Sharon couple getting honored for their work
Nov. 21—Sharon is lighting up the achievements of Jim Landino and his wife Jen Krezeczowski.
The city is honoring the couple during the Small Business Day celebration on Saturday during the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Sharon.
Through their JCL Development business the Sharon couple have restored and upgraded dozens of buildings in the city — particularly in the downtown area.
"This year especially, we've seen them bring about some big changes between the restaurants and businesses their buildings house along with plans for PSU Shenango-adjacent apartments and an indoor recreation space," Bob Fiscus, Sharon city manager said in a news release. "Honoring Jim and Jen and their team at our Small Business Saturday tree lighting ceremony makes sense, especially with their investment in the Sharon community."
Among their projects include buying the former Petrini Insurance building on East State Street and turning it into a restaurant along with transforming the the former Buhl Armory/Julia F. Buhl Girls' Club behind it on South Sharspville Avenue. They also transformed the former Winner Arts and Culture Center/Willson's Furniture building on East State Street.
Overhauling the Applegate building on North Sharpsville Avenue is one of their recent projects. Among the building's tenants includes their Gifted at Applegate, the gift boutique, coffee and tea shop is managed by Krezeczowski.
Just in the past month Elephant No. 8, a Thai restaurant, settled in a large open spot in the building.
"I designed the entire interior for them," Krezeczowski said.
By any measure the restaurant is doing fabulously well, Landino said.
"The restaurant is the biggest game-changer downtown Sharon has seen in 20 years," he added.
Landino oversees construction and lends a hand wherever on their projects. But he credits his wife for their success.
"Jen works hard," he said. "The world thinks it's me but it's her who makes it all come together."
