Service Honor Roll
Americas International
Wayne Stair
Since 1997, Americas International has been distributing polymers and rubber additives, representing some of the world’s leading chemical and polymer manufacturers. The company utilizes Internal Quality Auditors to conduct annual process audits to ensure the company meets the needs of customers. By combining technical and product knowledge, its customer service staff is able to provide long-term solutions for customers.
Catastrophe Management Solutions LLC
Curtis F. Pilot
Catastrophe Management Solutions LLC provides call center support to national insurance carriers for all major weather catastrophes. The company has a tradition of values and extensive industry experience, exceptional employee relations and training, innovative technologies and call center management. In 2012, they provided over 600 call center staff to assist in claim processing for Hurricane Sandy.
Certified Nerds
Marling Engle
Certified Nerds is a personal and small business computer sales and repair company that has been serving the region since 2005. Through growth and change, Certified Nerds stays committed to its customer service roots, providing upfront and honest pricing. Of note is their offer for free diagnostics with no bench fees or hidden charges. The company has succeeded in expanding by opening a new location in 2013 and adding two new staff members.
Chapman & Chapman Inc.
Walter K. Chapman
Chapman & Chapman Inc. is an employee benefits consulting, financial planning, wealth management and insurance brokerage. It has maintained a culture of excellence, integrity and fairness. The company has increased its wellness team by creating a client service and compliance department. The company grew from 18 employees in 2009 to 28 in 2013.
Cohen & Co. Ltd.
J. Michael Kolk
Cohen & Co. Ltd., an accounting tax and advisory firm, has maintained steady sales growth year over year while making charitable contributions and volunteering in the community, and helping employees grow. It offers tuition reimbursement for employees to achieve their master’s degree, and its Cohen Network of Empowered Women offers the firm’s women a forum to discuss issues unique to their careers.
County Fire Protection Inc.
John Lubinski
County Fire Protection Inc. is a full-service fire protection company. It provides the service and installation of fire extinguishers and emergency exit lighting with exceptional customer service. It has continued to grow its workforce, adding 13 employees since 2009, and has plans this year to add a sprinkler crew and introduce a mentoring program to train new service technicians.
EnviroScience Inc.
Daniel Dunstan and Martin Hilovsky
Utilizing more than 60 highly educated professionals, EnviroScience Inc. provides technical support and expertise to facilitate a wide range of development projects. Over the past five years, EnviroScience has grown considerably. In 2013, the company made its largest investment with the acquisition and remodeling of a new headquarters. Its revenues and workforce have grown steadily for the past five years.
G.D.S. Express Group Inc.
J.P. Delaney
G.D.S. Express Group Inc. is a family-owned trucking company that places a special value on its people. During the past five years, the transportation and logistics services company has added a full-service Logistics division and service to and from Mexico. Since 2009, it has experienced increases in both sales and employees.
Grabowski & Co.
Sue Grabowski
Grabowski & Co. is a marketing communications firm serving a range of organizations, from Fortune 500 firms to small businesses and nonprofits. Grabowski & Co. has grown its client base services, and in 2014, purchased a second building behind the headquarters to accommodate its growing number of employees.
Great Lakes Fasteners Inc.
Kevin R. Weidinger
Great Lakes Fasteners Inc. is a fastener distributor founded in 1958. The company has been servicing Midwestern manufacturers with innovative, problem-solving skills and a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality fastener products. Its sales have grown 83 percent since 2009, and 10 employee positions have been created since 2011.
Incept
Sam Falletta
Founded in 1993, Incept is a conversational marketing firm specializing in developing and strengthening relationships with the client’s current and prospective customers. Over the past five years, nearly 100 jobs have been created at the company. With an eye toward giving, the company distributes 10 percent of its annual earnings to worthwhile causes locally, nationally and internationally.
J. Rayl Transport
Jeremy Rayl
J. Rayl Transport is an asset-based logistics company that has been family owned since 1987. CEO Jeremy Rayl is the third generation to lead the company. J. Rayl Transport strives to make the roads safer for travel and the air cleaner for breathing, and always works to offer a positive customer service experience, which has led to steady sales growth over the past five years.
Jarrett Logistics Systems Inc.
W. Michael Jarrett
Jarrett Logistics Systems Inc. provides supply chain management to high-growth companies. Services include transportation management, freight bill payment, premium freight management and claims. In 2014, the company added two new truckload brokers, which had a powerful impact on growing its client base. This growth stems from listening to clients and communicating new solutions to clients.
Laudan Properties LLC
Kevin R. Weidinger
Laudan Properties LLC is a mortgage field services company that specializes in property preservation. The competitive edge is based off its vast network of licensed contractors. The ability to recruit, train and motivate a diverse contractor network has contributed to the company’s growth. Laudan works with over 150 contractors in 15 states.
Lead to Conversion LLC
Sean Bolton
Lead to Conversion LLC is a digital marketing agency that specializes in responsive website design, organic search engine optimization, paid search management and social media marketing. Its client companies’ website traffic has reportedly increased in excess of 1,000 percent from marketing efforts. Since 2011, its employee base has grown from one to six and sales continue to grow.
Lighting Services Inc.
Kimberly Allerman and Kurt Allerman
For more than 15 years, Lighting Services Inc. has been a design/build lighting retrofit company. A central factor of its success has been conducting needs assessments for clients and providing cost effective solutions. Staying updated on technological trends such as LED technology has helped conserve energy and lower long-term expenses for clients.
National Interstate Insurance Co.
Dave Michelson
National Interstate Insurance Co. is a leading specialty property and casualty holding company. This year marked National Interstate’s 25th anniversary. Over the past five years, full-time employee count has increased from 300 employees to some 600 employees nationwide. Employee retention is due in part to acknowledging and rewarding the entire team and enhancing employee benefits.
Ohio Tool Systems
Jack Grace
Customer service and satisfaction are the top priorities for Ohio Tool Systems. Founded in 1974, the company is a provider of industrial tools and a materials handling distributor. Since the recession, it regained sales volumes seeing record sales in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ohio Tool Systems has successfully maintained its employee levels during the past few years.
Outtech Inc.
Jay Scholes
Outtech Inc. is a manufacturer’s representative and marketer of outdoor and hunting products and equipment. Innovative ideas like offices at client headquarters sets Outtech apart from its competitors. Outtech has increased in size both in their physical office space and with the addition of two new divisions, Quickfire Productions and Pursuit Graphics.
PackShip USA
W. Michael Jarrett
PackShip USA provides packaging and shipping services for large and high-value merchandise, and logistics management services for mid-market companies. Since 2009, Packship has realized growth in both sales and staff. The company’s success in direct-to-store shipping has led to a growing base of furniture retailer clients and a reduction in its furniture transportation costs.
QualCare LLC, dba Home Instead Senior Care
Therese Glorioso
Home Instead Senior Care provides health care for senior citizens. The company assists clients in their homes, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Over the past five years, sales for the company have increased 265 percent while it has also realized a 384 percent increase in staff.
Ritzman Pharmacies Inc.
Eric Graf
Ritzman Pharmacies Inc., a family-owned pharmacy, has a focus on providing quality products and professional excellence and service to its customers. Growth has occurred through the acquisition of other small, family-owned pharmacies. In the past five years, it has grown from 11 to 27 locations, and doubled its associates.
Sequoia Financial Group
Tom Haught
Sequoia Financial Group offers comprehensive wealth management services including financial, estate and insurance planning, asset management, corporate retirement services, fiduciary consulting and family office services. In 2013, the total number of employees increased to 39. Sequoia’s employee growth, new building and technology upgrades have aided the firms continued success.
Slate Rock Safety LLC
Kim Wilson
Slate Rock Safety LLC is a woman-owned business and unique e-commerce retailer, distributor and GSA contractor of safety apparel. Employees are encouraged to think outside the box and try new things. Personal accountability and integrity are key to the company’s success. Slate Rock Safety had a sales growth of more than 900 percent from 2008 to 2011.
SS&G
Robert Littman
SS&G is an accounting and business advisory firm providing assurance, tax, consulting, investment and retirement plan design services. The company’s growth can be attributed to the firm’s philosophy of treating clients as partners. SS&G’s addition of employees and increased revenue has led to it becoming the 38th largest accounting firm in the U.S.
SS&G Healthcare Services LLC
Thomas Ferkovic
SS&G Healthcare Services LLC provides consulting and outsourcing including medical billing and accounts receivables. The company offers independent physician and dental practice management and clinical research. With the implementation of federal health care reform, a need for fresh ideas and practical guidance was evident. Over the past five years SS&G has experienced 9 percent employment growth and increased revenue.
Steel City Lighting Co. Inc., dba Five Star Lighting
Kimberly Allerman and Kurt Allerman
Five Star Lighting is a specialized wholesale “lighting only” distributor of lamps, ballasts, light fixtures, lenses/louvers and other lighting-related products. The company takes pride in saving consumer energy costs by suggesting solutions to increase energy efficiency. This year, the company plans to add additional warehouse facilities to increase production.
WhiteSpace Creative
Keeven White
Founded in 1994, WhiteSpace Creative is a marketing communications agency that helps businesses and organizations motivate others into action. Adapting to new opportunities and challenges has helped the company evolve into a team structure. These reconstructed teams allow for the sharing of resources and knowledge that fits the needs of its clients.
