It is with a heavy heart that I honor Bob Sopko’s memory by revisiting Lay of The Land's 12th episode. While no conversation could ever fully capture the breadth or depth of his legacy, I hope this episode relays an essence of his spirit, his unwavering commitment to supporting others, and his vision for Cleveland’s entrepreneurial future. Bob will be deeply missed, but I believe his influence will continue to resonate through the community he devoted himself to and the people whose lives he touched.

Bob Sopko was a true champion of Cleveland's entrepreneurial spirit. His passion for entrepreneurship was boundless, and he dedicated so much of himself to helping others take their initial steps in trying to build something meaningful — whether it was connecting people within our ecosystem or simply showing up to every entrepreneurial event in Cleveland… he undeniably left a lasting and positive mark on so many students, alumni, founders, and early-stage companies. 

Bob was one of the first people I got to know when I came to Cleveland. He became an early and outsized supporter of Lay of The Land, and more importantly, taught me a lot about the value of giving without expectation, the power of connecting people, and the significance of building a strong community. 

Bob Sopko Obituary: https://www.buschcares.com/obituaries/Robert-David-Sopko?obId=34008478