Jeremy Umansky dreamed of becoming a great chef and had the work ethic to make it happen. He came to us years ago asking for a student loan to attend The Culinary School of America, and we were there to support his journey. Many years later, he returned to Cleveland to make his dream come true by opening a restaurant in Hingetown, Larder Delicatessen and Bakery. The small investment we made in Jeremy many years ago carved the path for him to start his own restaurant right here in Northeast Ohio, employing many in the area.

“I got accepted into the Culinary Institute of America, the best culinary school in the country. When it came time to go, there was no money. Somebody recommended I contact HFLA. My family and I did, and I was able to get a loan that covered my books and kitchen knives – which I still have, all things I use on a daily basis. HFLA was this beacon of hope that without them, I would not have been able to fulfill my dreams.” – Jeremy Umansky, Larder Delicatessen & Bakery