cyclery

“I think a lot of businesses jump in without really knowing what they need to do to start a business. So check with the economic developer and [complete] permits and licenses.” ~ Laura Hulett, Co-Owner, Broadway Cyclery

Broadway Cyclery
665 Broadway Ave | Bedford, OH 44146
(440) 735-2453
Closed Monday
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 3:00pm

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