Todd Ciolek named Cherry Republic CEO
From staff reports
Longtime Cherry Republic executive and partner, Todd Ciolek, has been promoted to chief executive officer of the company. In his new capacity he manages all departments and oversees day-to-day functions at Cherry Republic.
Ciolek first joined Cherry Republic as a full-time controller in 2002. He had previously been a seasonal Cherry Republic employee during summer breaks from Michigan State University, where he graduated with a B.A. in Finance. Ciolek quickly rose within the company, first taking over management of human resources and administration, and most recently holding the position of chief operating officer.
“Todd is the glue that keeps this company together,” said Bob Sutherland, Cherry Republic president and founder. “He makes things happen and does it so smoothly. Across the company, he is a joy to work with. Our staff knows how much he cares about them, the company, our region and the cherry industry.”
Sutherland will continue in his full-time role as president and chief visionary of Cherry Republic. The recent promotion of Ciolek frees Sutherland to spend more time engaging with customers, the public, and community members.
Prior to joining Cherry Republic, Ciolek worked in General Electric’s (GE) financial management program, where he gained valuable experience throughout the corporation over his three-and-a-half year tenure. He left GE to move back to his hometown of Glen Arbor and raise a family. He describes his time at Cherry Republic as fulfilling.
“The impact to our community and the relationships I’ve built over the past 17 years are what I consider the most important part of my personal growth,” Ciolek shared. “Helping others grow has been the most fulfilling and, as a result of their growth, the company has grown along the way.”
A current member of Strategic Coach, he is a past and founding member of the Northern Michigan chapter of Vistage International. Ciolek lives with his wife, Kelly, and their four children in Glen Arbor. In his spare time he enjoys spending one-on-one time with his kids and coaching youth sports.
Cherry Republic celebrates Michigan’s Montmorency Tart Cherry through its more than 200 cherry-based products including chocolate-covered cherries, BBQ sauces, jams, jellies, salsas, nut mixes, ice cream toppings, baked goods, condiments, soda pop, cherry wine and cherry beer. The company employs approximately 80 year-round workers and has retail stores in Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Holland, Frankenmuth, and Charlevoix. Since its inception in 1989, the company has donated $2 million to nonprofits that positively impact the environment and communities throughout Michigan.
