(Profiled 7/20/12)

Although Wally is convinced that his friends would describe him as “gullible, compassionate and emotional,” Wally’s Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall, and his commitment to his father’s business suggest a savvy, grounded businessman. In fact, it was Wally’s love of hearing about his father’s businesses as a child that prompted him to go to law school in the first place.

Born in Northfield, Wally and his family moved to Sagamore Hills where he and his two sisters attended Nordonia High School. While in high school, one of the oddest jobs Wally ever held was serving as a telemarketer for a basement waterproofing company. Wally quickly learned that he couldn’t use his nickname “Wally” during these random conversations. Either people couldn’t understand it or they would immediately make some reference to “Leave it to Beaver.” For purposes of this job, he was given the name “Michael.”  Fortunately, Wally has been able to reclaim his name and move on to work which brings him far more pleasure.

In addition to his role as corporate counsel for his family’s business -- Consolidated Graphics Group, Inc. -- Wally loves playing with the Great Dane he recently got from the APL, working for the Human Rights Campaign, serving as VP of the Equality Ohio Education Fund, and going to the movies. He is co-chair of the August 25th Cleveland HRC Gala which attracts over 700 guests in support of Equality. Wally’s family donates time and money to a variety of causes including a “vision van” that has helped up to 5,000 kids in the last four years. The OneSight Foundation vision project identifies CMSD kids who need glasses.

Wally enjoys helping “others on their journey to happiness.” Rather than focusing on the end goals, Wally stresses he “enjoys the journey” itself. His own journey has contained more than a few personal challenges. Perhaps the most bracing was growing up gay in the Catholic Church. But he appears to be very much at peace with himself and with the mistakes he has made in the past. Two years ago his family formed the Lanci Moeritz Reville Family Foundation. They have been able to help struggling employees, mentor inner city youth on life skills, and assist people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to a social safety net.

Wally’s future remains in the family business in Cleveland and with helping Cleveland businesses and the nonprofit community. Wally expressed his confidence in Cleveland’s momentum and described “the tidal wave of good things available in Cleveland.” Adding to the tidal wave are the energy, business acumen, and optimism Wally now shares with SVP. We thank partner Carrie Miller for bringing Wally to our shores.