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A Personal Mother’s Day Letter to My Mom, Sherry Variglotti. Happy Mother’s Day! By Carla Variglotti

May 10, 2020
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I have the most amazing mom and best friend.  My mom, Sherry Variglotti,  is the best gal I know. When you are sick- she cooks chicken noodle soup, when you are happy she celebrates with you, and when you need a hug she gives the best hugs. 

As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to say thank you to Sherry Variglotti. Many of you know her as the mom of Vince and I, and as Jim’s wife. What you may not know is that she is a nurse who supported our family when the business got started. She has always been the CEO: Chief Emotional Officer. She is the one who nurtures our family’s traditions and beliefs, sets the tone for family interactions—and she is the glue who keeps us close together.

There are so many good things about her, too many to list. When I was a kid, her hugs and butterfly kisses fixed everything. Her sense of humor is contagious and her heart is huge. When I was little she always smelled so pretty- Obsession by Este Lauder was her fragrance. Her home-cooked meals brought our family together to share stories, laugh and appreciation.  Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciate and respect you. I love you mom, and I am so grateful and happy to be your daughter.

I know that your mom is as special to you as mine is to me, and I want to honor the significant mother-child bond of every daughter and son who reads this. I’d also like to take a moment to honor and remember the moms who are no longer with us—their love and care will forever have an immeasurable impact on their families, and they live on in the hearts and memories of their children—and will never be forgotten.

To all the working moms, I just want to take a moment to congratulate and honor you on Mother’s Day. Juggling work, home, and family is really hard, and you deserve major kudos for ALL you do. Your dedication to both work and family pays off. And one thing’s for sure… you are appreciated.

So, to my mom—and to every mom, I hope you enjoy this holiday—dedicated just to you!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Celebrating resilience on St. Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2020
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“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face…” from a classic Irish blessing. 

We’re all a little bit of Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.  The celebratory day of green beer, wearing of the green and large celebrations and parades in every big city has been overshadowed by the Coronavirus—but just like the tradition of resilience in Irish culture, there is hope—and clovers, on the horizon.  

Our spirits remain strong and there is wisdom in tradition—and these are good things to focus on. The green clover is not only an Irish symbol of good luck, it also signifies renewal and the return of spring. And while there may not be a Saint Patrick to drive away the ills of the world, we know that—yes, this too shall pass.  

In the weeds of adversity and uncertainty, clovers can still be found. We can choose to be vigilant by arming ourselves with facts instead of fear. We can choose to live in the moment, control what we can, and look forward to the return of ‘normalcy.’ 

So, let’s kick back and raise a glass to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—with a renewed focus on all that is good in our lives. Let’s strive to live in the here and now, while looking ahead to the inevitable promise of fields of green clovers, roads rising to meet us and sunshine on the horizon. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all, from The Cuyahoga Group. 

Cuyahoga Group celebrates National Vending Day

March 4, 2020
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Quality and convenience are the names of the vending industry game. Whether on the road or at work, vending machines and onsite markets exist to keep us fueled and energized.  

As a premier Vending, Market and Office Coffee Services company, The Cuyahoga Group celebrates National Vending Day on March 5, designated by NAMA (National Automatic Merchandising Association).  

Upward Growth for Vending and Markets 

The work week is usually super busy, and we’re always looking to make the best use of our time, so when we need to recharge, we need fast, affordable access to quality options. A cup of fresh coffee, nourishing sandwich wrap, crisp salad, protein pack snack or nutrient drink are must-haves at work—and The Cuyahoga Group delivers it all, just down the hall in your breakroom! 

Commitment to wellness & sustainability! 

The Cuyahoga Group offers the latest in premier brand, better-for-you options, along with traditional snack and beverage favorites that your employees know and love.  

We also customize our offerings to suit the culinary needs of your team, while supporting your workplace wellness programs and sustainability initiatives.  

Our handshake is our promise! 

31 years ago, Jim Variglotti, U.S. Veteran and founder and CEO of The Cuyahoga Group, started the company with one vending machine, a handshake and a cup of coffee. Since then, The Cuyahoga Group’s core values haven’t changed—our handshake is our promise, and customer service is the foundation of our company. 

Keep your team happy and productive—Call us today! 

Spring is just weeks away—the perfect time to bring a new energy with quality culinary and beverage options to your workplace!  The Cuyahoga Group is here to help you do just that—by providing your team with the very best in Vending, Micro-Market, Mobile Dining, Office Coffee and Catering Services.  

To contact us, click here or call us at 800-901-8363.   

Celebrating the 29th of February!

February 28, 2020
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2020 is a Leap Year, and tomorrow, February 29th, is known as Leap Day, that special, extra day in our planet’s annual voyage around the sun that occurs every four years. The Cuyahoga Group is celebrating February 29th because even though we’re a premiere Vending, Market, Office Coffee Service, Mobile Dining and Catering company that is family-and-veteran-owned and operated with over 31 years of experience in bringing nourishing, delicious, quality meal, snack, coffee and beverage options onsite to our workplace customers in a three-state area—we’re also astronomical mathematicians at heart, and we think it’s pretty cool.  

Why do we have Leap Years? It’s all about serious calculation, including a possible mathematical miscalculation from eons ago. Here’s the short answer: Leap Years are necessary to keep the calendar aligned with the astronomical seasons. 

Swirled in folklore, February 29th is also known as a day of luck, changing weather, and the day when it was “permissible” for women to make marriage proposals. We’ve evolved since then, (mostly) as women now have equal rights and are free to make marriage proposals on any day they want, but that’s beside the point. 

The coolest thing about February 29th? It’s an extra 24 hours, and a good reminder to make everyday matter. 

On Leap Day and all days, make your Workplace Food and Beverage Choices Matter! 

For 31 years, The Cuyahoga Group has delivered the best in Vending, Micro-Markets, Mobile Dining, Office Coffee and Catering services.  We provide meal, snack, coffee and beverage choices that your employees need to reenergize throughout the workday, without the inconvenience or expense of leaving the premises. To contact us, click here or call us at 800-901-8363.   

Cuyahoga Group Employee Spotlight:   Angela Bogan

February 21, 2020
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Cuyahoga Group Team Member Angela Bogan has been selected as our Employee Spotlight for February, 2020. 

In April, Angela will celebrate 20 years with The Cuyahoga Group.  For nearly two decades, her commitment and service  to her role as Vending Attendant out of our North Ridgeville Branch has raised the bar on service and team work. Self-motivated and reliable, Angela’s strong work ethic, positive outlook, attention to detail and willingness to always go that extra mile, has created an invaluable example for other team members to follow. 

Congratulations to Angela Bogan on her upcoming 20th Anniversary with The Cuyahoga Group! We appreciate all that you do, and we are grateful that you are part of our team!  


What is your role with The Cuyahoga Group? 
Angela: Vending Attendant.  


What do you like most about your job, and why?   
Angela: I like visiting different locations and not having to stay in one place all day long.  


Tell us a fun fact, or facts, about yourself:  
Angela: I make birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes and treats for special occasions. It’s something creative that I really enjoy.  


What is your favorite kind of food or meal?   
Angela: My favorite food is Italian.  


What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or singer?   
Angela: I love Country Music, but I also enjoy many other types of music.  


What is your favorite movie, TV show or book? 
Angela:  My favorite TV show is Friends.   
 

Please share with us a goal you’d like to accomplish someday: 
Angela:  My goal is to travel to Italy someday.  


Thank You, Angela, for participating in The Cuyahoga Group Employee Spotlight, and Congratulations on your upcoming 20th Anniversary with The Cuyahoga Group! 

Peace, Love & Pizza

February 7, 2020
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Any way you slice it and any way you like it, most of us agree that pizza is a little slice of heaven. February 9th is National Pizza Day and The Cuyahoga Group celebrates the versatile, delicious pizza pie—one of the most affordable, popular, and endearing foods in America.  

It starts with baked crust, savory cheese and tomato sauce, then the fun begins: limitless toppings. Whether vegan or carnivore, there’s a pizza for all tastes. From a simple cheese pizza to a pie crowned with a kaleidoscope of toppings, our pizza preferences are as varied as we are.  

It all began a long, long time ago in 18th century Naples, Italy, when pizza was first created as an inexpensive staple for the working class. A century later, the King and Queen of Italy visited Naples and discovered pizza. They were so impressed that when they returned to Rome, they summoned their chef to make pizza every Friday night, and the news spread throughout the land. Pizza become popular in the U.S. during the 1940’s, when Italian immigrants brought their many culinary treasures, including pizza, to their new homeland. To read more about the history of pizza, click here. 

We bring the joy of Pizza to your workplace! 

The Cuyahoga Group, has 31 years of experience and expertise in bringing affordable and quick access to a variety of delicious meals, snacks, beverages, coffee and healthier options to help your employees stay energized and happy throughout their workday—without the cost or hassle of leaving the building.  

We bring homemade and favorite pizza brand options for our Market, Dining, and Catering customers, including a variety of options in our Vending, and Office Coffee services. Feeling like a slice of pizza? It’s as easy as a walk to your workplace breakroom.   

To contact us, click here or call us at 800-901-8363. 

Cuyahoga Group Employee Spotlight: Ken Hrabnicky  

January 30, 2020
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Cuyahoga Group Team Member Ken Hrabnicky has been selected as our February 2020  Employee Spotlight.

For the past 22 years, Ken’s contribution and service  to The Cuyahoga Group has spanned all levels of operations, including Markets, Vending and OCS (Office Coffee Services). Ken learned the intricacies of the vending industry from the ground up, beginning with his first role as part-time Warehouse employee while he was still in school.  He was then promoted to RouteDelivery Driver, then Route Supervisor. His promotion to Branch Manager soon followed, and last year, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations. Ken’s dedication and service to The Cuyahoga Group is defined by a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and grow with the company, ability to lead others and help team members whenever needed, and his consistent willingness to always go above and beyond the call of duty.  Congratulations to Ken Hrabnicky on his 22 years with The Cuyahoga Group! We are grateful that you are part of our team!  

What is your current role with The Cuyahoga Group, and what past roles have you held? 
 
Ken: I have been with TCG for 22 years—my current role is VP of Operations.  Jim Variglotti (founder and CEO of The Cuyahoga Group) hired me 22 years to work part-time in the warehouse, while I attended school.  Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in many different company divisions and locations. After about a year of working in the warehouse where I pulled route driver orders in the afternoon, I started working as a Route Driver. After that, I became a Route Supervisor for a couple of years.  From there, Jim promoted me to Branch Manager in Wooster.  At that time, I met Jerry Ritch, (Customer Service Manager) who became a true mentor and really took the time to teach me the industry.  After Wooster, I became the Branch Manager in Mansfield, then North Ridgeville.   

What do you like most about your job, and why?   

Ken: I love the people I work with every day! Our employees make it easy to come to work every day, and the top-notch service they provide to our customers is very rewarding.  The Variglotti family has been great to me. They have given me the opportunity to advance my career and pushed me to become the best I can be.  

Tell us a fun fact, or facts, about yourself:  
Ken: I like being outdoors in the summer, playing golf, spending time on Lake Erie.  I would like to set aside more time for fishing this summer. 

What is your favorite kind of food or meal?   
Ken: Chicken Paprikash is my favorite. My mom makes it every year for my birthday. 

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or singer?   
Ken: I don’t have a favorite, I love all music and I’ll listen to anything. I’d like to attend more concerts with my wife. 
 

What is your favorite movie, TV show or book? 
Ken:  It’s tough to designate a favorite movie. I’d include any of the Jason Bourne movies, and I always watch Shawshank Redemption when it’s on.  

Please share with us a goal you’d like to accomplish someday: 
Ken: Travel more: I’d like to see the Northern Lights, travel to Hawaii, and try skiing in Colorado. 

Thank You, Ken, for participating in The Cuyahoga Group Employee Spotlight, and  thankyou for your 22 years of service and dedication! 

Celebrating National Compliment Day!

January 23, 2020
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Words are powerful, and a simple, kind word or phrase can change someone’s day and may even impact their life. That’s why The Cuyahoga Group is celebrating National Compliment Day.A compliment goes a long way, and you never know how it will brighten someone’s day!  

Share the love—leave a kind comment! 

While there’s always room for improvement and constructive criticism is useful and welcomed, let’s also remember to accentuate the positive. Please leave a kind comment for your favoriteCuyahoga Group route driver or team member.  And remember, we only get what we give, so let the circle of kindness grow and shine.  

Bring on the compliments from your team! 

If you provide your team with the best in onsite meal, snack & beverage options to keep them happy, nourished and hydrated all day, the compliments will follow!  For 31 years, The Cuyahoga Group has delivered the best in Vending, Micro-Markets, Mobile Dining, Office Coffee and Catering services.  We provide meal, snack, coffee and beverage choices that your employees need to reenergize throughout the workday, without the hassle or expense of leaving the premises. To contact us, click here or call us at 800-901-8363.   

Honoring an American Hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 20, 2020
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On Monday, January 20, 2020, The Cuyahoga Group honors and remembers the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King’s courageous fight for social justice, unwavering vision and ultimate personal sacrifice was a light of hope in a country that continued to be marred by racism and inequality. His unparalleled work and vision brought the reality of civil rights and social justice into all facets of our culture—and his legacy will be remembered always. 

The words of Dr. King’s iconic I Have A Dream speech, ring as powerful, relevant and true today as the day he delivered them on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C: 

“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. 

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. 

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” –Dr. King, 1963 

To read Dr. King’s speech in its entirety, click, here.   

Knowing our Customers is what we Do!

January 16, 2020
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National Get to Know Your Customers Day is observed on the third Thursday of each quarter.  The Cuyahoga Group acknowledges these designated days because getting to know our customers reflects the history, mission and future growth of our company.

Our continued focus on taking care of our customer into this new decade is strongly rooted in our beginnings. In 1987, Jim Variglotti, Vietnam War veteran and founder and CEO of The Cuyahoga Group, transitioned from vending machine mechanic to vending machine owner, and quickly learned that the key to forging bonds of trust with customers was by getting to know the customer: understanding who they are, what they want, and understanding that delivering on quality products framed in excellent customer service are all critical elements in building customer trust and growing the company. 

Jim also understood that forging strong customer partnerships begins and ends with the highest level of customer service, framed by elements of quality products, mutual trust, respect, honesty—and always going the extra mile to meet and exceed customer expectations. 

From our route drivers, office associates, and culinary team, to our management and executive staff, these values run through all Vending, Micro-Market, Office Coffee, Mobile Dining and Catering services at The Cuyahoga Group.  

Customer Partnerships that begin with a Handshake 

Who are our customers? Starting with Jim’s first customer 31 years ago, The Cuyahoga Group has grown to include thousands of customers across three states.  We provide workplace culinary, beverage, mobile dining and catering services to companies large and small—from family-owned businesses to global corporations that span the spectrum of retail, healthcare, manufacturing, government, education, recreation, financial and nonprofit organizations. 

Customization for a Diverse Clientele 

Our customers are as diverse as the industries we serve, which is why we regularly take the time to learn about what food and beverage options our customers want. Understanding customer needs through in-person visits, surveys, including our ‘Cookie for Your Thoughts’ program, helps us to tailor workplace Vending, Micro-Market, Office Coffee and Mobile Dining services to suit the specific requests and tastes of each client—keeping them energized and hydrated, without the hassle or cost of leaving the workplace.    

Variety in food & beverage products—it’s what our customers want!  

At home and in the workplace, we’re more healthy-savvy than ever before, and The Cuyahoga Group strives to customize healthy workplace food and beverage options through our Healthy Line of products. Gluten-free, low-sodium, high protein, low-carb or organic—we’ve got it! 

Our Vending, Office Coffee and Micro-Markets services support wellness programs in the workplace through a variety of options—from fresh and healthy wraps, yogurt, natural cheese, salads, hummus and homemade soups and meals delivered daily, to popular brand items like Cliff® and Nature Valley® granola bars, Planters® Fruit and Nut options, to healthy hydration with Life Water®, Pure Leaf®, and Gold Peak® products—The Cuyahoga Group has the variety, convenience and taste that our customers want! 

Let us Get to Know Your Team: Contact us today! 

To contact The Cuyahoga Group about providing the best in culinary choices for your workplace, click here or call us at 800-901-8363.