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Ed Gordos
Western Reserve Foods and Middlefield Original Cheese

The Nominator: Kathleen O`Neill Webb, Geauga Family Farms

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
In the spirit of a true entrepreneur, Ed Gordos launched Western Reserve Foods nearly eight years ago and began creating a retail market for the products of Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative. He may not have had the phrase `sustainable business practices` in mind, but nevertheless he was pursuing the triple bottom line. PEOPLE: Ed recognized an opportunity to help the Amish dairy farmers who are members of Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative. They are all family farmers with small herds, maybe 20 or fewer cows or goats. And they still milk by hand! Some of the herds are 100% grass-fed and some are certified organic. Before Ed came along, the Co-op was selling all of their cheeses on the commodity market and the farmers were barely making a livelihood. Ed has worked with the farmers and the Co-op Board to create lines of Grass-fed, Organic, and Goat Milk cheeses. Thanks to Ed`s perseverance and innovation, Amish dairy farmers in Geauga County now see a viable future in farming. The rest of us benefit, too, because an array of wholesome, all-natural cheeses are now available where many people shop (Whole Foods, Nature`s Bin, Mustard Seed Market) and in some of our favorite restaurants (Great Lakes Brewery, fire at Shaker Square, Crop Bistro). PLANET: It`s hard to imagine a business with a smaller carbon footprint than an Amish farm. Middlefield`s Amish dairy farmers do not use hormones or antibiotics with their herds. A bio-diesel vehicle for delivery could be a few more cheese sales away. PROSPERITY: Ed`s work is helping to sustain not only the local farm economy but also the Amish way of life. The cheeses he sells are high quality but not high-end in price. Everyone benefits when the farmers and food producers are earning fair profits and when eating fresh, healthy, local foods is an affordable, available option.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Ed Gordos continues to be a good friend to local family farmers. He has helped the produce growers of Geauga Family Farms by connecting them with some of his customers -- Great Lakes Brewery and Nature`s Bin, to name just two. He has participated in the Northeast Ohio Food Congress, and in E4S events. He`s a great guy to have around, because he usually brings platters of cheese samples!

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
Ed is fearless, tireless and innovative when it comes to promoting Middlefield Original Cheeses. He doesn`t have background in farming or sales & marketing, but that doesn`t stop him from telling what he believes is a good story and selling what he knows is a good product. I look to Ed Gordos for inspiration in choosing work that builds upon a triple bottom line. I also look to Ed for his example in sustaining the relationships that make any business successful. He has a good nature and joyful spirit in his work. MIddlefield Original Cheese Cooperative and the Amish dairy farmers have found an excellent representative. Ed Gordos is a champion of sustainability, and I am happy to nominate him for this award.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Everyone can learn something from Ed! He is willing to take the time to build relationships. He finds a way to work around obstacles and set-backs. For example, when Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative won an award for their cheese, that seemed like a wonderful marketing point -- until the Amish Board decided to forbid talking about the award because it seemed like bragging. So, Ed let the cheese speak for itself and he took some of the farmers along with him to do sampling sessions for customers. He maintained respect for the Amish culture, and made a closer connection for the farmers with their customers.