Vera Muzzillo, CEO of Cleveland-based Proforma, was recently named one of the Top 24 Women in Franchising by Franchise Update magazine. The publication analyzed more than 200 woman-led franchises to create its top 24 list.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Franchise Update magazine as one of the top women in franchising,” Muzzillo said. “At Proforma we recognize the unique strengths women possess, such as understanding, intuitiveness and being talented multi-taskers. Our industry lends itself to these gifts and it is our mission at Proforma to empower women to leverage these strengths to be successful and achieve their dreams.”
In 2013, Proforma became officially recognized as a certified woman-owned business by the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC). By obtaining this certification, Proforma’s woman-owned franchises are eligible to receive the woman-owned certification from the NWBOC. The certification will benefit Proforma in the marketplace, assist in identifying new business opportunities and provide an advantage in competing for new business with companies and government contract opportunities that require a woman-owned certification status.
“We continually strive to create new opportunities for our women owners to thrive in their businesses,” said Muzzillo. “Earning the woman-owned business certification gives our female owners a distinct advantage over their competition when building relationships with companies that seek this certification from their partners.”
Under Muzzillo’s ambitious leadership, Proforma has achieved remarkable growth in annual sales figures from $85 million to $450 million. Her mentorship and guidance has led the way for more than 35 women to enter into Proforma’s Million and Multi-Million Dollar Clubs. Muzzillo’s main responsibilities as CEO include maximizing strategic development opportunities and providing comprehensive oversight to the banking, cash management, credit, financial, operational and technological aspects of the company.
“Vera’s passion for helping other women thrive in their businesses is inspiring,” said Linda Martinelli, owner of Proforma Graphic Printsource and member of Proforma’s Multi-Million Dollar Club. “Her leadership has paved the way for women, like myself, to confidently pursue our dreams. Vera’s extensive knowledge of the industry and effective business strategies, combined with her perspective as a woman business owner, gives Proforma’s woman owners a blueprint for success.”
Muzzillo has been honored in the promotional products and print industry numerous times, including being named Counselor magazine’s Person of the Year with her husband, Proforma founder Greg Muzzillo in 2010; receiving the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) 2006 Woman of Distinction; and earning recognition as the “20/40” Visionary by Printing Impressions magazine in 2004. She is consistently ranked among the top influencers in the industry in ASI’s Power 50 list.
Muzzillo is also involved in several charitable organizations, including Angel’s Place, Christ Child Society, Variety and Blessings in a Backpack. She is the founder of the Business Entrepreneurship Alliance at Marian and Rice High Schools, an organization that introduces Michigan high school students to entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit www.proforma.com.
