2024 Family Business Achievement Awards

Honorees

Wendy Kelley, DPT, administrator at ABC Therapy Ltd., strives to serve those with differing abilities with passion, grace and excellence. Founded in 2010, it broadened its scope of services to include occupational and speech therapy, as well as other educational and developmental supports. Today, it offers occupational, physical, speech therapy and other services to public school districts, other educational programs, and early intervention and adult developmental disability programs across Northeast Ohio.

From its inception as a sole proprietorship, her four children have been a part of Kelley’s professional endeavors, supporting the mission, vision and growth of ABC Therapy. When younger, they were a part of community-based and summer activities with children served through the public schools.

As the business expanded, her son helped with business finances and set up policies and procedures. In 2018, her youngest son joined the administrative team, and her niece has served during her preparatory work for pursuing a physical therapy degree.

The organization strives toward excellence, and the family supports the day-to-day operations, success of services and employee endeavors. Kelley’s 9-year-old granddaughter helps with activities, and her younger children, granddaughter and nieces, one of whom is a physical therapist and the other an athletic trainer, have served on mission trips in Haiti and Belize.

 

Achieve Incentives & Meetings Founders Chuck and Marge Lawson met in 1951 while working at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Chuck and Marge wanted to make travel more accessible and help individuals and families experience cultures across the globe. They opened The Travelmart in 1952, and their titles ranged from chauffeurs and tour guides to travel advisers and hotel scouts.

After gaining expertise across all types of travel, transportation and experience planning, a new division was launched using travel to drive business results. Today, second- and third-generation family members lead the company, including Vice President Asley Lawson, upholding the legacy and founding values that Chuck and Marge established over 70 years ago. Their commitment to integrity, personalized service and community engagement has been the cornerstone of its success and continues to guide them, providing stability and continuity, and building long-lasting relationships.

In the early 2000s, Chuck and Marge passed leadership to their four children, who introduced new ideas and perspectives, continuing the family legacy with enthusiasm for the future of travel, strengthening industry relationships, forging new partnerships and always leading with Chuck and Marge’s principles of integrity, loyalty and exceptional service. With a focus on succession planning and legacy building, the second-generation leadership team welcomed the first member of the third generation in 2017.

 

Founded in 1975, Air Control Products has established itself as a leading provider of commercial HVAC systems and solutions. Over the decades, the company has consistently expanded its product line, services and solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

From its humble beginnings, the company has grown substantially and now operates out of multiple locations, serving a vast geographic area with a commitment to quality and service. Additionally, during its growth, it has added services to the architectural industry.

Air Control Products has uniquely woven family values into the fabric of its business operations. Its core values are care, respect, integrity and perseverance. The family-centric approach permeates every aspect of the company, from employee relationships to customer engagements. This strong family business linkage has cultivated a culture of trust, respect and mutual support, setting a solid foundation for both business and personal relationships to thrive. 

The involvement of multiple generations in Air Control Products is a testament to the company’s commitment to family legacy and values. The business, founded by Bob Greene and Randy Heminger, is headed by second-generation son Mike Greene as president and third-generation grandson Michael Greene as director of sales. Successive generations have carried forward the founding principles while bringing fresh perspectives and innovations to the table.

President John M. Wilson Jr. found his passion for lakes and ponds in 1983 when he began working with a small family company that would become AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management. In 1989, he purchased the company from founder William P. Cloonan and has grown AQUA DOC into the industry leader it is today.

In 41 years, AQUA DOC has grown from a one-man operation out of his garage in Kirtland, Ohio, to a multistate operation. And as the customer base grew, so did the demand to hire more teammates. From 1995 to 2006, the employee base grew to 30. Today, the Munson Township headquarters is home to 113 employees.

Wilson’s wife, Jeanine, initially assisted with administrative tasks, then took a silent partner role as she pursued an outside job. After retiring, she is now executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Information Technology at AQUA DOC. 

Today, the Wilsons have grown the business from one man and one truck to over 190 employees, 106 vehicles and nine offices covering 11 states, from servicing ponds to managing lakes, water quality, stormwater management, water gardens, pond construction, dock installations, fish and retail. They have formed a winning team, striving for excellence in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

 

Berk Enterprises was founded by Harold H. Berk in 1946 and is a third-generation, family owned and operated business.

Berk has evolved from its origins in Berk Exterminating, Warren Coin Shop and Warren Paper and Sanitation into its current form. Today, it encompasses three distinct brands: Berkley Square, offering disposable cutlery, cups and straws; Environ, providing restaurant supplies with a focus on sustainability; and Berk Concession Supply, specializing in novelty drinkware, buckets and plates.

As a leading food service packaging supplier in the restaurant and outdoor amusement industry, the company has maintained a competitive edge, delivering high-quality packaging solutions tailored to the needs of restaurants, concessionaires and other food establishments.

Harold Berk’s granddaughter, Reilly Berk, serves as CEO, with her father, Robert Berk, as president. The company employs approximately 100 people and has recently expanded to Jackson, Mississippi. At just 24, Reilly Berk, the eldest of five siblings, became CEO after being involved with the family business part time since 2013. President Robert Berk joined the company in the early 1970s and assumed a leadership role as his father’s health declined.

With Reilly Berk’s enthusiasm and dedication, he saw the advantage of her early appointment as CEO, allowing her ample time to learn and work alongside him and the rest of the leadership team.

 

In 1897, Theodore I. Bogner started in the construction industry as a carpenter and scaffolding contractor. In 1913, he combined forces with William Long to form Bogner and Long, which became Wooster’s foremost general construction firm.

Bogner’s sons Richard “Dick” and Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, joining the business afterward, and Theodore Bogner & Sons operated until 1979. In 1980, the sons retired, and their sons, Theodore “Ted” and Robert “Bob,” assumed leadership and renamed the firm Bogner Construction Co.

The grandsons applied their craftmanship to public works, schools and other community projects, and specialized in historical preservation and renovation projects. In the late 1990s and early 2000, Ted’s son, Tim, and Bob’s sons, Brian, Mike and Adam, joined the firm as the fourth generation, adding design-build, construction management, crane and millwright services.

Following Ted and Bob’s retirement in 2018, Tim, Brian, Mike and Adam acquired the company, marking the fourth generation of family involvement and leadership, and building upon the legacy of their grandfathers and fathers. They maintain the company philosophy: To remain successful, Bogner Construction must continuously work to improve its clients’ competitiveness.

Today, led by Partner Brian Bogner, there are eight younger children among the current owners, and the business may continue into the fifth generation.

 

With more than 500 employees across the globe, Brennan Industries has consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation and commitment to its community. 

Brennan Industries was established in 1953 by L. Michael Brennan, with a vision to become a key player in

the hydraulics industry while building a family business to support the community. Now in its third generation, run by President and CEO David Carr (L. Michael’s grandson), it has achieved significant milestones, opening more 20 locations, entering the aerospace industry and obtaining new certifications to grow and support that business.

The Carr family plays an integral role in the management and operations of Brennan Industries. Carr leads with a vision for innovation and growth. He drives his management team to be ahead of the curve and is relentless in his pursuit of growing the business. Family values such as respect, support, honesty, integrity and compassion guide the business practices and culture. Carr has three sons, two of whom are involved with the business and work within the sales and operations department.

Brennan Industries recognizes the importance of keeping the spirit of their founder alive by sticking to their close family roots and allowing every new member of Brennan Industries to become part of their family.

CAM Inc. — founded by Charles A. “Chuck” Mockbee based on trust, care and genuine relationships in harmony with nature — was incorporated in 1984. For 40 years, CAM has been providing a full range of commercial and industrial real estate services, including on-staff design, construction management, facility management, real estate brokerage and project feasibility studies.

Mockbee and his wife, Joan, initially worked out of their home, building relationships within the brokerage community, along with potential stakeholders in and around Northeast Ohio. The CAM mindset has been to reach a win-win for everyone involved and has become the core value of the family-owned company.

This culture continues to be reinforced today by second-generation siblings President Jeffrey C. Mockbee, Vice President (Sales/Marketing) Traci J. Mockbee and Vice President (Client Relations) Michael J. Mockbee, following their parents’ retirement in 2003. The parents had a succession plan in place to facilitate a smooth transition into the second generation.

The design staff has more than 73 years of collective experience and produces most architectural drawings in-house using the latest technology. It has constructed approximately 4 million square feet of commercial, light industrial, office, warehouse and flex space throughout Northeast Ohio. Its sustainable building practices have allowed it to construct buildings using natural settings to the advantage of tenants, residents and visitors.

 

Arriving in America in 2001, seeking asylum, Zakhar Keselman, his mother and father, came to the United States from Ukraine. As he was learning to operate in a capitalist society, he got involved in entrepreneurial ventures, which revealed that with freedom comes the responsibility of offering fair service for a fair price and learning that people have a choice of who they do business with. He started painting,

developing a keen understanding of value. With the need to develop a strategy to deliver it, he discovered the need to be efficient. Quickly grasping the concepts of fair service, value and efficiency was a springboard for his business.

As his painting business grew, he hired crews to hang drywall and bid remodeling, and Keselman Construction was born. During this time, he married Laura and they had their first child, Tattianna. Today, Keselman Construction is a high-quality remodeling contractor with innovative designers, project managers and skilled craftsmen.

Keselman leads as a true servant leader. He provides a platform for success, empowering his team to become the best they can be. Today, he owns and operates Keselman Construction, Cleveland Water & Fire Restoration, and Mold & AirDuct Pros, employing nearly 100. His wife and daughters, Tatiana and Zoya, are integral in the success of these companies.

 

D&S Automotive began in 1977, born from Founder Carmen Paterniti’s passion for the free spirit of the hippie van. What started as a hobby transformed into a business, driven by enthusiasm for custom-built interiors to custom paint jobs. This one-stop-shop approach put D&S on the map as a leader in the custom van market. By the early 1990s, the business had evolved to meet the growing demand for collision repair services. 

D&S expanded its offerings to include automotive accessories, rebranding from D&S Custom Van and Auto body to D&S Automotive Collision &Restyling. Today, D&S is a pre-approved partner with major insurers such as Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide and many more.

CJ Paterniti, owner, president and CEO, had led D&S Automotive on a journey of leveraging both positive and negative experiences. Successes are used as benchmarks for continuous improvement. Striving to meet or exceed customer expectations is a core principle, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Navigating a multi-generational family business can be complex. The dynamic often involves balancing the practices of the prior generation with the ambitious ideas of the new. D&S Automotive’s history is a testament to its ability to evolve and innovate while maintaining a strong local, family-owned business.

 

Joe and Mary Cregan founded Evergreen Midwest Co. in 1978, representing welding and gas companies selling valves and cylinders. His two decades in the compressed gas and welding industry prior to founding Evergreen Midwest gave Joseph the insight and foresight to put his goals into action.

In 1988, Joe Cregan passed away and Mary Cregan took over as lead executive, continuing his commitment to the company. She later brought in her son, Joseph, a graduate of Dayton University, as

well as son Tom Cregan, a manufacturer’s representative for a Michigan company. Other family members were already working at the company and worked at Evergreen during this transition. Today, Evergreen continues his innovation, constantly strengthening the company while benefiting its customers.

Originally located in Euclid, Ohio, they later expanded their operation and moved to Mentor, where the company remains today. Led by Owner Joseph Cregan, Evergreen continues to represent key manufacturers in the welding and gas industry and is one of a few that represent Sherwood Valves across the country.

They have continued to grow as a company and now include a third generation that is working and moving the company forward. This family business has endured many obstacles in its 46-year history, and the future continues to look bright.

 

The Ruby brothers and the entire team at Momentum Wealth Partners are the embodiment of family. Mark and Dominic Ruby have worked together for almost 20 years, and their partners, Cindy Locala and Robert Krenz, have been in business for over 30 years each. The staff does everything it can to make every client, colleague and visitor feel like family.

Momentum Wealth Partners is a family business with a rich history that spans decades, starting as a small enterprise and evolving into a significant player in Northeast Ohio as a Premier Financial Services Team. The company’s growth trajectory reflects a commitment to quality, customer service and adaptation to

market changes. Through strategic decisions and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, they have navigated challenges and capitalized on opportunities.

One of the standout qualities of Momentum Wealth Partners is its ability to maintain strong family/business linkage. It has fostered a culture where family values are integrated into business operations, contributing to a cohesive and motivated workforce. This linkage has not only strengthened internal relationships but enhanced the company’s reputation and client trust.

MWP’s success can be attributed to effective multi-generational involvement. It has successfully transitioned leadership from one generation to the next, leveraging the strengths and experiences of each team member. This continuity has provided stability and long-term vision, ensuring sustained growth and innovation over generations.

 

As a family-owned business, North Coast Container emphasizes a culture of respect, integrity and continuous improvement. The Stavig family’s leadership ensures that employees are valued and supported, fostering a collaborative and motivated workforce.

NCC’s legacy began in 1917 under the vision of George Myers and has continued to thrive under the leadership of the Stavig family, which re-acquired the business in 2007, and is today led by CEO Kyle Stavig.

Its culture extends to client relationships, where personalized service and a deep understanding of client needs are paramount. North Coast Container has an expansive reach, diverse product offerings, commitment to sustainability and strong family culture. Its ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining core values has positioned it as a leader in the steel drum manufacturing industry.

This family-oriented culture is evident in its strong relationships with clients and employees, fostering a supportive, collaborative environment. The family’s ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking strategies has positioned the company as an industry leader and a model for family-owned businesses.

North Coast Container provides durable containers for the transportation and storage of chemicals, lubricants and petroleum products; supplies hygienic steel drums for food-grade products and beverages; offers specialized containers to meet requirements of military and defense applications; and manufactures steel drums for transport and storage of paints, coatings and related materials.

 

A second- and third-generation of Ohman family members, with a diversely skilled caregiver team, is guided by a deeply rooted appreciation for people’s love of home.

Ohman Family Living enhances the model of senior living, providing superior service, and the latest in telemedicine and specialty care, so patients and residents thrive.

The goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes in a lower-cost setting, whether inpatient or at home. It takes every measure to restore normalcy into the lives of its post-acute care patients, who want to get back home. With George Ohman and Anderson Ohman as co-presidents, its full continuum of post-acute care allows it to meet the needs of each patient, and helping post-acute and rehab patients get and stay well benefits them and its hospital partners.

Ohman Family Living team understands the challenges hospitals face in today’s world. The company serves patients but also supports health care providers charged with controlling readmission rates and lengths of stay. It offers a variety of clinical initiatives, with an emphasis on specialized care for the most common disease states and works with area hospitals and other organizations.

Residents live there, but employees say that working there is like being part of a family. Across multiple levels of care, it employs all skill levels, from entry-level to professional.

 

Peoples Cartage and Storage Co. was established in 1914 by Joseph Schrader as the first commercial trucking establishment in Massillon.

In 1946, Raymond L. Sibila, owner of Sibila Trucking, purchased Peoples and took over as president, with his son, Donald Sibila, as vice president. Ray’s other son, Ronald Sibila, joined the company in 1957 after graduating from Ohio University and serving three years as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force. The company branched into public warehousing in the late 1960s.

Ron’s son and the third generation, Douglas Sibila joined the company full time in 1990 after graduating with honors from the University of Notre Dame and working for Andersen Consulting to gain experience. In 2001, he was elected president and COO and became CEO in 2004, with Ron remaining as chairman of the board.

Ron Sibila had five children; two of them currently work for Peoples Services. Nephews and grandchildren have also worked for the company.

Ron Sibila wants family members to work elsewhere for two years or more before entering the business full time. As family members enter the company, they start at an entry level position or one that suits their talents and experience. The family members must participate as they would in any other company and follow the chain of command.

 

Pete and Pete Container Service was established 27 years ago when Pete Sr. and Pete Jr., brokers for a local hauler, decided to venture out independently. They began their journey with just six roll-off containers, tirelessly seeking clients and building their business from the ground up. Their determination and hard work laid the foundation for what has become the leading container service in the region.

Pete Sr. and Pete Jr. collaborated with their wives, Susanne and Lisa, to manage the backend operations of the business, including customer service and accounting. As the company’s needs expanded, so did the involvement of family members, incorporating both of Pete’s sisters, Lisa’s sister and Pete Sr., and Susanne’s granddaughter into the workforce. This family-centric approach has contributed to the company’s growth and success, led by Officers Peter and Lisa Ristagno, which offers dumpsters and manpower needs.

While working with family can present challenges, it ultimately brings the benefits of a shared commitment to the business’s success. The collective dedication and mutual support among family members foster a unified vision and drive, which are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals. This strong familial bond enhances collaboration, trust and resilience, contributing significantly to the overall growth and prosperity of Pete and Pete Container Service, based in Garfield Heights.

 

Snider Recreation, established in 1989 by Chuck Snider, has grown into a reputable provider of high-quality playground equipment and recreational solutions. The company started as a small, local business focused on providing reliable recreational options for parks, schools and municipalities. Over the years, it has steadily expanded its services, reflecting a commitment to quality and community engagement.

Today, Snider Recreation is led by Chuck Snider’s three sons, Jamey, Jeff and Michael Snider, representing the second generation of family leadership, with Jamey Snider as president. The family’s involvement and commitment are evident in every aspect of the business. The brothers uphold the values and standards set by their father, while introducing fresh perspectives to meet modern challenges. This blend of experience and new ideas ensures the company’s legacy and adaptability.

Although Snider Recreation is a small construction company, it distinguishes itself through a practical approach to improvement. The company provides the best solutions to customers by adopting new tools and techniques within its means. The brothers also emphasize mentoring the next generation, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

The company actively engages nonfamily professionals, creating a balanced and dynamic team that enhances operational efficiency. Snider Recreation’s rich history, strong family-business linkage and commitment to improvement make it a model of enduring success and positive community impact.

 

The Spitzer Organization, one of the oldest businesses in Northeast Ohio, was established by George Spitzer (1881-1945), a 1904 graduate of Western Reserve University.

After college, Spitzer farmed before opening a hardware store with an attached livery stable in Grafton, leading to his connection with the automobile industry. Henry Ford was travelling through small towns seeking businessmen to sell his Model T, and while in Grafton, people suggested he meet Spitzer, who began marketing Ford automobiles as part of his business.

Spitzer died in 1945 and the business was continued by his children. By the 1950s, John Spitzer, George’s son, built the automotive side of the company into 14 stores in four states. In the 1950s, the Spitzer Ford showroom in Cleveland became the largest dealership in Ohio.

Ford then approached John and his brother, Del Spitzer, to make a two-hour training film outlining their 10-point sales plan. The Spitzers also pioneered advertising by television, allowing the dealerships to saturate television with their commercials.

In the 1980s, John Spitzer turned daily operations of Spitzer Management Inc. over to his son, Alan, and brother, Del, who expanded the company, representing auto manufacturers in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.

Alan’s daughter, Alison, joined the family business in 2007.

Led by Chairman and CEO Alan Spitzer, the company today operates 21 dealerships in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Visual Marking Systems exemplifies the success of a family-owned business. VMS has reached milestones that have catapulted it to become a leading provider of custom-printed graphics solutions. Founded by Hermann and Dolf Kahle in 1962, VMS stands as a testament to the legacy of a third-generation, family-owned business.

The culture revolves around core values that cultivate a productive, secure, prosperous environment for customers, team members and partners. With a workforce of 135, VMS is dedicated to championing its

mission and propelling its vision to lead in product and brand identification innovation. The culture is shaped by the leadership team’s commitment to customer focus, continuous education, empowerment, innovation, profitability and a sense of urgency.

Twenty years later, Hermann and Dolf Kahle took over, and the following two decades were marked by significant advancements, including the relocation to Twinsburg, consistent annual growth and expansion of its production facility to 50,000 square feet.

With Hermann’s retirement in 2005, Dolf, now CEO, ushered in a new era. Dolf’s son, Eric Kahle, officially joined the company in 2017, embarking on a comprehensive 10-year plan for succession, and today is CRO. At VMS, being a family-owned business doesn’t mean family-run; they entrust their executive team to make strategic decisions that benefit the entire company.

 

In 1979, G.B. Pillai set out to connect children with animals through their experiences at zoos and aquariums. He soon realized there was a lack of animal-based toys and plush available in those gift shops.

He and his wife, Kamala, set out to change that and entered the toy industry. They wanted to ensure zoos and aquariums carried push animals and toys that replicated the animals the children saw in these institutions. At the time, Pillai was an engineer with General Electric.

Pillai traveled to Korea and China to meet with vendors that could supply animal-themed items for him to sell to attractions. They also designed and created a custom plush dolphin sold to the original Cleveland aquarium. With that, K&M International Inc. was born. In 1999, it was rebranded Wild Republic with the release of the original Hanging Monkey and today employs more than 2,000 people.

G.B and Vishnu Sandran, his grandson and CEO of Wild Republic, work to develop new and innovative ways for everyone to learn as they play. The company works with partners around the world, supporting initiatives that connect humans and animals to help preserve species and their habitats. It remains a family owned and operated business, and every employee worldwide is led by the original mission to connect children and animals.