Next Up Columbus 2024: Idrees Ramsey
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Idrees Ramsey
Age: 34
Profession: Owner, GLC Gutters
Neighborhood: Reynoldsburg
Education: Bachelors of Science from University of Toledo
Community Involvement: Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, Communications Chair – City of Columbus, NCAA Men’s College Officials
Motto: Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it. – Henry David Thoreau
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram
Give us a snapshot of your path
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, I was fortunate to be raised by great parents, including a mother who took education very seriously. In 7th grade, she took me off the basketball team because I brought home two C’s on my report card. That moment was a turning point in my life. It taught me the importance of taking life, grades, and goals seriously, and understanding that if I didn’t, opportunities could be taken away or remain unaccomplished. Thanks, Mom.
Today, I am four years into owning my own business, GLC Gutters. I’ve also just completed my first NCAA Men’s College basketball season as an official, adding to my ten years of officiating Ohio High School Basketball. My journey has become goal-oriented, knowing that striving for just average isn’t enough if I want to stand out. In Fall 2024, I will start my Master’s in Business Administration to further expand my knowledge in the business world, applying everything I’ve learned firsthand from starting my own business to my studies.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Simply put, wanting more out of life is what gets me through the work week. I encounter so many different people from various walks of life, and knowing there’s more out there keeps me motivated.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I have been blessed to have many mentors and role models in my life there would be too many to name. I would say the best advice if I could boil everything into one pot is the advice to keep going and never stop.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
As a business owner and basketball referee, my schedule involves a lot of work and travel. To unwind, I hit the gym for a workout or to shoot hoops while listening to my favorite artist on my AirPods. I also love taking vacations to Mexico, which has become my home away from home.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
I love the food at S&C Kitchen. For wings and fries, you can catch me at The Olde Oak. To satisfy my Mexican cravings, I head to Fronteras. Enna’s Jamaican food is the best, and High Bank Distillery is also a favorite spot of mine.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
My favorite movie was Bad Boys starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence therefore I wanted to be cop like Will Smith’s character in the movie.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
When my head is not in a basketball rules’s book or case book I am reading books like, Invisible Man or Native son, which I just finished and listening to an array of podcast like: The Pivot, Drink Champs, The Breakfast Club.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I used to work in the Columbus City Schools for many years and I see many of my former students these days and it’s always positive conversations, memory sharing, smiles and I think being Chosen for Next Up Columbus will let them know that although High School is now over you have to continue to strive for more, keep going.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would say “Growth”! Columbus is moving, it’s growing, it’s changing. I love a big city vibe and I’m from the mindset, the bigger the better so bring on the new people, the new buildings, new highways, airport, everything.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2024 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Edison Brewing Co. for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2024” »