2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership

 

Individual excellence, collective results

On behalf of everyone at FIT Technologies, I’m proud to congratulate this year’s Smart 50 honorees and celebrate the leaders who continue to move Northeast Ohio forward.

Great leadership isn’t defined by a single accomplishment. It’s demonstrated through the decisions we make, the people we empower, and our willingness to adapt when the path ahead isn’t always clear. This year’s honorees exemplify those qualities, creating meaningful impact within their organizations, industries and communities.

At FIT Technologies, we believe progress starts with strong relationships. As an employee-owned managed IT services provider rooted in Northeast Ohio, we see every day how thoughtful leadership, trusted partnerships, and a willingness to embrace change can help organizations thrive. That is one of the reasons we are proud to once again support the Smart 50 Awards.

The qualities of innovation, impact and sustainability celebrated through Smart 50 are especially important in a business environment that continues to evolve. Strong leaders don’t simply react to change. They create resilient organizations, bring people together around a shared vision, and find new opportunities to move forward.

To each of this year’s Smart 50 honorees: congratulations. Your leadership strengthens your organizations, and contributes to the continued growth and vitality of Northeast Ohio. We’re honored to celebrate your achievements and excited to see what you accomplish next. ●

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Honorees listed in alphabetical order by last name

 

Mar-Bal, Inc. is recognized by its customers as the innovation leader and premier manufacturer in the composites materials and products industry. The company’s growth is directly attributable to the value it delivers to customers through its materials and products. Under President and CEO Scott Balogh’s leadership over the past 25 years, the company has substantially increased sales and achieved EBITDA margins in the top quartile of the industry.

Mar-Bal’s business development teams are cross-functional, comprising sales, engineering and operations leaders who understand their customers’ businesses and products. The company serves as an extension of customers’ engineering and product development teams, solving difficult materials and manufacturing problems. Mar-Bal also creates value by implementing new materials, product designs and manufacturing processes. This approach underpins its organic growth strategy.

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The 2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards event is November 19, 2026, at The Embassy Suites by Hilton – Rockside. Register to attend today!

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Nic Barlage joined the Cavaliers in 2017 as President of Business Operations, overseeing the 2019-2020 transformation and the recent 30th anniversary of Rocket Arena. In 2021, he was named CEO of the Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group (REG). He leads the organization as part of Chairman Dan Gilbert’s Rock Family of Companies. REG encompasses the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the WNBA 2028 Cleveland Sirens, the AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge and Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN). REG operates and manages Rocket Arena, Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, Meet Me Here Plaza and Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence.
In partnership with Bedrock Cleveland, REG is growing downtown Cleveland’s experiential economy through a portfolio of development projects, including Rock Block, Cosm Cleveland and a newly announced amphitheater.

 

 

ASG, a division of Jergens Inc., is a Cleveland-based manufacturer of precision fastening and assembly solutions. Founded in 1976, the company serves multiple industries with products and technologies spanning precision fastening, torque control, assembly automation, screw feeding, ergonomics and process monitoring.
General Manager Michael Barnes is driving the organization forward, helping ASG combine decades of experience with dedicated engineering and product development. The company serves customers across the globe, supporting manufacturers in improving the precision, efficiency, and consistency of their assembly processes. From precision torque control and connected fastening systems to error-proofing, automated screw feeding, ergonomic workstations and robotic assembly, ASG has continually expanded what is possible on the manufacturing floor.

 

 

As President, Dr. Michael Baston has made a meaningful, measurable impact at Cuyahoga Community College by strengthening Tri-C’s role as a critical engine for workforce development, student mobility and economic opportunity across Northeast Ohio. His leadership focuses on meeting students where they are, removing barriers and aligning education with the evolving needs of employers and the community.
Dr. Baston’s impact is evident in his commitment to student success and equitable access to education. Under his leadership, Tri-C continues to serve as a gateway to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation college students, working adults and individuals seeking new career pathways. He has championed programs and partnerships that help students not only enroll but also persist, complete their studies, and transition into meaningful employment or further education.

 

 

 

CEO and Co-Founder Shane Bigelow built CHAMP on a belief that many people overlook: some of government’s most important infrastructure is also its least visible.
While most people think of a motor vehicle agency as the place to obtain a license or register a vehicle, Bigelow recognized it as foundational state infrastructure. He often compares motor vehicle agencies to Social Security at the federal level because their influence extends far beyond their most visible services. Identity, credentials, vehicles, payments, enforcement and countless citizen interactions all depend on systems that most people rarely consider until they stop working. That insight shaped how Bigelow built CHAMP. Rather than pursuing one-time technology projects, he focused on helping governments modernize essential systems to reduce risk, minimize disruption and create long-term value.

 

 

Ted Bunton spent his entire career representing Troy Chemical, starting after he graduated from college. The company specializes in preparing metal for powder coating or liquid paint. After seeing firsthand how it differentiated itself from competitors, Bunton decided to buy Troy Chemical when it became available.
When Bunton took a leap of faith to purchase the company in January 2020, he did not anticipate the impact of COVID-19. However, the pandemic crystallized the company’s internal strengths.
Today, Bunton serves as President, and his wife, Beth, is CEO, each bringing a distinct skill set to the company.
Since 2020, Troy Chemical has expanded its facility twice and is now in the midst of its third expansion.

 

 

 

Luca Cacioli runs CEIA USA with an astute philosophy: think long term, measure what matters and innovate when it creates meaningful value.
As CEO of the Hudson-based company, Cacioli has helped transform CEIA USA from a provider of highly specialized detection equipment into a growing North American security technology leader whose solutions are used across federal agencies, airports, schools, health care facilities, correctional institutions, major events and public venues.
Cacioli begins with an engineer’s mindset. He does not believe the smartest solution is necessarily the newest or most complex. Instead, he focuses on quantifiable performance standards, measurable customer outcomes and technologies that deliver long-term reliability. This philosophy helps the organization stay focused on its customers as AI, emerging security threats and new competitors rapidly reshape the security industry.

 

 

Caruso’s Coffee has been part of the Brecksville community for 23 years, with family roots in the industry dating back to 1982 through the Berardi Coffee brand. CEO Dominic Caruso and his brother, Michael, took over the business from their father and have continued to grow the company while honoring its legacy.
Today, Caruso’s has expanded through several large private-label partnerships, including products sold through national warehouse chains and retail gas stations. The company is proudly Ohio-based and has grown into the state’s largest coffee roaster.
Caruso’s also has a loyal employee base, with many team members having more than five years of tenure. The company’s long-standing commitment to its employees, customers, community and industry reflects the true meaning of sustainability.

 

 

 

For nearly four decades, Wild Republic’s realistic stuffed animals and toys have helped children explore the beauty of nature.
For Vish Chandran, honoring Wild Republic’s nearly 50-year legacy does not mean standing still. It means carrying its purpose forward while making the company stronger, smarter and ready for what comes next. Over his five years as CEO, Chandran has led Wild Republic through a meaningful evolution. He has expanded the company’s reach, strengthened its global brand and invested in the capabilities needed to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. At the same time, he has remained grounded in the mission his grandparents established: connecting humans and animals to live in peace.
Chandran leads collaboratively, setting clear direction, giving teams ownership and remaining available to guide, challenge and inspire them.

 

 

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The 2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards event is November 19, 2026, at The Embassy Suites by Hilton – Rockside. Register to attend today!

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CEO Brandon Chrostowski has built EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute on a powerful idea: when people receive the right training, opportunity, structure and support, they can transform their lives and strengthen their community.
EDWINS goes beyond traditional workforce development by combining culinary and hospitality education with paid training, housing, transportation, basic needs assistance, mentorship and long-term reentry services. Rather than addressing one barrier at a time, EDWINS addresses a range of challenges that can prevent someone returning from incarceration from succeeding.
EDWINS serves more than 100 students annually, helps graduates transition into meaningful employment and maintains a recidivism rate below three percent among its graduates. At the same time, its restaurants and culinary operations function as real-world businesses where students meet professional hospitality standards.

 

 

 

Since 1976, Royce-U.S. Protection Service has been built on traditional values of hard work, ethical relationships and client partnerships. The company’s goal is “complete customer satisfaction.” Led by President and CEO Joe Conley, Royce-U.S. Protection Service values each client and works hard every day to exceed their expectations for quality service.
In 2023, the company reached a milestone, employing more than 1,000 dedicated security officers. Thanks to their hard work, Royce-U.S. Protection Service continues to expand across Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and New York, adding more partners to its client list.
The company offers protective and investigative services, security consulting and cutting-edge Virtual Security Guard mobile surveillance systems. Royce-U.S. Protection Service officers are equipped and trained with the latest technology in the rapidly changing and expanding security field.

 

 

 

Lifebanc is a nonprofit organ procurement organization that has served 20 counties in Northeast Ohio since 1986. It coordinates organ, eye and tissue donation with local hospitals, and supports donor families.
As Lifebanc’s COO, Micah Davis’ data-driven leadership has helped drive record growth in organ donation and transplantation. In the first half of 2026, Lifebanc helped save 296 lives through organ donation, up 5 percent year over year. Organ donors were up 18 percent, organs transplanted up 7 percent, and tissue gifts recovered up 11 percent. That momentum traces directly to the operational discipline Davis has built into the organization.
Davis serves as Vice Chair of the OPTN Organ Procurement Organization Committee, sits on additional national committees, and has spoken internationally about best practices that improve donation and transplant outcomes.

 

 

Jani-King of Cleveland has been a commercial cleaning company in Northeast Ohio since 1991, offering cleaning and disinfecting solutions to businesses of all sizes and industries.
Alyssa Dominick has dedicated more than 15 years to driving excellence and growth at Jani-King. She began by supporting operations as an administrative assistant and accounting specialist, then embraced leadership roles as Director of Business Operations and, most recently, President.
Dominick is hands-on with clients and franchisee cleaning providers alike, ensuring a clear understanding of how the business operates. She manages and scales her entrepreneurial teams to deliver top-notch cleaning services to a large portfolio of Cleveland businesses and organizations. This approach has built long-term relationships, driven expansive growth and delivered innovative cleaning solutions that have helped businesses navigate COVID-19 and other challenges.

 

 

Ten years ago, Phoenix Corporation President Tamer Elzarka recognized a significant market gap and made a decision that most people in his industry considered a mistake. He narrowed his focus to a single piece of industrial equipment, the spiral conveyor, and built an entire company around servicing it exclusively.
Spiral conveyors are industrial machines used in food manufacturing facilities to freeze, cool or proof large volumes of product continuously. They carry foods such as chicken nuggets, frozen pizzas, bread, seafood and ice cream through a climate-controlled enclosure from the production line to the freezer aisle.
Today, Phoenix Corporation is the only specialized spiral conveyor service company in North America, operating exclusively in that equipment category, a distinction that did not exist before Elzarka created it.

 

 

When CEO Quentin Fisher started Aidan in manufacturing in 2017, he was ahead of the market’s readiness for AI. The manufacturers he encountered had barely begun collecting the production data that AI would need.
Fisher adapted by developing Aidan’s capacity to help health care organizations and community health centers improve scheduling, better understand demand and coordinate care. As relationships grew, Aidan helped customers strengthen their analytics and build capacity.
ChatGPT’s 2022 arrival shifted the conversation. AI’s potential became tangible to business leaders, sparking renewed interest in what it could do for their operations. Fisher returned to manufacturing, applying the data, engineering and governance experience it had developed in health care to help manufacturers turn that into practical capabilities, while continuing to deepen its work with care providers.

 

 

Helen Forbes Fields understands that a strong nonprofit must do more than deliver programs and services — it must continuously evolve, measure its impact, build capacity to sustain its work and respond strategically to an ever-changing environment.
As President and CEO of YWCA of Greater Cleveland, Forbes Fields leads an organization with a 158-year history and a mission that has never been more relevant. She has positioned the YWCA to operate with greater strategic focus, strengthening its internal foundation and deepening its advocacy.
What makes Forbes Fields’ leadership particularly effective is her ability to align strategy with community needs. The YWCA operates at the intersection of homelessness, housing, early childhood education, economic advancement, racial equity and women’s empowerment. Rather than treating these issues separately, she champions an approach that recognizes their intersectionality.

 

 

Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF) is a full-service CPA and advisory firm in Northeast Ohio, delivering accounting, tax and consulting solutions.
Eric German leads BMF with a simple philosophy: build systems that enable people to do their best work. Rather than relying on hierarchy or short-term goals, German has helped create a culture centered on trust, innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
Since German joined BMF in 2014, the firm has grown significantly, with annual revenue nearly tripling and the team expanding to more than 125 professionals. As partner and a member of the Executive Committee, German has played a significant role in shaping the firm’s vision by modernizing operations, embracing emerging technologies and building scalable processes that position the firm for long-term success.

 

 

 

 

CPG Radar LLC is an AI-driven market intelligence platform built for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and nutraceutical industries. It uses AI to continuously monitor and synthesize market signals, ingredient trends, competitive activity and demand data that would otherwise require teams of analysts to track manually across fragmented sources.
Led by CEO Afif Ghannoum, the platform serves both sides of the supply chain: CPG brands and their R&D and innovation teams seeking emerging ingredient and product opportunities, and ingredient suppliers and manufacturers seeking to understand demand. Current clients include Nestlé Health Science, Nature Made, IFF, ADM and Kerry.
Ghannoum has assembled a team of software engineers and data analysts to build a reliable data pipeline capable of ingesting disparate data, including consumer sentiment, scientific literature, ingredients, and product marketing claims.

 

 

Founded in 1975 by Bob Greene, Air Control Products (ACP) provides HVAC products and services to a wide range of industrial and architectural markets. Sales and engineering staff help construction and design teams select the right systems to comply with building codes and project requirements.
Now led by Bob’s son Mike Greene, who serves as ACP President, the company has experienced rapid growth over the last several years, nearly doubling sales. With locations in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, ACP is an industry leader with many highly visible local projects and warehouses stocked with more than 1,000 quality products. Rapid growth has required the company to greatly expand its home office in Broadview Heights, with a nearly $10 million expansion that is expected to be complete later this year.

 

 

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The 2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards event is November 19, 2026, at The Embassy Suites by Hilton – Rockside. Register to attend today!

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Timothy Hilk honors the YMCA’s enduring mission while continually adapting how it is delivered. As President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, Hilk leads one of Northeast Ohio’s oldest and most diverse nonprofit organizations — founded in 1854 — with the understanding that longevity cannot be sustained by tradition alone. It requires innovation, financial discipline, strong partnerships and a willingness to respond to community needs.
Under Hilk’s leadership, the YMCA has evolved beyond a network of fitness facilities. It is a regional community development organization that provides health and wellness, youth development, childcare, water safety, summer camps, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, housing assistance, workforce readiness and opportunities for connection and belonging.
In 2025, the YMCA served 75,395 members across five counties and logged nearly 1.4 million branch visits.

 

 

 

Larry Hudson has been an integral part of Jamestown Container Companies for 30 years, first as a corporate sales manager and now as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In each role, he has deepened his expertise in the packaging industry and led new growth initiatives that have helped Jamestown achieve steady, sustainable growth.
Hudson’s leadership has bolstered sales and marketing operations and empowered the Jamestown team to identify strategic opportunities to stay ahead. From expanding product offerings and customization options to broadening its regional footprint through new acquisitions, Jamestown has consistently improved.
Hudson’s vision is central to the company’s growth, and his work with the team has continued the mission the company was founded on in 1956 — providing the best packaging to the Great Lakes region and beyond.

 

 

 

Welser Profile North America produces custom sections of steel, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals. The company designs more than 25,000 cross-sections and tailors them for multiple industries, including construction, agriculture and power generation.
President and CEO Bill Johnson’s reputation as an innovative leader stems from his ability to merge cutting-edge Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies with a centuries-old business philosophy. Named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, he was recently honored with the 2026 Excellence in Business Award.
Most modern corporate leaders are driven by short-term quarterly earnings. Johnson operates with a generational mindset. Recognizing that advanced manufacturing requires highly specialized talent, Johnson also champions a proactive approach to workforce development.

 

 

 

 

Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) is at the forefront of clean energy technology and development, with visionary leaders who have driven technology innovation strategy and future growth for over three decades.
B&W’s Chief Technology Officer, Brandy Johnson, exemplifies innovative, resilient leadership. Over her 30-year career, she has progressed from Field Service Engineer to Chief Technology Officer, becoming a key architect of the company’s technology strategy and future growth.
Johnson joined B&W in 1995 and has excelled in global leadership roles of increasing responsibility across project management, business development, supply chain management, project development, engineering and executive leadership. She is leading commercialization efforts for B&W’s BrightLoop™ chemical looping platform, which is designed to produce low-carbon hydrogen, steam, syngas or power and is among the energy industry’s most ambitious clean-energy technologies.

 

 

 

ERC helps organizations build great workplaces by providing HR resources, employee and manager training, and consulting services.
Under President and CEO Kelly Keefe’s leadership, the company continues to innovate in its 107th year by identifying emerging market needs and developing new services that create measurable value for employers and business leaders.
Recognizing a gap in the mergers and acquisitions marketplace, Keefe spearheaded the launch of ERC’s Transaction Diligence Services, a unique offering that helps investors, executives and operating leaders evaluate the people-related factors that drive successful transactions and long-term growth. The service delivers a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond traditional due diligence. The result is an innovative solution that helps clients identify risks, uncover opportunities and accelerate integration.

 

 

 

Danielle Krakora is CEO of Ibility, a rapidly growing government contracting firm specializing in health care and mission support. She co-founded the company with Ken Beecher in 2021 amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating remotely from across the country, the pair built a company grounded in innovation, collaboration and a commitment to serving federal agencies. Krakora’s leadership turned startup challenges into opportunities, creating a resilient organization capable of competing with larger firms in the federal marketplace.
A U.S. Army combat medic Veteran, Krakora leveraged her military experience and deep understanding of Veterans’ health care to establish Ibility as a trusted partner within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under her leadership, the company quickly built a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions while maintaining the agility and responsiveness of a small business.

 

 

Lazorpoint CEO Matt Kraska has spent 2026 solving a problem that successful companies rarely admit to: growth can test a company as quickly as it rewards it.
A provider of customized IT solutions, Lazorpoint added 17 new clients in 2024 and another 17 in 2025. The issue was no longer whether the company could grow. It was whether its people, service model and security program could keep pace without weakening the trust that made growth possible. His answer has been consistent: Don’t slow business down. Strengthen the structure beneath it.
This year, Kraska has been turning momentum into capacity. Rather than broadening the market, he has focused on private-equity-backed middle-market manufacturers and the advisers who support their acquisitions. He has also continued to invest in deeper manufacturing and executive-level expertise.

 

 

Ascot Valley Foods is a Northeast Ohio-based frozen food manufacturer that partners with food brands to develop, refine and produce frozen food products at commercial scale. With leadership from Vice President Eli Kratzert, the company combines recipe development and R&D expertise with flexible manufacturing capabilities, helping customers move products from concept to production while maintaining rigorous food safety and quality standards.
Ascot Valley Foods holds numerous industry-recognized food safety and quality certifications, reflecting its commitment to safe, reliable and consistent food manufacturing. The company’s modern approach to frozen food manufacturing, integrates product development, recipe innovation, R&D and commercial-scale production. This enables the company to serve as a product development and manufacturing partner, helping brands turn innovative concepts into market-ready products.

 

 

Chris Kuhar has served as Executive Director of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo since 2013, managing the Zoo’s extensive animal collection and overseeing daily operations at the 183-acre facility, which attracts 1.3 million guests annually. As only the 10th director in the Zoo’s more than 144-year history, he has overseen significant transformation, including the additions of the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter, Rosebrough Tiger Passage, Asian Highlands, Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, Susie’s Bear Hollow and the Zoo’s largest capital project to date — the Primate Forest.
Under Kuhar’s leadership, the Zoo has diversified, and increased its revenue and community impact through innovative events such as the Asian Lantern Festival and Wild Winter Lights, as well as unique capital investments, including the Eagle Zip Adventure and the Circle of Wildlife Carousel.

 

 

 

Established in 2005 by Scot Lowry and Kevin Shaw, PromiseOne Companies (P1C) is a long-term holding company that acquires and manages small companies.
As Managing Partner, Scot Lowry operates P1C as an operator-first holding company defined by patient capital and long-term community growth. Unlike traditional models that buy and sell companies every five to seven years, P1C acquires businesses with operating partners to hold indefinitely. This structure removes short-term financial incentives, allowing operators to build sustainable companies that provide lasting regional employment.
Lowry serves as a “CEO of CEOs,” using his businesses as direct talent incubators. After acquiring and scaling his first company, Fathom, by 450 percent and creating more than 100 jobs, he used the business to develop other CEOs and spin out additional highly successful ventures.

 

 

As Vice President of Operations at OMNI Systems, Erik Majkrzak has transformed a traditional manufacturing operation into a technology-enabled enterprise built for modern supply chains. Through investments in automation, RFID manufacturing, digital production technologies, automated workflows and integrated finishing systems, he has increased manufacturing throughput by approximately 60 percent, expanded RFID capacity from two lanes to six and built a more scalable, resilient platform that has supported approximately 14 percent year-over-year sales growth.
Majkrzak’s standard is straightforward: every investment must deliver measurable business value and enhance the experience for employees, customers and stakeholders. Automation, sustainability and continuous improvement are not separate programs. They run as a single operating system. Every investment is evaluated on its ability to improve performance, flexibility, reliability and customer outcomes.

 

 

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The 2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards event is November 19, 2026, at The Embassy Suites by Hilton – Rockside. Register to attend today!

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Kurtz Bros. is Cleveland’s leading landscaping supply and delivery company. Matt Malone leads the company with vision, investing in people and creating long-term value for customers, employees and the communities the company serves. As President, he has successfully balanced the responsibility of leading a nearly 80-year-old family-owned business with the task of positioning it for the future.
Malone sees opportunities where others see obstacles. Kurtz Bros. has invested in modernizing its operations through technology, data-driven decision-making, customer experience enhancements, and process improvements that strengthen efficiency and service. Malone has expanded into the waste-to-resource industry by supporting and contributing to the development of innovative solutions that transform materials once destined for landfills into valuable products that improve soils, support infrastructure projects and protect natural resources.

 

 

People Architects specializes in delivering flexible, cost-effective HR solutions for small and midsize businesses.
Founder and Managing Director Meg Mayhugh’s belief that talent and credentials are not synonymous stems from her time at McKinsey, where she consulted for numerous Fortune 100 companies and noticed a pattern: only those who genuinely cared about their people were truly successful. That realization led her to leave consulting and focus on people work, first as Chief Learning Officer at National City and then in roles at other large and small companies.
In 2020, one month into the pandemic, Mayhugh was furloughed. Focused on the HR challenges small businesses faced, she built People Architects as a fractional HR and recruiting partner that offers senior-level people expertise on demand, priced and scaled to small companies’ operations.

 

 

 

Fabrizi Trucking & Paving Co. is a multi-generational general contractor specializing in heavy construction of roadways, and sewer and water lines. Founded in 1959 by the current owners’ father and uncle, the company serves local municipalities, and residential and non-residential developers. Fabrizi also provides snow removal, dumpster services, concrete recycling and equipment rental. It currently operates in six counties across Northeast Ohio.
With a dedicated team of up to 400 skilled workers during peak season, the company manages up to 20 major projects at once. Noteworthy municipal endeavors, including sewer renovations and roadway construction, reflect the company’s commitment to building better infrastructure for its communities.
As Treasurer, Wes Moloney has helped oversee Fabrizi’s considerable growth over the last several years, with revenue increasing by nearly 67 percent over three years.

 

 

Picture a company growing so fast that most organizations would fracture under the weight — new offices opening, headquarters expanding, partnerships taking shape — and now picture one person holding the thread that keeps it all connected to a single brand and culture. That’s Amy Moneypenny. As Senior Director, Product, Brand and Event Marketing, she leads through exactly that kind of rapid expansion.
What makes Moneypenny remarkable isn’t just that she keeps pace with growth — it’s how she does it. She treats vendor and partner relationships not as transactions to close but as relationships to build, choosing quality and trust over the easy, short-term win. Underlying it all is a leadership style that trusts the data but never forgets the human being on the other end.

 

 

 

 

Three generations of strong-minded Mulls have led Mull Iron and helped the company reach new heights over the past 40 years. The Mull Family has worked together toward the goal of becoming the best Minority Structural Steel Fabrication and Erection Company.
Chester Mull Sr. and Chester Mull Jr. broke ground in 1983, with infant and future President, Chet Mull III, nearby. The company has grown from a small office and facility into a state-of-the-art fabricator, with a beautiful office and a field crew of 30 to 75 at any given time.
The company employs union Ironworkers from Ironworkers Local 17 in Cleveland. Mull Iron also works with several surrounding locals, depending on work schedule. An AISC Certified Fabrication Company, the company maintains a 70,000+ sq ft facility in Rittman.

 

 

 

Located in Westlake, Welcome House, Inc. opens doors for people with developmental disabilities. The organization is dedicated to helping its clients lead full, rewarding lives by providing a range of residential services within a caring community.
Welcome House provides housing, care and life-enrichment services. Through professional supervision and a structured environment, the organization promotes independence, community inclusion, family stability and local employment, while strengthening the broader social service network throughout Northeast Ohio.
Led by CEO Meg Nachtwey, Welcome House provides safe, supportive care for individuals who may need help with daily living, enabling them to remain in the community rather than institutional settings. The organization helps its clients build life skills, participate in local activities and gain greater independence, giving families and caregivers peace of mind about their loved ones.

 

 

As Chief Logistics Officer of Dumpsters.com, Taylor Norton has led the operational integration and business growth of the company’s Northeast Ohio hauling operations over the past year and a half. He merged local, asset-heavy field operations — including 21 trucks, 1,000 roll-off dumpsters, multiple storage yards, a maintenance shop and a team of 15 drivers — into the broader corporate managed service strategy.
Norton systematically audited and restructured the business across six core verticals: organizational leadership, asset and property utilization, safety and compliance, vendor and disposal contracts, service-area optimization, and pricing strategy.
Under Norton’s leadership, the business prioritized driver safety and DOT compliance. The hauling operations team achieved a historic 100 percent compliance rate for driver logs and background requirements.

 

 

Jeffery Patterson exemplifies organizational leadership by combining long-term vision, strategic execution and community impact. As CEO of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Patterson leads one of the nation’s 10 largest housing authorities, overseeing approximately 10,500 housing units and programs serving 55,000 participants.
What distinguishes Patterson is not merely the scale of the organization he leads, but how he leads it. He understands that a smart organization must anticipate changing needs, invest strategically, build strong partnerships and continually seek better ways to serve its residents and community.
A defining example of Patterson’s innovative leadership is CMHA’s 2045 Initiative, a long-term housing strategy to revitalize CMHA’s housing portfolio. Rather than simply managing aging properties, Patterson has established a framework to address physical obsolescence through innovative financing and strategic capital investment.

 

 

Clampco Products began as a family-owned, U.S.-based manufacturer of high-quality stainless-steel clamps, including V-Band Couplings, T-Bolt Band Clamps, Strap Assemblies and more. Each year, the company produces approximately 6 million steel clamps.
In 2023, Clampco transitioned to employee ownership, a profound change that shifted family ownership from Jim and Linda Venner to the employees who helped make Clampco successful. Their son and long-term company executive, Jason, shepherded the process. Eighteen months later, Joseph Pentasuglio began his tenure as President and CEO.
Now two years into his role, Pentasuglio’s goals have been straightforward: grow the business and increase long-term share value for Clampco’s employees. The ownership structure enables the company to invest for the future, build the team, diversify the markets it serves and make decisions with a longer-term horizon.

 

 

President Greg Phillip is the third of four generations in the AKS Cutting Systems family business. He is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and developing innovative cutting tools to better serve the market.
Phillip has played a pivotal role in advancing AKS — navigating post-COVID-19 supply chain challenges, expanding the sales and marketing arms to reach customers amid a changing communication landscape, and driving initiatives to keep AKS equipment at the cutting edge.
His leadership is built on his commitment to understanding the company at every level and to working directly with his team to achieve each growth milestone. Through his dedication, this 100-year-old business continues to scale each year and has evolved from contract manufacturing to supporting a full line of plasma and waterjet cutting systems.

 

 

Led by President Tony Pietrocola, AgileBlue’s AI-native Security Operations Platform, powered by Sapphire AI, is transforming how mid-market organizations detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats. The platform is built specifically to augment security operations, not replace security professionals.
Sapphire AI accelerates threat detection, automates case summarization, enriches investigations with contextual intelligence, and helps security teams make faster, more informed decisions. Unlike AI features bolted onto legacy security products, Sapphire AI is embedded across the platform to streamline the entire security operations lifecycle.
The platform serves mid-market and small enterprise organizations, particularly those in health care, financial services, the public sector and other regulated industries that require enterprise-grade cybersecurity but often lack the staffing and resources of large security teams.

 

 

Baiju Shah is President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), the region’s leading economic development organization and, with over 12,000 members, the nation’s largest metropolitan chamber of commerce. Guided by a board of corporate and entrepreneurial CEOs, GCP accelerates Greater Cleveland’s growth and prosperity through strategic initiatives, real estate investments and advocacy.
Shah previously served as Senior Fellow for Innovation at The Cleveland Foundation, the world’s first community foundation, which has assets exceeding $3 billion. His work focused on catalyzing economic growth initiatives, including leading the Cleveland Innovation Project. Shah remains a member of the Impact Investing Board Committee, which guides the foundation’s portfolio allocation. He has been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized as one of Cleveland’s and Ohio’s most influential leaders.

 

 

 

Health Action Council is a national nonprofit, member-driven organization focused on helping employers create healthier workplaces. As health care costs continue to rise, many health care executives are beginning to panic, but not Patty Starr. When the Health Action Council President and CEO enters the boardroom, she doesn’t walk in with bad news — she walks in with a plan. Under her leadership, the organization has become a powerful force in identifying, analyzing and addressing some of the most pressing health care challenges employers face today.
Starr and her team also built Find the Right Care, a free resource that turns confusing symptoms into clear next steps. Open to members and non-members alike, Find the Right Care is a simple-to-navigate tool that has helped countless users connect seamlessly with the right health care provider.

 

 

The Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center has thrived under Dr. Jennell Vick’s leadership for the past 11 years. As President and CEO, Dr. Vick’s passion for communication access and the services the center offers is always evident. Her background in communication studies and disorders ensures the center prioritizes the needs of its patients and the community.
Under Dr. Vick’s leadership, the center is helping more people in more places. Recognizing that the University Circle location was not fully accessible to clients with the greatest needs, she oversaw the opening of two new locations in Lyndhurst and Westlake. She also spearheaded the move to the current Midtown Headquarters in 2024, where accessible parking and proximity to public transportation have transformed the site into a thriving, welcoming hub.

 

 

 

Premier Home Pros Co-Owner and CEO Augustine Wadian built one of the fastest-growing home improvement companies in the U.S., demonstrating that disciplined systems, operational intelligence and people-first leadership can transform an industry long challenged by inconsistency and distrust.
In late 2022, Wadian co-founded Premier Home Pros with Noah Jackson, starting with $65,000 in startup capital and no outside investment. Eight months later, the company brought on home improvement industry veteran Vince Venditti. The three owners combined complementary expertise in operations, sales and marketing around a shared vision: to create a remodeling company homeowners could genuinely trust. That vision became The Premier Way, a company-wide operating philosophy centered on exceptional products, disciplined processes and outstanding people. It has since grown into a national organization operating in 17 markets.

 

 

Founded in 1994 by Tari Rivera, Regency Construction Services Inc., a certified Women-Business Enterprise, is headquartered in Brook Park and has a branch office in Columbus. Over the past 30 years, Regency has completed hundreds of projects for private and public clients statewide, delivering exceptional Construction Management at Risk, Design-Build and General Contracting services across the health care, PK-12, higher education, library, nonprofit, park, civic and commercial sectors. The company offers a variety of project delivery approaches, along with standalone support services such as cost estimating and project scheduling.
Vice President of Corporate Operations Scott Wagner helps guide business operations, strategic planning, financial management, business development and continued growth. Since joining Regency in 2001, he has held a variety of roles, including Estimator, Department Head, Estimating Manager and Project Manager.

 

 

 

Led by CEO and Co-Founder Lindsay Watson, Augment Therapy is an award-winning Cleveland-based digital health company that is transforming how people access and engage with movement, wellness and rehabilitative exercise.
Watson, a physical therapist and health care technology expert, created Augment Therapy to help people of all ages and abilities stay engaged in movement activities that support their health and development. Through its ARWell and ARWell PRO platforms, Augment Therapy delivers immersive, body-powered experiences that extend movement opportunities beyond hospital and clinic settings into homes, schools and communities.
What makes Augment Therapy unique is its proprietary MOCAST® technology, which combines computer vision, full-body skeletal tracking and augmented reality to turn a person’s body into a game controller. The technology also requires no wearable sensors, cameras or expensive headsets.

 

 

Cordelia, led by proprietor Andrew Watts and chef/partner Vinnie Cimino, is a restaurant located in downtown Cleveland that creates its offerings with seasonal produce from local farmers and draws from its culinary expertise to elevate the flavors, tastes and textures it serves. They call their menu “Modern Grandma.” Cordelia features heritage-rich recipes and cocktails inspired by the farmer’s bounty and generations past, reimagined and showcased in new ways through the lens of its kitchen.
Watts follows a family legacy built on service and welcoming all. With a long-standing career in hospitality, he honors his family heritage and sets new precedents in the field. Giving back to the Cleveland community remains at his center.
A ‘Cleveland Chef to Watch’ and a two-time James Beard nominee, Cimino has built a reputation for combining culinary talent with an entrepreneurial spirit to foster team goodwill and advance the industry.

 

 

Paula Wheeler is an Executive Vice President at TransDigm, a global leader in designing, producing and supplying highly engineered aerospace components for commercial and military aircraft.
Wheeler’s passion for aviation began long before her executive career. While at Kent State University, she learned to fly, sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for aviation that inspired her career in the aerospace industry. That passion continues to shape her leadership and commitment to advancing technologies that enable safe, reliable flight.
In 1994, Wheeler joined AeroControlex, a manufacturer of highly engineered valves and fluid control products. After AeroControlex was integrated into TransDigm, Wheeler rose through the executive ranks. She continues to focus on operational excellence, strategic growth, talent development and delivering long-term value for customers and shareholders.

 

 

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The 2026 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards event is November 19, 2026, at The Embassy Suites by Hilton – Rockside. Register to attend today!

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For 25 years, Alenka Winslett has been the operational architect behind the growth, stability and long-term success of College Now Greater Cleveland, the nation’s oldest college access and success organization.
As COO, Winslett has played an indispensable role in transforming the organization from a scholarship-focused nonprofit into a comprehensive higher education organization that serves nearly 50,000 Northeast Ohio middle and high school students and adults annually. She combines strategic financial management, operational excellence and data-driven decision-making to ensure that College Now can continually adapt to changing educational and career needs.
Winslett’s exceptional strength is connecting operational strategy with mission impact. She understands that strong systems, sound fiscal stewardship and organizational efficiency are tools that enable greater opportunity for students and families across the region. ●