Mr. Peter C. Kole, President and CEO of Paramount Metal Products

As quoted from former Senator Bob Dole in his June 18, 2004 introduction of Mr. Peter C. Kole
for the NAAC “Lifetime Achievement Award”

“Peter was born in the district of Pogradec, Albania and at a young age arrived in Cleveland, Ohio with his mother Athena.
He was educated in public schools, graduated High School then attended and graduated from Idaho State University with major emphasis in Accounting and Finance. He worked in various accounting positions and later became financial controller.
In 1978, Peter purchased a manufacturing company, Farco, located in Elyria, Ohio and in 1981 moved the company to Cleveland, Ohio and started another company, Paramount Metal Products that manufactured steel automobile seat frames. Total square footage approximately 350,000 square feet with employment of 300 personnel at 1200 west 58th street, Cleveland, Ohio.
In September 1990, along with other Albanian Americans from the New England toured Albania, then visited his birthplace, Pogradec. He met with all his cousins and had a huge family reunion. He stayed in Albania a total of 23 days. Later, returned home to Cleveland and Albania never left his mind, in essence he became a “Born Again Albanian”
…
Peter recently rebuilt the school in the village of Alarupi, district of Pogradec, where approximately 200 students in grades k- through 8 attend. The pictures showing the progress of this rehab program can be seen on his web site, (albania2000.com). Under the caption of adopt a school, the re-built school was dedicated September 2002.
During the fall of 1996, Peter was inducted into his high school’s Hall of Fame. Later in October 1998, he was awarded a medal as the most distinguished alumnus for 1998 from his university, Idaho State University
On Saturday, May 17, 2003, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for a Lifetime Record of solid integrity and honesty with his business employees and business associates, and his service to the human community.
During the month of August 2003 Peter was awarded the Knight of St. George by the Albanian Orthodox Church of America.
Recently, he has been appointed by the Republic of Albania to be the Honorary Consul for the State of Ohio.
Peter is married to Nancy a teacher graduated from the University of Miami who has supported him fully in his humanitarian efforts.
I am pleased to present The NAAC Lifetime Achievement Award to my dear friend and “Born Again Albanian” PETER KOLE.”