More About Monte Ahuja

Monte Ahuja 

Monte Ahuja came to the U.S. in 1969 as a student at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Graduated from OSU in 1970 with a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Moved to Cleveland in 1972 and while working full time earned MBA Degree from Cleveland State University in 1975, graduating with honors (Beta Gamma Sigma).

A native of India, Mr. Ahuja came to the United States in 1969 with $12 in his pocket and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. He went on to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and a master's degree in business administration from Cleveland State University in 1975.

That same year, showing the drive and initiative that have defined his life, he turned an MBA class project into what would become a multi-million dollar company. Based on the business plan developed for a CSU entrepreneurship course, Mr. Ahuja founded Transtar Industries, Inc. Transtar grew to become the leading worldwide distributor of quality transmission parts to the motor vehicle repair industry. After 35 years as chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Ahuja sold his interest in Transtar. Today, he is the chairman and CEO of MURA Holdings, LLC, a private investment company.

As a self-made man, Mr. Ahuja understands the value of an excellent education. He has consistently shown his appreciation to CSU through a distinguished record of service and generous financial support.

Mr. Ahuja served as a member of the CSU Board of Trustees from 1991-2000, including six years as chairman, and was the first alumnus to hold that post. He and his wife gave $2 million to the College of Business in 2000, and established the Ahuja Endowed Scholarship Fund in Business Administration and Engineering and the Distinguished Scholar in Comparative Indian and Western Philosophy. In 1990, Mr. Ahuja was named one of Cleveland State's Top 25 Distinguished Alumni. In 2001, CSU awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Business degree.

As the community's leading philanthropists, the Ahujas also have generously supported other organizations. Their gifts include $30 million to University Hospitals, which funded the Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood.

The Ahujas have unselfishly given their time and energy to a host of civic organizations, including University Hospitals, BioEnterprise, Ursuline College, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Musical Arts Association, and many others.

They are respected leaders of the Indian community in Northeast Ohio and their accolades have been many, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Both are committed to giving back to the region that has enabled them to lead productive and rewarding lives.

Business Associations:

In 1975, launched a distribution company immediately following the graduation from CSU with an MBA. Through internal growth and careful strategic planning, grew the company, Transtar Industries, into an international business, as the leading U.S. company in the distribution of automotive transmission replacement parts to the aftermarket. The business was sold in 2010 and then re-acquired in 2017. Mr. Ahuja is currently Chairman, CEO of MURA Holdings LLC, an investment company and Transtar Industries.

Awards & Recognitions:

Transtar earned dozens of awards for its outstanding growth and community involvement, including the Arthur Anderson 2000 Leadership Award, the Inside Business NEO Success Award, the Association of Corporate Growth Deal Makers Award, Governor's "E" Award (twice) for excellence in export and runner-up for the National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, sponsored by INC. Magazine and Ernst & Young in 1995.

Several awards received personally include:

• Distinguished Alumni Award from Cleveland State University, in 1990;
• George Dively Award by the Harvard University Business School, in 1999;
• Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business, from Cleveland State University, in 2001;
• Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding American Citizens, in 2001;
• International Executive of the Year Award by the World Trade Center of Cleveland, in 2002;
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio State University, in 2003;
• Inducted into the Inside Business Magazine, Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame, October 2003 (cover page included).
• Appeared on a TV series as one of the most distinguished NRI's from India, produced and telecasted by a major Asian Indian TV Channel (ZTV).

Community Involvement:

Served as Trustee of the Cleveland State University Board for nine years (1991-2000) and its Chairman of the Board for six years. In 1999, CSU named the new Business School building ‘Monte Ahuja Hall', as its new home for the College of Business Administration.

Currently serving as a member of the board/trustees for the following organizations:

• University Hospital System of Cleveland (Chairman* ~ 2007-2011)
• BioEnterprise Corp. (Board Member)

Previously served with:

• The Musical Arts Association
• The Greater Cleveland Partnership
• Greater Cleveland Roundtable
• The National Conference
• World Trade Center Advisory Council
• Ohio Export Promotion and Trade Council (education committee)

In 2011, University Hospitals named its new hospital "Ahuja Medical Center" honoring the Ahuja family. Also in 2011, Cleveland State University named its business college The Monte Ahuja College of Business.