PODCAST

Shelley Roth is President of Pierre’s Ice Cream Company, an 84-year-old regional ice cream manufacturer and distributor. She returned to Cleveland from New York City in 1979, (where she had been in the marketing department at Atlantic Records), to assist her father with the family business. Her first assignment was in marketing; setting the direction for the company to expand its distribution beyond Cleveland, and expand its product assortment. In 1984, Shelley assumed the position of vice president, with responsibility for sales, marketing, finance, and new product development. And, in 1991, Shelley became President. Pierre’s products are sold throughout Ohio and several other states. The company has grown into a regional favorite among ice cream lovers and a leader in the production and distribution of gourmet ice creams, sherbet, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and frozen novelties. It also manufactures private label lines and distributes many national brands of ice cream. Since 1932, Pierre’s has remained in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio; with its original, classic recipes as daily reminders of the company’s dedication to quality. That dedication influences the company’s focus on the future as it develops new business opportunities and continues to be innovative and sensitive to consumers’ changing needs. Featuring over 250 products and flavors Pierre’s Ice Cream Company remains committed to the highest quality standards, outstanding service and industry leadership. Shelley has been active in numerous community organizations, and supports the revitalization of Cleveland’s neighborhoods in many ways. On its 8-acre site at E. 65th and Euclid Avenue, the company constructed a new 40,000 sq. ft. low temperature distribution center and 16,000 sq. ft. office headquarters in 1995, and most recently completed the construction of a brand new, 35,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art ice cream factory. These investments contribute to the company’s operation as well as demonstrate Pierre’s commitment and leadership in revitalization and redevelopment of an urban neighborhood Shelley is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland. In 1989 and 1990, Shelley served as chairman of the MidTown Corridor. She has served on the board of directors of the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation since 1996, and chaired that board from 2004 – 2006. Presently, Shelley serves on the boards of the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation and International Ice Cream Association. Shelley, and her husband of 33 years, Bruce Schwartz, live in Shaker Heights. She received a B.B.A. Degree from the University of Michigan.