CEL graduates business leaders from Core program

The CEL Core Class of 2026. Photo: Bellini Studios

Release Date: June 16, 2026

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new cohort of seasoned entrepreneurs is set to advance their businesses and significantly contribute to the local economy after completing the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) Core program in the University at Buffalo School of Management.

Thirty-six graduates were celebrated at a joint ceremony with another CEL class, the M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program, on June 11 at the UB Center for the Arts on the university’s North Campus.

The new Core graduates completed a peer-based, mentor-driven program to help grow, refocus or better manage their businesses. Throughout the 10-month course, they conducted comprehensive analyses of their businesses and honed skills in such critical areas as strategic planning, financial management, employee relations and marketing.

The 2026 CEL Core graduates and their companies are:

Ale Andrzejewski, Lackawanna Community Development Corp.
Ryan Arthurs, Rivalry Projects
Andrew Bacon, Bacon Home Remodeling LLC
Jordan Balsom, Kenny Carpets & Floors
Douglas Benz, New Buffalo Insurance Agency
Dylan Bieler, Bieler Janitorial Services
Christian Canfield, Juniors Design Build Firm LLC
Drew Carey, Care Ease Lawn LLC
Paige Carstensen, Luminal Development
Justin Cuviello, Care Team Solutions LLC
Nick Del-Nuovo, Personal Touch Food Service
Adam Dikeman, Door Specialties Inc.
Lindy Erb, Erb Co. Inc.
Jessica Henschel, Watts Architects & Engineers
Kylle Johnson, Print2Web LLC
Josh Ketry, Buffalo Riverworks/Pearl Street Brewing/Buffalo United Martial Arts
Deanna Kroll-Haeick, That Cleaning Company LLC
Racquel Kurzweg, Adore Your Core Physical Therapy
Paul J. Lee, TeachMe Expert
Joe Malucci, Rammer Site Services Inc.
Philip Maniscalco, Orchard Park Progressive PT
Katie McKenna, Symposium Wine Bar
Ali Mendez, Door Specialties Inc.
Chuck Mulé, Niagara Metals
Tom Murphy, Nine14 Promotions LLC
Lisa Napier, WNY Media House LLC
Adam Page, Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports
Olivia Paulo-Lee Esq., Long & Paulo-Lee PLLC
Nick Pfender, Kimil Co. Inc.
Michael Robertson, Luminescence Aesthetics
Alexander Russo, Metro Contracting & Environmental Inc.
Bridget Ryan, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse
Lasha Takalandze, Penny’s Coffee Shop
Jillian Trehy, Luminescence Aesthetics
Timothy van Oss, Capstone Engineering PLLC
Molly Worth, The Factory Buffalo

Applications are now open for the next CEL Core cohort, beginning this fall. Individuals interested in learning more about the curriculum and speaking candidly with Core alumni can register for an upcoming open house, to be held at 5 p.m. on July 23 at 42 North at the Flats on Main Street in Buffalo.

To register for an open house or apply to the program, contact the CEL at 716-885-5715 or mgt-cel@buffalo.edu.

Established in 1987, the CEL provides participants with individualized and interactive education in entrepreneurship. More than 1,700 CEL alumni employ more than 23,000 Western New Yorkers, and their businesses are worth more than $2.3 billion to the local economy. For more information, visit management.buffalo.edu/cel.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school also has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, Entrepreneur, Financial Times, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit management.buffalo.edu.