Business Hall of Fame

In celebration of the city of Cleveland’s 200th anniversary in 1996, Cleveland Magazine created the Business Hall of Fame to celebrate the achievements of the men and women who helped shape the city and society.

From Cleveland’s first roots growing out of a land deal put together by the Connecticut Land Co. to the glittering buildings and modern developments of Downtown Cleveland and its neighborhoods today, the city and its business community have endured and thrived for more than 225 years.

Cleveland has faced economic downturn, financial upheaval and individual business tragedies — dreams dashed upon the tides of history. But, through community and business leadership, the city also has built, achieved and proved its resiliency across the decades.

In the articles below, you will meet some of Cleveland's business pioneers and learn more about the impact they have had on business and history. As pioneers, they also cleared a path for those who followed — budding entrepreneurs who were able pave a way for their own success stories, creating new visions of an ever-changing future.