Distinguishing herself as an expert and leader for more than 20 years, Elenida “Ida” Veliu has become a prominent figure in the food and real estate industries in Ohio. Since 2022, she has held the position of president and owner of Ohio Brewing Company Columbus, a 25,000-square-foot brewery and restaurant where her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in the company’s growth. Ms. Veliu has built her reputation through her remarkable ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaborative environments that have led to the formation of highly successful teams. Her talent for uniting people around shared objectives has driven innovation and achievement within her organization.
Before taking over ownership of Ohio Brewing Company Columbus, Ms. Veliu established herself through extensive experience in the field of real estate. These early efforts set the foundation for her current business success, and she continues to pursue real estate opportunities to this day. Ms. Veliu is especially well regarded for her skill at bringing employees together and guiding them with confidence and steadiness toward milestone accomplishments. She notably approaches her role as a humble member of the team rather than a boss, preferring to spend busy evenings walking the restaurant floor instead of hiding away in an office.
From Albania, Ms. Veliu followed her late husband, Jim, in immigrating to the United States in the 1990s. As a business partner with her husband, she benefited from his background in the restaurant industry. Their partnership was marked by a shared dedication to building successful ventures and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship together.
Ms. Veliu’s educational background includes college coursework, which provided fundamental knowledge for her professional pursuits. However, she attributes much of her success to the profound influence of her late husband, whose intelligence, work ethic, and resilience served as guiding forces throughout their journey as immigrants striving to achieve the American dream. The lessons learned through their shared experiences — marked by both triumphs and hardships — have shaped Ms. Veliu’s approach to business and life, instilling in her a deep sense of determination and adaptability. Her relationship with her husband also informed the down-to-earth management style she employs. She continues to honor his legacy through her stewardship of the business they shared.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Veliu is civically engaged as a supporter of St. Agatha Church, reflecting her faith and her commitment to community involvement and service. Outside of her career, she is devoted to her family as a mother to three sons. Ms. Veliu advocates for her sons as part of Bishop Watterson High School’s Mothers’ Club, where she supports initiatives that benefit students at the school. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing sports, and going to the gym, prioritizing health and well-being in her daily life.
Looking ahead, Ms. Veliu is focused on maintaining her vitality while embracing new opportunities for personal and professional growth. She values the importance of cherishing each moment with her family and aspires to see her sons become responsible citizens who make positive contributions to society. As she continues her journey, Ms. Veliu remains guided by faith and a desire to align with a greater purpose beyond her own ambitions. She recognizes the knowledge she has gained through success and challenges and seeks to utilize that wisdom responsibly, choosing partnerships with intentionality while allowing space for balance.