Denise Ebenhoh has been with The Cuyahoga Group since 2012. Throughout her tenure, Denise has learned many aspects of our company, and continues to be one of our most enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Her recent promotion to the role of Office Coffee Division Manager perfectly complements her effective interpersonal skills, analytical abilities, attention to detail, and her willingness to go the extra mile for our customers. In a short time, Denise has made strides in growing our Office Coffee Division by revitalizing customer partnerships and utilizing her creativity to help upgrade our coffee product lines, displays and branding.
The Cuyahoga Group provides customized Vending, Micro-Market and Office Coffee Service options for our customers, and that includes supporting healthy initiatives in the workplace. We’ve added Healthier Lines that include healthy food and beverage options that are convenient, high quality, and pack a healthy and nutritious punch to keep your customers energized throughout the day. We also encourage and support healthy programs within our company, and Denise was gracious enough to share her inspiring personal story of transformation with all of us.
Let’s get to know Denise Ebenhoh a little better:
What is your role with The Cuyahoga Group?
Denise: Office Coffee Division Manager.
How long have you worked for The Cuyahoga Group?
Denise: Nearly seven years—I started in January of 2012.
What do you like most about your job, and why?
Denise: The best part of my job is the people—the people I work with, and the customers I work for. Even though everyone has their own personality, we are all trying to achieve the same thing, which is to ensure that our customers are happy, and to provide service that goes beyond their expectations. I think that the creative ideas and self-drive that everyone has goes a long way in reaching that goal. I like being able to use both my creative side and my love for numbers and facts to oversee a profitable and growing division. Even some of the best ideas come from our customers—the way employers are looking to offer benefits and incentives to their employees is changing, and it’s exciting for us to be part of that. I also love caffeine.
Tell us a fun fact (or facts) about yourself:
Denise: I love themes. Themed anything. I like to create décor and gifts that are out of the ordinary and customized. I refuse to get rid of my crafting supplies from years ago, because one day I’ll have time again, and I’m sure that my son, Brandon, will love creating with me! He and I are currently working on painting rocks with inspirational quotes to leave around town. We’ve found some in the past couple of years and we love passing them on!
My other favorite hobby is volleyball. Before I had my son, I played five days a week, and was the ref for the other two days. I never actually played in school. I can’t wait to play more than one day a week again, and have my son cheer me on!
What is your favorite food/favorite meal?
Denise: Chipotle. Then scallops.
What is your favorite type of music?
Denise: I listen to everything—from Johnny Cash and pop, to my 2002 high school throwback burned CDs. If we are talking my favorite dance to do with Brandon, it would be the Gummy Bear Song or the Crazy Frog Dance. We find starting the day with a dance is the best way to wake up. My favorite artist currently is Avicii (of whom I am sad I will never see live in concert), but his mixes are motivating to me.
Please tell us about a goal you’d like to accomplish someday:
Denise: There is a lot I want to do still in my life, and eventually, I know I will accomplish them! I want to go on a cruise or an all-inclusive vacation, either by myself or with friends. I will figure out my sewing machine bobbin one day and own the necessary hardware to make my own t-shirt designs.
I would also like to be able to watch a scary movie without covering my eyes. I’d like to finish a season of any TV show and learn to ski. I’d also like to be able to wrap presents that look like someone older than a ten-year old did it.
Most important of all, I want to raise my son to be a kind person who is never afraid to use his voice—and who is proud of who he is, now and forever.
Please share a little bit about your journey in adopting a healthier lifestyle. How have these changes have impacted your life? And, do you have any advice for others trying to adopt healthier life habits?
Denise: First, I have to say – I can’t believe where I am, how far I have come, and how much further I still have!
It started with water. I drank mostly diet pop and no water, day after day. Jill (Jill van Horne, Accountant for The Cuyahoga Group) helped me quit the diet pop and got the transition going toward water with Crystal Light. From there, I eventually kicked the Crystal Light habit and was drinking only straight water. I still barley drink pop (maybe sugar-free Red Bull on a rare occasion) but have kept water an important part of my daily life.
Then, I interviewed Matt Ruth (Machine Shop Mechanic at The Cuyahoga Group) and his story of healthy transformation helped me go further. I started like he did, with a walk around the block and it turned into miles. And eventually, I was running (kid in stroller!) those same blocks and miles. On the days that I did want to go out for out a run, I remembered what Matt told himself—just go do it. And I never turned back. I mostly walk now instead of running, as I had a foot injury, but it’s all about baby steps.
One small positive change turns into another, then another, and before you know it, you have created healthy lifestyle habits. It impacted my life in every way possible. I felt better and healthier. Which in turn, I was able to be a better mom, friend, employee, and best of all happy with myself. Some days are harder than others, but overall the most rewarding part of the entire journey is having the energy and the happiness I deserve to have in my life!
My advice to anyone would be the same advice that was given to me. Just start. Just do it. And keep moving forward no matter how many times you find yourself with a couple steps back—setbacks happen. Keep going forward again and you will get there!!
Denise, thank you for sharing your inspirational journey with all of us—and congratulations on your personal and professional achievements!
Contact us today to bring Quality Coffee Service to your Workplace!
To brighten and fuel the workday of your employees with the very best in coffee services and quality coffee products, Email Denise Ebenhoh, or call Denise at (216) 663-1457 x109.
