From Entrepreneurs to Fortune 500s, JLA Experience Akron Businesses

by Megan Caprez, Our Lady of the Elms

The Junior Leadership Akron Class spent the day learning about different aspects of business in and around the Akron area.

The students started their day at the University of Akron with a presentation by five of their classmates focusing on GOJO, A. Schulman, and other businesses in the Akron area. They also reviewed two lessons from John Maxwell’s book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader about taking initiative and improving on their listening skills.

Bob Chalfant, a local entrepreneur and business teacher, spoke to the group about the importance of business and why entrepreneurs are such a vital part of communities. He shared his experiences with past employers and his plans for future projects.

“He was very interesting and gave many valuable tips on entrepreneurship,” Chelsey Elkins, representative from Green High School said.

Then, John Grimm, President and CFO of Knotice, told the group about his business and how important it is to make a product that the public will want to buy. He shared what his company made and what they are doing to grow the business.

Next, the students traveled to Bridgestone to take a tour of their facilities. They got to ride in a car while the tires were tested on a simulator, make up a tire pattern to make a car ride sound more pleasing to the ear, and learn about what goes into making a tire.

Finally, the students departed for A. Schulman, Inc. They were given tours of the polymer creation facility and the research and development building. They were also given the chance to test one of the company’s newest developments, flavored polymers that will be used in mouth guards for sports.

“It was a really good experience getting to learn about how polymers are made. Knowing that they are manufactured right here in Akron is really awesome,” Carly Pouttu, representative from Our Lady of the Elms High School said.