Ariane Kirkpatrick is the owner of The AKA Team. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, The AKA Team is a full service construction company with divisions in construction management and self-performance. The SPD division consists of commercial waterproofing, carpentry and final clean. The company’s mission is to provide superior construction with innovation through the company motto – Always Known As the TEAM you can depend on.

Entrepreneurship was ingrained in Ariane at an early age. The year 1969 made quite an impression on Ariane Kirkpatrick. She vividly remembers being five years old and boycotting the neighborhood McDonald's with her family because African-Americans were banned from owning franchises.

The AKA Team has worked on several projects such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Rocket Arena, Sherwin Williams Headquarters, and many more. Ariane had the opportunity to sit with President Obama at the Winning the Future Forum held in Cleveland and discuss obstacles that affect small businesses. With the advice of the President, Ariane has found ways to increase her business.

Ariane is very involved in the spirit of community and a true lover of the City of Cleveland. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at Cleveland State University and is alumni of Cuyahoga Community College, and a proud Warrensville Heights Tiger Alum. Her proudest accomplishment is being the mother of two sons, Ali and Kristopher, wife of Danny Couch and two bonus daughters, Camille and Jazmine. She is also a grandmother of four boys, two girls and one grandpup.