It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the 27 Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Awards winners for 2024. Tonight’s Business Growth Award Winners are located primarily throughout Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne, Lake, Ashland and Holmes counties in Northeastern Ohio.
The criteria to earn a Business Growth Award is based upon a company either increasing its sales levels or employee bases significantly over the course of the past five years; in some cases, both. For the sales level, the criteria is at least 100% or $5 million and for employee level, it is at least 50% or 25 actual employees. These are both high standards.
This impressive growth results in major economic benefits for our local/regional economy. Sales of goods and services to other parts of the state, across the nation and even internationally, enrich our local/regional economy. Receipts and profits generated by these companies are positively manifested when they purchase local goods and services, invest in new operating facilities/equipment and hire new employees. These wealth-creating mechanisms directly lead to our ongoing economic vitality.
Cascade Capital Corporation’s primary business focus is to provide capital expansion financing to growing small and medium-sized companies investing in new operating facilities, equipment and human resources throughout Northeastern Ohio.
Cascade Capital Corporation is certified, by the U.S. Small Business Administration, to deliver the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout Ohio. The SBA 504 Program is the largest economic development finance program in the United States. The advantages of the SBA 504 Loan Program include below-market, fixed interest rates and up to 90% project financing as follows: Commercial Bank Financing – 50 percent; Cascade Capital Corporation SBA 504 – 40 percent; Business Down Payment – 10 percent. Cascade Capital Corporation’s most recent SBA 504 25-year fixed interest rate was 5.75%.
Cascade Capital Corporation’s Ohio 166 Loan Program, believed to be the largest in Ohio, offers an extremely competitive, below-market fixed interest rate of 4.0%. Loan terms are up to 20 years and available to nonretail companies investing in new operating facilities or equipment. Loans of up to $1 million are available.
Current and past Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Award winners have utilized Cascade Capital Corporation’s SBA 504 and Ohio 166 business finance programs to assist in financing their growth.
Cascade Capital Corporation remains committed and very proud to present its annual Business Growth Awards Program, in partnership, with Smart Business, to honor local/regional growing companies. ●
Robert Filipiak is president of Cascade Capital Corp., an economic development finance company that has provided dependable financing options to growing small- to medium-sized companies in Greater Akron and Northeastern Ohio since 1983. Reach him at (330) 379-3160 or [email protected].
The 2024 Honorees
Located in Stark County, 415 Group is the largest, locally owned accounting and IT firm in Ohio, providing comprehensive services to a wide variety of clients. By opening a second Stark County office in Alliance, the company increased local staffing by 50 percent and organic growth revenues by more than 80 percent. And in keeping with its passion for supporting the community, 415 Group created donor-advised funds in order to maximize contributions to local charities. Under managing partner Rich Craig, the company has a culture rooted in collaboration and communication. Its associates share a vision for the future and work together to move the business forward. In modernizing workspaces and developing a culture centered around the total wellbeing of associates — with perks such as health coaching, healthy snacks and a workplace wellness initiative — 415 Group has reimagined the traditional accounting firm and committed to creating an environment that promotes both health and happiness. ●
Service Best Story
Founder and President
Leading Apex Dermatology through COVID was one of founder and president Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga’s biggest challenges but ultimate successes. As an organization, Apex Dermatology had to align and use its core values as orienting points to get through turbulent times. The company was able to pivot to telemedicine and develop a plan to continue taking care of high-risk cancer patients, while at the same time reassuring its teams that it would continue operations. Apex Dermatology had many projects going on at that time, including expansion to new markets and new offices, and Garcia-Zuazaga made the decision to continue with those plans despite the surprising disruptions that the pandemic provided. The company was able to partner with local health systems and assist them with triaging other, non-COVID patients, and help the community in a revised format. Apex is now the second largest minority owned business in Northeast Ohio, employing more than 200 staff members. ●
Technology Best Employee Growth
As an IT managed service provider, AtNetPlus has assisted businesses in navigating the fast-changing technology landscape and adapting to evolving business environments. In the past five years alone, the company, led by co-founder and CEO Jay Mellon, has received more than 25 awards for its continued growth and success, including the Cascade Capital 2023 Business Growth Award and The 2023 Weatherhead 100. AtNetPlus has acknowledged the trends in artificial intelligence and redirected some of its efforts toward AI services, enabling the company to become a key AI adviser to clients by helping them solve their business problems instead of solely focusing on hardware. This includes AI consulting, strategic planning, automation, and ongoing support and maintenance. Sales have increased 26 percent since 2019, and the employee count has gone from 29 to 47. This growth demonstrates a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and innovative solutions that contribute to clients’ successes. Despite economic obstacles, the company has remained resilient and continues to grow its business. ●
Over the past five years, Consolidus has experienced remarkable growth and success, marked by several significant achievements that underscore the company’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and resilience in the face of economic challenges. Consolidus has continued to build out its industry leading technology solution that includes the ability to integrate into third-party procurement management systems, offering customers an additional level of efficiency and seamless management. An average annual sales growth rate of 20-25 percent under founder and CEO Jeffrey Jones is a testament to strategic marketing efforts, exceptional customer service and high-quality products. In response to this growth, Consolidus has expanded operations, including more than doubling the size of its location and team. The company has also forged strategic partnerships with key suppliers and “go-to-market” partners. Consolidus has also prioritized community engagement and corporate social responsibility, supporting various charitable initiatives and local community programs, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact beyond its business operations. ●
Among its many significant achievements over the past five years under CEO Jeff Sumner, Corporate Technologies Group (CTG), a unified services provider encompassing IT solutions for clients, made two acquisitions to ensure continued growth during the transition to a post-pandemic economy. Both acquisitions entailed companies not being managed actively, and if CTG had not bought these two companies, they were in danger of going out of business, with employees at risk of ensuing job losses. CTG was able to inject energy and management into these companies, with zero layoffs. CTG is in the midst of providing a considerable increase in the technology used by the acquired companies’ customers. Ultimately, these acquisitions expand the reach of CTG, which provides a complete portfolio of services that give customers access to all business technology needs in one place, including sales, service, and support of voice, telephony, data, cybersecurity, infrastructure and cloud technology services. ●
With over 20 years of experience in custom manufacturing, Diamond America specializes in providing high-quality, durable and reliable extrusion equipment. They produce a standard range of extruders and related equipment, and specialize in the optimization of the extrusion process, as well as the design and development of custom machines. From the newest design technologies to manufacturing the highest-precision components, Diamond America engineers have the knowledge to deliver innovative, efficient process solutions. Under president Michael Magee, a third-generation owner of the family business, the company has enjoyed steady and stable growth over the past 25 years. Magee relies on a superb team of production, sales and administrative staff. In the last five years, sales increased more than 40 percent. Diamond America credits a thorough quality assurance protocol with high standards — including a goal of zero defects for components designed and manufactured — that customers have come to rely on. ●
Technology Best Revenue Growth
Etactics Inc. was established 25 years ago to provide a cost-effective service that allows health care providers to get reimbursed for their services rendered, improving cash flow for clients. Additionally, Etactics assists hospitals and practitioners with the difficult task of managing their HIPAA policies and their associated efforts to ensure they remain compliant as mandated by the Office of Civil Rights. In 2023, the company, led by CEO Michael Teutsch, processed more than 100 million transactions on behalf of more than 6,000 clients. In addition to growing its list of satisfied clients, Etactics continued to add new products and services to add significant value to organizations. The company enhanced its clearinghouse software system, and clients now enjoy greater clarity associated with the status of health care claims using Etactics’ real-time or batch claim status solution. Clients are also able to submit electronic attachments with the claim, resulting in more favorable adjudication from the payer. ●
Manufacturing Best Employee Growth
Based in Medina, Fire-Dex manufactures some of the most innovative head-to-toe firefighting personal protection equipment on the market in facilities across the United States and Mexico. The family-owned and operated business recently added a fourth manufacturing facility in Old Fort, N.C., to keep up with growing sales. Since Lauren Burke DeVere, the oldest daughter of owner Bill Burke, took on the president role in 2021, the company has more than doubled in growth. Fire-Dex also released a new garment called AeroFlex, a groundbreaking innovation in firefighter PPE that incorporates material science and design features that supercharge the breathability of the garment while reducing the risk of heat stress and cardiac-related issues. As a leading manufacturer in the fire industry, Fire-Dex, led by CEO Steve Allison, has shown immense pride in creating technologies that help alleviate the top health and safety concerns of firefighters around the world: carcinogen exposure, cardiac fatigue, and proper fit. Strong leadership and innovation are the core of the organization. ●
Being customer-focused and growth-oriented while problem solving and demonstrating commitment and teamwork forms the core values of this business centered on the sales of nuts, bolts, washers and screws. Led by president and CEO Kevin Weidinger, Great Lakes Fasteners is a family of fastener brands that includes Nut & Bolt Fastening Solutions, Lakeshore Fastener, Hodges Fastener Corporation and Connection Service Company. The group is headquartered in Cleveland and has locations in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. The consortium strives to maintain the distributors’ unique identities within their local communities while also leveraging the collective size and strength of the enterprise. Customers enjoy a vast inventory of standard and special fasteners, technical experience and lean production services, including knitting, packaging, sub-assembly and managed inventory programs. GLF serves its global customer base with innovation, inspiration and the integration of technology, allowing the business to continue to grow and excel for generations. ●
Under president and CEO Mike Jarrett, Jarrett Logistics has demonstrated reliable service with superior technology, characteristics of a growing and innovative business. Customers are connected with a real employee in three rings or less, meaning customer calls are answered in an average of 8.5 seconds or less. Emails are responded to in 10 minutes or less, a promise Jarrett makes to ensure that the customers’ emergencies are Jarrett’s emergencies. Jarrett’s routing center acts as a control tower where Jarrett teams are able to track standard deliveries and note any reasons why a shipment might have been delayed. The Jarrett team tracks vendor performance, customer performance and carrier performance. Jarrett then pinpoints exactly where an error has occurred and communicates the error to the customer. If there is a late delivery or a missed pickup, the Jarrett team will have a record of what happened, so they can identify the root cause and fix the issues with the customer. ●
KHM Travel Group is a host travel agency with the goal of helping people improve their lives through professional success and personal development. It thrives as an industry leader in building connections. Coming out of the pandemic, the company has made major progress in its mission to educate, support, promote and empower independent travel agents through professional success and personal development. This past summer, KHM had nine weeks straight of paying out over $1 million in commission directly to its travel agents. In addition to sales growth, the company, led by president and CEO Rick Zimmerman, also added new team members across several different teams. With the development of an Agent Engagement Team, KHM is connecting with more people than ever before through in-person events and online touchpoints. The company’s new senior management level provides the internal team with more access to leadership. KHM recently reached a milestone of 5,000 independent travel agents. ●
Manufacturing Best Revenue Growth
Over the past five years, Leaf Home has undergone a remarkable transformation marked by significant achievements in product innovation, sales growth, market expansion and overcoming economic obstacles. The company’s staff has tripled in size, reflecting its dedication to recruiting and retaining top talent. This expansion is paralleled by an impressive surge in market presence, quadrupling reach to over 250 markets across the country. Leaf Home made eight business acquisitions, launched five new businesses and consolidated the entities so that many business addresses were also hybrid locations. Managing multiple product lines through a single service area also made it possible to spend less on overhead costs. These efforts have culminated in an astounding increase in sales and savings. Such exponential growth underscores the ability to adapt to market demands, optimize operations and continuously deliver exceptional value to customers. Leaf Home fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, and drives forward with a relentless pursuit of excellence. ●
Supply chain shortages; cost escalations in fuel, labor and raw materials; and labor and driver shortages all created major challenges for this precast concrete product manufacturer. But a focus on people development prior to the pandemic created strong processes and systems that allowed Mack Industries, under CEO Betsy Mack Nespeca, to pull together and thrive. Leadership built trust by overcommunicating throughout COVID and beyond, leading to extreme cleanliness, more connection and verbalizing of appreciation across the company. Concern about shrinking backlogs led to weekly pulse checks with every business unit. This kept the company on the pulse with key metrics and became a best practice for multi-site management and leadership beyond the pandemic. The competitiveness to hire led Mack Industries to increase its efforts to attract, develop and retain people. Workplace retention improved because of process improvements, improved onboarding and defined pay for skill progression. ●
MD Diesel LLC is a premier diesel and truck repair shop serving the community since 2019, when it was founded by young entrepreneur and current company president Marcus Emerick. MD Diesel offers full service repair and maintenance for large diesel and semi-trucks, and has very quickly grown its revenue numbers and full-time staff thanks to attention to detail in preventative maintenance, electrical work, chassis repair, steering repairs, engine repairs and rebuilds, air brake repairs, differential repair and replacement, HVAC repair, A/C repair and brake services. This Twinsburg-based company’s certified mechanics can perform on all makes and models of semi-trucks and specialize in step vans. Its employees take pride in their work and in their customers, performing high-quality diagnostic and repair services at fair prices and using quality parts. The rapid growth since its inception speaks well to MD Diesel’s ability to serve this important need and get trucks back up running and on the road. ●
Overall Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
MelCap Partners has provided sophisticated M&A advisory services for a quarter of a century. Since 2019, the company, led by president and CEO Al Melchiorre, has had five record years in a row. Its dedicated, hard-working professionals have allowed MelCap Partners to be recognized as Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year on multiple occasions by the M&A Advisor and Global M&A Network, most recently in July 2024. The company is also a part of an international organization called Globalscope, which includes 400 investment bankers from 55 firms across the world. MelCap is honored to have worked with some of the best companies in Ohio, including Hanline Group, SelinskyFORCE, Northeast Box Company, Kidworks, RUDIS, Wire Products, Port45, Home Instead, Cowen Trucking, Anchor Manufacturing, Shearer’s Foods, Perfect Power Wash, Smith & Oby, Ashland Conveyor Products, ASB Industries, USA Insulation, Firstar Precision, Applied Vision. Akrochem, American Freight, Patio Enclosures, and Watteredge, to name a few. ●
Service Best Revenue Growth
National Interstate has been a leader in the commercial insurance industry since 1989, offering coverage options and valued services to operators in every state. The company has grown significantly over the years and more specifically increased revenue by 27 percent from 2019 to December 2023. Led by president and COO Shawn Los, National Interstate has a long-standing reputation for maintaining strong business relationships and creating positive experiences. The most significant achievements include growth within existing market segments, expansion into new markets, revitalization of brand initiatives, modernization of technology and tools, and a strong commitment to customers and employees. National Interstate remains focused on its growth in both current and new markets. The company specializes in providing alternative risk transfer (ART) programs. These programs account for 60 percent of the company’s revenue. Between 2019 and 2023, the company increased its portfolio of unique insurance solutions for large, sophisticated operations by approximately 61 percent, and through innovation, has expanded into new markets. ●
The goal of Navarre Animal Clinic, which is located in Navarre and overseen by Jody Seward, is to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. The veterinarians at Navarre are calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures a pet undergoes. They make both pets and their owners feel comfortable. Seward is a lifelong resident of the area, graduating from Fairless High School in 1991. In 1997, he obtained his veterinary degree from The Ohio State University and was hired by Dr. Randall Stern to join him at Navarre Animal Clinic. In 2015, Seward purchased the practice. He sees both large and small animals and enjoys building relationships with his patients and their human families. In the past five years, Navarre Animal Clinic has seen sales grow by more than 70 percent. ●
Technology Best Story
In response to decreasing reimbursements and inadequate accounts receivable systems, the founders of Open Practice recognized the need for a web-based solution to help private practices thrive, leading to the company’s establishment in 2005. Open Practice’s decision to develop a browser-based application, OpenPM, has been consistently well-received. During the COVID-19 pandemic, clients seamlessly transitioned to remote work without IT issues, underscoring the strategy’s success. This focus on accessible applications continues to drive sales, especially as businesses adopt hybrid work models. Over the past five years, Open Practice has achieved notable milestones, including expansion to all 50 states, nearly doubling its workforce and implementing OpenPM in more than 3,000 practices, encompassing almost 50,000 providers and over 35,000 users. The company’s commitment to meeting the health care industry’s needs has enhanced efficiency and improved financial performance for health care providers nationwide. Through continued innovation under CEO Michael Teutsch, Open Practice remains a beacon of success in health care revenue cycle management technology. ●
Peoples Services (PSI) is a network of company-owned, third-party logistics companies that provide quality supply chain logistics, freight brokerage and asset-based transportation services, with 12 million square feet of warehouse space across eight states. The third-generation, family-owned company, led by president and CEO Douglas Sibila, has an experienced team to provide transportation capabilities and warehouse services. Between multiple acquisitions and organic growth, PSI has broadened its footprint and inched closer to becoming one of the top 20 warehouse and transportation companies in the country. The company was expecting annual growth of around 35 percent in 2024, and the acquisitions have pushed the employee count close to 1,000. PSI’s employee stock ownership plan has also continued to grow. Twenty percent of the company is owned by the employees. This is a significant retirement benefit to all vested employees at no cost to them. PSI conducts yearly surveys to collect information to better serve employees. ●
Petal Sweet Cleaning Service’s commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering a positive work culture under owner and founder Jesica Noftz has led it to become a top performer in the industry. The company was ranked fifth in the nation out of 1,500 cleaning companies for providing the most free cleaning services to cancer patients. This achievement underscores Petal Sweet Cleaning’s dedication to supporting the community and those in need. With a strong media presence, including regular appearances on Fox 8’s New Day Cleveland, the company has helped build a strong connection with the local audience. An in-depth training program is a cornerstone of the company’s success. It provides motivated individuals with the opportunity to escape environments that promote mediocrity or reliance on government assistance. Despite economic obstacles, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Petal Sweet Cleaning has experienced significant revenue growth without compromising its quality of service. ●
Founded in Cleveland in 1889, Philpott Solutions Group Inc.recorded its largest ever revenue in 2023, with a sales increase of 53 percent from 2019. At the same time, the company increased its domestic labor to 70 employees, up from 38 in 2019, an 84 percent increase. This was accomplished by making a substantial investment in new rubber and plastic molding equipment; acquiring Castino Corporation, a diversified plastics molding company servicing the automotive and other market segments; and recruiting, hiring and training new staff. These investments have allowed Philpott to move manufacturing from China to the United States via the company’s flagship Philpott Rubber & Plastics facility in Aurora, with distribution of all products done through the corporate headquarters in Brunswick. The move of manufacturing from China to Ohio, growth in revenue and the detailed due diligence processes required a Herculean team effort, and president and CEO David Ferrell credits and rewards those employees who provide actionable ideas. ●
In the past five years, Pritt Properties completely restored the Carlton Building, one of the oldest buildings in downtown Akron, converting a property that had been vacant for well over a decade into a vibrant commercial building that is now fully-leased and houses office, production studio and retail space. In 2024, Pritt Properties received a coveted Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Award from the Summit County Historical Society and Progress Through Preservation of Greater Akron for the renovation of this building. Working through the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritt Properties persevered with construction on the property, contributing to the employment of many local trade members during this challenging period. Once construction was complete, the building quickly became home to two companies, including a video production company occupying the upper floors, helping to retain many creative jobs in downtown Akron, as well as a vibrant retail business on the first floor, in a public-facing space. ●
Proforma grew its business five-fold from 2019 through 2023 in the competitive promotional products industry with a strategic vision, relentless innovation and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Under owner Steven Flaughers, the company invested significantly in market research to understand customers’ evolving needs, embraced digital transformation to enhance its operations efficiency and customer experience, and prioritized building a strong, cohesive team by investing in training and development programs to equip employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles. Proforma also diversified its product portfolio to cater to a broader audience. By introducing eco-friendly products and customizable tech gadgets, the company appealed to environmentally conscious consumers and tech-savvy clients. This diversification and development of an innovative product line not only boosted sales but also positioned Proforma as a forward-thinking leader. This multifaced approach enabled Proforma to scale its business and achieve unprecedented success in the industry. ●
Service Best Employee Growth
Somich & Associates CPAs has become a cornerstone of financial expertise in Mentor. One of the firm’s most significant achievements was its adept response during the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses grappled with the uncertainty and financial challenges, Somich & Associates prioritized the navigation of SBA loans, PPP loans and the mass amounts of regulatory changes. While many firms closed their doors, Somich & Associates remained open, offering extended hours to assist and educate business owners, ensuring they could access the vital resources needed to stay afloat. This unwavering commitment not only stabilized the local economy but also positioned the firm for long-term growth. In addition to the pandemic response, Somich & Associates has consistently driven product innovation and service excellence. The firm has expanded its range of services to include outsourced CFO solutions, comprehensive tax planning and advisory, and tailored business advisory services. This diversification has allowed the business to meet the evolving needs of clients. ●
Summit Machining Co. is a high-precision, close-tolerance machine shop located in Mogadore. Established in 1945 and reinvigorated with new ownership in 2019, it is a family owned and operated business that strives to make sure that its team, as well as its customers, feel like they are part of the family. The company provides a wide range of products and services to a diverse customer base that stretches across several industries. It is capable of volumes ranging from single digits to thousands of parts per order, with pride placed into every job. Since purchasing the business, owner Daniel Bogunovich has retained local employees and expanded employment. Sales grew more than 200 percent in the period from 2019 to 2023. Bogunovich is looking to grow this business into the future and further expand employment, but quality has been and will continue to be at the forefront of how Summit Machining Co. operates. ●
In June 2024, TruTech Tools completed two years of work with a local entrepreneurial operating system (EOS) implementer. Through this process, the company, led by CEO Bill Spohn, has restructured its business with openness, transparency and clarity. It now has a solid mission and vision, four easily understood core values and a 10-year business plan shared with all. At a quarterly, all-hands state of the company meeting, in addition to discussing status and achievements, quarterly profit sharing is also announced. Departments and sub-teams are identifying issues, discussing solutions and solving problems every week using EOS tools. TruTech also worked in early 2023 to move a to new web platform by July 2023. After a year on the new platform, the company has seen tremendous improvements in customer satisfaction and features that it can offer. TruTech also onboarded a new industry engagement manager in June 2023, expanding the company’s presence in many venues and increasing mindshare with customers. ●
Manufacturing Best Story
As USA Precast Concrete grows, so does its local economy. Located in Canal Fulton, the company’s precast concrete products are manufactured using local resources, such as sand, aggregate, cement and reinforcement. USA Precast Concrete, led by president Tim Gesaman, is excited to expand and support local suppliers and vendors. Over the past five years, the number of individuals on the company’s team has grown by 142 percent. The team comprises a number of different professionals, including production team members, welders, fabricators, CDL drivers, forklift operators, mechanics, office team members and more. USA Precast Concrete offers products and services to the wet utility markets (septic tanks, holding tanks and sanitary and storm products), dry utility markets (electrical and meter vaults), commercial products (light pole bases, and car stop bumpers), highway products (box culverts, temporary median barrier and retaining walls) and the specialty markets (high strength security products and nuclear and radiation shielding products). ●
