The University of Toledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation recognized both business and academic excellence during its annual Pacemaker Awards on Thursday, April 20, at the Savage and Associates Business Learning Complex.
Receiving the 2023 Business Pacemaker Award were Ambrea and Kevin Mikolajczyk, co-owners of ARK Restoration and Construction, who together are transforming neighborhoods and restoring historic architecture in Toledo.
Kevin and Ambrea Mikolajczyk, co-owners of ARK Restoration and Construction, received the 2023 Business Pacemaker Award.
Kevin is a business finance graduate from The University of Toledo who spent close to a decade managing the finances of a major healthcare institution in Northwest Ohio, ProMedica.
During that time, he honed his skills in data analytics and problem-solving, which have served him well in managing their real estate development and restoration companies.
Ambrea, a mother of four, is a former pharmaceutical sales manager who left Corporate America after 15 years to pursue her passion for restoring old architecture.
Her passion for the community has led her to serve on several boards, including the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Toledo Warehouse District Association, the Metroparks Foundation and The University of Toledo Alumni Association Board of Trustees.
Over the past 15 years, the husband and wife have operated several companies, including Torrey Hill Apartments, ARK Development, ARK Restoration of Construction and ARK Real Estate Services.
“Kevin and Ambrea Mikolajczyk are a true testament to the transformative power of hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Anne L. Balazs, dean of the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.
“Through their innovative approach to real estate development and restoration, they have breathed new life into forgotten properties and neighborhoods, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their impact on the Toledo community is immeasurable, and they serve as an inspiration for others to invest in and revitalize their own communities.”
Student Pacemaker Awards were presented to UToledo Neff College of Business and Innovation graduate and undergraduate students for their outstanding academic achievement, University and community service and leadership.
The 2023 Student Pacemakers
• Doctor of Philosophy in Manufacturing and Technology Management: Md. Golam Kibria;
• Master of Business Administration: Crystal Camden and Riya Chavan;
• Master of Science in Accountancy: Logan Hardeman and Derian Homer;
• Accounting: Margaret Buettner and Jakob Blankenship;
• Finance: Ella Hoffman and Madison Neidert;
• Information, Operations and Technology Management: Skylar Linkes and Claire Smith;
• Management: Zachary Roberts and Madison Arndt;
• Marketing and International Business: Hope Ranly and Chloe Weaver;
• Applied Organizational Technology: Joshua Krupinski; and
• Dean’s Choice Award: Ashley Patterson.
