Meet ystark! YP: Alex Steinmetz

Name

Alex Steinmetz

Occupation/Title/Place of work

Principal Compensation Analyst at The Timken Company

Age

29

Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?

I think Stark County has a lot to offer young professionals. One way to encourage other young professionals to decide to work, play and stay here in Stark County is by raising awareness of how great of an area we have here.

What would you share to encourage other people to join?

There are so many opportunities here in Stark County and I would encourage other young professionals to make the connections here in Stark so they can see all of the great opportunities.

Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?

I did not group up in Stark County. I grew up in Willard, Ohio which is in Northwest Ohio. I moved here to attend Malone University for my college education and enjoyed my time so much in Stark Country that I decided to stay and start my career here.

Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?

Stark County has been such a great fit for me both personally and professionally. Personally, I have enjoyed all of the great people that make up such a great community as well as the things to do here (from the Pro Football Hall of Fame to museums to enjoying a night out in the community with friends). Professionally, I feel as though I have had plenty of opportunity to work on challenging projects here in Stark County as well as make the connections that have helped me grow my career quickly.

What do you like MOST about Stark County?

The great people that live in Stark County and the food. So many great people that make up the community that I choose to be a part of and so many delicious places to eat!

What would you change about Stark County if you could?

I would change the perception of the area. I usually hear a lot of negative talk about the area and how there is nothing to do in Stark County, but I have had the opposite experience and have found lots of fun and exciting things here in Stark.

What do you see as valuable opportunities for YPs in Stark County when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities?

With the number of large employers here in the area, young professionals have a lot of different opportunities to find a company with a culture that fits their needs. There are also a number of non-profit organizations that can help young professionals get involved in the community as well as take different leadership roles. As far as cultural access, downtown Canton has a really great art and music scene to get involved with.

What would attract more YPs to Stark County?

Awareness would be a great way to attract more young professionals to Stark County. I think the opportunities are here, young professionals just need to be aware.

What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?

In the evenings or weekends, I typically find some time to hang out with friends. We either go out to a local restaurant, find an event in downtown Canton or find our way on a short drive up to Cleveland to catch an Indians or a Cavs game.

Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?

Without a doubt I could see myself spending my lifetime here in Stark County. I enjoy the community that I have become a part of and look forward to continuing to deepen my roots here in Stark County.