Mitch Kroll
Co-Founder + CEO
Mitch has spent twenty years in various leadership roles in diverse entrepreneurial organizations. Prior to his role in the creation of both Findaway Ventures and Findaway World, Mitch was the Director of Operations at Matrix Essentials, where he was responsible for all operations, including a team of over 1,000 manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics employees.
Mitch's passion for leading a team of Findawayers is fueled by the belief in family values, which he exhibits daily both in the office as well as with his three talented children. Mitch graduated from Bowling Green State University and received his MBA from Babson College.
Q: What is your favorite candy? A: Dots
Q: How do you define success? A: "Being the best dad I can be."
Q: Why Northeast Ohio? A: Midwestern values
Matt Gaudio
VP of Technology + New Business
It is clear to see how Matt takes companies to new heights—in addition to being 6'8" tall and a former basketball icon, Matt uses his teamwork philosophy and work experience to provide winning technology and business information solutions to companies of all shapes and sizes. Prior to joining Findaway World, he had 15 years of IT consulting and management experience with AdvizeX and MCPC.
Matt is a winning coach both at the office and at home, with his wife and their three rising athletes. Matt is a graduate of Penn State and former member of the Stefenal Milan basketball team in Italy and the Sheffield Sharks in England.
Q: If you could have a Superpower, what would it be? A: Healing people
Q: How do you define success? A: "Intelligence and determination."
Q: If you could be on a reality show, which one would it be? A: Survivor
Julie Karas
Director of Finance
Julie's tagline might as well be, "Show me the money." Her leadership and guidance have given Findaway financial strength and support while growing at over 750% in just four years. She has over twenty years of experience in a wide range of finance and operations roles. Prior to her role at Findaway, Julie provided financial consulting for numerous manufacturing companies, instructed the CMA review course for Akron University and held several key financial management positions during her sixteen years with Matrix Essentials.
Julie and her husband enjoy spending time on Lake Erie sailing with their two daughters. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a Certified Management Accountant.
Q: How do you define success? A: "Exceeding goals."
Q: If you could be on a reality show, which one? A: Deal or No Deal
Q: Why Northeast Ohio? A: Endless opportunities to enjoy your surroundings, especially sailing on the lake.
Gene LaMarca
VP of Operations
Gene knows how to run a tight ship—whether it is managing over ½ of the Findawayer team or overseeing every inch of the 30,000 square feet of office and warehouse space—nothing seems to faze him. Gene has directed supply chain, logistics, and operations management at several leading Cleveland manufacturers for over fifteen years, including Matrix Essentials and L'Oreal USA.
Gene lives in Sagamore Hills with his wife and two children. He also plays lead guitar in his blues and classic rock band. He is a graduate of Kent State University and is APICS certified.
Q: If you could be a Superhero, who would you be? A: Batman
Q: What is your favorite song/band? A: Rush
Q: How do you define success? A: "A sense of accomplishment and fulfillment."
Jennifer Feldman
Director of Content
Jennifer is always looking for ways to soar to new heights with her passion for content and enthusiasm for new opportunities. Her award-winning publishing background has been a story of success, in which previous chapters include Vice President & Publisher with Scholastic, BBC Audiobooks America, John Wiley & Sons, as well as sales and marketing manager roles with Simon & Schuster.
Jennifer's leadership and strategic thinking have been instrumental in creating happy endings and growth for many of her projects and people with these content companies. As a graduate of the University of Rochester, Jennifer and her family are proud to call New York home.
Q: If you could have a Superpower, what would it be? A: Ability to Fly
Q: What was your favorite childhood toy? A: The game, Perfection
Q: How do you define success? A: "Accomplishing goals and having a sense of contribution."
Dean Skinner
Chief Creative & Marketing Officer
Whether he's working hard or playing hard, Dean's mantra may as well be "Game on!" His love of video gaming can be attributed to the experience one receives when technology, artistry and storytelling all come together. This has no doubt influenced Dean's creative leadership as he is always encouraging his team to create something memorable, engaging, and thrilling. Dean's 20 years of creative and marketing experience, most recently as an Associate Partner/Group Creative Director at Rosetta Marketing, has resulted in creative excellence and innovation for some of the biggest brands out there.
Inspired by play and just being the best husband and father he can be,
Dean can often be found working on art projects with his daughter, gaming
(of course) with his son, and cycling. Dean is a graduate of Fairmont State University with a B.S. in Graphic Design, with Minors in both Journalism and Advertising & Marketing.
Q: How do you define success? A: Doing something you love
Q: What is your favorite candy? A: Anything with dark chocolate
Q: If you could be a superhero, who would you be? A: "Aquaman...just kidding."
