REP Program: In Closing

In the spring, I couldn’t fathom ever adjusting to the nationwide crisis we still find ourselves living in today. Normalcy felt so out of reach; I spent the first few weeks of quarantine willing myself to work at my usual pace and kicking myself for feeling unproductive regardless. Stuck inside, I realized I needed to redefine my version of success.

The new normal arrived as an email that my inbox nearly buried. I applied to the REP program on impulse, and in a matter of days, I matched with Via Vera Group, a company built on a vast web of connections in the NEO business community. Over the next two months, I engaged with companies and leaders I would not have had the pleasure of meeting under typical circumstances, all from my desk. 

My weekly conferences with Nikki DiFilippo proved just how productive remote meetings could be. There was no dearth of topics to discuss; our conversations toggled between three potential clients, new directions for Via Vera Group, and my personal objectives. She regaled me with her own experiences when a bit of wisdom was necessary.

Together we researched each client in depth and prepared exhaustive lists of questions, collaborated over pitch decks and how we could further assess their needs, and conducted an interview with members of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and gauged our next steps. 

I appreciated the abstract brainstorming that came with discussing Via Vera Group’s own strategy. The pandemic has given companies like hers the opportunity to regroup and consider new directions, such as specializing in a niche or relocating to a new city. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the abandoned sectors and growth opportunities, the economic triumphs and pitfalls of the Cleveland business community. Nikki recently suggested I engage with some of the members of this community directly, and with her help, I reached out to leaders across the NEO startup sector. So far I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Sopko, director of CWRU’s LaunchNet, and Bill Nemeth, director of Entrepreneurial Mentoring at JumpStart Inc. Both of them painted a clear picture of their experiences responding to the nationwide crisis and the future they envision for Cleveland. I came away with valuable answers and several new questions.

I could not be more thankful for the level of mentorship and support I have received from Nikki and the CWRU Entrepreneurship community. These have been some of the darkest months of my lifetime, and yet I am eager to start the next chapter of my professional journey, even if it takes place on a Zoom meeting. If you need me, I’ll be in my home office.