Deni Tato | Kevin McKiernan | Paul Czerwonka | Ray McCleese

Deni Tato

Deni Tato readily admits she is not your typical pinstripe suit kind of executive. As president/CEO of one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest woman-owned businesses, she infuses Contract Interiors with business savvy, innovative thinking and a customer-focused philosophy. She had a vision to build a company with style just as unique as her own and now her vision is a thriving, award-winning reality.

While the most vital measure of Contract Interiors’ success is its impressive list of satisfied and loyal clients, personal recognition from the business community doesn't hurt. In 1998, Deni was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and in 2006 Contract Interiors was ranked 10th on the Business Couriers Largest Women Owned Business List.

In addition to her significant business accomplishments, Deni passionately serves the community, organizations and events with the same skill and energy she brings to the conference table. Blending her interest in the arts, education and worthy causes, her recent volunteer responsibilities include positions on the Boards of Trustees for Dress for Success, Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati Ballet, St. Ursula Academy and ProKids. Inspire Magazine touted her community spirit with Volunteer of the Year recognition in 2006.

Kevin McKiernan

The way Kevin McKiernan sees it, a handshake is more binding than a contract any day. Kevin, Senior Vice President of Contract Interiors, knows that when he looks a client in the eye, his commitment isn't just to provide exceptional furniture. His handshake is a promise of unwavering customer service, straight talk, value beyond expectation, and personal involvement from start to finish.

Kevin began working for Contract Interiors when the company was new and he was still in college. Climbing the ladder he learned the business from every angle. Along the way he recognized that furniture is CI’s product, but its more valuable commodity is the relationships formed with its clients. He discovered that loyalty is a common bond between CI and its clients and when problems arise, a fair and quick response is the only solution.

Now, as part owner of Contract Interiors, Kevin knows that exceptional furniture and service are a winning business combination. And it’s all rooted in a handshake.

Paul Czerwonka

Paul Czerwonka points out that he doesn't believe in selling. An unusual comment from the Vice President of Sales for Contract Interiors? Maybe not. Paul prefers to propel CI’s growth not by selling to clients but by being an investment advisor. That means considering their short and long-term goals for the space. Learning their corporate culture so the furniture reflects it. Listening to deadlines, budget guidelines and other significant details that sellers often don’t hear.

Client satisfaction is the heart and soul of Paul’s approach and he recognizes that there’s no room for error at any step in the process. Because his career path, over the years, involved performing many of those steps in the process, he knows what’s needed to get the job done right.

For someone who doesn't “sell”, Paul brings a notable pattern of success to his new position at Contract Interiors. Previously, he earned the President’s Club acknowledgment by reaching his sales quota seven of eight years and was named Executive of the Year for being the highest quota achiever. In 2003, Provident Bank recognized Paul as their Vendor of the Year.

With a history of success serving the commercial real estate industry, Paul believes it’s important to give back to the industry that has given much to him. He is actively involved in the local chapter of the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties.

Ray McCleese, Vice President of Finance for Contract Interiors, artfully balances the varied financial and human resources responsibilities at Contract Interiors. He focuses on reinforcing CI’s financial infrastructure by aggressively pursuing cost savings, negotiating with vendors for favorable pricing, and skillfully monitoring cash flow.

How do Ray’s responsibilities benefit CI’s clients? His cost-saving efforts ensure that clients can expect the most competitive pricing, and his shrewd negotiating means that Contract Interiors always has the fiscal resources to fulfill even the most complex client projects.