Meet the Instructors
Want to know more about the instructors who are teaching the courses at the Center for Entrepreneurs? Let's get to know them and their businesses.
- Mike Fegan
- Tina Peery Gholson
- Sharia Livingston
- Amy Neumann
- Mike Nwankwo
- Jim Odom
- Cheryl Perez
- Lisa Ryan
- Josh Troche
Business Name: Professor Accounting & Finance at Cuyahoga Community College and Professional Tax Consultant
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Mike Fegan is currently a professor in Accounting and Finance at Cuyahoga Community College. He has also been an instructor for Corporate College Accounting, Finance, and Tax division as well as the Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Business program. Mike owns a Professional Tax Consulting firm and was a small business owner at the start of his career.
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: TPG & Associates
Business Type: Payroll and HR consulting
Email: TinaPGholson@gmail.com
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Tina Gholson has over 40 years of management experience in payroll and human resources. She has worked in the health care, manufacturing, payroll service bureau and financial services industries. Her most recent role involves managing the payroll department for JACK Entertainment.
Gholson has also been an active member of the PayrollOrg’s (formerly American Payroll Association) Greater Cleveland Chapter for over 40 years. She is currently the chapter’s vice president and served as its president for two terms. In addition, she served as the chair of the Ohio Conference for Payroll Professionals, the annual Ohio statewide payroll conference.
In 2015, PayrollOrg awarded her the Meritorious Service Award, and she was inducted into the APA Hall of Fame for her contributions to the association and the payroll profession. She is currently an instructor for the PayrollOrg Pay Train program at Tri-C’s Corporate College.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I decided to become an entrepreneur because of my passion for the payroll profession and my desire to share the knowledge I have gained over the last 40 years as a trusted advisor and educator.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Seek out people who know more than you do, get a good attorney and underpromise and overdeliver. Always remember that you can do anything you set your mind to do.
Workshop Series Course:
Business Name: Rich Scholars
Business Type: Education in entrepreneurship (business formation), with a specialty in trademarks and IP protection
Website: learn.richscholars.com
How Long in Business: 8-10 years
Do you own any other businesses? Streetwear apparel business as well as a medical spa
Biography:
Sharia Livingston's journey from a registered nurse to an entrepreneur and educator is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Fueled by her own experiences, she has created Living Rich and Rich Scholars, which embody her core values and beliefs.
Living Rich is a lifestyle apparel brand that transcends fashion. Driven by the belief that success is not measured solely by material wealth but by embracing individuality and personal growth, Living Rich serves as a beacon for all to "Define Your Rich" and lead with purpose. Fueling her passion for entrepreneurship, Livingston founded Rich Scholars, a resource for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.
As a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Livingston goes above and beyond to empower others. Through the provision of eBooks, free workshops and networking events, she equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical tools to succeed in the business world.
What do you like about being an entrepreneur?
The opportunity to meet new people from different walks of life and build with one another. I love that I learn invaluable lessons, regardless of how long I've been an entrepreneur. I just continue to build on my knowledge. This allows me to make better decisions as I progress and pass what I have learned on to others to help them.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Have patience and make sure you actually believe in what you are doing — because if you don't, the first sight of trouble during this journey will cause you to be discouraged. Plan for things to not go as you originally planned. Although it won't be easy, your great idea can work if you put in the work.
Workshop Series Course:
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Good Plus Tech
Business Type: Consulting, primarily around technology for businesses and nonprofits, workforce/talent, investment readiness for entrepreneurs and startups, and marketing and communication strategy
Website: goodplustech.com
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Do you own any other businesses?
I also have a nonprofit, Resourceful Nonprofit, that provides technology tools, resources and training to other 501(c)3 nonprofits.
Biography:
Amy Neumann is a social impact entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, trainer, technology strategist, consultant and artist.
Neumann enjoys discovering new social impact applications for technology. With a focus on blockchain and AI, she also founded a startup nonprofit called Resourceful Nonprofit (and its subsidiary, Technology Inclusion) to help nonprofits accomplish their goals more efficiently while being inclusive.
She is also the CEO and principal of the social enterprise consultancy Good Plus Tech, with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies and smart communication strategies to solve global social impact challenges. She often speaks at places like the Dell Social Innovation Conference, Arizona State University’s Sustainability Conference, Blockland Solutions, nonprofit events and universities. She is widely published, including as a contributor to Forbes, an author of PR News’ Crisis Management Guidebook and a columnist for the Huffington Post.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is thrilling for people who have ideas to solve problems. Every day is different, exciting and full of new learning.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Most of being an entrepreneur is two things: networking and a curiosity to always be learning.
Workshop Series Courses:
- How AI and Other Emerging Tech Will Impact Entrepreneurs
- The Entrepreneur's Guide to Funding: From Vision to Reality
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Apogee Leadership Group LLC
Business Type: Leadership, DEI, professional/personal growth coaching, training and consulting services
Website: apogeeleader.com
How Long in Business: 4-7 years
Biography:
Mike Nwankwo is the founder and CEO of Apogee Leadership Group LLC, which he started after being employed by Intel Corporation with his wife and business partner, Toni. Nwankwo has more than 30 years of experience as a business and sales consultant with a variety of public and private organizations.
Nwankwo is certified to facilitate, speak, train and coach individuals and groups in the areas of leadership development, DEI, professional skills and personal growth. Trained and mentored by John Maxwell and mentors of his world-class faculty, he is equipped with the tools, resources and experience to help you and your team improve your productivity, performance and profitability. Mike is also FranklinCovey-certified.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
It is a calling to help positively transform the world by developing exceptional and ethical leaders.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
I would advise others to ensure their business of choice is aligned with their passion or purpose in life. When things get tough, falling back on your "why" can help sustain you.
Workshop Series Course:
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Breakthrough Strategies LLC
Business Type: Lean Six Sigma and problem-solving consultant
Website: Jlodom.com
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Jim Odom was employed by Delphi Packard Electric Systems for 30 years before launching his own consulting practice. As a consultant for the past 30 years, Odom has assisted companies in achieving operational excellence through the design and implementation of systems that catalyze organizational change. He has extensive experience in Lean Six Sigma, project management, quality system methodologies and other productivity-related tools in various functional areas, including human resources, purchasing, finance, engineering, logistics, information technology and manufacturing. He is a past education chairperson, treasurer and chairperson for the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Section 0805.
What do you like about being an entrepreneur?
The flexibility and the challenges it offers. Every day is a new adventure.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Understand your target market, who those customers are and how you can fill their needs.
Workshop Series Courses:
Business Name: Cheryl C Perez Enterprises
Business Type: Cheryl C Perez Enterprises provides consulting, coaching and online training programs to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small business owners who want to develop and build the "Strategies, Structures, Systems and Squads" (her 4S Freedom Framework).
Website: cherylcperez.com
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Cheryl “CP” Perez is CEO of Cheryl C Perez Enterprises, a brand of companies that provides consulting, coaching and online training programs to entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small business owners who want to develop and build the “Strategies, Structures, Systems and Squads” (her 4S Freedom Framework) to start and scale their organizations. Perez has over 25 years of experience in capacity-building for businesses and nonprofits — including her own — and possesses a uniquely qualified insider view of what makes a business truly succeed. She provides step-by-step guidance so you can strategize and create the systems and processes to experience the freedom of living a life that you love while you grow the business of your dreams.
Perez is also the host of CPTV, a weekly YouTube show with over 25,000 subscribers providing free step-by-step process training for anyone who wants to systemize their organization.
What do you like about being an entrepreneur?
I enjoy being an entrepreneur because it gives me the freedom to live my life on my own terms and it allows me to share my expertise and insights with individuals who are passionate about growing their organizations. I find immense fulfillment in helping entrepreneurs and leaders develop the necessary structures and strategies for success. My experience in building and selling companies has provided me with valuable insights, and I appreciate the opportunity to assist others at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, I wish someone had emphasized the importance of effective operational, sales, service and HR structures and strategies right from the start. Additionally, the value of documenting processes and delegating tasks to reclaim time and achieve the freedom to live a fulfilling life is something I've come to appreciate deeply.
Workshop Series Courses:
- Building Your Audience Using Social Media: Tactics To Grow an Audience of Your Ideal Customers
- Lead Generation Accelerator for Small Businesses
- Unleashing Your Business's Superpowers: Building Systems and Processes for Exponential Growth
Teaches a Discovery Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Grategy
Business Type: Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist
Website: LisaRyanSpeaks.com
How Long in Business: More than 11 years
Biography:
Lisa Ryan is the founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy. As a keynote speaker, she leverages her extensive experience across a wide range of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, to inspire positivity and gratitude strategies in workplace environments. Lisa's approach helps enhance employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture. Her insights are informed by her background in sales, marketing, and human resources, as well as her non-traditional educational path, where she worked all day and attended classes at night, completing her MBA over 14 years at Tri-C and Cleveland State University. Lisa is also an author, with books focusing on engagement strategies in various professional environments.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
My journey into entrepreneurship began under rather abrupt circumstances. My position in medical sales was eliminated during a group conference call, a stark and impersonal method that profoundly impacted me. This experience catalyzed a firm resolution: no organization would ever have that control over my career again. It was during this pivotal moment that I recognized my true calling—spreading the message of gratitude. Since 2010, I have been dedicated to bringing this vital message to the world, helping organizations enhance their culture and improve employee engagement through the power of gratitude.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting your business?
It's going to be harder and take longer than you can imagine.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Don't quit your day job! Make sure you have the finances to get started so you don't have to worry about money from the start.
Teaches a Foundation Track for Entrepreneurs course
Business Name: Pedal Stomper Productions
Business Type: Multimedia (podcasting, photography and video production)
Website: pedalstomperproductions.com
How Long in Business: 6 years
Biography:
Josh Troche is a versatile professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales, technical assistance and video. He cultivated a strong online presence, amassing over 19,000 YouTube subscribers with videos reaching a million views. Leveraging his expertise, Troche founded his own photo, video and podcast production company, Pedal Stomper Productions, where he has helped hundreds of people present their best selves and businesses to a larger audience.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I’ve always tended to “do my own thing,” which often made me a tough fit in some organizations. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to do my own thing while being successful.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out?
Do it, but do it with the attitude of learning and growing as you go.
Teaches the Launch a Successful Podcast courses