2024 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership

On behalf of our entire team, I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2024 Smart 50 Awards.

At FIT, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary and the Smart 50 Awards are a great way to spotlight the exceptional leadership and innovative spirit of executives from the 50 smartest companies in our region. This recognition honors those who have demonstrated remarkable vision, strategic acumen and a commitment to excellence in their respective industries.

The Smart 50 Awards are both a testament to individual achievement but also a celebration of the collective impact these leaders have on their organizations and communities. Each honoree has shown the ability to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape, driving growth, fostering innovation and championing sustainability.

FIT’s team believes in the power of authentic partnerships where people feel trusted, supported and valued so that our team, clients and IT suppliers can thrive. Founded in 1999, our Employee-Owned organization acts a strategic IT adviser through a long-term relationship underscored by our technical breadth, professional credibility and experienced staff.

FIT is more than a comprehensive Managed IT Services Provider, we are a trusted partner that works with clients to provide tailored IT solutions that protect systems,  boost operational efficiency and reduce security risks.

Congratulations again to the 2024 Smart 50 honorees. Your accomplishments are commendable, and we celebrate you and your success!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Honorees listed in alphabetical order by last name

 

Paul Abbey is founder and president of Rooted in Trees, a nonprofit established in 2020 that restores and preserve the native tree canopy in Northern Ohio. Under his leadership, the organization focuses on community engagement and education, and undertakes major tree planting initiatives to combat canopy loss and enhance environmental health.

In the past four years, Abbey has spearheaded tree planting initiatives in more than 10 sites across Northern Ohio and taken on personal planting projects across the Midwest, including a memorial planting for a childhood friend. His trees thrive at Lake Erie College, Mentor Marsh, Kirtland Hills, Geauga Parks District, the Mentor Public Library and beyond. 

Previously, his career spanned investment banking and wealth management, culminating as founding partner of Fairport Asset Management.

 

As a seasoned software engineer, Shipping Pilot’s Greg Airel transitioned from building websites to leading eCommerce businesses. Faced with fulfillment challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed Shipping Pilot, a platform to streamline eCommerce shipping and fulfillment for small businesses while the world switched from retail-driven purchasing to online-driven purchasing.   

Recognizing a gap in the market dominated by volume-focused third-party logistics (3PL), he pioneered the concept of a relationship-based 3PL.

Launched in 2020 as a bootstrapped startup, Shipping Pilot created more than 35 jobs in three years. Innovation-driven growth is projected to grow its revenue to three times its current level and expand the team to over 60 employees by the end of 2024. Airel also remains committed to giving back to the community.

 

Arora Ventures’ CEO Kumar Arora is more than just an ally to the city. His commitment to advancing its interests and fostering positive change is exemplified by his representation of Cleveland at the White House last year. His ability to effectively articulate its needs and aspirations is a testament to his advocacy and leadership skills.

Arora’s founding of FutureLAND has been instrumental in celebrating diversity, fostering innovation and promoting economic growth in Northeast Ohio. Through this initiative, he has created invaluable opportunities for collaboration and empowerment, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to contribute to the region’s success. His ventures have created jobs and manufacturing opportunities, and have positioned Cleveland as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

 

Ashley Basile Oeken has led Engage! Cleveland since the inception of the organization in 2012. She has greatly raised awareness of EC’s mission to attract and retain young professionals in Cleveland and its profile in the business, civic and YP communities. She also helped lead the organization through the transition of becoming its own 501(c)3.

She leads with a forward-thinking mindset. Setting goals for staff and herself is at the root of her work ethic. Professional development is important and requires one professional development class, conference, or activity for each staff member per quarter.   

She has had a tremendous impact on Northeast Ohio and the mission to attract, retain and engage young and emerging talent in Northeast Ohio. 

 

NCompas Business Solutions Inc. Founder and CEO Ramana Bhavaraju is considered an exemplary leader with a clear and compelling vision.

Within the company, Bhavaraju leverages cutting-edge technology to solve complex modern problems and drive innovation, such as AI-driven data analytics and robotic process automation.

Innovation also is driven through a culture in which every voice matters. To that end, he has implemented regular brainstorming sessions, innovation workshops and hackathons, which serve as think tanks where team members share insight and spark new concepts.

The company’s high-performance team approach is a cornerstone of its sustainable business model. By building localized teams for client success managers and SMEs while spreading engineering and delivery teams globally, NCompas ensures seamless collaboration and efficient resource utilization.

 

David Buchanan, in his role as Northeast Ohio Office Lead at Compass Infrastructure Group, stands out as a beacon of exemplary leadership and mentorship. He not only focuses on growing revenue, but also on leading projects that impact communities positively.

Buchanan has spearheaded business development efforts and established a robust secondary office. He’s also behind the effort that pioneered the deployment of a CRM system, a first in the company’s history. This system revolutionizes business development by meticulously tracking opportunities and client interactions, streamlining marketing efforts and enhancing proposal development for new business ventures.

Buchanan’s proactive approach has significantly contributed to Compass Infrastructure Group’s expansion and success, including successful submissions to collaborate with ODOT on major infrastructure projects three times a year.

 

For 20 years, Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, has run a smart nonprofit committed to serving people where they are, driving her to continue growing and innovating to grow hope in the region by creating pathways to nutritious food. Chase-Morefield leads by example, whether by helping distribute food at a mobile pantry or working through a partner charity. 

During her tenure at Second Harvest, the nonprofit has expanded from distributing 3 million pounds of food to nearly 13 million pounds and increased full-time employees from three to 40 (and over 3,000 volunteers). Second Harvest works with 129-member partner charities and 10-plus school districts.   

 

An innovative care program for seniors, McGregor Senior Living expands options for older adults to age and thrive at home with a comprehensive range of health care and social services in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.

Headed by President and CEO Ann Conn, McGregor recently expanded its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which provides medical, social and personal care through community centers with a mission to enable patients to age in their homes safely instead of a nursing home. It provides improved living and higher quality of outcomes for less, with 164 organizations in 32 states and the District of Columbia. The facility in Brooklyn is McGregor’s third location in Cuyahoga County.

 

Mark Corr is a visionary leader who drives growth and fosters a culture of innovation and positive mindset. Since becoming president and CEO in 2019, Corr has led Signet LLC and its portfolio of companies with a methodology of smart leadership through his strategic vision and innovative approach. Under his guidance, Signet has had portfolio-wide revenue growth of 195 percent in five years.

Corr has cultivated an environment where everyone is empowered, barriers to progress are eliminated and long-term value is prioritized. He has an exceptional ability to balance when to lead and when to delegate. He removes obstacles and empowers and entrusts his team to fulfill their roles. His authenticity and humble mindset allow him to recruit top talent and give them autonomy to excel.

 

ConnectedHR fills a significant gap for small businesses that don’t have the expertise, capacity or budget to hire a full-time human resources expert. Founder, CEO and President Mark D’Agostino conceived and created a business concept in ConnectedHR that came from his experience running various businesses and then asking, “What does the market need?” He fulfilled that with ConnectedHR.

D’Agostino created a work environment that provides the company’s employees with flexibility. Doing so attracts highly talented human resources experts who may have otherwise left the field. No matter the human resources needs of a business, there’s likely someone on his team who has experience with that specific issue This attention to fit and detail is part of what makes ConnectedHR so effective.

 

Kathleen Dangelo knows her market well and has identified and capitalized on what communities were previously lacking. The owner and president brought the Napa Winery experience to Chagrin Falls by building Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens. This stunning facility marries the indoor and outdoor experience by combining modern and rustic architecture with lush gardens.   

Through travel and extensive research, surrounding herself with a strong team and being willing to listen to ideas from anyone within her organization, Dangelo explores all opportunities for expansion and implements what clientele doesn’t yet know they want. By continuing to develop and expand its offerings, the business sees increased guest satisfaction and continued revenue growth. She is not afraid to spend money because she knows the results will be worth it.

 

At Fire-Dex, family always comes first. President Lauren DeVere believes that investing in people and is the smartest move a business can make. As the daughter of founder Bill Burke, DeVere embodies the commitment to being a family-run business that works for the good of other families. She is a dedicated advocate for a family-friendly workplace that fosters genuine community bonds, spearheading a paid parental leave program and inclusive paid family leave policy.

DeVere began at Fire-Dex in 2019, working her way from metro sales manager to president in 2021. Her leadership has propelled the company to new heights, and her exceptional ability to nurture a positive corporate culture solidifies her position as an industry leader.

 

Executive Director and CEO Jill Dietrich Mellon has established a culture of innovation at VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS) that had led to national recognition as a leader in innovation within the Veterans Healthcare Administration and garnered national media attention.

At VANEOHS, the goals are innovation to improve patient care and services for veterans, and to engage and empower valued employees to make changes and create solutions.

VANEOHS is part of the VHA Innovators Network (iNET), a community of employees united by a desire to solve health care problems and engage in shared learning. iNET comprises 40 VA Medical Centers and is entering its ninth year as an iNET site. Dietrich Mellon has challenged the program to accelerate employee-inspired innovations.

 

Return on Life Wealth Partners is a full-service Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm founded in 1994 by President and Founder Frank Fantozzi. For 30 years, the comprehensive wealth planning and investment management firm has expanded to serve the growing array of business, financial and legacy planning needs of high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners in Northeast Ohio and beyond — the firm advises high-net-worth families and business owners in 25 states and employs 13 team members. 

Its distinct Return on Life approach reflects the philosophy that life well lived is more important than wealth earned. By providing insightful financial analysis and proactive advice with individual values, it seeks to help clients gain a greater sense of personal fulfillment.

 

 

Apex Dermatology has brought dermatology and skin cancer services to under-served areas in Northeast Ohio by adding satellite clinics. Additionally, during COVID, it pivoted to telemedicine, developing a plan to continue taking care of high-risk cancer patients and reassure their teams that they would continue operations. They partnered with health systems and assisted them with triaging other patients to help the community.

Founder and President Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga also oversaw other critical projects such as expanding to new markets and adding new offices. Apex is now the second-largest minority owned business in Northeast Ohio, employing over 250 staff. Since 2018, Apex has increased revenue 300 percent annually and expanded its team from 160 to 259. 

 

dgewater Capital Partners Managing Partner Bob Girton is an exceptional leader. His achievements in private equity, organizational development and team building have significantly impacted economic growth and job creation, and fostered diverse, equitable and inclusive teams in Northeast Ohio and beyond. At Edgewater, he has led several investments, such as Cleveland-headquartered NeoGraf Solutions, demonstrating his growth-oriented approach.

His commitment to community and philanthropy is integral to his professional and personal identity. His involvement with the national private equity committee of the Private Director’s Association has shaped standards and promoted diversity in boardrooms. Girton’s contributions to private equity and community engagement are focused on building companies, creating jobs and fostering diverse, equitable, inclusive teams inspire professionals in the region and beyond.

 

Richard Graziano, president and CEO of The Village Network, has transformed the organization into a dynamic and innovative company, delivering exceptional care and support to vulnerable youth and families across the region.

His commitment to excellence, combined with a deep sense of compassion and strategic foresight, has not only expanded the organization’s reach but also significantly enhanced the quality of services provided. His leadership is marked by a relentless pursuit of positive outcomes, inspiring his team to innovate and improve the lives of those served.

Through Graziano’s strategic vision, key programs have been launched. The OhioRISE Care Management Entity (CME) program, started in 2022, has enrolled nearly 400 youth, with a third actively engaged in care coordination.

 

K. Kelly Hancock serves as the first ever executive vice president and chief caregiver officer at Cleveland Clinic and the holder of the Rich Family Chief Caregiver Chair. This is a true testament to Dr. Hancock’s leadership and dedication to making Cleveland Clinic the best place to receive care and work in health care. 

Dr. Hancock was instrumental in revamping nursing at Cleveland Clinic. She has led and continues to lead her team through the health care workforce shortage, moving the 2022 vacancy rates from 14.7 percent to 8.9 percent today, through her innovative hiring and retention efforts. In leading the Strategic Workforce Planning team, which aims to optimize workforce efficiencies and remove wasteful tasks, she has driven $3.8 million in annual cost savings.   

 

Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, has built a strong team that works together to generate record-setting levels of attendance, retail sales and revenue.

With Harris at the helm, the Rock Hall generates significant economic impact for Northeast Ohio. More than 500,000 guests visit the Museum annually, generating a regional impact of $225 million. As more than 80 percent of these visitors live outside of the region, the Museum generates more than $140 million in direct spending to support Ohio businesses, supports more than 1,800 jobs, and generates $21 million in state and local taxes annually. 

With a strong leader, clear strategy and an empowered staff, the Rock Hall is well positioned for future growth.

 

In two years as Cleveland Institute of Art’s (CIA) president and CEO, Kathryn Heidemann has led two initiatives that are bringing national attention to innovation and higher education in Cleveland.

CIA’s Interactive Media Lab will open in 2025 at the Cleveland Foundation’s MidTown Collaboration Center, featuring a state-of-the-art AR/VR/AI production studio for students and startups, and serving as a hub for artist- and designer-driven content, discourse and development.

CIA’s Jane B. Nord Center for Teaching + Learning provides faculty with much-needed resources to foster educational development. This gives educators space to tackle challenges in the classroom and navigate societal shifts that affect today’s learners. In short, Heidemann strives to be a catalyst for innovative change.

 

The NRP Group is a high-growth innovator in the multifamily industry. NRP President and CEO J. David Heller has led the organization to build the largest development firm in the U.S. that produces affordable and luxury multifamily housing at scale.

Marking its 30th anniversary, NRP and Heller are celebrating three decades of multifamily development excellence as it creates exceptional rental opportunities for individuals and families, regardless of income. The organization continues to find innovative approaches to developing market rate, affordable and mixed-income housing at scale, despite industry-wide challenges.

The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing. Since its founding in 1994, it has developed nearly 60,000 apartment homes and manages over 25,000 residential units.

 

Tucker Ellis LLP’s Jayne Juvan’s forward-thinking approach to business carries into every aspect of her career and leadership prowess. Under her creative and strategic leadership, its Corporate Group has grown from a handful of attorneys a decade ago to a nationally respected, nationwide practice of 20 partners, counsel and associates. The practice has been ranked in Chambers and Partners USA Guide, Corporate/M&A (Ohio: North) for four consecutive years. 

Juvan is focused, prepared and effective, and brings the best of herself and the firm to every transaction. She puts clients first, expertly navigating the dealmaking process to make it easy, understandable and pleasant. A virtual pioneer, her use of social media helped get her practice off the ground.   

 

 

Sam Khouri, managing director of Lakeland Equity Group, has a robust real estate background — his development career began with the value-add repositioning of over 220,000 square feet of real estate. In the wake of the global financial crisis, he capitalized on the opportunity to buy and reposition second mortgages profitably. Subsequently, Khouri served as a board member and head of origination at Berkeley Capital, a company focused on deploying and managing international institutional capital. With a disciplined investment approach, Khouri sourced $8 billion in qualifying assets, advanced $3 billion in term sheets and exclusively secured transactions valued at $800 million. In 2023, he ventured out independently, founding Lakeland Equity Group, and saw the tides turning in the commercial real estate and private equity industries.

 

Matthew Kraska, CEO of Lazorpoint, exemplifies smart organizational management by crafting a company that adeptly serves the immediate, critical and constantly evolving technology needs of local businesses. Too many organizations struggle with technology that fails them, a limited vision of how technology can drive excellence, and IT that holds them back.

Lazorpoint excels in innovation by generating new ideas, developing and commercializing new products, and identifying opportunities for new services through fostering an environment where team members and clients collaborate to identify and resolve issues. For instance, it partnered with MAGNET to address IT security concerns with next-gen software deployments.

Kraska has developed a business grounded in strategic IT leadership and comprehensive service offerings, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

 

amily-owned and founded in 1965, Towlift is one of the country’s largest authorized, full-service material handling dealerships, specializing in new and pre-owned equipment, rentals, industrial racking and storage, parts, service, and operator training. Bob Kwieciak has led Towlift as president for three years with a strategic approach, resulting in 30 percent growth in all commerce sectors.    

Towlift offers warehouse solutions including conveyors, mezzanines, storage and safety solutions. Experts tailor customer warehouse layouts to run smoother and more efficiently with comprehensive solutions such as rack repair, warehouse design and installations, making Towlift a premium material handling partner. Great relationships with industry-leading OEMs allow Towlift to offer state-of-the-art equipment with the latest technology, complementing industry-leading customer service.

 

Daniel Luketic has been an exceptional director for his transformative work in the startup ecosystem of Northeast Ohio since 2015, driving innovation and economic growth. He has overseen the launch and management of critical investment funds, including Seed III and Acceleration Fund I, which have injected capital into startups.

His role encompasses deal flow generation and due diligence, portfolio support and member management, making him a linchpin in the entrepreneurial landscape.

His approach to fostering innovation and supporting startups is both systematic and visionary. He has implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System with the NCV Management Team, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. His work not only benefits individual entrepreneurs and companies but contributes to the innovation landscape and economic vitality of Northeast Ohio.

 

A co-founder of Marous Brothers Construction in 1980, Adelbert served as president from 1980 to 2020, and today continues to serve as CEO and president. Under his leadership, the family business, which had its beginnings in small-scale home remodeling, now boasts six different operating groups and a staff of more than 400, including architects, engineers, carpenters and support personnel. But more than that, Adelbert’s leadership has had a profound impact on the organization and its communities. His desire for continuous learning and investment was the basis for Marous University, a comprehensive training platform providing opportunities for personal and professional growth at all levels. His professionalism, integrity, dedication to quality and enthusiastic passion are a driving force behind the company’s success.

 

Jennifer Marriott, CEO of Redmond Waltz Electric, is the epitome of leadership. Not only did she rescue the struggling company from extinction, but the company also has renewed strength thanks largely to the culture of trust she has instilled.

Marriott breathed new life into the company, leading to a transformative change that set Redmond Waltz on a new path for success. Within two years, the company was profitable, vendor relationships were restored, and revenue that was once shadowed by the company’s liabilities had increased by almost 65 percent. During the process, she never fired an employee and paid all the vendors. In doing so, she led a transformative change that set Redmond Waltz on a new path for success.

 

ABL Wholesale Distributors offers a collaborative environment, and the management team of the more than 50-year-old company is empowered to make decisions. President Gayle McCormick encourages directors and managers to bring their department challenges, opportunities and wins to weekly meetings where everyone assists when and where needed. The company also recognizes staff, warehouse associates and drivers monthly for outstanding performance.

ABL has double its number of customers through the past three years. It also recently tripled the size of its distribution center by moving to Columbiana, Ohio, from Youngstown. And with the addition of staff — an increase of 20 percent during the past two years — streamlined processes, new technology and improved communications, ABL Wholesale is now a proven competitor among distributors in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

 

Under the leadership of CEO and Co-Founder Shane McRann Bigelow, CHAMP Titles has become a leading provider of digital vehicle title, registration and lien systems of record. Founded in 2018, its patented SaaS platform leverages Hyperledger Fabric to digitally manage automotive titles.

With very favorable results from several other states that have upgraded their DMV software with CHAMP, it is proof that word is getting out and CHAMP is making real strides in a sector  with a high barrier to entry such as vehicle titling. CHAMP’s technology is digital efficiency for government, built to solve the problems faced by its constituents, which include vehicle retailers, vehicle wholesalers, insurance carriers, fleet operators, lenders and all the service providers that serve each of these industry verticals and consumers.

 

Brandon Miller was elected president and CEO of HW&Co. CPAs & Advisors in 2020. Previously, he was on the Executive Management Committee and a principal.

He has over 25 years of experience at HW&Co., beginning with a tax internship. Today, he leads the 208th largest accounting firm in the U.S. and serves a client base that includes domestic and international privately held and family-owned for-profit and nonprofit businesses and individuals. 

Miller’s services include tax, audit, accounting and business consulting. He also does expert witness testimony, merger and acquisition due diligence, business plan review and evaluation, and assists clients with obtaining financing. He also assists international clients with accounting, tax and consulting services outside of the U.S.

 

Ed Moydell joined Holden Forests & Gardens as CEO in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the public garden space. His leadership, strategic vision and fundraising prowess have elevated the mission of HF&G, as he and his team have identified and highlighted unique strengths, demonstrating how they support HF&G’s brand and its vital role.

HF&G is dedicated to enhancing diverse experiences, fostering connections between people and nature, and providing practical education that enriches lives. HF&G is committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders through work experience programs and initiatives.

Moydell has been instrumental in developing strategies aimed at the continuous improvement of HF&G’s workplace culture, addressing talent retention by establishing an employer of choice initiative.

 

In 2023, Michael Murton spearheaded OMNI’s acquisition and integration of ITW Labels and Honeywell Media, going from a single manufacturing facility to four in nine months. The team grew from 145 to 282 employees. OMNI Systems has a high retention rate — 65 percent of employees have more than 10 years of service with the organization, and 90 percent of leadership team members have been promoted within the organization. This year the president and COO led initiatives that nearly doubled the organization’s capacity and number of employees, maintaining low costs and high employee retention. Based on Murton’s leadership so far, the company is positioned for long-term legacy growth as it prioritizes customers and employees, diversifies its product offerings and nurtures talent.

 

GW Capital is a Cleveland-based management and investment firm with a growing portfolio of companies specializing in interior and exterior home services. Led by President Tony Nasrallah, the company is redefining possibilities within the trades industry through empowerment, support and partnership.

Nasrallah launched Ground Works Land Design, today a company within GW Capital’s portfolio, in 2009 with a vision and $200 worth of paper fliers. Today, in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations at Ground Works, he regularly launches and pursues entrepreneurial and investment ventures. For example, in 2021, GW Capital acquired a stone supply and fabrication business, which it rebranded as Granite Works Stone Design. GW Capital now oversees six brands and employs almost 100 people.

 

Talan Products has been recognized as a high-growth company from its beginning. Accomplishing an 18+ percent CAGR for 38 years has taken a focused approach and investment by ownership, led by CEO Steve Peplin.

Talan Products has exceeded almost every goal set in each of the five-year plans Peplin has created. It takes machines, raw materials and capital to keep the company growing, but mostly it takes people. Talan has had a tuition reimbursement program for decades, and Talan U is a new initiative to lift up and grow every team member. Talan Products is spending more than four times the industry average in dollars and training, and its safety record reflects that in more than a million hours worked with a single lost-time accident. 

 

Mark Priemer co-founded the Ohio City Restaurant Group in 2003 and since then has grown the company from a single Belgian beer bar to a hospitality conglomerate with more than 150 employees, six hospitality concepts and a craft brewer.

Over 21 years, Market Garden Brewery CEO Priemer has grown the company and played a major role in rejuvenating the Ohio City neighborhood where his locations do business. He manages the day-to-day operations of every aspect of this business conglomerate. His expertise spans a diverse range of real estate development, hospitality innovation, light manufacturing, product innovation, and sales and marketing. Few executives in the business world can excel in such a wide variety of businesses.

 

Sean Richardson serves as regional president for Huntington. He leads 3,000 employees by inspiring them every day to live the bank’s purpose to make people’s lives better, help businesses thrive and strengthen the communities it serves.

Richardson helps as many people as possible to improve their financial health and well-being. He encourages his colleagues to volunteer in the community. In fact, Huntington colleagues in Northeast Ohio last year contributed more than 2,389 volunteer hours to local causes and served on more than 293 nonprofit boards.

His commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion reflects an understanding and acceptance of diverse points of view, abilities, backgrounds and experiences. He actively supports and participates in all of Huntington’s employee business resource groups.

 

Fleet Team is a strategic consulting partner focused on optimizing the fleet management practices of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. In four years under President Doug Riddle’s leadership, it has grown from managing 10,000 client assets to over 25,000 today, driven by an aggressive growth strategy across the U.S. and into Canada, in part by taking an enterprising, problem-solving approach to Fleet Team’s business.

Riddle recognized a need for large, decentralized organizations to gain visibility into their fleet management process and understand the alternative solutions that lower their total cost of ownership. Riddle’s commitment to innovation is a leading force in Fleet Team’s ability to offer strategic solutions that uncovers opportunities for cost reduction and efficiencies for clients.

 

Under the leadership of President and CEO Brant Russell, community-based mental health provider OhioGuidestone has undertaken several moves expected to grow the organization’s service offerings, improve operational efficiencies and support staff.

OhioGuidestone has made leaps forward in attracting and retaining top talent in part through DEI initiatives that support career pathways for client-serving staff in underrepresented and under-resourced backgrounds.

Further, he has focused the agency on finding ways to be more efficient and effective by integrating sustainability plans in all new program designs and striving for sustainable practices in existing programs. To that end, he’s provided tools such as LEAN training, Kaizen-style exercises and change management training.

These moves demonstrate Russell’s focus on increasing the organization’s quality of care for those it serves.

 

The restaurant chain, co-founded by Raji Sankar and Randhir Sethi in 2014, stands out in the fast-casual sector for its ability to blend ancient Indian culinary traditions with modern dining trends.

At the heart of Choolaah’s success is its innovative business model. Sankar and Sethi, having both grown up in India and traveled to the United States for higher education as young adults, recognized a significant gap in the fast-casual market for Indian cuisine. They envisioned a brand that would offer the efficiency and convenience of fast-casual dining while delivering the rich, flavorful experience of traditional tandoor cooking. The incorporation of modern technologies, such as self-ordering kiosks and a drive-through pickup window at new locations, further enhances operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

Flexjet, a private air travel company, offers a range of private aircraft and travel options, including fractional private ownership and leasing. Operations at the company have changed a lot in the last 25 years and Senior vice president of Operations James Taddeo has played major role in transforming the organization. Beginning as a line service professional, he has displayed unparalleled dedication, commitment and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Today, he leads and mentors more than 300 employees and is responsible for managing a fleet of more than 200 private aircraft.

Taddeo’s responsibilities include overseeing intricate details of trip scheduling, maintenance and crew coordination. He helped create new programs during the global pandemic, developed professional growth programs and was recently instrumental in orchestrating the move of Flexjet’s operations center.

 

The J.M. Smucker Co. Chair of the Board, President and CEO Mark Smucker has transformed the 125-year-old organization. He has reshaped its portfolio to focus and prioritize its strategy, building brands consumers love and establishing leading positions in attractive categories. He has also enhanced capabilities, reshaping the marketing and sales functions to create a world-class commercial model, and establishing leadership positions with key customers and developing breakthrough creative for iconic brands.

Smucker’s guidance and ability to achieve innovation and impact is rooted in his unique leadership vision. His definition of effective leadership is establishing a clear vision and cultivating a collaborative culture to deliver on it. Everything the company does is focused on helping it become a stronger organization to better serve consumers.

 

Andrew Somich exemplifies what it means to lead a smart organization in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. As the president and CEO of Somich & Associates CPAs, he has built a company that thrives on innovation, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to client success.

Somich’s approach to leadership is rooted in his ability to anticipate industry trends and proactively adapt to changing circumstances. Since founding Somich & Associates in 2019, he has driven the firm’s growth by focusing on family-owned businesses, a niche that requires specialized knowledge and a personalized approach. By offering tailored services such as CFO consulting, strategic tax planning and comprehensive bookkeeping, Somich ensures clients receive the guidance they need to navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve sustainable growth.

 

Norman Noble Inc. Vice President of Manufacturing Dan Stefano has distinguished himself as an industry leader through exceptional contributions to the manufacture of medical devices and implants. His ability to generate groundbreaking ideas is a testament to his deep understanding of the industry’s evolving needs and technological advancements, enabling the development of cutting-edge manufacturing processes that enhance efficiency and product quality.

His approach to innovation is holistic, involving not just the introduction of new processes but the identification of opportunities for new services that meet the unique needs of customers in the medical field. He is particularly adept at recognizing gaps in the market where Norman Noble can provide novel solutions that improve patient outcomes.

 

Equity Trust Co. has not only weathered the challenges of a rapidly evolving financial landscape but has thrived, marking 50 years financial services experience with unprecedented growth and innovation.

CEO George Sullivan’s strategic acumen is evident in the company’s remarkable expansion, growing within a span of a decade its assets under custody and administration some 333 percent. Much of that progress happened in the past five years during Sullivan’s time at the helm, illustrating his ability to capitalize on market opportunities and build a robust, client-focused organization. 

A recent acquisition completed by the business significantly expanded Equity Trust’s product offerings and geographical footprint, positioning the company for continued growth in the competitive alternative investments sector.

 

Executive Director Brian Upton and his team run the nonprofit Building Hope in the City, an organization on the near west side of Cleveland. The social enterprise platform has launched and grown multiple businesses simultaneously. 

The Hope Center on Trisket is the community landing point for refugees and immigrants. It provides everything from job and language skills to day care and citizenship applications, all while creating a sense of community for families who arrive here with little.

The organization also runs Common Threads thrift store locations. In addition to generating a revenue stream, the platform provides employment opportunities, job skills and economic development in a neighborhood where all are desperately needed. It also keeps materials out of the waste system, allowing them to be enjoyed a second time. 

 

Kristin Warzocha is a visionary leader in hunger relief efforts. As president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB), she successfully navigated the organization through the pandemic with staff on the frontlines. And even today, the need for emergency food assistance continues to grow. Over this past fiscal year, GCFB served more than 400,000 people and families throughout its six-county service area.

Warzocha’s exemplary leadership has expanded direct distribution efforts to better serve the community through resources to address ending hunger. And in building on the “more than food” concept, its Community Resource Center provides permanent space for 15 nonprofit partners to co-locate, collaborate and offer access to healthy foods, reduce barriers and improve food security.

 

Maxwell Watters, Chief Investment Officer and managing partner of Fiber Capital Partners, has spearheaded a culture of innovation. Fiber Capital Partners generates new ideas by collaborating closely with local talent and leveraging its unique insights into community needs.

The company prioritizes the development and commercialization of cutting-edge fiber optic technology to deliver world-class internet services to underserved areas. Watters fosters an environment where innovative solutions to connectivity challenges are explored and implemented, ensuring it stays ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.

Fiber Capital Partners has experienced significant sales and expansion, with Watters’ strategic vision guiding the company to serve close to 10,000 homes. Growth is reflected in increased revenue and employee numbers, showcasing its success in talent retention and professional development.

 

Great Lakes Fasteners, led by President Kevin Weidinger, sells fasteners and works with manufacturers that are household names in consumer and industrial products.

The typical sales cycle for organic growth is 12 to 24 months to land a larger OEM, so GLF augments growth using M&A. For deal flow, GLF cruises for M&A prospects below the radar of publicly traded competitors. It appeals to entrepreneurs looking for a graceful and dignified exit from their enterprise who want to see their people and legacy cared for. 

GLF serves customers in segments such as aerospace, construction, power-generation, steel fabrication, technology and transportation. It has completed four acquisitions in the past 24 months, the latest in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

CEO and co-founder of Saucy Brew Works Brent Zimmerman and his team are growing in the competitive craft brew market space. Saucy has grown from a single location on the near west side in 2017 to six locations across Northeast Ohio, regional distribution and a beloved brand. Zimmerman also has been a major player in the development in the Hingetown neighborhood with his real estate projects.

Scaling a startup, growing a brand following, hiring 250 people and raising capital on an idea are impressive. To have accomplished all of this in seven years is rare. Saucy is dedicated to putting its mind and heart into the process, using the finest ingredients and employing state-of-the-art techniques. The result is a selection of authentic craft beers.