Dan Ruminski. President, Martinson-Nicholls, Inc. and Cleveland History Storyteller

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1 Dan Ruminski President, Martinson-Nicholls, Inc. and Cleveland History Storyteller Dan Ruminski was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Pepper Pike, Ohio. He is a graduate of Orange High School as well as John Carroll University receiving a B.A. Degree in Political Science. While a student at John Carroll University he was captain of the basketball team and later went on to play semiprofessional basketball for the Fort Eustis Wheels. At the same time, he began a two-year military career graduate of R.O.T.C. before going over to Vietnam for one year. Majoring in business and political science with a minor in philosophy kept Dan on a rigid pace to say the least. Dan returned from Vietnam to begin a teaching and coaching career at Gilmour Academy. He left teaching to buy his company Martinson-Nicholls, Inc., a distributor of floor matting products, As President of Martinson-Nicholls Inc., Willoughby, Ohio, for the last 25 years, Dan has taken the company from a small local player to a much larger international force in the area of floor matting and pressure sensitive anti-slip tapes. Working niche markets and inventing solutions for customer problems has caused sales to grow over 500% in 25 years. Dan Ruminski with his company, Martinson-Nicholls: Has been featured in the Plain Dealer and Wall Street Journal for new products (electric mats) that melt snow and ice Received the 2009 Manny Award Received an award from Ohio Entrepreneur for development of unique heated ice & snow melting mats in 2006 Is currently working on a matting project to design floor mats with special requirements of the Presidential helicopter fleet Has designed anti-slip deck pads for over 70 coast guard ships The Cleveland Storyteller began in April of 2008 at Gates Mills Library. Forty people were expected and over 100 showed up. Motivated by his passion and the response he is experiencing to his talks, Dan continues to research Cleveland history, specifically the families of Millionaire s Row and their contribution to Cleveland s greatness during the years He has created a collection of stories that are constantly updated and fresh and shares those stories at events and venues throughout the Cleveland area. He creates a spellbinding entertainment experience - The Storyteller in his chair, sharing unique stories of Cleveland s past. Dan has become recognized as an expert in this area. His goal is to promote Cleveland nationally, rebuild Cleveland pride, and overcome outdated, uncomplimentary stereotypes. Dan is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area currently living for the past 31 years on six acres in Chesterland, which was formerly part of the Circle W Farm, owned by Walter and Virginia White. Walter was the youngest of the White brothers, founders of White Motors. Dan has developed the property into many palatial gardens that reflect the gardening style and characteristics of the great mansions once owned by Cleveland s prominent figures. He lives with his wife, Susan, an extremely successful realtor in her own right, and has four grown children and several grandchildren.

2 Dan Ruminski s Cleveland Story Collection and How It Came to Be Creating the Stories I believe it is an understatement to suggest that the creation of anything is easy. We all know it is not. Thus with difficulty, passion and great satisfaction I have over time created six presentations relating to Cleveland s exceptional history from 1875 to about During this period, Cleveland, Ohio was considered by many to be both the greatest and wealthiest city in the world. Famous Euclid Avenue, Millionaires Row, served to showcase this greatness and tremendous wealth. The production of my stories evolved in no particular order. A passion for the subject matter took over and various materials became available. No major process but, rather an unscripted series of events that made archives available at random times. When research and study evolved into a presentation and one was given to the public I was thrilled at the great interest and questions each audience had. Capacity audiences began to show up at numerous events to my total amusement. There appeared to be a hunger for properly presented Cleveland history and the cast of characters that made this wonderful period happen. Thus, if I may, the following is an over view of each of the presentations I have created as of 9/1/11. Please understand that they will be delivered slightly differently each time as I acquire new knowledge and research. Any of these talks are available for presentation to groups of all kinds, any place, and any time. (See venues below.) They have proven to be great fund-raiser events for many organizations. These have given me particular satisfaction and purpose. I remain greatly appreciative of audience questions and comments. Many audience members have been very helpful in promoting our history throughout the Cleveland area. I am a lucky fellow. Thank you all. - Dan Ruminski, Storyteller Story Collection 1. Millionaires Row ~ Euclid Avenue A story that will amaze in its scope, wealth and effect on Cleveland, Ohio. A personal side of the great avenue and how it came into being That which created also destroyed, the rest of the story What made Euclid Avenue unique? What were the residents like, other than extremely wealthy? Were they much different than you and I?

3 2. The Famous Whites of White Sewing Machine and White Motors A very personal look at this genius of the Thomas Howard White Family A detailed account of his sewing machine company and The White Motor Company A look at the grand homes and estates that were created from wealth earned Surprise revelations about the individuals that made up this famous White family 3. The Great Estates of Wickliffe ~ Millionaires Mile A story that ties Cleveland to the now famous movie The King s Speech The Four families ~ A very personal touch for I knew Mrs. Boler ~ Frank Rockefeller s daughter Rockefeller Corrigan McKinney Coulby Learn in great detail of how four Wickliffe estates owners became involved in a story that would rival any Greek tragedy Once heard, one will never look upon Wickliffe, Ohio the same way again 4. The Francis Drury Story, Drury Theater and The Cleveland Playhouse A very personal presentation of a man and his family few know about Learn details of the building of his great Cedar hill Farm, now Gilmour Academy, and his great home on Millionaires Row across from the playhouse. A great story with an unexpected ending The Drury connection to John D. Rockefeller 5. The John D. Rockefeller Story Myth Verses Fact Surprising details of Cleveland s wealthiest citizen Learn where folklore and fact differ in a most fascinating story of great ambition, success and charity Hear about John D. s passions, his unusual disease and what he really thought of Cleveland at the end of his life 6. Cleveland s Millionaire s Row & Wickliffe, Ohio s Mysterious Cleveland connection to the movie, The King s Speech Previous Venues White North Stables, Hunting Valley Intown Club The Hermit Club The Business Advisors of Cleveland at the Cleveland Skating Club The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby Business Groups Garden Clubs Libraries Community Centers Fundraisers Senior Centers Schools

4 Business Profile Business Name: The Cleveland Storyteller Structure: Currently a division of Martinson-Nicholls, Inc., a Sub S Corporation Started: 2008 Contact Information Phone: dan@clevelandhistorylessons.com Web: Principals: Dan Ruminski Employees: 1 Business Objective Enlighten and inspire Clevelanders and others, young and old, with the amazing history of Cleveland during the years on Millionaire s Row. It was one of the greatest cities and the home of many inventions that changed the world. Help others rediscover the pride of Cleveland and thereby counter old, worn and unflattering Cleveland stereotypes. Take the history of Cleveland to as many people as possible. Motivate others to feel the pride and create a city where younger generations will want to live and work. The Process Speaking Engagements: Dan Ruminski, Historian and Storyteller, is available to speak to organizations and professional groups about the grand history of Cleveland and the people who made in famous. He creates a spellbinding entertainment experience The Storyteller in his chair, sharing unique stories of Cleveland s past. Garden Tours: Dan has lived for the past 31 years on 6 acres in Chesterland, which was formerly part of the Circle W Farm owned by Walter and Virginia White. Walter was the youngest of the White brothers, founders of White Motors. Dan has developed the property into many palatial gardens that reflect the gardening style and characteristics of the great mansions once owned by Cleveland s prominent figures. The property is available for tours. Virtual Millionaire s Row Experience (future vision) A series of video presentations would be placed on screens in public facilities throughout Cleveland. Millionaire s Row would feature the 20 mansions and families of Euclid Avenue that lived between 20 th and 40 th streets, the most impressive portions of The Avenue. New content would be added to keep it fresh. (See the attached project description.)

5 Virtual Millionaire s Row Euclid Avenue - The Vision Many, many folks have come to my talks over the last three years and have heard me mention my desire and dream to build a physical, virtual Millionaire s Row. One in which people could, as real as possible, experience a true sense of Millionaire s Row like never before. The vision is not a museum but, rather an interactive representation placed somewhere in Cleveland within a facility open to the public which already enjoys high traffic. Thus Clevelanders and visitors could enjoy at their leisure the true Cleveland Historical experience. Once tasted people will return time and again hungry for more of this marvelous history establishing just how great we once were. It is my hope such a project would promote and develop a new found Cleveland pride; a means to answer old, worn and unflattering Cleveland stereotypes. My Millionaire s Row would feature the 20 mansions and families of Euclid Avenue that lived between 20th and 40th Streets, the most impressive portions of the avenue. If you have seen the Millionaire s Row poster, you would be familiar with this portion of Euclid Avenue. Each mansion would have its own station, a flat screen which our visitors could interact with seeing this history while visiting John D. Rockefeller. Why not have a talk with the world s first billionaire. New content and new archives from the period would constantly be added giving motivation to one to re visit and learn more. This location would also serve as a hub for the telling of my stories from this period. It is my hope to get financial support by getting sponsors for each mansion. To promote this project it is my thought to place flat screens throughout greater Cleveland in high traffic areas which promote through example - a small taste of the grand event. I believe such an ambitious endeavor could serve to unite and motivate Clevelanders through a common interest as well as show off our best side to visitors. I decided to post the above because it is time to begin the vision. My need is to dialogue with any and all persons who have interest in either visiting or helping with the actual project. Cleveland will move forward if each Clevelander does his/her part. Inch by inch each individual understanding that we were the greatest and that this is possible again. All of we parents and grandparents want opportunities for our offspring so that they either stay in Cleveland or return, we want them close to us. All though my project is no answer by far, it could be a beginning of great things. Dan Ruminski Storyteller