Dale Sparber
Class of 1966
Enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum, Dale displayed leadership early in life as class vice-president during his freshman year. A highly involved student, he served on the Student Council for two years, performed in both class plays, and participated in the U-Club as well as the stage and projection crew. Dale was also a standout high school athlete, competing on the football, track, and wrestling teams from freshman through senior year. His athletic accomplishments include earning All-County Football honors in 1966, winning Sectional Heavyweight Wrestling Championships in both 1965 and 1966, and breaking the school record for the discus throw in 1966.
Following high school, Dale attended Thiel College, where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. At Thiel, he continued his athletic career on both the football and wrestling teams while actively leading as President of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity during his senior year.
Dale transitioned into an extraordinary 37-year executive banking career. Hired in 1971 by The Cleveland Trust Company—then the tenth-largest bank in the nation—his talent for financial leadership quickly became evident. In 1974, he was appointed Executive Director of the Mid-America Automated Clearing House at the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. Dale chose to continue his growth with The Cleveland Trust Company, ultimately rising to Vice-President in the National Division, overseeing business development across the western United States.
Dale later joined Barclay's Bank in Chicago as Vice-President. While there, he negotiated a major transaction with Chiquita Brands Corporation and earned the distinction of being the only American featured with a full-page photo and profile in Barclay's Worldwide Annual Report during the 1990s. He went on to serve as Senior Vice-President at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Cleveland, and later as Senior Vice-President of Commercial Lending at FirstMerit Bank in Cleveland before retiring from corporate banking in 2008.
Alongside his financial career, Dale built a 36-plus-year track record as an entrepreneur, owner, and board member across diverse industries. In 1994, he co-acquired Precision Threading Corporation in Cheboygan, Michigan, which manufactures custom precision tools. From 1995 to 2019, he served as President and owner of Shom Enterprise, Inc., operating hair salons in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. In 2008, he co-founded Speedeon Data Corporation in Cleveland, serving as Executive Vice-President and Board Member until divesting in 2013. Additionally, Dale has held ownership and board roles with Spot and Tango Corporation, a New York City-based manufacturer of dog foods and treats.
Throughout his career, Dale has remained deeply committed to community and public service. He has served on the LECOM Health Millcreek Community Hospital Board of Directors for 24 years. His civic contributions also include nearly 25 years supporting the Geauga Blue Coats to assist families of fallen first responders, a decade of volunteering with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and service with the Cleveland Sight Center.
Dale stands as a role model of distinction, successfully demonstrating how to build two high-level careers simultaneously—as a 37-year senior banking executive and a 36-year entrepreneur, business owner, and investor.
