CANFIELD, Ohio – Jeff Ryznar, owner and team leader of 898 Marketing, has been inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores.
Ryznar joins an exclusive group of 25 Ohioans recognized this year by the governor of Ohio with the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore, the state’s most distinguished honor. Citizens are recognized yearly for their hard work, leadership and business accomplishments.
Linda Kuzior, a fellow Commodore who nominated Ryznar, has long admired his leadership and the positive impact he’s had in the region.
“Jeff brings an unmatched energy and dedication to everything he does,” said Kuzior, of Redex Industries. “It’s a combination of genuine enthusiasm and the ability to inspire and energize the people around him. That kind of leadership makes a real difference in our community.”
Formed in 1966, the Association of Ohio Commodores assists in the advancement of all areas contributing to the growth and development of the state, with the goal of greater prosperity for its citizens. The organization has grown its membership to more than 500 men and women throughout its nearly 60-year history.
Members include government officials; university presidents and administrators; senior management executives of medium and small manufacturers; leaders of trade associations and economic development organizations; and banking and legal professionals.
“The work we do as Ohioans, both in our communities and our careers, should always reflect the values with which we were raised in this great state – those being hard work, humility and a sense of purpose,” Ryznar said. “This humbling honor could only be achieved through the support of a loving family, a community that helped mold me and the amazing and talented team members at 898 Marketing who motivate me every day to make a difference through their own actions and beliefs that we are called to serve the state of Ohio.”
898 Marketing has earned national and regional recognition for its growth and impact. In recent years, the agency was named among Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies, AdWeek’s fastest-growing agencies and Crain’s Cleveland Business’ Best Employers in Ohio.
Ryznar began his career in marketing after graduating from Miami University in 2002. He held roles at top advertising agencies in Detroit, New York and Chicago before returning to Ohio as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first director of strategic marketing. After five seasons with the team, he became vice president of marketing and co-owner of San Francisco-based AI company Phizzle, which was named one of Forbes’ Most Promising Companies in America. In 2014, he launched 898 Marketing, fulfilling a vision sparked decades earlier by his grandfather.
Pictured at top: Jeff Ryznar, left, and Grand Commodore David W. Johnson.