BackStory

The Principals

Sheryl Ross, Partner & CEO
Damien Robinson, Managing Partner

Over 30 years ago, a young woman was looking through a desk in her parents’ home and found an odd legal-looking document.  It had the name Cime Rosenbloom listed as the primary individual. She didn’t know who that was. When she inquired about the name, she received an interesting story.

Her paternal grandfather, Shamuel Rosenbloom, had been recruited to perform in John Phillip Sousa’s band as a clarinetist.  He arrived at Ellis Island from Russia at the turn of the century. Although he had genuine talent and loved performing, he had not understood the amount of extended travel necessary to be part of this extraordinary musical endeavor. He was afraid to leave his young family unattended in their new country. His fate became that of many who came to this country at the time, he became a factory worker.  It was honest work. He forfeited the love of his art for what he believed to be nobler ideals – dedication to his family and gratefulness for freedom.

Fortunately, his creative legacy lived on in his son Chaim who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As happened with many immigrant families at the time, they sought to assimilate to the “American” way of life. Consequently, when “Chaim” was asked his name,  the guttural “chai” sound was tempered. His name was pronounced “Hymie” instead. Since his name was not spelled with an “H”, it was further documented incorrectly by unknowing officials as “Cime” and mispronounced “Kymie”. Later, when Chaim began his career as an amateur boxer in the Golden Gloves, it was suggested that he change his name for better appearance on marquees. Cime Rosenbloom became Herb Ross.

Herb Ross went on to become a well-known nightclub owner, entrepreneur and talent promoter in Buffalo, New York. He developed close associations with well known celebrities of the day including: the Andrew Sisters, Harry Belafonte, Eartha Kitt, Doris Day, Nancy Wilson, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and many others. As a radio station owner, record distributor, prominent business developer and philanthropist, he secured a position as an influential leader and advisor to the Mayor, as well as being a renowned friend to the African/American community.

The young woman had always known that her father took great pride in his ethnic identity and originally had a Yiddish name, however, she had never known the intricate details of the story. Years later when she sought inspiration for creating her own business; the insight, life anecdotes, entrepreneurial spirit  and understanding of the human heart that embodied her beloved father came to mind.  ”Cime” finally had a place to reside with pride.  The ideals and life lessons that were actively passed on to her as a legacy for the future, became the positive energy and momentum in creating CIME4enterprises, inc.