July 11, 2023 the Rotary Club of Akron inducted two new members!
Pictured is newly installed President Tom Knauer and our two newest Rotarians.
Andrew Grant sponsored by Lynda Farkas and Marissa Rufe sponsored by Thane Billow.
We look forward to a year filled with service and fellowship!
About Our New Members:
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| I was born and raised in Akron; Cuyahoga Falls to be specific. I was able to begin my college degree in my Junior year of High School thanks to CFHS o"ering a Post Secondary Enrollment Program. This gave me a jumpstart on credits, but like most teenagers.... I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I may have thought I knew, but my college journey taught me that life is an everchanging experience and it's okay to shift the plan just keep your eyes on the goal!
After graduating college (the initial goal), I began working full time in the financial services industry. This taught me more about people than even my years of sorority membership. Sales training, in my opinion, can be summed up as learning to understand human behavior and motivation. I knew I belonged in sales with the skills I have developed and when I met Jim Pickard, I knew I wanted to learn from him. That is how I began my career in Commercial Real Estate. I am now over 3 years down this path, and I love what I do.
Volunteering with Keep Akron Beautiful and The Humane Society has fed my passion for nature and animals. I actively pursue connections and organizations that speak to my interests and allow
me to get involved in the community that raised me. I am blessed with wonderful friends that are my chosen family and in my free time I enjoy camping, hiking, reading and gardening.
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| I joined Akron Rotary in 1983 when I moved to Akron with Babcock & Wilcox. I was unable to make meetings due to heavy travel.
I have been a biomass-energy consultant for about 20 years, following work with B&W, Ontario Hydro and FirstEnergy. In addition to consulting, I am launching an organic waste recycling business. This is an exciting time to be in the organics recycling business - everything from fertilizers to jet fuel. I have been a member of St Paul's episcopal church for 40 years and have served on its vestry and many other roles - I enjoy reading lessons. I have degrees in Natural Sciences and Economics from the University of Cambridge. I have been happily married to Sue for many years; we have three adult children, one grandson who recently graduated from Akron U. I am an inactive private pilot, love flying, sailing, hiking, gardening, and music - roll on this year's Blossom season! |
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