Employee Spotlight: Efficiency in Action – How Brandon Sehlhorst Drives Toledo’s Economic Development
Friday, February 28, 2025
“In this job, you have to move fast, but also move smart,” Sehlhorst said. “Companies making investment decisions want certainty and clear answers — and they want them fast. Efficiency means we’re not just reacting quickly, it’s about anticipating needs so we’re always one step ahead.”
That belief in the value of efficiency shapes how Sehlhorst and his team approach every project. From the moment a company expresses interest in investing in Toledo, Sehlhorst works across departments to cut through bureaucracy, simplify processes, and align stakeholders.
“Every time we make it easier for a business to invest in Toledo, we’re proving that this city values their time and investment,” Sehlhorst said. “The cities that help businesses go from spending money to making money the fastest are the ones that win. And I like to win.”
It’s a mindset that’s paying off. Since Sehlhorst stepped into his role, Toledo has sold more than 400 acres of underutilized land, leading to 1,000 new jobs and $130 million in private investment. That proactive, efficient approach also helped Toledo earn a spot in Site Selection Magazine’s Top 10 mid-sized metros for economic development for six straight years, including #1 in the nation in 2021.“Those rankings are important because they validate Toledo as one of the top places in the country where businesses are investing. And success breeds success,” Sehlhorst said.
For Sehlhorst, efficiency is a value that extends beyond the office. As a runner, a father of two young boys, and a lifelong sports fan, he knows that life doesn’t slow down. “Whether I’m coordinating a site visit, squeezing in a workout at 5 AM before the kids wake up, or figuring out how to squeeze in a Reds game, efficiency is everywhere,” Sehlhorst said. “It’s about making the most of every minute so you never miss the important stuff — at work or at home.”
Sehlhorst’s passion for efficient problem-solving started early. After graduating cum laude from the University of Cincinnati with degrees in Urban Planning and an MBA in Real Estate, he sharpened his skills working for REDI Cincinnati and the City of Cincinnati, leading incentive negotiations and site readiness work across southwest Ohio.
But his love for the Glass City and passion to help it reach its full potential brought him home in 2017. “Toledo is my hometown. This work allows me to combine my passion and purpose, which makes it deeply personal. I’m here on purpose for a purpose,” Sehlhorst said.
Since returning, Sehlhorst’s leadership has earned him a 20 Under 40 Award in 2023 and the title of Economic Developer of the Year from the Ohio Economic Development Association in 2024.
“Efficiency is all about being intentional with your time — knowing what matters most and putting your energy there,” Sehlhorst said. “For me, that’s helping Toledo grow, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs here, and making sure our process is never the reason someone looks somewhere else.”
Sehlhorst, his wife, two sons, and their dog Brady live in South Toledo, where his love for fitness, live music, and Michigan football keeps him busy — and, of course, always efficient.
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