YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Business Journal has added two seasoned business professionals to its ranks, positioning the company for growth.
Megan Wine of Columbiana will be the director of business development, effective Oct. 1. She has 12 years of business development experience.
Jeffrey Rhodes of East Palestine started Sept. 8 as the publication’s sales and marketing representative. He previously worked in sales and managed a restaurant.
“We’re proud to welcome Megan and Jeff to The Business Journal team and are excited about the talent and experience they each bring to their respective roles,” said Michael Moliterno, the company’s chief operating officer. “The Business Journal is poised for growth, and we’re confident that Megan and Jeff will help us expand our footprint as we continue to promote the growth of business, industry and quality of life in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.”
Wine has built her career around creating opportunities, strengthening partnerships and helping organizations succeed across a wide range of industries. A Kent State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an associate degree in applied business, she has worked in occupational medicine, commercial and industrial roofing services and restoration and disaster recovery.
In each sector, she has earned recognition for her leadership, from doubling client bases and guiding businesses in workplace safety to representing her industry in Leadership Mahoning Valley and receiving Rookie of the Year for expanding market reach and community partnerships.
Deeply rooted in the Mahoning Valley, Wine is passionate about giving back and serves on the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Mahoning Valley Safety Council Steering Committee. She also contributes her time and leadership to Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio.
“I have a deep love for our community – its leaders, workers and businesses,” Wine said. “My passion is helping others succeed, and joining The Business Journal allows me to do what I love every day: partnering with businesses, celebrating their stories and supporting their success.”
Rhodes is a Youngstown State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. In his previous sales role, he developed relationships and trust with leaders of small- to medium-size businesses, sourced his own sales leads and drove each sale through close.
He looks forward to continuing that positive track record at The Business Journal.
He plans to “build a good relationship with all the people I work with and the people we’re selling to, and just be a part of that community,” Rhodes said.
He began reading The Business Journal as a business student and noted its reputation for business coverage in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. He views joining the staff as a good career opportunity.
And it’s going well so far.
“I really like it – everything about it,” Rhodes said. “All the people are great,” including co-workers and contacts to whom he reaches out.