Community is his business for Hinckley Citizen of the Year 

by Chris Studor

Standing at the hub of the Hinckley Township business circle is resident Mark Staron. Think of most any Hinckley event over the years and you can bet that Staron played a vital role in helping to locate equipment, helping with set up, directing crew members, then helping to clean up afterward. 

Currently president of the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce, Staron has been selected as Hinckley Citizen of the Year 2025. He was chosen for the honor by the Citizen of the Year Committee after receiving a host of nominations.

Staron came to Hinckley in 2003 but had prior experience serving as a member of the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce for 15 years prior. 

As a young boy, many of Staron’s memories of summer involve spending time at Hinckley Lake.

“I can remember going fishing at Hinckley Lake with my dad when I was just 13 years old,” said Staron. “You’d sit and sit with that fishing pole and bobber and it felt boring until you got that little bite and a little fish.”

At about that same age, Staron began working with his father, who was in the sheet metal making businesses. He graduated from Cuyahoga Valley Career Center concentrating in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as refrigeration and small appliance repair. It was at the Career Center where he met his wife, Gayle, who is office manager for their business, S & S Heating and Cooling on Ridge Road.

“I didn’t have my own business right off the bat,” said Staron. “I worked for another contractor in the area, but always had my own side business. I think it’s important for someone who wants their own business to start from the ground up. I believe there’s a lot of demand for workers in the trades and not everyone needs to go to college. But, you have to learn your trade and that takes time.”

Staron said being a member of the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce “is like being part of a small business administration.”

“Those of us in the chamber help each other out and there’s always someone who can help lead you in the right direction,” said Staron. “We are here to serve the community of Hinckley. I don’t think there’s another Chamber of Commerce in a town of our size that sponsors as many events for their community as the Hinckley Chamber does.”

Staron said he’s been working Buzzard Sunday, sponsored by the chamber, as far back as he can remember. In addition to Buzzard Day, the chamber sponsors Hinckley Holidays, Hinckley Haunts and the annual Chamber Golf Outing. Through these events the chamber is able to offer graduating seniors scholarships and help other organizations.

“This year we were happy to have our own classroom at Buzzard Day where local businesses could introduce themselves to the community and explain what services they offered, it was a nice addition made possible by the Hinckley Preparatory Academy letting us use their school for the event,” said Staron.

Longtime chamber member and a former Citizen of the Year, Heather Liccardi, describes Staron as “someone who is always doing something positive for the community.”

“If Mark is involved in something, he puts 100% of himself into it,” said Liccardi. “You can count on him to follow through. He listens to others’ ideas and interacts with everyone.”

A former Citizen of the Year couple, Dennis and Alison Kuzma also noted that “Mark would drop everything to help anyone out.” 

His generous nature shines brightly as he consistently puts everyone else before himself,” the Kuzmas said in their nomination letter. “Proud of the town he calls home, Mark dedicates himself to making Hinckley a better place in any way he can. His commitment to the community is nothing short of amazing.”

“Mark’s presence is a staple at any event in Hinckley, often being an integral part of its success,” said Dennis. “His volunteer hours seem endless, reflecting his unwavering dedications. Not only does he serve as the president of the Hinckley Chamber but he is also the main coordinator of all the events organized by the chamber. This dual role exemplifies his tireless efforts and organizational skills.

Alison added that, beyond his official roles, Staron’s contributions extend to his personal life through both his volunteer hours and generous donations.

“His efforts do not go unnoticed, and his character is highly regarded by all who know him,” she said. “We could not be happier or prouder to see him receive this award. Mark Staron truly embodies the spirit of community and dedication, making his the perfect selection for Hinckley Citizen of the Year.”

When asked about his other hobbies, Staron said he loves “anything to do with cars,” spending time with his family and travelling. The Staron’s have three children, Mark, who is in business with his father; Ashley, a nurse and mother of their grandson, Camden; and Bradley, a computer engineer. Staron will be recognized at the May 1 Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Photo Caption: Mark Staron is Hinckley Citizen of the Year 2025. Owner of S & S Heating and Cooling, Staron has been a hard working member of the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce for decades and is currently the organization’s president. Photo by Chris Studor