How 46 Northeast Ohio organizations demonstrate the key to longevity is to adapt with changing times
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Nine out of every 10 start-ups will fail within the first few years. There is little doubt the business world is difficult, and often cruel.
Success requires more than simply a good idea; it means having moxie, a belief in innovation, a willingness to adapt, and the ability to do what’s necessary to survive.
Reaching a milestone event, such as celebrating 50 years in operation, signifies you’ve accomplished something few others have.
Hitting 75, 100 or even 150 years? That’s even more impressive.
That’s why Smart Business has launched the inaugural Business Longevity Awards in partnership with the Western Reserve Historical Society, the authority on this region’s history — including businesses and nonprofits.
So why 50 years as the ticket to entry for a Business Longevity Award?
Simple. Fifty years ago, we lived in a completely different world.
Sure, technological advancements through 1966 made our lives easier. But man had not yet landed on the moon, the personal computer and cellular phones were still more than a decade away, and mobile technology was a mere twinkle in the eyes of the innovators who were born in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.
Reaching that 50-year mark is no small feat. In 1966, three of the five largest companies were automakers — GM, Ford and Chrysler — and four of the top 10 were oil companies — Exxon Mobil, Mobil, Texaco, and Gulf Oil. The only “technology” company that cracked the top 10 in 1966 was IBM, at No. 11.
Today, however, multi-national holding companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, and Koch Industries, banks like JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, and telecommunications firms like AT&T and Verizon dominate the landscape with such tech firms as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook.
Our inaugural class of Business Longevity Award honorees represent a wide spectrum of industries and sizes. These organizations have been doing business from 51 years to 149 years, and counting—a true testament to their ability to read and adapt to the marketplace.
The 46 honorees demonstrate the power of innovation and perseverance, as well as an innate ability to understand their respective customers and evolve to meet their needs. And, as you read their stories, we hope you’ll be inspired to look at your organization and figure out how you, too, will celebrate longevity milestones of your own.
Take a look back at the inaugural Business Longevity Awards:
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CELEBRATING 51 YEARS IN BUSINESS
ORBIT INDUSTRIES INC.
FOUNDED: 1965 • John Alexandrovic • CEO • www.orbitndt.com
Orbit Industries was founded in 1965 by James Clemons and a group of nondestructive testing experts with a commitment to excellence in ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant and radiographic inspection techniques. The company operated out of two facilities in Greater Cleveland until 1974 when it consolidated, eliminated the radiographic department and moved the operations to Middleburg Heights.
In 1979, the company was purchased by Robert Smetana, Dan Druso and current CEO John Alexandrovic. In 1992, Smetana divested his ownership of the company through the sale of his interests to Alexandrovic and Smetana’s daughters, Mary and Therese. In July 2001, Alexandrovic led a buyout of the Smetana family interests. Robert Aleksandrovic rejoined Orbit Industries in 2002 as an owner and its COO.
Through consistent training and coaching, the 51-year-old company continues to cultivate a high-quality NDT workforce. The company says it is committed to continuous improvement, and challenges its workforce in all facets of professional development.
Orbit works to derive the supply chain needs of its customer base and execute testing solutions that provide the best quality, lead time and price. The company is fostering partnerships and relationships that cross traditional manufacturing barriers, a strategy it expects will create long-term viability.
CELEBRATING 52 YEARS IN BUSINESS
CHAMPION PERSONNEL SYSTEM
FOUNDED: 1964 • Robert Schepens • CEO • www.championpersonnel.com
Ralph Schepens founded Champion Personnel System in 1964 as a clerical and office permanent hiring marketplace. Over its first 10 years, Schepens expanded the firm’s offerings to include search work in the financial, engineering, technical, IT and plant management arenas. Champion’s focus on permanent placement continued until 1994, when Schepens opened a small temporary placement division that specialized in office workers.
The following year, after dealing with ill health and coming perilously close to going out of business, Ralph sold the company to his son, Robert. Within two years, Robert had transformed the organization and, in doing so, turned around its finances.
He introduced one of the first staffing company websites in the nation, upgraded the computer systems, expanded the temporary staffing division, doubled the staff and became profitable. Over the next two decades, Robert strategically navigated Champion into new markets, such as light industrial and technical; he opened offices in Mentor, Twinsburg, Middlefield and North Olmsted; and he sought out new opportunities to grow the company.
One of those opportunities was staffing the special events marketspace, specifically for what is today Destination Cleveland, where Champion is the exclusive staffing firm for all events that come to town — more than 50 each year.
CELEBRATING 52 YEARS IN BUSINESS
SEA-LAND CHEMICAL CO.
FOUNDED: 1964 • Joe Clayton • president • www.sealandchemical.com
Since its founding in 1964, Sea-Land Chemical Co. has served the specialty chemical industry. Led by President Joe Clayton, it is an international distributor of specialty chemicals that has evolved through the years and today represents more than 30 different suppliers.
Sea-Land Chemical Co. incorporated in 1971; 10 years later it became an ESOP. Over the next 20 years, Sea-Land transitioned to 100 percent employee-ownership.
In 2011, the company established subsidiaries in Canada and Europe, which allowed the company to meet global distribution needs. It also added repackaging expertise and increased importation capabilities. Being a stocking distributor enables Sea-Land to offer multiple warehouses, nationwide coverage and inventory in stock. By 2015, the company was the 35th largest chemical distributor in North America.
As Sea-Land has adapted, leadership has taken additional steps to remain vibrant, including its current initiative to pursue ISO 9001 certification. Sea-Land’s newly formed subsidiary SLC Testing Services Inc., acquired the assets of Tribsys LLC, and offers Twist Compression Tests, which measure lubricant failure at high pressures in a variety of metalworking and industrial applications. As this business grows, the company will look to add further testing equipment to satisfy the innovation needs of companies supplying the lubricants industry.
CELEBRATING 54 YEARS IN BUSINESS
GUARDIAN TITLE & GUARANTY AGENCY INC.
FOUNDED: 1962 • Michael Maniche • president • www.guardiantitle.com
Guardian Title & Guaranty Agency Inc., the oldest independent locally owned title company in Northeast Ohio. was founded 54 years ago. While hundreds of title companies since then have come and gone, Guardian still successfully operates in its geographic footprint and continues to be a market leader.
Though the economy is constantly going through periods of growth, recession and depression, the real estate market is even more volatile. Guardian Title has made it through these periods because of its ability to adapt quickly and to use innovations and cutting edge technology to be more efficient.
Guardian Title was the first Northeast Ohio title company to do business using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Implemented in the late 1980s, this technology allows the agency to provide services for a large amount of transactions with lenders quickly and efficiently. It also allows the agency to grow quickly during busy times by conducting more business with fewer employees, which helps Guardian Title keep employees rather than laying them off during slower times.
Most of employees have been in the business for 15 years or more. For instance, Michael Maniche, president, 36 years’ experience; Timothy Kalep, vice president 42 years; Diane Edmiston, operations manager, 22 years; and Kimberly McNally, general counsel, 20 years.
CELEBRATING 54 YEARS IN BUSINESS
TURNER CONSTRUCTION CO.
FOUNDED: 1962 • Jason Jones • vice president and general manager, Cleveland office • www.turnerconstruction.com/office-network/cleveland
Henry Turner founded Turner Construction Co. in 1902 based on the core values of teamwork, integrity and commitment. Today, Turner has a global reach and its people continue Henry’s vision, providing personalized services to clients, building partnerships in the community and delivering resources such as schools, hospitals, workplaces and social and cultural centers.
Building businesses in Cleveland has been Turner’s mission since 1907, when its first project, Murphy Varnish Co., was completed on East 87th Street. Turner evolved in subsequent years to become one of the most reputable contractors behind the development of downtown Cleveland’s iconic skyline.
The firm established its Cleveland office in 1962; it became a permanent office in 1964. Over the next five decades Turner forged its reputation as a trusted general builder and construction management firm. Today, it employs a staff of more than 120 people who call Northeast Ohio home and completes more than $300 million in construction each year. Among its notable local projects are Key Tower, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Convention Center and the Hilton Cleveland Downtown.
By diversifying its expertise into such areas as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Turner has continued its evolution.
CELEBRATING 56 YEARS IN BUSINESS
EXECUTIVE CATERERS AT LANDERHAVEN
FOUNDED: 1960 • Harlan Diamond • CEO • www.executivecaterers.com
Executive Caterers has spent 56 years creating memorable events for the social, corporate and civic communities of Greater Cleveland as well as nationally. CEO Harlan Diamond holds the distinction of catering to every U.S. president since Lyndon Johnson, for every Ohio governor since James Rhodes and every mayor of Cleveland since Ralph Locher.
Diamond founded Executive Caterers in 1960, after considering becoming a social worker, but was advised that a successful caterer could help many more people. He has helped countless students get through college and has given jobs to those who needed a second or third chance in life.
Executive Caterers’ first event center was located on Chagrin Boulevard, but 25 years ago Diamond felt the need to expand and Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights became the purveyor’s home. A 40,000-square-foot event center with six venues, gardens and patios, Landerhaven has continually upgraded its facilities and has added its own in-house bakery, florist and cuisine.
Diamond and Executive Caterers/Landerhaven have been a part of the Northeast Ohio charity scene, and after the 9/11 tragedy, Diamond converted his Corporate Club into a fundraiser for local non-profits. Since then, Philanthropia has grown to a sold-out event annually of 1,000 people and has raised more than $1.7 million for local charities.
CELEBRATING 59 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HOWARD HANNA
FOUNDED: 1957 • Howard W. “Hoby” Hanna IV • president • www.howardhanna.com
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has humble beginnings. Established in 1957, Howard and Anne Freyvogel Hanna started their family business in a single office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, they are the fourth largest real estate company in the U.S. Founded as the Howard Hanna Company, the family business was an integral part of growing up in the Hanna household.
Today, Howard and Anne’s three children, Hoddy, Helen and Annie, and the third generation, Annie Hanna Engel, Hoby Hanna, Kelly Hanna Riley, Duffy Hanna and Dennis Cestra Jr., carry on the family tradition throughout the company in 205 offices across eight states with more than 7,000 sales associates and employees. In 2015, Howard Hanna assisted 66,714 buyers with home ownership, creating a volume of more than $12.6 billion in real estate value.
The company first came to Ohio in 1996 with the acquisition of Del Realty in the Youngstown area, and then acquired other smaller companies in the Mahoning Valley region before focusing on Cleveland.
Since 2013, Howard Hanna has grown exponentially in the area, with Hanna Commercial offices in the U.S. Bank Centre Building in Playhouse Square and in Pittsburgh where Hanna Commercial operates as Hanna Langholz Wilson Ellis.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS
INDEPENDENCE EXCAVATING INC.
FOUNDED: 1956 • Victor DiGeronimo Jr. • president • www.indexc.com
Don DiGeronimo started Independence Excavating Inc. 60 years ago with a backhoe, bulldozer, truck and a few employees. With the guidance and financial assistance of his father, Sam DiGeronimo, they quickly became a leader in the residential and small commercial excavation field.
In 1971, Don lost his battle with cancer and Don’s four brothers assumed leadership. This management team expanded and diversified the company, honoring Sam and Don’s legacy by performing quality work with honesty and integrity.
Today, Independence Excavating is a large diversified construction company that employs more than 500 people at peak operation; owns and operates a fleet of more than 400 major pieces of construction equipment; and remains loyal to its roots — more than 25 family members spanning four generations are involved in day-to-day operations.
Beginning with the 1972 excavation for the Justice Center, the company has performed most of the major building excavations in downtown Cleveland, including Progressive Field, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the “Q” and the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Recently, Independence Excavating has had a hand in the downtown resurgence with projects for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Flats East Bank Redevelopment, ODOT Innerbelt Bridge reconstruction and the Global Center for Health Innovation, to name a few.
CELEBRATING 62 YEARS IN BUSINESS
NORDSON CORP.
FOUNDED: 1954 • Michael F. Hilton • president & CEO • www.nordson.com
Brothers Eric and Evan Nord founded the Nordson Corp. in 1954, but its roots trace back to the U.S. Automatic Co., which started in 1909. Initially specializing in screw machine parts for the automotive industry, Eric and Evan’s father shifted the company to producing high-precision parts critical for the United States’ defense during World War II.
Following the war, the Nords searched for a basis for future growth and found it by acquiring patents for the “hot airless” method of spraying paint and other coating materials.
By the 1960s, Nordson was a technological leader in paint finishing and innovator in all aspects of powder coating. It also established subsidiaries in Belgium and Japan. In the 1970s, Nordson started trading on the NASDAQ exchange.
In the ensuing decades, Nordson balanced organic and acquisitive growth, adding new capabilities like adhesive dispensing and electronic test and inspection. It also established subsidiaries in Latin America, China and India.
In 2010, Michael F. Hilton became president and CEO. He has focused on corporate and acquisition strategy, organic growth, talent development and continuous improvement. With annual sales exceeding $1 billion, the company is the global leader in precision technology solutions, while seeking to grow into new spaces like medical and polymer processing.
CELEBRATING 65 YEARS IN BUSINESS
R.E. WARNER & ASSOCIATES INC.
FOUNDED: 1951 • Ted Beltavski • president & chairman of the board • www.rewarner.com
R.E. Warner & Associates, a consulting engineering, architectural and surveying firm, was founded in 1951 by Robert Edward Warner. The firm has since grown from one to 85 employees, has moved through five generations of leadership and has grown its original three shareholders to 19.
In the 1950s and 1960s, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering kept the firm busy with projects for the steel industry throughout the Midwest. As the company grew, the professional disciplines of environmental, architectural, instrumentations and controls, structural, processing and piping, mechanical/HVAC and industrial engineering and surveying were added, and its client base expanded to include many large automotive and chemical producers, local manufacturers, electric power companies, commercial and institutional facilities and various government agencies.
Since the onset of computer-aided drafting, R.E. Warner has completed major technology upgrades, and this year acquired Accurate Technologies, giving the firm the capability to provide 3-D laser scanning and laser tracking. The firm also acquired an FAA-approved license to fly a 3-D mapping drone, enabling it to create mapping for surveying and engineering purposes.
Headed by President and Chairman of the Board Ted Beltavski, the company says its steady growth through the years is an excellent indication of client satisfaction.
CELEBRATING 68 YEARS IN BUSINESS
KURTZ BROS. INC.
FOUNDED: 1948 • John T. Kurtz • president • www.kurtz-bros.com
Kurtz Bros. Inc., around for more than six decades, is now on its fifth generation.
The company started as a supplier of topsoil, before evolving into an organics recycler and topsoil manufacturer. Then, in 1986, a budding relationship with Ford paved the way to recycling 6 million tons of foundry sand into horticultural soil blends and engineered fill, extending the company’s landscape supply product line and establishing it as a leader in waste-to-resource.
Around that same time, Kurtz Bros. saw a need for the management and recycling of construction and demolition debris (C&DD). As the need grew and technology advanced, Kurtz Bros. installed a materials recycling facility to sort and process locally generated C&DD debris — one of the first of the 56 C&DD landfills in Ohio to commit to recycling and reuse.
In 2015, it expanded its waste-to-resource services further by partnering with the Port of Cleveland to prevent landfilling and open lake dumping of dredged sediment.
The need for sustainable efforts in the industrial and residential markets has grown dramatically. Kurtz Bros.’s knowledge, experience and commitment to innovation has allowed it to remain a leader in waste-to-resource and landscape supply for 68 years and will carry it on for decades more.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS
ALLIED TOOL & DIE
FOUNDED: 1946 • Fred Montag • president • www.alliedtool-die.com 
More than 70 years of tooling and stamping experience has given Allied Tool & Die a reputation for being able to deliver the “tough job” whether it’s surgical instruments, aerospace, consumer products, lawn and garden, defense or automotive parts. Allied Tool & Die President Fred Montag is continuing the work of his father, Walter, who founded the company in 1946. The company’s reputation for delivering on time and within budget makes Allied a preferred vendor for jobs requiring extra care, accuracy and competitiveness. Allied has been committed to improving the quality, cost and delivery of precision parts.
Allied has proven to be the ideal partner for customers whose metal stampings require extraordinary materials or manufacturing expertise. Allied produces superior stampings from a wide range of materials and processes more stainless than carbon steel. While providing assistance throughout all phases of design, development, prototyping, production, post processing and shipping, these value-added services improve product engineering while simplifying production and reducing cost.
The company has built a reputation for delivering precision metal stampings for surgical instruments, aerospace, consumer products, lawn and garden, defense and automotive parts generally built on progressive dies. Its reputation for delivering on time and within budget makes Allied a preferred supplier for jobs requiring extra care, accuracy and competitiveness.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS
BARNES WENDLING CPAS
FOUNDED: 1946 • Jeffrey Neuman • president • www.barneswendling.com
Barnes Wendling CPAs has evolved from a compliance-oriented generalist services firm to a specialized niche firm utilizing compliance services as a springboard to provide sophisticated solutions focused on building and maintaining the net worth of clients. The Cleveland-based financial services company has been serving closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations since 1946. Its team of educated, experienced professionals is led by President Jeffrey Neuman and is dedicated to that one goal: building and maintaining the net worth of clients.
Over the years, the firm has developed a set of services it calls the BRISE Model, which focuses on planning in the areas of business development, retirement, investment, succession and estate. Regular surveys are conducted to obtain feedback that is valuable in continuing to provide exemplary service to clients.
Barnes Wendling is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date on complex and frequently changing rules and regulations. The attendance of firm professionals at local, state and national training sessions exceeds the hours required by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and state licensing boards.
The firm has been a member of CPA Associates International, a full-service organization of certified and chartered accounting firms, since 1976.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS
WARWICK COMMUNICATIONS
FOUNDED: 1946 • Steve Leopolde • co-owner and VP of Technical Services • www.warwickinc.com
In 1946, after splitting from his original business partner, Arthur Kuehn began installing and servicing dictating equipment under the name Warwick Recorder. His company had five employees and primarily sold wire recorder equipment from its headquarters off Euclid Avenue at E. 46th Street.
Within 10 years, Warwick outgrew its facility and moved into a larger office on Prospect Avenue, just in time to tackle a new project — installing an internal telephone system — known as a Private Automatic Exchange (PAX) — in the Cleveland area.
The project’s success led to a distributorship from the manufacturer for Northeast Ohio, which allowed Warwick to spend the remainder of the 1950s investing in and expanding its product line and services. By decade’s end, the company had 12 employees, was selling intercom and paging systems, and officially became Warwick Communications.
Over the next several decades, Warwick diversified into the growing field of telecommunications, expanding into wireless and networks. Along the way, Art transitioned the company to his son, Don, who in 2009 sold the company to a group of employees — Heidi Murphy, Steve Leopold and Ryan Shorts.
Today, Warwick employs nearly 40 people and continues to be a leader in providing voice and data technology solutions.
CELEBRATING 71 YEARS IN BUSINESS
KIKO COMPANY
FOUNDED: 1945 • Richard T. Kiko Jr. • CEO • www.kikocompany.com
Founded in 1945, the Kiko Company started as Russ Kiko Associates. Russell T. Kiko Sr., current CEO Richard T. Kiko Jr.’s grandfather, conducted auctions on the family farm with help from his wife and 13 children. Seeing himself as an industry pioneer, he selected a covered wagon as the logo.
The company specialized in auctions, but Russ’s oldest son, Dick Sr., saw a lost opportunity so he became a licensed real estate broker. During the 1970s and ’80s, Russ, his six sons, son-in-law, brother-in-law and three nephews built up both businesses.
The third generation, including Dick Jr., grew up taking inventory in attics, emptying basements, handling livestock, tagging items for sale, setting up box lots and cashiering.
Dick Jr. worked for Fortune 500 companies, before returning to the company in 2002. He was instrumental in forming Coletta Holdings and a board of directors, as well as facilitating the third generation’s buyout of the second generation.
The company moved into a new office, expanded its geographic footprint and started a sign shop, while growing into four specialized brands.
Kiko now executes more than 1,100 auctions and lists about 450 properties annually. The company is owned by 24 first cousins and has 45 family members associated with it.
CELEBRATING 71 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THE ROGERS CO.
FOUNDED: 1945 • Rick Busby • president • www.therogersco.com
The Rogers Co. was founded in 1945 by scenic artist Van Rogers as Rogers Display Studios. He was considered a pioneer in the display industry who worked with the Walt Disney Co. and was instrumental in establishing several industry trade organizations that still exist today.
For more than 70 years, The Rogers Co. has been an award-winning designer and manufacturer of branded environments for trade shows, corporate events, showrooms, customer experience centers, corporate interiors and executive conference centers.
The experience of its staff, led by President Rick Busby, is an example of its continuity over the past 70 years. Its craftsmen average more than 15 years of experience in the industry, as does its engineering staff, and its graphic and design departments average more than 19 years in the industry.
The company offers its clients state-of-the-art solutions such as a wide range of rental properties, lightweight fabrics, LED lighting and an array of digital products including digital media, digital content and audio-visual equipment. The Rogers Co. says it was one of the first in its industry to offer an online ordering and inventory system for their portable displays and graphics.
It strives to remain state-of-the-art experts in experiential marketing while helping to maximize clients’ marketing ROI.
CELEBRATING 74 YEARS IN BUSINESS
GENERAL METAL HEAT TREATING INC.
FOUNDED: 1942 • Katie Churchin • president • www.generalmetalheat.com
Arthur Torok, a young metallurgist, joined General Metal Heat Treating as a minority owner in 1962. The company had been founded in 1942, and within 10 years, Torok had become the majority owner and president.
To expand the business, Torok brought on technical expertise and made several capital investments. Today, GMHT has furnace lines that include vacuum, salt, pit, batch, draw and deep freeze.
Over the years, the company has become known for high quality and the ability to heat-treat complex jobs. GMHT is proud to be Nadcap and AS9100C certified. This level of quality certification is not typical for smaller, owner-operated heat treat facilities. These certifications allow GMHT to heat treat parts for the aerospace and nuclear industries and others that require a high level of quality and technical capabilities.
GMHT is also proud of the quality of its employees. Several employees have been with the company for more than 25 years. There is also a strong base of younger employees who have been with the company from five to 10 years.
Today, three of Torok’s children are involved in the business: Chris Torok, in charge of maintenance and pyrometry; Deb Dougherty, quality; and Katie Churchin, finance and administration.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HALL, KISTLER & CO. LLP
FOUNDED: 1941 • Karen Brenneman • managing partner • www.hallkistler.com
Hall, Kistler & Co. LLP began in 1941 as a two-person accounting firm in downtown Canton with a Stark County clientele. Since then, it has grown to a firm of more than 20 staff with a national and international client list.
Hall, Kistler has always been an early adopter of technology. Gone are the large ledger books used to for hand-written entries. In early 2000, the company started storing files online and has now progressed to being a completely cloud-based firm.
Although remaining committed to the city of Canton for all of its 75 years, due to expansion of the international business sector, Hall, Kistler joined BKR International in 2001 to gain the combined strength of more than 160 independent accounting and business advisory firms in more than 500 offices and 80 countries.
Hall, Kistler is one of the largest locally owned public accounting firms in the area. Its niche expertise has evolved over the years yet the company remains committed to the oil and gas, manufacturing and nonprofit organization fields.
Managing Partner Karen Brenneman has been with Hall, Kistler since 1998 and has been in the leadership role since 2011. She has worked with local and regional firms from small to large over the last 28 years.
CELEBRATING 76 YEARS IN BUSINESS
ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN
FOUNDED: 1940 • Sally Farwell • president and CEO • www.achievementcenters.org
The Achievement Centers for Children has filled an essential and unique role in the delivery of comprehensive services and programs for children with disabilities and their families within the Northeast Ohio community for over 75 years. The organization’s history is long and rich, marked by growth, innovation and change. From its inception as the Society for Crippled Children during the war on polio in the 1940s, to the present as increases in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders demand new resources in an uncertain and rapidly changing health care environment, the Achievement Centers has continued to evolve and respond to critical community needs while staying true to its singular mission to help children with disabilities and their families.
Numerous challenges have continued to impact available resources, including decreases in and the elimination of some government funding streams, as well as increased restrictions from commercial payers, such as health insurers. But the strong commitment to children with disabilities and their families has remained constant under the leadership of Sally Farwell, the organization’s president and CEO. Achievement Centers for Children has always fulfilled that commitment by providing services of the highest quality that support families and enable children to be as independent as possible.
CELEBRATING 77 YEARS IN BUSINESS
STANDBY SCREW MACHINE PRODUCTS CO.
FOUNDED: 1939 • William F. Marcell ll • COO | Frederick W. Marcell • owner • www.standbyscrew.com
Standby Screw Machine Products Co., a precision-turned metal component manufacturer in the automotive and outdoor power equipment markets, is a third-generation family-owned business. William Frederick Marcell started the company in 1939 with one machine in his garage. Over the years, the business grew and his son, Frederick William Marcell, took over.
In 2003, it was clear that in order to remain competitive, the company would need a lower price alternative for customers. A plant was established in China to meet that demand while still selling its products and growing the business in the U.S. That facility has complemented the Berea, Ohio plant and has helped keep the business financially stable even during the difficult period between 2008-2009.
The company continually invests in cutting-edge technology and automation. William Frederick Marcell II saw the need to incorporate robotics for better efficiencies and accuracies, and several robots have since been installed in its Berea and China facilities.
The business employs more than 120 people in the U.S., many of whom have been working for the company throughout their entire career. Standby is considered not only innovative and forward thinking, but to be a company that cares about every person it employs.
CELEBRATING 78 YEARS IN BUSINESS
ZINNER & CO.
FOUNDED: 1938 • Robin Baum • managing partner • www.zinnerco.com
Harry Zinner began Zinner & Co. in 1938 as a bookkeeping and tax practice in the Cleveland Food Terminal, which at the time was the center of commerce. Zinner did work for numerous small businesses in Greater Cleveland.
In 1966, Harry’s son, Donald, left a large accounting firm to join his father. The next year, Donald became a partner and the firm was renamed Zinner & Zinner. Over the next few decades, the firm grew — adding talented professionals and merging with other firms until 1996, when it eventually became known as Zinner & Co.
While the firm’s core client base is in Northeast Ohio, it serves clients worldwide through its membership in The International Alliance Group (TIAG), a global alliance of independent accounting firms in 65 countries.
One area where the firm has established a niche is in not-for-profit services, where Zinner & Co. represents some of the most widely recognized regional nonprofits.
The firm’s ability to adapt to changing times — and evolving client needs — has been evident since the early days. Today, under managing partner Robin Baum, Zinner & Co. continues to build relationships and diversify its services beyond comprehensive CPA and accounting services to include business consultancy and a host of other related outsourced services.
CELEBRATING 84 YEARS IN BUSINESS
GEIGER’S
FOUNDED: 1932 • Chas Geiger | Gordon Geiger • co-owners • www.shopgeigers.com
The name “Geiger’s” has been associated with clothing since the early 1900s when Charley Geiger and his brother Howard had a haberdashery business. They expanded to 17 stores at their height, in Downtown Cleveland and on the West Side.
When the Depression hit, the brothers reincorporated separately. Howard had a store at Kamm’s Corners in Cleveland for years. Charley made Lakewood his base in 1932.
When Charley Geiger passed away in 1949, his son Charley Jr., who had worked in the family-owned haberdashery from age 12 on, took over. He operated the business until he passed away in 1991 and built not only the shop’s reputation, but the family’s reputation as responsible citizens of the community.
Charley Geiger often was referred to as “Mr. Lakewood.” He had been president of the Lakewood Board of Education and Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. He was named Lakewood Citizen of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1972 and Man of the Year by the Lakewood Athletic Commission in 1981.
Under his leadership, the business expanded to include a children’s clothing store and ski and sports departments. The business is now operated by his sons, Chas and Gordon. Chas has also served on the Lakewood school board for many years, like his dad.
CELEBRATING 85 YEARS IN BUSINESS
GREAT LAKES INTEGRATED
FOUNDED: 1931 • James Schultz• president, CEO and chairman • www.gll.com
Eighty-five years ago with a printing press and a dream, Joseph and Elsie Schultz started Great Lakes as a printing company.
Joseph had started in the industry at age 15 and in 1927 invented a time-saving device to clean the rolls of lithograph printing presses. The invention or variations of it were widely used in the printing industry.
While Joseph received 57 patents during his life, he was also a respected printer, which led to the founding of Great Lakes Lithograph, later Great Lakes Integrated.
He believed the most important factor for survival was emphasis on innovation and reinvention.
Their son George took over leadership of the operation in 1950, and grew the company by acquiring innovative printing technologies. His son James started with the company in 1971 and became CEO in 1986.
By the mid-1980s, GLI added desktop publishing. In the mid-1990s, customers sought marketing-related requests for print pieces so GLI created a fulfillment division. Soon after, GLI introduced digital asset management systems with Print on Demand.
GLI installed a new digital press last year that can print smaller jobs more economically with the same quality and efficiency. It’s a focus on the “little bets” that helped Great Lakes grow and stay ahead of the competition.
CELEBRATING 86 YEARS IN BUSINESS
BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
FOUNDED: 1930 • Joe McAleese • chairman | Berend Bracht • president and CEO | Carlos Hungria • COO • www.bendix.com
In 1930, Clessie Cummins drove the first diesel engine passenger car from Indianapolis to New York. The Chrysler Building topped 1,000 feet. And the company that eventually became Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems was born. Today, 86 years after the Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Airbrake Co. was established in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, Bendix is still driven by an unwavering commitment to safer roadways and better safety technology. It is led today by Joe McAleese as chairman, Berend Bracht as president and CEO and Carlos Hungria as COO.
Bendix, the North American leader in the development and manufacture of active safety and braking solutions for commercial vehicles, was formed in 1930 by the merger of Bendix Aviation Co. and Westinghouse Air Brake. The company moved its headquarters to Northeast Ohio in 1941 and in 2002 became a proud member of the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse Group, the world’s preeminent manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles.
Even as Bendix has evolved and grown in the past 86 years, its story has always been one of ingenuity, initiative and intellect. Roadways and commercial vehicles have changed in many ways since 1930, but those qualities continue to drive and shape our efforts to improve highway safety and meet the commercial vehicle industry’s ever-changing needs.
CELEBRATING 87 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HEINEN’S INC.
FOUNDED: 1929 • Jeff Heinen | Tom Heinen • co-owners • www.heinens.com
From its humble beginnings as a butcher shop in 1929 on Chagrin Boulevard in Shaker Heights, Heinen’s Inc. in its 87 years has grown to have 23 locations in Ohio and Illinois. Founded by Joseph H. Heinen, a German immigrant, the shop became one of the first supermarkets when Heinen moved it to larger quarters across the street in 1933, adding produce and groceries to the meat market.
The firm’s reputation for high quality, service and cleanliness grew. Heinen’s was one of the first to sell self-service meat in a package. Later, it introduced parcel pickup service. In 1939, Heinen’s began an expansion program by opening other supermarkets in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods. By 1962 Heinen’s had five stores and a new warehouse and headquarters in Warrensville Heights. Also starting in the 1960s, Heinen’s expanded to Cleveland’s west suburbs. Last year, Heinen’s unveiled its most ambitious location with a redevelopment of the former Cleveland Trust building at 900 Euclid Ave.
Heinen’s has always remained a family business, and Joseph Heinen and his son John J. “Jack” have been honored as Retailers of the Year. Following the founder’s death in 1981, Jack Heinen served as CEO until his death in 1994. His twin sons, Jeff and Tom, operate the business now.
CELEBRATING 89 YEARS IN BUSINESS
KING NUT COMPANIES
FOUNDED: 1927 • Martin Kanan • president & CEO • www.kingnut.com
In 1989, Kanan Enterprises bought a long-time Cleveland gourmet nut producer, the King Nut Company, founded in 1937, which had 30 employees.
Known for servicing all the major airlines in North America, as well as selling to retailers and food service distributors, King Nut established Summer Harvest Brands in 1995 to provided pretzels and snack mixes to its major customers.
Then, in 2003, Kanan Enterprises purchased Peterson Nut (Fairmont Snacks Group), an even older Cleveland nut company founded in 1927. The merger created King Nut Companies. The Kanans moved all manufacturing from Peterson’s into King Nut’s 89,000 square foot facility, leaving the original location as a factory outlet store.
With Chairman Michael Kanan, President and CEO Martin Kanan, EVP of Sales Matthew Kanan and CFO Joe Valenza, the company continues to be one of the top nut and snack companies in the U.S. with more than 300 employees. Its headquarters, manufacturing and main warehousing of 250,000 square feet are spread throughout three adjacent buildings, with additional manufacturing, warehousing and two factory outlet stores throughout the city of Solon and Cleveland.
The company is still a major airline provider and is now a well-known private label provider, co-packer and retail supplier, producing approximately 500 million packages annually.
CELEBRATING 93 YEARS IN BUSINESS
RIDGE TOOL CO.
FOUNDED: 1923 • Fred Pond • president • www.ridgid.com
Ridge Tool Co., led by President, Fred Pond, prides itself on its dedication to those working in the professional trades. For nearly 100 years this commitment has driven the company forward, helping it adapt and remain nimble as times change. Today, Ridge Tool and the RIDGID® brand are trusted by the professional trades in more than 140 countries.
In 1923, the first RIDGID® tool was built: the now iconic RIDGID® pipe wrench. In 1946, with World War II coming to an end, Ridge Tool went global, exporting products that would help trade professionals rebuild Europe.
Product success is only part of how Ridge Tool has remained successful. In 2008, the company launched RIDGID® Software Solutions: a unique and dynamic application designed to help the trades do their jobs more efficiently. Today, the software development studio has grown to support many of parent company Emerson’s business units, creating apps not only for RIDGID® products, but also for other companies, including ClosetMaid and Liebert.
Ridge Tool attributes its near-century in business to its commitment to the needs of the professional trades. By always keeping an eye on the end user, RIDGID® has a place among the premiere brands for trade professionals.
CELEBRATING 97 YEARS IN BUSINESS
EASTER SEALS
FOUNDED: 1919 • Sheila Dunn • president and CEO • www.easterseals.org/noh
Edgar F. Allen founded in 1919 what became known as the National Society for Crippled Children after he lost his son Homer, 17, in a tragic streetcar accident in Elyria, Ohio. There were no adequate medical services available for his son, and Allen decided to sell his business, seek donors and build a hospital. It became EMH Regional Healthcare System.
The first such organization of its kind, its specialized services and programs and drew families from all over to the newly created hospital. In 1934, the first Easter “seal” campaign was begun to raise money for services. Donors placed seals on envelopes and letters to show their support.
In 1952, the lily—a symbol of spring—was officially incorporated as Easter Seals’ logo for its association with new life and hope through rehabilitation.
Overwhelming public support for the Easter Seals campaign spawned nationwide growth. By 1967, the Easter “seal” was so well recognized, the organization formally adopted the name “Easter Seals.”
Sheila Dunn, president and CEO, has been since 1992 with Easter Seals Northern Ohio Inc.
Easter Seals for more than 97 years has aided children and adults with disabilities live better lives. It has grown into an international organization that assists more than 1 million people annually.
CELEBRATING 97 YEARS IN BUSINESS
MEADEN & MOORE
FOUNDED: 1919 • James P. Carulas • CEO • www.meadenmoore.com
Meaden & Moore has been part of the Northeast Ohio business community since Douglas Meaden founded it in 1919.
Meaden, one of the earliest CPAs in Ohio, launched his income tax preparation business by setting up shop in The Cleveland Trust Co.’s lobby and preparing income tax returns for bank patrons. As his business expanded, Meaden asked a key employee to become his partner and the name changed to Meaden & Moore.
The firm has grown to more than 225 employees in 18 locations in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, while expanding to advising a wide array of business clients on various accounting, tax, technology and business consulting matters.
Niche areas of expertise also have evolved into substantial business operations, such as the Investigative Accounting Group. Started in 1959, this group is now one of the foremost forensic accounting advisers for business interruption, damage assessment and litigation support services in the Americas and Europe.
Meaden & Moore has been able to adapt, expand and thrive for more than six generations of ownership because of its professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit. Today under CEO James P. Carulas, the core values remain the same: Do what’s right for our clients, our people and our communities.
CELEBRATING 101 YEARS IN BUSINESS
KARAMU HOUSE
FOUNDED: 1915 • Tony Sias • president & CEO • www.karamuhouse.org
In 1915, a pair of Oberlin graduates opened a settlement house in an area of Cleveland called “The Roaring Third” at the corner of East 38th and Central Avenue. With foresight and vision, Russell Jelliffe and Rowena Woodham set out to establish a common ground where people of different races, religions, social and economic backgrounds could come together to seek and share common ventures.
The idea was conceived out of the principle that the individual is not wholly determined by his environment, but has the capacity to transcend it. The arts provided the perfect common ground.
The early 1920s saw a number of African-Americans move into the area from the South. Resisting pressure to exclude their new neighbors, all races were welcome, and the “Playhouse Settlement” became a magnet for some of the best African-American artists of the day. Dancers, printmakers, actors and writers all found a place to practice their crafts.
The Playhouse Settlement was renamed Karamu, a Swahili word meaning “Place of enjoyment in the Center of the Community” in 1941. With a rich history dating back close to 100 years, the Karamu House, today under the direction of President and CEO Tony Sias, is a premiere theatre in the Cleveland region.
CELEBRATING 101 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THE RUHLIN CO.
FOUNDED: 1915 • Jim Ruhlin Sr. • president and CEO • www.ruhlin.com
It was Aug. 4, 1915, when German/Swiss immigrant and entrepreneur John G. Ruhlin and his brothers founded Ruhlin Brothers Construction Co., a bricklaying company, outside of Akron. One hundred years later, many successful projects and a few name changes later, The Ruhlin Co. has grown into a full-service construction firm with an average of 100 full-time employees and 275 trade workers.
Ruhlin provides a range of general contracting, construction management and design/build services to serve the health care, education, government, commercial, energy, environmental, transportation, industrial and structural steel markets. With a wealth of expertise solving complex construction challenges, Ruhlin has become a respected name across these markets.
The business has joined an elite group of companies that have withstood the test of time to celebrate 100 years of business, says Jim Ruhlin Sr., the company’s president and CEO. Ruhlin credits hardworking employees for doing what’s right, not just what’s expedient. He says employees are dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience at every interaction, allowing the business to build a legacy of successful projects over time.
The company attracts and retains skilled, experienced employees who are committed to the values that have set Ruhlin apart for 100 years. Their collective knowledge, expertise and client focus is the foundation of Ruhlin’s reputation.
CELEBRATING 103 YEARS IN BUSINESS
NACCO INDUSTRIES INC.
FOUNDED: 1913 • Alfred Rankin Jr. • chairman, president & CEO • www.nacco.com
In 1913, Frank E. Taplin Sr. founded The Cleveland & Western Coal Co. as a one-man brokerage firm, selling other companies’ coal. Over the next century, the company evolved into NACCO Industries Inc., a multi-billion-dollar diversified holding company.
Taplin’s small brokerage grew into an underground mining company by 1916. Ten years later, it rebranded as The North American Coal Corp. From there, a dual focus on safety and innovation spurred its transformation from an Eastern underground miner of bituminous coal to the largest lignite surface miner in the United States. And then a corporate diversification program launched in the early 1980s led to the creation in 1986 of NACCO Industries Inc.
The company’s expansion included taking a controlling investment in the lift truck industry and acquiring businesses in the housewares industry. By 2011, NACCO was a Fortune 1000 business with revenues of $3.3 billion.
Fittingly, during its 100th year, NACCO transformed itself yet again by spinning off its materials handling business in late 2012 as an independent public company, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc.
Today, under the leadership of Alfred Rankin Jr., NACCO remains a strong, multi-industry company with leading businesses in the mining, small appliances and specialty retail industries.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THOMPSON HINE
FOUNDED: 1911 • Deborah Reed • managing partner • www.thompsonhine.com
Thompson Hine traces its beginnings back to 1893, when an enterprising, self-taught attorney, Amos Burt (A.B.) Thompson was admitted to the Ohio Bar and established a commercial law practice in downtown Cleveland. He went into partnership with Charles P. Hine and later, in 1911, with Walter L. Flory. Together they became Thompson, Hine and Flory, a name the firm would keep for the next 90 years before shortening it to Thompson Hine in 2001.
Over the next 100-plus years, the firm grew from a single small office in Cleveland to become one of the largest business law firms in the nation. Today, Thompson Hine has approximately 400 attorneys and offices in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, New York, and Washington, D.C.
One reason the firm has been able to survive, thrive and expand is its ability to innovate. In 2003, Thompson Hine conducted its first Client Satisfaction Survey in an effort to understand areas where it could improve. This led to a series of focus groups among clients and staff, resulting in the firm’s adoption of its Client Service Pledge in 2006. More recently, Thompson Hine implemented SmartPaTH, which incorporates legal project management, flexible staffing, process efficiency and value-based pricing.
CELEBRATING 106 YEARS IN BUSINESS
SEIBERTKECK INSURANCE
FOUNDED: 1910 • Rich Hite • CEO • www.seibertkeck.com
SeibertKeck Insurance was founded in downtown Akron in 1910 by Tim Seibert, with George Keck later joining the firm. Seibert’s original mission was simple: Provide the highest quality customer service through leadership, relationship building and unrivaled industry expertise.
Over the years, SeibertKeck has grown organically and through acquisitions to become one of the region’s largest, independent, full-service insurance agencies. It also ranks in the top 5 percent of the largest insurance brokers in the United States.
The company’s longevity is a result of its leadership building relationships with its clients, and by its expertise in the insurance business. SeibertKeck’s team recognizes that while some firms can offer lower cost policies, these are not necessarily the best for their client’s needs. It has been this multi-pronged approach which has enabled SiebertKeck to grow from a small insurance agency into a regional force. The firm insures risks and services clients throughout the Unites States, Canada, Mexico, overseas. It is licensed in all 50 continental states.
Today, SeibertKeck provides expertise in commercial and institutional property and casualty insurance, security bonding, professional liability, and life and benefits insurance, and while the physical location and look of the office has changed, the firm’s original guiding principle has not.
CELEBRATING 108 YEARS IN BUSINESS
INDUSTRIAL NUT CORP.
FOUNDED: 1908 • J. William Springer • president & CEO • www.industrialnut.com
n the changing global fastener market, Industrial Nut Corp. is one of the few companies to survive for more than 100 years. Long recognized for the range of products it produces, the company continues to grow and expand its coverage of special nuts and locknuts.
William Springer, president & CEO and grandson of the founder, has overseen many changes in manufacturing and supply channels during his 35 years leading the company.
Industrial Nut has integrated vendor-managed inventory programs and made investments to improve productivity through technological advances in equipment and lean manufacturing methods. This translates to more competitive pricing and improved product quality.
As an engineering-based supplier of critical components to industries like heavy truck, construction equipment and farm machinery, Industrial Nut hasn’t deviated from its mission to supply the best nut for the customer’s application.
Any good business needs a succession plan to survive, and the fourth generation of the Springer family is positioned to assume responsibility at the appropriate time.
The industry is constantly changing, yet sound-manufacturing strategies and high-quality, attentive customer service will never become obsolete. If the past is any indication of the future, Industrial Nut’s position as a vital supplier to the dynamic fastener industry is secure.
CELEBRATING 110 YEARS IN BUSINESS
CLEVELAND SIGHT CENTER
FOUNDED: 1906 • Larry Benders • president and executive director • www.clevelandsightcenter.org
Established as Cleveland Society for the Blind in 1906 and today known as Cleveland Sight Center (CSC), the agency has long been a resource and advocate for those who are blind or are vision-impaired. Led by Larry Benders, CSC’s president and executive director, the agency provides rehabilitation, social and independent living services to Northeast Ohio residents of all ages. In 1928, CSC opened the first summer camp, Highbrook Lodge in Chardon, Ohio, dedicated to serving those with blindness or low vision.
In 1907, Robert Irwin, a blind Harvard University graduate, proved visually impaired children could succeed in Cleveland public schools. His findings verified the idea of “mainstreaming” a half-century before it became an educational buzzword. Industrial giant Caesar Grasselli donated his home in 1918 to create the first permanent location for the Cleveland Society for the Blind.
In the 1930s, Lubrizol founder Kelvin Smith and his wife, Eleanor, became involved with Cleveland Sight Center, a commitment that lasted over 50 years and continues today through the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation. And in the 1980s, James P. Storer, a blind broadcasting executive, financed one of the nation’s first digital technology centers to provide technology to others with similar vision impairments.
CELEBRATING 118 YEARS IN BUSINESS
DOMINION EAST OHIO
FOUNDED: 1898 • Jeff Murphy • vice president & general manager • www.dom.com
Dominion East Ohio is part of the larger Dominion energy corporation, formed by the acquisition of East Ohio Gas by Dominion Resources. Founded in 1898 as a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey, The East Ohio Gas Co. constructed its first pipeline in Belmont County, Ohio, using the latest pipeline technology to lessen the threat of leaks. It opened franchises the same year in Akron, Canton, New Philadelphia, and Dover.
Within one year, East Ohio Gas had nearly 4,000 customers, and the next year extended its pipeline to Cleveland.
Over the next decade, through the acquisition of a variety of gas companies and the emphasis on quality service for its more than 85,000 customers, East Ohio Gas became the world’s largest gas utility.
Through its history, the company has been an innovator. In 1916, it helped pioneer the use of welded pipe. It started advocating conservation of resources in 1920 as local gas supplies dwindled. In 1925, it created an appliance testing laboratory in Cleveland. And the company implemented new methods of storage as it continued expanding into new suburban markets.
By 1988, East Ohio Gas was the 13th largest gas utility company in the nation.
CELEBRATING 121 YEARS IN BUSINESS
LINCOLN ELECTRIC
FOUNDED: 1895 • Christopher Mapes • chairman, CEO & president • www.lincolnelectric.com
Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895 on the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, John C. and James F. Lincoln. It was a pioneer in the development of the arc-welding industry and the originator of an innovative employee incentive system.
The company started as a manufacturer of battery chargers for electric automobiles. It evolved into a leading provider of welding and cutting products, as well as and automation systems for a wide range of industries.
Lincoln Electric’s early growth came through its change from electrical charging to welding in 1909, when it began producing welding machines. A few years later, it began offering educational opportunities, such as a welding school and the publication of instructional technical materials. Since 1917, Lincoln Electric has trained more than 100,000 people at its Weld Technology and Training Center.
Shortly after James Lincoln became general manager in 1914, he established an Employee Advisory Board where elected representatives from each department met for bi-weekly meetings — a practice continued to this day. James also developed a worker incentive plan, which includes an incentive bonus for all employees based on annual revenue.
Today, Lincoln Electric is a publicly traded global manufacturer with 48 locations in 19 countries and generates more than $2.5 billion in annual sales.
CELEBRATING 123 YEARS IN BUSINESS
OSWALD COMPANIES
FOUNDED: 1893 • Bob Klonk • CEO • www.oswaldcompanies.com
Founded in 1893, Oswald Companies is one of the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned insurance brokerage firms. James B. Oswald started the company by making this proposition to his friend, Harris Creech: “Let’s start a company based upon professionalism and customer service.”
Together, they conceived an insurance organization that would serve the businesses of a growing Cleveland. Creech left the partnership in the 1920s and Oswald Companies became a family venture, with Oswald’s son Robert joining the firm in the 1930s, son Thomas in the 1940s, and grandson James Pender in the 1950s. Today, more than 120 years later, Oswald Companies’ more than 350 professionals across six offices remain grounded in the founders’ values.
A “Focus Forward” philosophy guides the company and team members work with clients to not only solve today’s challenges but also create solutions of the future. It’s a reflection of how Oswald has maintained steady growth: talent development, acquisition, creative client service and continuous improvement.
Today, under CEO Bob Klonk, Oswald is an employee-owned family of firms and a member of Assurex Global, the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers. The company’s numerous acquisitions and expansion position it with four business units that provide a wide range of products and services to its clients.
CELEBRATING 124 YEARS IN BUSINESS
CARR BROS. INC.
FOUNDED: 1892 • Floyd E. Carr Jr. • president | Duane A. Carr • vice president • www.carrbros.net
For more than a century, Carr Bros. Inc. has adapted to changing times by capitalizing on the achievements of prior generations. The company began in 1892 in Bedford as a coal company owned by the current millennial generation’s great grandfather. Using a horse and buggy, the company supplied coal and building supplies such as brick, plaster, sewer pipe and concrete to its customers.
As customer demand grew, the company adapted and grew. Carr Bros. expanded and relocated to Walton Hills in 1953. Supplying both commercial and residential concrete contractors, the company focused on growth and cost management. Over the years, the company has been dedicated to keeping up with the times and taking care of its customers. Although concrete jobs remain the same, the way in which these jobs get done has become more efficient and advanced.
Led by President Floyd E. Carr Jr. and Vice President Duane A. Carr, Carr Bros. boasts leading edge billing software and state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, the company utilizes dynamic routing and field service management software that optimizes delivery and routes.
Working together, each generation has added to the legacy of sound business management and decision-making skills that continues to make Carr Bros. a household name for ready-mixed concrete.
CELEBRATING 124 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THE OSBORN ENGINEERING CO.
FOUNDED: 1892 • Gary Hribar • president and CEO • www.osborn-eng.com
Founded by Frank Osborn in 1892 at the height of the Industrial Revolution, The Osborn Engineering Co. has a history of seizing opportunity and driving innovation. In 1902, Frank Osborn authored the forerunner of today’s American Institute of Steel Construction Manual, The Osborn Tables, so that all steel shapes produced in the U.S., and now worldwide, could be standardized.
Osborn Engineering has always been a stalwart in its field. It capitalized on the booming automotive production of the early 1900s and designed more than 25 rubber product plants, including Goodyear and Firestone.
Through the next decade, the company designed many major-league, municipal and collegiate stadiums, including Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.
World War II forced the company to reduce its staff to two. But after the war, it grew, expanding its services to include architectural, electrical design, and heating, piping and ventilation.
Through the 1960s, it branched into markets around the world, and purchased its first computer. Most recently the company has expanded into the health care market, combined its sports engineering and architectural legacies, and launched a technology group.
Now operating in its 124th year, under the guidance of President and CEO Gary Hribar, the company continues to capitalize on opportunity.
CELEBRATING 130 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HORSBURGH & SCOTT
FOUNDED: 1886 • Pradeep Saha• president & CEO• www.horsburgh-scott.com
The streetcar business was booming in 1886 when Frank Horsburgh and Thomas Scott opened a machine shop to manufacture gears and pinions for the new mode of transportation.
Today, Horsburgh & Scott is a global leader in the engineering, manufacture and repair of large industrial gears and gearboxes for a range of industrial applications.
In 1903 the company moved to its current headquarters, which encompasses an entire city block at East 53rd street and St. Clair Avenue. The company has expanded considerably since then and now has more than 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space, including a repair/rebuild center on Chardon Road in Euclid and a heat treat facility on Hamilton Avenue in Cleveland.
Horsburgh & Scott evolved through the Great Depression of the 1930s and through World War II. When the war ended, there came new demands for gearing to support America’s capital expansion and the company experienced strong growth for 25 years.
As global markets have evolved, so has Horsburgh & Scott, which recently completed manufacture of its largest gearbox ever, weighing 366,000 pounds and producing 24.7 million foot-pounds of output torque.
President and CEO Pradeep Saha is focused on continued growth expanding the company’s gear and gearbox solutions into new markets in the U.S. and abroad.
CELEBRATING 136 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT CO.
FOUNDED: 1880 • Karl Warnke • chairman, president and CEO • www.davey.com
Davey Tree was founded in 1880 on the idea of scientific tree care. The company’s founder, John Davey, was an entrepreneur who believed people loved trees but neglected them only because they didn’t know how to care for them. So he wrote a book, “The Tree Doctor,” that demonstrated his concepts for doctoring trees based on scientific methods. This innovative work is both the bedrock of Davey’s science-based methods and also core to the entrepreneurial spirit of its employees.
After publishing “The Tree Doctor” in 1901, the demand for John Davey’s tree care services continued to grow, expanding from Ohio into Pennsylvania, New York, Washington, D.C. and even the Canadian cities of Toronto and Ottawa.
From the introduction of chainsaws and other groundbreaking equipment to introducing a holistic way of caring for plants — Davey’s integration of new technology and equipment has revolutionized both how Davey and the industry cares for trees. More than 8,600 employees provide tree care, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting services for markets throughout North America.
Employees purchased the company in 1979, making Davey one of the oldest and largest employee-owned companies in the country. It is currently led by Karl Warnke, who serves as chairman, president and CEO.
CELEBRATING 138 YEARS IN BUSINESS
THE AUSTIN CO.
FOUNDED: 1878 • Mike Pierce • president • www.theaustin.com
Samuel Austin came to the U.S. from England in 1872. By 1878, his quality craftsmanship allowed him to set out on his own.
In 1899, Samuel Austin’s son, Wilbert, began working with his father as an engineer. He introduced the idea of providing engineering services with construction services, a process called The Austin Method. It would quickly carry the company’s name throughout the U.S. and the world.
The father-son team would establish many innovations. In 1907, they constructed the first reinforced concrete structure in Cleveland, now the Tower Press building. In 1914, Wilbert created standardized factory design, which proved to be efficient, safe and cost effective.
During World War I, they developed the first prefabricated factories to be shipped to Europe. They began serving the aviation industry and would eventually help Cleveland during the development of its airport.
They became well-known design-builders of newspaper facilities and would design and construct more than 100 community newspaper and 30 metropolitan newspaper facilities.
Post-World War II, Austin designed and constructed facilities for major American broadcasting networks, including Cleveland’s WEWS-TV studio.
Today, led by President Mike Pierce, The Austin Co. continues to serve a diverse range of industries, including health care, aviation and aerospace, pharmaceuticals and nuclear support.
CELEBRATING 142 YEARS IN BUSINESS
FRIENDLY INN SETTLEMENT HOUSE
FOUNDED: 1874 • Richgina Jeff-Carter • executive director • www.friendlyinn.org
Friendly Inn Settlement is the oldest existing settlement house in Cleveland and oldest continually operating one in the nation. Founded in 1874 by the Women’s Temperance Union League (W.T.U.L.) through the efforts of Laura Rockefeller and Flora Stone Mather, Friendly Inn originally provided a liquor-free gathering place for residents of poor neighborhoods. It evolved into one of the city’s first settlement houses, where affluent women mingled with the poor, distributed food and read passages from the Bible.
Within a few years, Friendly Inn had five locations and served recent immigrants with playgrounds and kindergartens, clubs for mothers, bathing facilities for men and vocational training for boys. Its benefactors included John D. Rockefeller and Stephen V. Harkness, co-founders of the Standard Oil Co.
In 1954, Friendly Inn’s demographics changed from primarily European immigrants to predominantly African-American. It moved its headquarters to the Central neighborhood and started offering programs that addressed issues faced by its clients, including employment training, housing assistance and G.E.D classes.
By 2003, Friendly Inn had outgrown its space and built a new facility. Today, it operates a licensed childcare center, provides after-school programming, offers college exposure trips for high school students and runs social service initiatives for families and expecting and new mothers as the preferred service provider for numerous state, local and regional agencies.
CELEBRATING 149 YEARS IN BUSINESS
SP MOUNT PRINTING CO.
FOUNDED: 1867 • Scott C. McGill • president • www.spmount.com
Seeley P. Mount, a drummer boy during the last battles of the Civil war, teamed up with a partner and established the Mount & Carroll printing firm in 1867. Four years later, Mount bought out Carroll and renamed it The SP Mount Printing Co.
When the company began, printing was done directly from type, which had been set by hand and using foot-powered platen printing presses. The end of World War II ushered in offset printing. Production speeds doubled and anything that could be photographed could be reproduced in quantities at reasonable costs. As demand grew, better presses became available, leading up to the six or more color computer-controlled printing presses of today.
While SP’s modern printing presses make it possible to meet today’s demand, the company couldn’t exist without highly skilled people. Employees obtain on-the-job training and advanced class work from local universities. This has helped SP Mount’s employees produce award-winning projects.
Today, SP Mount’s great-great-grandsons, the fifth continuous generation of family operation and ownership, follow in the footsteps SP laid nearly 150 years ago. President Scott McGill and Executive Vice President Jerry McGill Jr. continue the family tradition as the oldest surviving printing company in this part of the U.S.
