Monte Ahuja

Monte Ahuja is a self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, avid golfer, and consummate family man. He graduated from PEC in 1967 (mechanical) and from Ohio State University in 1970 with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Moved to Cleveland in 1972 and while working full time earned MBA Degree from Cleveland State University in 1975, graduating with honors (Beta Gamma Sigma). He then, established his new business, Transtar Industries, a distributor of quality automotive transmission parts. His beginnings were meager: 2 employees and a very small warehouse. Thirty years later through methodical planning, hard work, and with a bold vision Monte developed Transtar into the largest distributor of automotive aftermarket transmission parts in the United States. Later, he sold the business in 2010. Currently he is the Chairman, CEO of MURA Holdings LLC, an investment company. Awards & Recognitions: Transtar earned dozens of awards for its outstanding growth and community involvement, including the Arthur Anderson 2000 Leadership Award, the Inside Business NEO Success Award, the Association of Corporate Growth Deal Makers Award, Governor’s “E” Award (twice) for excellence in export and runner-up for the National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, sponsored by INC. Magazine and Ernst & Young in 1995. Several awards received personally include: • Distinguished Alumni Award from Cleveland State University, in 1990; • George Dively Award by the Harvard University Business School, in 1999; • Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business, from Cleveland State University, in 2001; • Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding American Citizens, in 2001; • International Executive of the Year Award by the World Trade Center of Cleveland, in 2002; • Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio State University, in 2003; • Inducted into the Inside Business Magazine, Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame, October 2003 (cover page included). • Appeared on a TV series as one of the most distinguished NRI’s from India, produced and telecasted by a major Asian Indian TV Channel (ZTV). Community Involvement: Served as Trustee of the Cleveland State University Board for nine years (1991-2000) and its Chairman of the Board for six years. In 1999, CSU named the new Business School building ‘Monte Ahuja Hall’, as its new home for the College of Business Administration. Currently serving as a member of the board/trustees for the following organizations: • University Hospital System of Cleveland (Chairman* ~ 2007-2011) • BioEnterprise Corp. (Board Member) Previously served with: • The Musical Arts Association • The Greater Cleveland Partnership • Greater Cleveland Roundtable • The National Conference • World Trade Center Advisory Council • Ohio Export Promotion and Trade Council (education committee) In 2011, University Hospitals named its new hospital “Ahuja Medical Center” honoring the Ahuja family. Also in 2011, Cleveland State University named its business college ‘The Monte Ahuja College of Business’.