august 2009

TERRY TRAVI S
ultimate networker
mcdonalds career fair
and stepshow
merv jones + stepshow pics + evelyn burnett + real estate tips
1
canvascleveland.com
 supporting...
urban culture, community, & business
in Northeast Ohio

august 2009
PUBLISHER goodproduce llc
EDITOR jay bobo
sales+marketing
ashley taylor, areial callieham

photo
jay bobo, herb bias

design
goodproduce, the detroit studio, keturah ariel

contributors
ashley taylor, jameel davis, princess henderson,
jay bobo, damien connor

PUBLISHED BY GOODPRODUCE LLC

1360 E. 9th Street, Suite 823
Cleveland, OH 44114
canvascleveland.com

Copyright 2009 GOODPRODUCE LLC

Reproduction without written permission of goodproduce llc is
prohibited.

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 contents
EXTRAS
07 editors note
26 event calendar
28 the list+

PEOPLE
08 mervyn jones II
- love & relationships
09 evelyn burnett
- tips for young professionals

CULTURE
14 listen up: ashley norelle
22 nightlife: jack’s bar
23 eats: sergio’s sarava

BUSINESS
15 larry greene
- surplus property management

FEATURE
18 terry travis
- the business of networking
w/ cleveland365.com
26 mcdonalds regional
career fair & stepshow

4 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

 Get
Dolled
Up!

HAIRCAFE Come to HairCafe and get dolled up with Robin.

Call 216.851.1991 to setup your appointment now!

5

“Our customers are not dependent on us. We are
dependent on them” - Flawless Barber Salon
Editor’s Note
T ime is the one thing that entrepreneurs
always lack. There’s never enough
time for promoting your business or for
meeting new customers. There’s always
more to do and more to learn. Running your
own business is a constant battle with time.
In launching the first issue of this magazine,
I have had the opportunity to meet tons of
people from all over Cleveland but not time
enough to get to know them. As we continue
to grow as a community magazine, we look
to use our time wisely and truly get to know
our community so that we can better profile,
publicize, and market its efforts.
Time. Despite our commitment to hard work,
we realize here at Canvas that we’ll never
have enough time to capture everything. A
lot of great moments will be missed. In July,
we’ve missed more than a few high school
reunions (Shaw ‘09, we see you!), festivals
(Soul ‘O Buckeye), and much more. But
with your help, we can cover more. Please
keep us informed of what we’re missing and
we’ll try our best to be there.
This issue would not be possible once again-
without Mom and Dad, the Canvas Magazine
staff, and most importantly our advertisers.
See you in September!
Jay Bobo
216-624-7212
jbobo@canvascleveland.com
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 | love&relationships

Three things that you notice in a

woman? Her eyes, I’m big on eyes
and eye contact; second hair, if a
woman tries to wear hairstyle that
doesn’t fit her or her head it’s not
gonna work. Lastly, personality, a
woman has to be able to work a
room and not be shy.

What are some turnoffs? What

are some turn-ons? I can’t stand a
woman who doesn’t have her own
or doesn’t have a work ethic. It
drives me nuts for someone not to
want their own. Also I can’t stand a
wallflower. A turn on is confidence
to be able to approach a man with-
out fear of being judged, another
one is a sense of humor.

mervynjones What would be the best way for a

lady to approach you in public?
promoter / philanthropist With confidence and honesty.

Bio: What’s the worst experience you

Founder of The have had with the opposite sex?
Stephanie Tubbs I was set up on a date with a girl
Jones Foundation whose parents were good friends
with my parents and as soon as I
Status: gave her my number she called me
In a relationship 5 minutes after we met and kept
on calling every hour to make sure
Location: we were actually gonna go out on
a date. Needless to say, we never
University Circle
went out.
School:
What’s your idea of a perfect
Hiram College first date? A movie and drinks
Social Science, BA afterwards - that was my first date
with my current girlfriend. It gave
us a lot of time to talk and get to
know each other more, which is a
cornerstone in any relationship.

words ashley taylor

8 CANVAS AUGUST 2009
 young professionals |

city of cleveland: office of sustainability

evelynburnett

Age: Tell us about yourself? I’m from Youngstown, formally educated in

25 Akron then moved to Cleveland, a NEO kid all my life. I’m a dot
connector who tries to work in all sectors to connect the dots folks
Title: often miss.
Project
Describe your typical work day? Meeting, meeting, meeting, phone
Director
calls, email follow up, lunch, meeting, meeting, and then I head to my
secret garden along Detroit Superior Bridge to sort through the day
Location:
and prepare for the next.
Warehouse
District Why is your job important? Sustainability isn’t just a cool thing to do,
it’s reality and it’s about survival. We don’t have steel mills, GM, Ford, and
School: Chrysler anymore to rely on for comfortable lifestyles. We have to invest
University in green and sustainable careers, and smart communities for survival.
of Akron
What advice do you have for people seeking a similar career path?
Degree: Hang in there, never stop being a student, always take time to listen
Masters of to the person you would discount first, listen to your elders, and don’t
Public Admin- expect rewards for doing good deeds.
istration
What is the salary range for your position? Depends on experience
level and success rating per project, $25-$60/hr in the public sector.
The private sector is a different story.

Who’s your biggest influence? My mom and dad, because I can never
thank them enough for being so amazing in my life.
words ashley taylor
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 | listenup

ASHLEY
NORELLE
A native of Mayfield Heights, Ashley
Norelle sings backup for Ohio native
and international recording star John Leg-
end. Relatively new to the music industry
but not new to singing, Ashley says, “Before
I could even speak as a child, I was sing-
ing.”

Her passion and desire to sing has always

been a constant in her life whether while sit-
ting in class at John Carroll University and
daydreaming about writing and performing
to actually taking part in local events.

Local talent shows, festivals, and noted

open mics are what prepared Ashley for her
move to the industry and started her career.
In 2007 at the B-Side on Coventry, she was
first noticed by Conya Doss. In February of
‘09, she joined up with John Legend as a part
of his Evolver Tour.

Over the past few months, touring has

taken Ashley all over the world from Paris
to Tokyo, literally. Still, despite the travel,
Find out more about Ashley Norelle at CanvasCleveland.com
Ashley is a humble girl from Ohio in the
words gabe crenshaw midst of achieving her dreams.

She states, “I sing about what my soul feels,

not what’s trendy. I think that will not only
make room for me in the industry, but also
provide longevity.”

14 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

 local entrepreneur |

LARRY
GREENE
Surplus Property Management

R eal estate is one of the first investments that many hear about, what you don’t usually
hear is how difficult it can be. Local entrepreneur, Larry Greene of Surplus Property
Management (SPM), started his firm in 2007 after helping friends purchase rental prop-
erties and realizing a need in the area for property management. Since that time, SPM
has grown exponentially and currently assist a number of property owners throughout the
Greater Cleveland Metropolitan area manage, market, and lease their properties.
Though there are a number of management
companies in the city, Larry states that SPM HOW TO BEST
is different. “What sets us apart is that SPM
is hands on with both owners and those in FIND A TENANT
need of housing. We work with both parties
to accommodate their needs. We make our- 1. Market your property
selves accessible at all times.” 2. Use your resources
He also states that there are difficulties that 3. Create property awareness
SPM has faced such as not being able to get 4. Don’t go with the first person
a property rented in a timely manner or deal- 5. Screen all potential tenants
ing with untrustworthy people but risk is a
part of the game. Read the rest of our interview with Larry Greene
at CanvasCleveland.com

Larry advises that research and finding a

good mentor are the key components to
being successful in the real estate industry.
He says, “Don’t be afraid to take risks and
read, read, read! Do your research and get
a prospective from somebody already in the
business.”
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17
 TERRY TRAVISThere’s something great happening downtown
thanks to East Cleveland native, Terry Travis of
Cleveland365.com, and you should know about it!

18 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

N
feature |

etworking, networking, networking! college in 1921 at a time when many African

How do you start? Where do you go?
That’s a question that many people in
our community ask themselves. Terry Travis
has made it easier for young professionals to
connect with the major movers and shakers
of Northeast Ohio.
Americans let alone women were going to
college, her experiences in the south as well
as Chicago and resilience in the face of ad-
versity provided a great lesson for me that
anything is possible and with hard work and
diligence anything is achievable.

Whether your ambitions are in technology, What are three things that every aspiring
health care, politics, or real estate, Terry andentrepreneur should know? T: Research
his team have been a driving force in build- your market or industry. Be ready to adjust
ing some serious social bridges within the your business model. Don’t be afraid to go
city. into areas that aren’t typical markets for start
ups. Read business journals, study market
Tell us about your company? T: Cleve- trends. Use technology to your advantage.
land365.com is a niche multi-media network
for a progressive generation, committed to What are your thoughts on the current
empowering Cleveland’s young profession- status of Cleveland’s urban community?
al community 365 days a year. T: Having been raised here I know the resil-
ience of the community and even though we
Explain your connection to the Cleveland are experiencing what are clearly difficult
Leadership Center and the Candid Con- times, this is nothing that we can’t overcome
versations Lunch Series? T: One of our and actually benefit from. Cleveland is going
recent launches, this lunch series provides through a transformation from a manufactur-
a forum for Young Professionals to engage ing base to one of health care and technol-
with major stake holders in a smaller envi- ogy if we can adapt our ways of thinking we
ronment than an our other event “Profes- can really benefit from this evolution. If you
sionals in the City.” As an alumni of the look at the health care centers in Cleveland,
Cleveland Leadership Centers’ Cleveland they lie right in the middle of urban commu-
Bridge Builders program which fosters lead- nities so we need to ensure that we are at the
ership development and civic engagement. I table when decisions concerning new initia-
felt that there was a great opportunity to col- tives are made and benefit from the growth
laborate with the CLC. They saw the value of this sector.
and have been a great partner on this series.
What’s next for Cleveland365.com and
Which of the sessions has been your fa- Terry Travis? T: We are working on increas-
vorite so far? Why? T: My favorite lun- ing our presence here where we live and op-
cheon has to have been with Albert Ratner, erate from as well as international projects
Co-Chair of Forest City Enterprises. His particularly in Europe and Africa as well.
insight, perspective on things and candor
in relating to the subject of growing of the Recently, we have developed a mobile mar-
region was great not to mention the fact keting technology that has really taken off
that because his company does investment for us. Based on what took place in the last
around the country he was able to provide Presidential Election many of our clients
insight into market trends and best practices wanted to be able to reach consumers in this
from other areas. unique way.

Who inspired you to become an entrepre- We have also launched our ultra rich mobile
neur? T: Without question my Great-grand- data collection service which utilizes tech-
mother Carrye L. Coates, she graduated from nology that we incorporated from Europe.
Read the rest of our interview with Terry Travis at CanvasCleveland.com
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20 CANVAS AUGUST 2009
21
 | nightlife

I n owning a Sports Bar, ambition is a

commodity. Owner, Jack Deher of Jack’s
Sports Bar & Grill definitely attains that “go-
getter” attitude.

His parents, first generation Lebanese ar-

rived to the US penniless in the early 1930’s.
Eventually arriving in Lyndhurst, Ohio with jack’ssportbar
his wife and four children, Jack’s father went 4030 mayfield rd
on to open Nela Park Deli on Noble Rd. 216-295-1200
words princess henderson
When his father reached retirement, Jack and
his brother Elias decided to run the family
business. After 20 years with the deli, Jack
decided to follow his life long dream in be-
coming a bar owner.

“Without the help of my dad and Elias, own-

ing this bar would have been impossible,”
says Jack. “We bought this building 6 years
ago. I have 20 years experience in food but
never in the bar business, but learning.”

Jacks Sports Bar & Grill has an up-beat envi-

ronment with friendly employees, delicious
food and speedy service. Jack says his focus
on incredible hospitality is the reason for his
success, “I treat everyone with the same re-
spect I want in return. Growing up, my father
taught me that there are many people in the
world but everyone’s money is green.”

Its’ a spacious venue equipped with a dining

area, patio deck, full bar, six plasma TV’s,
pool table, and a TouchTune Jukebox. You
can enjoy any major sporting event with
your choice of any drink or delectable item
listed on the menu.

Jacks Sports Bar & Grill is one of the hottest

“go-to” spots in the South Euclid area.

22 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

 excellent eats |

C arnavaaaal! When Sergio’s Sarava

throws it’s Carnaval, it’s as if for an
entire evening some wild party in Brazil
has been dropped right in the middle of the
quaint and quiet Shaker Heights.

There’s drums! There’s music! There’s food.

More importantly, there’s barbecue! Hun-
dreds of people from every walk of life are
dancing and enjoying themselves at the most

sarava multicultural party in Cleveland.

Independently owned, Sergio’s Sarava is

13225 shaker sq
all about delivering the energy, warmth,
216-295-1200 and sophistication of Brazilian street life to
price: $12-18 its patrons. It accomplishes this beautifully
through great food and equally as great ser-
vice.

If you haven’t been, we recommend a

caiprinha to drink with short ribs, slaw, and
fries. Don’t worry, it’s affordable. It’s the
best mini-vacation ever, all without traveling
outside of Northeast Ohio!

words jay bobo

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 | event pictures

nathan mumford, yolanda bonner (ndmp), angela

bailey, & paul pawlacyzak (cleveland clinic)

troy smith (baltimore ravens)

ted ginn jr (miami dolphins)

ainslee, valeria, & al fatz

tara & dj fresh

nathan mumford & judge jeff buchanan

cal clements, jameel (eighty81),

donte whitner - (buffalo bills) patrice & danielle (tuffl luve)

2nd Annual Cancer Awareness B-Ball Game

July 11, 2009 - Karen E. Mumford Foundation, Eighty81.com, & Team 20 present this
second annual event featuring Glenville vs. Heights alumni at Tri-C Metro Gym.
photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
 event pictures |

charita gadson young, kara d. beverly, peter

lawson jones, viveca malone, & dr. bonita coe

jacques smith & family (tri-c)

khalib hawthorne, brandon respress, & michael

blanchard (case western)

dana chin & keesha salters

(american greetings)

randy mcshepard (rpm), everlyn burnett,

& andrew jackson (gcp)

damon johnson & johnny brewington

(cleveland division of cire) christina smith (revol wireless)

McDonald’s Regional Career Fair

July 11, 2009 - Cleveland365.com presents this regional career fair sponsored by
McDonald’s at the Greater Cleveland Convention Center. 25
 | event pictures

shaw hs marching band

basheer jones (radio one)

alpha phi alpha

delta sigma theta

phi beta sigma & zeta phi beta

omega psi phi alpha kappa alpha

McDonald’s Midwest Regional Super Stepshow

July 11, 2009 - Cleveland365.com presents The Midwest Regional Super Stepshow Clas-
sic 2009 sponsored by McDonald’s at the Greater Cleveland Convention Center.
photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
 event pictures |

dj k-nyce

judge mike ryan, basheer jones

(radio one), marielle lue (wews)

iota phi theta (central state university)

alpha phi alpha esquires

iota phi theta

firestone step team sigma gamma rho

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 | calendar

calendar - august 2009

Would you like to add your event to the our calendar?
Email us at info@canvascleveland.com for more information

CONCERTS//
8/01 John Legend
w/ India Arie & Vaughn Anthony
@ Nautica Pavilion
EVENTS//
8/14 All New Diary of Black Men
@ Allen Theatre (8pm)
8/06 Lil Wayne
w/ Drake, Young Jeezy, & Soulja Boy
@ Blossom
8/15 Soul Food Festival
w/ Cameo, Peabo Bryson, & Angela Winbush
@ Voinovich Park
8/16 Foreign Exchange
@ Grog Shop 8/20 SOUP @ Nite
Society of Urban Professionals
8/16 Jamie Foxx @ Nighttowne - 12383 Cedar Road
@ Wolstein Center
8/22 Browns vs. Lions
@ Cleveland Browns Stadium
8/25 De La Soul
@ House of Blues
8/25 Football 101 for Women
Come meet your favorite player!
8/30 Sean McGee @ Winners Sports Bar & Grille (8pm)
@ Peabody’s Downunder
8/26 Gourmets in the Garden
9/4 Charlie Wilson Cooking demonstration courtesy of Lola
@ State Theatre Restaurant. Reservations required, call 216-721-
1600 x100 @ Cleveland Botanical Garden
www.cbgarden.org
9/26 Joyfest 2009
w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp
@ Cedar Point
COMMUNITY//
8/17 Daniel Gibson Basketball Camp
Open to boys & girls (ages 5-15). Call 440-287-
7644 to register.
www.danielgibsonbasketballcamp.com

8/12-14 Sustainable Cleveland 2019

Mayor Jackson’s three-day economic sustainabil-
ity summit. Call 216.664.2444 x5579 to register.
@ Greater Cleveland Convention Center
www.city.cleveland.oh.us

28 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

29
 the list +
Would you like to add your business to the list? Contact us now to advertise
your information, email us at info@canvascleveland.com

SHOP//
brigade
1785 coventry rd EATS//
932-0700 sergio sarava
13225 shaker sq
next coventry 295-1200
1800 coventry rd
371-0777 uptowne grille
11312 euclid ave
style lounge 229-9711
1273 w. 9th st
luckys cafe
BARBERS//
664-1104
777 starkweather ave supreme clientele
622-7773 1649 lee road
heart&sole 932-4845
1781 coventry rd
397-2923 xo primesteaks
500 w. saint clair carls barbershop
621-5652 4098 lee rd
athletes foot 391-4166
2545 e. 55th st
361-2223 bluepointe grille
700 w. saint clair all-starz
875-7827 12619 larchmere blvd
fashions by fowler 231-7827
3090 mayfield
397-0808 taste of jamaica
3936 mayfield rd supastarz
382-3936 2541 e. 55th st. clair ave
361-1381
mr. wonderfuls
5354 lee rd. SALONS//
475-9233 headlines
5160 wilson mills rd
la bodega 440-605-0500
869 jefferson ave
621-7075 new millennium
16808 chagrin
b&m barbeque 320-9119
5501 warrensville ctr
475-8720 looks
12703 kinsman rd
mallorca 752-1132
1390 w. 9th st
687-9494 transformers
4110 mayfield
southside 382-8200
2207 w.11th st
937-2288

30 CANVAS AUGUST 2009

 listings |

BARS//
madisons
4066 mayfield rd
381-4995

lancers
7707 carnegie st
881-0080

20/20 martini
2020 center st
776-0202

visions
5120 warrensville ctr
662-8810

bodega
1854 conventry
932-3050

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