We’re a nonprofit making an entrepreneurial impact
Idea Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in downtown Mansfield and is the passion project of a small but dedicated team who is proud to call Richland County home and strives every day to nurture entrepreneurs — providing them with the space they need to help turn their ideas into successful businesses. At Idea Works, we offer a variety of coworking spaces, a state of the art podcast studio and the Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen, which is focused on supporting food-based businesses.
Founded in July 2017 at 40 W. 4th Street, Idea Works has grown into an upholder of innovation, community involvement and work ethic — commonalities that define the people of Richland County.
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Mission
Connecting professionals with the community and resources that strengthen their business.
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Vision
Opening Doors to New Possibilities
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Core Values
- Expand Opportunities – Growing businesses stimulate economic opportunities.
- Have Fun – Life’s too short to not enjoy the work we do.
- Champion Resilience – Battling through obstacles makes businesses stronger.
- Build Collaborative Networks – Collaboration and networking get things done.
- Be a Good Community Partner – We all win when we play well together.
Meet Our Team
Board Members
Board President
Edward P. Akinyemi is a social activist, podcaster, author of two books and, together with his fiancée Andrea, co-owner of Demeter’s Developments LLC. He arrived in Mansfield through the AmeriCorps VISTA program and is active in the community as a board member at the Mansfield Y. He’s a strong advocate for teaching kids tangible life skills in high school and believes that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to improve people’s lives and create prosperity.
Barb Lindsay is President and Owner of Commercial Cutting and Graphics, designer and manufacturer of point-of-purchase displays. She brings her considerable talents in the areas of creating and implementing vision, corporate strategizing and culture creation to her role on the Idea Works Board, helping to guide and shape Idea Works’ operations and processes.
Walter Bonham‘s personal mission is encompassed by the words build, grow, and feed. Walt is the owner of The Food Lab, a local catering company, and a member of the farmer cooperative Richland Gro-Op. He and his teams use the Idea Works Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen in Mansfield, to create fresh, delectable meals using local ingredients. Walt brings his direct experience working with local farmers and in the Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen to his role on the Board, helping navigate and interpret the direct impact of Board decisions on the community.
Matthew Ayers is the Audit Manager for the City of Mansfield and serves in a treasurer role on the Finance Committee.
With more than 10 years of experience in both banking and non-profit finance, he brings a strong background in financial stewardship and accountability to his work and community involvement. He is a 2004 graduate of Mansfield Senior High and a 2010 graduate of The Ohio State University.
Proud of his Mansfield roots, Matthew is passionate about supporting the community that shaped him. And when it comes to food, he’ll tell you that one of the best places to eat in town is KV Market’s Punjabi Kitchen.
Vincent Palombo, DBA, is the Assistant Dean for Business, Engineering and Technology at North Central State College.
During his time in higher education, he has created academic programs in entrepreneurship and has co-founded an entrepreneurial center.
Vince has served as a volunteer business advisor for Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) and The Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE). He is a stakeholder for Nelderm, a medical equipment start-up company. Prior to higher education, he spent over 20 years as the operations manager/owner for a precision machining corporation.
Staff Members
Korinna Goettel is our Executive Director as well as the Director of Operations for the Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen. Korinna has the experience needed to mentor food based entrepreneurs. She is the creator and producer of Figg’s beverages including Figg’s Cocktail mixes. “It’s not just about profit, as I see it. It’s about giving back to the community that let me do what I’m doing.”
In the News
Idea Works kitchen member launching new allergy-free spread Banzo Butter
Idea Works Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen Raising Funds for a blast freezer to reduce food waste
Idea Works provides COVID-19 compliant coworking in Mansfield
Contribute to Idea Works’ mission to elevate Richland County as an Entrepreneurial hub
Diverse team captures top honors at Startup Weekend Mansfield finale
How Startup Weekend could Impact Richland County
Locally raised entrepreneurs will return home for Mansfield’s Startup Weekend
Former Saffron Owners lead cooking classes at Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen could hold more
Idea Works grand opening slated for Dec. 6 in Downtown Mansfield