Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) is pleased to announce Mr. Jesse Srpan, owner of Raw Iron Choppers, as the 2018 recipient of the Geauga Growth Partnership Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award, which will be presented at the GGP Annual Partnership Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th, 7:30 a.m. at the Notre Dame Education Center. In addition to the presentation of the Frank Samuel Award, there will be a short business meeting and Keynote Speaker Mr. Chris Connor. The GGP Annual Meeting is free and registration is now open at Geauga Growth Partnership Annual Meeting Registration
Inaugurated in 2013, the Frank Samuel Distinguished Service award recognizes prolonged service and outstanding achievement by a GGP member or organization, who through relentless determination, diligence and dedication, has made significant contributions to enhance the value, quality, effectiveness and stature of the Geauga Growth Partnership and embodies the following:
- Demonstrated community service and support both personally and organizationally.
- Evident investment in economic development in Geauga County
- Recognized advocate for the County
- Commitment to leadership excellence and development of human capital
- Major impactful accomplishments and results
- Reputation for the generosity, transparency and a critical thinker
- A strong business acumen with a collaborative leadership style
Jesse Srpan embodies the entrepreneur spirit that drives the economic vitality of any community. By the time he was 13 years old, he knew he wanted to excel in the trade of welding and has built a career and business around his skills and passions. At the young age of 13 in 2003, Jesse purchased his first MIG welder and began honing his skills at home by rebuilding old bikes and custom building new.
In 2007 he took vocational classes for welding at Auburn Career Center, and in 2009 he began taking welding classes at Lakeland Community College with instructor and close friend, Ryan Eubank. To further his welding knowledge, Jesse has learned from some of the most respected and educated welding instructors from Lincoln Electric and other welding and bike industries.
Jesse founded Raw Iron Choppers LLC in Newbury Township, Ohio, and has demonstrated a “pay it forward”
mentality by helping and supporting the custom bike and welding industries, and inspiring the next generation
of tradesmen and women.
Aside from his accomplishments of starting and building a business, what makes Jesse Srpan a true leader is his determination to educate and inspire others. Jesse will tell you one of his greatest accomplishments has been having the opportunity of teach people of all ages how to weld and fabricate at Lakeland Community College since late 2012. Building individuals with a skill set and giving back to society with a trade is what Jesse believes will keep the trades alive and rolling forward. Through his role at Lakeland, Jesse has trained nearly 400 students from predominantly Lake and Geauga Counties.
Jesse Srpan has been an inspiration to more than 250 students in Geauga County by volunteering his time to speak with students at GGP’s Youth Education programs, specifically 8th grade Career Awareness and “Ignite Your Career” events. His message resonated so much with the 8th graders, that after he spoke to them he received more than 100 letters from Kenston students.
Following are a few of Jesse’s many accomplishments and certifications: NHTSA certified motorcycle manufacturer, 2014 Discovery Channel #Bikerlive winner (Rust belt episode-ohio), 15th out of 50th place “Postsecondary” at 2010 Skills USA “National” welding competition, AWS/ASME certified welder in (GTAW-tig) “stainless, steel, aluminum, and chromoly aerospace applications 3F & 5F” (GMAW-mig) “3G & 4G” (FCAW-fluxcore) “3G & 4G” (SMAW-stick) “3G & 4G” processes and (ASME boiler & pressure vessel code) “2G.”
Jesse’s custom bikes have been featured in numerous national newsstand motorcycle publications from covers to articles nationally and internationally.
GGP would like to thank the following sponsors, for supporting the Annual Partnership Meeting:
- Gold Sponsors: Glenmede Investment & Wealth Management, Huntington Bank, Key Bank, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center
- Silver Sponsors Aetna, Connor Foundation , Dollar Bank, Honest Scales Recycling, Middlefield Bank, Premier Power, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling, Solon Manufacturing
- Bronze Sponsors: Electrolock, Everstream, Federal Improvement Company, The Frenchie Group, Geauga Credit Union, Geauga Savings Bank, Marsh Valley Forest Products, POV Solution, Wealthcare Group of Raymond James.
Geauga Growth Partnership is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization created in 2010, which works to retain and grow jobs, contribute to business growth and strengthen the local economy. Geauga Growth Partnership’s mission is to enhance the business climate, encourage job creation, to strengthen economic prosperity and to improve the quality of life for all Geauga County residents.
For more information visit Geauga Growth Partnership, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
