When RelateCare CEO Conor O’Byrne speaks with Irish startup founders about expanding internationally, he has one consistent piece of advice: don’t overlook Ohio.
RelateCare—an Ireland‑based provider of telehealth, contact center, and outsourcing solutions for healthcare organizations—supports many major U.S. health systems. With so much healthcare innovation centered in Northeast Ohio, establishing a U.S. office in the region was a natural decision. That choice was further enhanced in 2024 thanks to the JobsOhio Air Service Restoration Program, which helped restore and expand Aer Lingus’ nonstop service between Cleveland and Dublin.
Convenience
O’Byrne travels to Cleveland six or seven times a year, along with many of his executive team. For a global company, reducing travel time offers real strategic benefits.
“Convenience is the number one thing. A direct flight makes the trip far more attractive because I can see more customers and hold more meetings. Being able to quickly and easily fly into a city that has some of the world’s leading academic and healthcare innovation is very advantageous.”
Productivity
Shorter travel time doesn’t just conserve hours—it preserves energy. For O’Byrne, who already faces a two‑hour commute to the airport in Ireland, minimizing travel friction is essential.
“Arriving in Cleveland and still feeling energized enough to be productive throughout the day and into the evening is huge. Long-distance travel can take its toll, so it’s important to keep the mind and body fresh. The hotel situation in Cleveland is also very good, so I’m comfortable using the city as a hub when I’m in the U.S. for an extended visit.”
Connectivity
Cleveland’s central location strengthens the company’s operations. The city offers easy connections to clients throughout the Midwest while still providing efficient access to major cities on both the East and West coasts. For a company with partners and customers spread across the country, being based in a geographically balanced location adds real logistical value.
Businesses consistently emphasize the importance of connectivity to major cities, and the JobsOhio Air Service Restoration Program directly supports that goal. The program brings public and private partners together to encourage carriers to expand service at Ohio airports, which contribute more than $17 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Connectivity is vital to tourism, economic growth, and the overall health of Ohio’s hospitality industry—and expanded air service only strengthens that impact.
“I think many people would be surprised by what Ohio has to offer. Ohio’s cities are less expensive than other major metros, and there’s a lot of opportunity here. It’s an attractive place to set up a business.
— Conor O’Byrne, CEO, RelateCare
