Today we’d like to introduce you to Neal Neroni.
Hi Neal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hermes was started around 42 years ago by Rich Lawhun and Gary Easter. Both were runners and had full-time jobs and they managed races as a part-time job they enjoyed. I met them in 1989 while I was working for the Ohio Sports Festival and the original Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and began working races for them. My last event with the Sports Commission was the 1999 AAU Junior Olympic Games and when that was over, I approached Rich and Gary and wanted to make Hermes my full-time career. I met Nick Swingos thru my connections at the Sports Commission and both of us are the owners of Hermes Sports & Events. We had 37 races on our calendar back in the late 80s and now we have over 150 on our schedule. We also helped manage the Cleveland Corporate Challenge and when that was going to end, we took some of the structure and created the Cleveland Corporate Challenge that has over 120 different companies competing in 14 different events over the summer. We also created Hermes Sport and Social which manages kickball and volleyball leagues at Pani in Westlake, Saucy Brew in Ohio City, and at the NorthCoast Harbor along with managing over 250 volleyball teams at Whiskey Island.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think there are always bumps in the road when you have a small business but we have survived for over 40 years! Of course, Covid canceled a majority of our events for around 18 months but we are back and running strong.
We’ve been impressed with Hermes Sports & Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About Hermes Sports & Events, Inc.
Hermes was founded in 1981 and has built a reputation as Northeast Ohio’s premier race management company. Throughout Northeast Ohio, Hermes produces and manages programs on behalf of hundreds of local and national businesses and organizations. Hermes is named the winged-footed messenger god of classical mythology.
Hermes Road Racing
Hermes Road Racing manages and operates over 180 local and national races during the year. From course setup and event logistics to marketing and promotional opportunities to database management and services, Hermes offers full-service management tools.
Hermes Sport & Social
Looking to play in a co-ed sports league? Hermes Sport & Social is where Cleveland comes to play! We are committed to providing the highest quality sports leagues, tournaments, and social events in Northeast Ohio. Activities include run clubs, yoga, and co-ed sports leagues for sand volleyball, kickball, football, and more. If you’re looking to get fit or just have fun, Hermes Sport and Social are where it’s at!
Cleveland Corporate Challenge
Cleveland Corporate Challenge is a health and wellness, business networking, team building, and charitable initiative promoting camaraderie, pride, and fitness among employees and organizations in Northeast Ohio. Over 100 companies of every size compete in this annual Summer Event Series. All events are co-ed and include everything from sand volleyball to cornhole, kickball to 10K relay, tug-of-war, and more! There’s a sport for everyone to enjoy!
Akron Corporate Challenge
The Akron Corporate Challenge made its debut in the Akron area in July 2016. The corporate athletic competition has an emphasis on building employee wellness, fostering teamwork in the workplace, and creating the opportunity for business networking, all while helping local charities. The Akron Corporate Challenge is a fun and unique way to improve the overall health of your employees while building relationships that bring success to the workplace!
What do you think about luck?
We all work hard at Hermes and will take as much luck as we can get!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hermescleveland.com
- Instagram: @hermescle
- Facebook: @HermesRoadRacing
- Twitter: @HermesCleveland
