Patrick Klepcyk is a Licensing Associate for Life Sciences in the Technology Transfer Office at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he commercializes ideas created by people at CWRU through licensing and start-up of new companies. He has worked in research at the Cleveland Clinic, and ran the DNA Sequencing Service for four years. Recently he's worked at Copernicus Therapeutics Inc., a small biotech start-up based on CASE technology, that's focused on Cystic Fibrosis. Now he's back at CASE on the university side of the technology transfer. We caught up with him at the last A/T/D event at Abasso Lounge.
When you boast to people outside Cleveland about Cleveland, what’s on your list?
Down to earth people, variety of cultures, neighborhoods/communities to live, work, and play in, as well as lakefront living.
What’s your vision of how Cleveland should look and feel?
Downtown should have more of a city center feel; sometimes it feels like a ghost town. I think it should feel like it did just after the bicentennial, like great things can and are about to happen. It should feel like you can be successful here, that opportunities do exist in your own backyard.
What are your passions and how does it manifest itself in your life?
Personal development and avoiding stagnation, manifested through volunteer work, taking up new hobbies, and exposure to different points of view other than your own.
What has your best contribution to Cleveland been?
I am a Lead Learner in the GLEAMS program (Global Leadership and Excellence in Academics Mathematics and Science), and have been involved with this three-year research initiative where I teach science and mentor high school students from the Cleveland Public Schools. It is sponsored by General Electric to educate Cleveland public high school students in science and mathematics. I've helped as a volunteer and also on a paid part-time basis, and I think it is important for Cool Cleveland readers to know that these programs exist and are out there to assist our public schools. Apart from financial issues, some schools have problems with teaching methods, they are stale and outdated, or canned lessons that are given year in and year out. GLEAMS requires advanced degree educators we call Lead Learners with experience in their field, to teach lessons constructed using Appreciative Inquiry. The program uses the A.I. method of management developed at the Weatherhead School of CWRU, that initiates and sustains positive change. The scholars in the program and professional staff I work with have inspired me to raise the bar for myself.
Do you have favorite quotes or sayings you live by?
Enjoy everyday through work and play.
What’s the best learning/experimenting you’ve done in the last 5 years?
5 years ago I had just started graduate school and after finishing in 2002 I was determined to get a great job in the Biotech arena in Cleveland with my newly minted MBA and life science background. After two short stints at small start-ups and being on the inside, I’ve learned there is a wide disconnect between what you read and hear and reality.
Who’s on your list of most-admired & why?
Andy Griffith, because there is a small town person in all of us.
What’s the best advice you’ve been offered?
Network, Network, Network
What was a significant failure in your life and what did you learn from it?
In 2002 I tried to start my own business. I entered the Weatherhead Business Plan Competition and pitched my executive summary to area entrepreneurs. I didn’t win and didn’t start a business, but I gained confidence by meeting with high level executives and listening to their feedback both positive and negative. I learned that most people are willing to help and even those at the top can just be regular folks.
Where are you most likely to hang out in Cleveland? I’m an east-sider so for close to home stops Juniors and Cebars on E. 185th or Stevensons in Euclid. Warehouse District and Downtown Willoughby.
How do you think Cool Cleveland can continue being successful?
By partnering with other area groups. Reaching out to those on the periphery of the arts scene, to broaden your base of supporters. For example, the Art Tech Dance event that teamed-up with NEOBio was a great idea.
Interview by Tisha Nemeth
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