Presented by:

Toledo’s Builders Deserve a Smarter Briefing—Thanks for Making It Happen

When we launched Toledo Money, it wasn’t just about sending another newsletter. It was about building a trusted source for the professionals, founders, and leaders shaping the future of Northwest Ohio. And thanks to you—our readers, our insiders, our early supporters—we’re well on our way.

Your engagement has already helped us land real scoops—like breaking news of Shake Shack’s local move long before it hit the headlines. That’s not just good reporting—it’s the power of a well-connected, informed community.

But this is bigger than headlines.

Toledo is changing. From data centers rising near BGSU to advanced manufacturing reshaping our factories, the momentum is real. Public and private partnerships are aligning like never before, fueling the kind of growth that lasts.

And Toledo Money is here to cover it every step of the way—with smart takes, early leads, and clarity you can act on.

If you’re already reading each week: thank you. Your trust means everything.

If you’re new here—or know someone who should be in the loop—now’s the time to join us. Because the more sharp minds we have in this community, the stronger we all become.

Let’s keep building. Let’s keep growing.

Because when Toledo wins, we all do.

The Nation’s First | Investing in Tech

BGSU’s Bold Move: AI + X and a New Era for Northwest Ohio

Bowling Green State University is making waves with the nation’s first bachelor’s degree in AI + X—a mix of artificial intelligence expertise and real-world fields like computer science, physics, and journalism. This isn’t just an academic win—it’s a game-changer for northwest Ohio’s economy.

Fueling the Data Boom

Meta’s $800M data center is rising in Bowling Green, and Amazon’s expansion across the region is fueling a data-driven future. BGSU’s AI + X program is perfectly timed, supplying the tech talent these giants—and other companies—need to grow.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

🔸 3.5x – AI job postings are growing 3.5x faster than others.

🔸 5x – Companies using AI are seeing 5x productivity gains.

🔸 6 Fields of Focus – Computer science, Math, Physics, History, Journalism, PR

Why It Matters

BGSU is blending AI smarts with critical thinking. Students won’t just learn machine learning—they’ll apply it to real-world challenges, making them prime candidates for roles as AI developers, data scientists, and business analysts.

The Bottom Line

BGSU isn’t just launching a degree—it’s future-proofing the local economy and creating a pipeline of homegrown talent ready to power northwest Ohio’s data-driven boom.

🚀 Toledo Money by the Quarter (Earnings)

Despite being at this for just 12 weeks… Toledo Money continues to grow. In the name of being transparent, and running this forum and platform, like a publicly traded company; we are proud to share a quick snapshot of our audience engagement and community reach so far:

• Collective Social Following: 481 and growing

• Overall social media impressions: +30,000

• LinkedIn Impressions: 22k

• Instagram Impressions: 8.1K views with over 3,150 accounts reached

• Newsletter Subscribers: 195 engaged readers

• Open Rate: 57.4% — well above industry average

• Click-Through Rate: 14.33%

• Unsubscribes: Practically none (we must be doing something right)

These numbers reflect the momentum we’re building — not just in clicks or views, but in trust, attention, and consistent interest from Toledo’s top entrepreneurs and business minds.

We continue to ask each of y’all to be our board of directors and challenge us to continue adding value.

Thank you for being part of the Toledo Money community. This is just the beginning.

Campbell Inc. | The HVAC & Plumbing Pros You Call When It Matters

Money Snacks

Headlines we are snacking on

• The majority of self-made billionaires started building their wealth between the ages of 20 and 40. A 2022 study by Wealth-X found that nearly 70% of billionaires created their fortunes from scratch, and most began accumulating serious wealth in their 30s—often through entrepreneurship, investments, or scaling careers in tech, finance, and real estate. Are you in your 30’s? How do you stack up?

• In a bold move blending culinary heritage with entrepreneurial flair, Chef Kengo Kato has launched Papa Kato’s, a Japanese fried chicken haven in Toledo’s Warehouse District. Drawing inspiration from his father, Isao “Papa” Kato—a pioneer of Japanese cuisine in New York City—Chef Kengo offers a menu featuring soy-ginger brined, gluten-free fried chicken, bao buns, and a late-night atmosphere complete with samurai films and sports broadcasts.

  This venture complements his existing establishments: Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, Kato Ramen, and Shobu by Kengo at Hollywood Casino. With Papa Kato’s, Chef Kengo continues to infuse Toledo’s dining scene with authentic Japanese flavors and a touch of family legacy .

• After a decades-long hiatus, Toledo’s “Party in the Park” has made a triumphant return, transforming Promenade Park into a bustling hub of Friday night concerts. Gone are the days of fenced-off stages and entry fees; the event now welcomes the community with open arms and open tabs. Attendees are not only enjoying nostalgic tunes but also supporting local food trucks and sampling offerings from ten regional breweries. It’s a harmonious blend of music, community, and commerce, proving that sometimes the best business strategy is to let the good times roll.