Accounting grad is new CEO of prominent outdoor plastics company

Anthony Ciepiel '81 continues to climb the corporate ladder as he takes over the position of chief executive officer (CEO) at Step2 Discovery. Ciepiel, who graduated from BW with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance, comes directly from the Vitamix Corporation, where he served as their chief operating officer (COO).

Step2 Discovery is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of plastics. The company has $183.3 million in sales, according to recent listings in Plastics News.

With previous positions as president and COO at Flood Company and president, COO and CEO at Realty One, Inc., Ciepiel has had a long history in executive leadership roles. Last year, Crain's Cleveland Business honored him with a C-Suite Award for his work at Vitamix - a manufacturer of high-performance blending equipment for home and commercial use.

Ciepiel is excited to join Step2 Discovery, which he says has "some of the most innovative products for home, play and leisure. The combination of rotomolded products, wood and other substrates provides for endless possibilities for new innovation."