It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the 25 Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Awards winners for 2025. These 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 percent or $5 million and for employee level, it is at least 50 percent or 25 actual employees. These are both high standards. Business categories highlighted include manufacturing, technology and service.
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 local/regional 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 Northeastern Ohio’s 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. This is achieved through Cascade Capital Corporation’s two primary economic development finance programs: the SBA 504 and Ohio 166 Loan Programs.
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 one of the largest economic development finance programs in the United States. The advantages of the SBA 504 Loan Program include below-market, fixed interest rates and up to 90 percent project financing structured as follows: Commercial Bank Financing – 50 percent; Cascade Capital Corporation SBA 504 – 40 percent; Business Borrower Down Payment – 10 percent. Cascade Capital Corporation’s most recent SBA 504 25-year fixed interest rate was right at 6 percent.
Cascade Capital Corporation’s Ohio 166 Loan Program offers an extremely competitive, below-market fixed interest rate of 4 percent. Loan terms are up to 20 years and available to non-retail 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 Programs to assist in financing their growth.
Cascade Capital Corporation remains very committed and proud to present its annual Business Growth Awards Program, in partnership with Smart Business, to honor outstanding growing local/regional 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].
From our Gold Sponsor: Chase
Executive Director
Chase Business Banking
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America with assets of $4.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 85 million consumers and 7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com. ●
Contact Liz at [email protected] or connect with her on LinkedIn.
The 2025 Honorees
Overall Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Over the past five years, Apex Skin has experienced a remarkable transformation driven by clinical innovation, operational excellence and a strong commitment to accessible, high-quality care. As a privately-owned physician-led practice, Apex Skin has remained agile and mission-focused while scaling its services to meet the evolving needs of patients across Northeast Ohio. This progress is the result of collaborative leadership from COO Marty Felder and Founder and President Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga.
One of Apex Skin’s most significant achievements has been addressing the long-standing access problem in dermatology. In an environment where patients often wait months for specialty care, Apex Skin introduced a same-day appointment model and developed a robust service offering that integrates medical, surgical, aesthetic and clinical research capabilities.
At the core of this growth is Apex Skin’s 360-degree approach to patient care. Each provider treats patients as unique individuals, working closely with them to understand their goals and deliver personalized solutions. ●
Under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Jay Mellon, AtNetPlus has grown into something much bigger than a traditional IT provider to become a true technology partner to the organizations it serves — especially in Northeast Ohio, where roots and relationships matter.
Since 2020, the team has grown from 31 to 46 people, 43 of whom are local. In addition to supporting the regional economy, AtNetPlus offers fast, reliable on-site support to clients who need boots-on-the-ground service. As the team has grown, so has its client base and revenue, especially in industries like health care, manufacturing, nonprofits and local government.
The company has added Compliance as a Service, business advisory options like vCISO, and a full suite of AI services. Instead of just “rolling out AI,” the team guides clients through the entire process from education and planning to security and implementation so they are able to utilize the tools effectively. ●
Consolidus LLC has emerged as one of Northeast Ohio’s most remarkable success stories. What began as a $50 self-funded startup has grown into a nationally recognized technology company that now ranks within the top one percent of the $26 billion promotional products industry, serving clients nationwide with proprietary systems that simplify branded merchandise purchasing.
Between 2019 and 2024, Consolidus experienced sustained annual revenue growth of 25+ percent, appearing on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list eight out of the past nine years. This growth has been achieved without external funding — evidence of the company’s disciplined leadership under CEO and Founder Jeffrey Jones, which focused on strong client retention and a scalable, technology-driven business model.
While navigating global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, Consolidus preserved and created jobs. The team has expanded in size and capability, driven by a commitment to training and preparing staff for the digital economy and the age of AI. ●
Among the many significant achievements for Corporate Technologies Group (CTG) over the past five years under President Brett Harney are two acquisitions that are expected to ensure continued growth. Both acquisitions entailed companies not being managed actively. 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, and provide 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. ●
Jean Nocera, Vice President and Controller
Over the past five years, Diskin Enterprises LLC has achieved numerous milestones that reflect the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction. Under the leadership of President Michael A. Diskin, and Vice President and Controller Jean Nocera, the company has consistently expanded its product and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients.
By investing in research and development, the company has introduced cutting-edge solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also offer existing customers more products to choose from. Another major accomplishment is the establishment of a strong market presence. Through strategic partnerships, targeted marketing and exceptional customer service, Diskin Enterprises has successfully positioned itself as a trusted leader in the field. This achievement has been reinforced by industry recognition, including several prestigious awards for innovation, quality and sustainability practices. The company has been recognized by the three major buying groups in its industry while working to ensure a strong workplace culture. ●
Technology Best Employee Growth Best Story
Etactics Inc. was established in June 1999 to provide cost-effective reimbursement solutions for health care providers. Following the celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2024, Etactics remains driven by its original mission of helping health care providers attain financial health and independence, now aided by the second generation of family involvement and leadership.
Under the leadership of CEO Timothy Drake, Etactics’ services improve cash flow for clients, immediately improving their accounts receivable while automating and enhancing health care claims processing and addressing after-insurance patient balances. Additionally, Etactics assists hospitals and practitioners with the difficult task of managing HIPAA policies and associated efforts, ensuring they remain compliant as mandated by the Office of Civil Rights. The company currently serves 6,500+ health care providers and processes more than 200 million transactions annually.
Etactics’ culture emphasizes integrity, collaboration and a shared vision for continuous improvement, fostering loyalty among clients and employees alike, with an average employee tenure of six years. ●
Manufacturing Best Employee Growth Best Story
In 1983, a Northeast Ohio company began producing gloves for firefighters. Forty-two years later, this same company manufactures some of the most innovative firefighting PPE on the market. Fire-Dex continues to pursue excellence with every product that leaves its facility, furthering its mission to “Serve Those Who Serve.”
The family-owned and operated business has stayed true to that mission through generations of the Burke family. Soon-to-be CEO Lauren Burke DeVere is the oldest daughter of owner, Bill Burke. Since she took the role of president in 2021, Fire-Dex has more than doubled its growth and continues an upward trajectory.
In 2024, Fire-Dex released a line of turnouts called AeroFlex, a groundbreaking advancement 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 health issues. ●
Remaining customer-focused and growth-oriented while problem-solving and demonstrating commitment and teamwork form the core values of Great Lakes Fasteners Inc. (GLF), centered on the sales of nuts, bolts, washers and screws. Led by President and CEO Kevin Weidinger, the company 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. ●
Service Best Emerging Sales Growth Best Story
Home Genius Exteriors was founded with a bold goal to provide homeowners with a different experience. What started as a single team with a clear vision has expanded into one of the fastest-growing home improvement companies in the nation. Today, the company proudly serves homeowners across nine states and has earned national recognition, including being named to Inc. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America and Forbes’ Top Employers for Career Growth.
Home Genius Exteriors earned over 7,000 reviews, delivering care and quality in every project. With leadership from Customer Experience Officer Victoria Ogrizek, the company tailors each solution to the home’s unique needs — using the best materials, skilled workmanship and honest service.
Through Home Genius Cares, the company has made meaningful contributions to the communities it serves, including donating roofs and exterior improvements to veterans and families through its partnership with Owens Corning and contributing more than $400,000 across two Habitat for Humanity locations. ●
Service Best Emerging Employee Growth
Jeffrey Bonchek, Chief Operating Officer
Founded in 2019 by Lauri Pierce and her husband, Jeffrey Bonchek, HWS Best Health Counseling has grown into a dynamic team of 117 professionals dedicated to transforming mental health care across Northeast Ohio. This remarkable growth is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to reducing barriers to care.
Pierce and Bonchek have led their organization with a relationship-first philosophy — building a team that is inclusive, diverse and deeply connected to the communities they serve. HWS Best Health Counseling provides mental health services in clients’ homes, schools, communities, its offices and via telehealth, ensuring accessibility for all.
The HWS Lillie Huff Training Center opened in July 2025. The space is dedicated to Pierce’s late sister, Lillie, and her legacy of compassion and education. The pair also launched the Lillie’s Gift Scholarship Fund, which awards one counselor or case manager $10,000 each year to further their education — an investment in the future of mental health leadership. ●
CEO Nathan Revesz and his wife, Alicia, purchased J&J Plumbing and Drain, a company with two employees, in October 2016. Revesz was working locally as an HVAC manager when the young couple took a risk to achieve the dream of building their own business. Almost nine years later, the pair has built a staff that embodies the culture they always envisioned.
In 2020, J&J purchased a facility in Akron, where the company has grown to 80 employees. The expansion includes a training facility with a full-time technical trainer mentoring young apprentices in all three trades. In 2022, the company added an HVAC department and was able to grow its electrical department. Over the past year, the company has opened two additional branches in Warrensville Heights and Elyria, with plans for further expansion to provide more individuals with the opportunity to build successful careers in the trades. ●
Jarrett Logistics consistently delivers outstanding service to its clients, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics operations. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its proactive communication, rapid response times and customized solutions.
Led by President and CEO Mike Jarett, the company emphasizes exceptional customer service by connecting customers with a real employee in three rings or less, meaning customer calls are answered in an average of 8.5 seconds. Emails are responded to in 10 minutes or less, a promise Jarrett makes to ensure that the customer’s emergencies are Jarrett’s emergencies.
Jarrett crafts flexible solutions aligned with customers’ business needs, acknowledging that each client faces unique challenges. Unlike rigid TMS systems, Jarrett offers a personalized approach, ensuring each program aligns with the customer’s goals. This people-centric, tech-enabled approach guarantees customers interact with dedicated account teams through their designated routing center, adapting services to fit specific client needs. ●
KHM Travel Group continues to thrive as a host travel agency. In March 2025, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary. Led by President and CEO Rick Zimmerman, KHM is focused on a bright future of educating, promoting and empowering its independent travel agents across the United States.
This year, the company helped over 600 travel agents earn their first commission payment — an impressive and important milestone for small business owners. KHM has also added team members across several departments and bolstered its coaching program. This expanded coaching program offers one-on-one support for travel agents who are interested in growing their business through new strategies. Providing stellar customer service is at the heart of what the company offers. In 2024, its Agent Support team answered 10,000+ phone calls to assist its network of independent travel advisers. KHM was recently honored with three Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for Video Content, DE&I Initiatives and Education/Events. ●
Over the past five years, Leaf Home has reached new heights through groundbreaking product innovation, bold market expansion and a culture of excellence that earns industry recognition and customer trust. This period marks a defining chapter in the company’s history, one built on adaptability, ingenuity and collaboration.
Since 2020, Leaf Home has grown its national presence by 80 percent, reaching more households with its products and services than ever before. Led by CEO Jenilee Common, the company leverages its existing network of offices to introduce new product lines, avoiding the costs and complexities associated with starting from scratch. Leaf Home continues to strategically expand its portfolio to address a broader range of homeowner needs.
The company’s product development team has expanded from two to nine specialists, bringing with them expertise in areas such as testing LeafFilter performance against hurricane-level rains, refining water filtration and stair lift technology, and engineering advanced garage floor coating formulations. ●
Manufacturing Best Sales Growth
Mack Industries has been producing quality precast concrete products since 1932. Under the leadership of three generations of the Mack family, the company offers a wide range of concrete products and services. The past five years have been a wild ride, navigating supply chain shortages, rising costs for fuel, labor and raw materials, as well as shortages of workers and drivers.
Before COVID-19, the company began a lean journey focused on people development. Led by CEO Betsy Mack Nespeca, these initiatives have benefited the company, strengthening processes and systems that helped the team come together and succeed during the pandemic and its challenges. Concerns about shrinking backlogs led to weekly pulse checks with each business unit, keeping the company updated on key metrics, which became a best practice for managing multiple sites and leadership beyond the pandemic. Process improvements, combined with efforts to improve onboarding and define pay for skill progression, further supported growth. ●
Service Best Legacy Sales Growth
Since 1989, National Interstate has established itself as a leader in the commercial insurance industry, offering comprehensive coverage options and valued services to operators across all 50 states. The company has experienced substantial growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to building strong business relationships, delivering exceptional customer experience and continuously evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic marketplace. Revenue has increased by nearly 40 percent over the past five years,
Led by President and COO Shawn Los, National Interstate’s success is rooted in its ability to grow within existing market segments while also expanding into new segments. The company has revitalized its brand, modernized its technology infrastructure and remained focused on customer and employee satisfaction. A key differentiator is its specialization in Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) programs, which now account for 65 percent of the company’s revenue. ●
The goal of Navarre Animal Clinic, which is located in Navarre and overseen by Jody Seward, DVM, is to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. The team of 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.
Dr. 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, Dr. 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 significantly. ●
Technology Best Sales Growth
Led by CEO Timothy Drake, Open Practice Solutions empowers private medical practices to thrive in a health care landscape challenged by decreasing reimbursements and inadequate accounts receivable systems. Founded by three fathers who recognized the need for an innovative solution, Open Practice has grown into a nationally recognized leader, guided by two generations of family leadership, exemplifying evolution, innovation and a desire to leave a lasting impact on clients.
Open Practice’s flagship browser-based application, OpenPM, enables clients to seamlessly work from anywhere. This innovation proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when clients were able to transition to remote work without IT disruptions. This focus on accessible applications continues to drive growth. To address rising medical insurance costs and increased patient responsibility due to high-deductible health plans, Open Practice developed its Patient Online Payments and Scheduling feature, or POPS. POPS’s integrated solution automates patient outreach, payment posting and scheduling, saving clients time and accelerating revenue. ●
Sandridge Crafted Foods is proud to be a third-generation, family-owned-and-operated leader in the fresh food industry. Sandridge views its workforce as an extended family — nurturing a strong corporate culture rooted in its core values and fully committed to empowering employees to be the best they can be.
The primary benefit of being a family-owned business is the freedom to care on a personal level while fostering an environment where people support each other’s success, both professionally and personally. Communication flows easily between colleagues who treat each other with courtesy and compassion. They weather the ebbs and flows of the business and are not forced to make decisions purely based on financial gains.
Led today by CEO Mark Sandridge, the company’s passion for its people has been instrumental in fostering an open environment that encourages collaboration and growth, as evident in the continuous evolution of the company. ●
Over the past five years, Somich & Associates CPAs has achieved remarkable success and growth, becoming 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 quickly adapted, prioritizing the navigation of SBA loans, PPP loans and numerous 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.
Led by President Andrew Somich, 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. ●
Service Best Legacy Employee Growth
President and CEO
Total Distribution, Inc., a Peoples Services Company (TDI), combines three generations of experience with constant innovation. The company’s network of dedicated employees, transloading facilities, rail and freight terminals, warehouses and asset-based transportation, provides fast, simple logistics solutions. With its 2024 acquisitions, TDI has a total of 1,700 employees, 13 million square feet of public and contract warehouse space, 64 locations and operates over 500 company-owned tractors and trailers.
Led by President and CEO Douglas Sibila, the company expects annual growth of more than 35 percent this year. TDI is the only third-party logistics company in the country to complete the RC 14001:2003 certification, an internationally recognized standard that integrates features of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Responsible Care initiative with those of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. The certification strengthens TDI’s position amongst industry leaders who proactively demonstrate their accountability and transparency in following the highest environmental, health, safety and security standards. ●
For over 20 years, Tournoux Landcare Service has built a reputation for creating exceptional landscape and hardscape projects in the Canton area, including Stark, Summit and Portage Counties. Owner Aaron Tournoux studied Landscape Horticulture at Ohio State University, and many team members have been with the company since the start. Tournoux’s design and build experts use the latest innovative technologies to deliver unique landscape projects that reflect the company’s distinctive design sensibilities. A team of skilled professionals works closely with each client to understand their needs and vision, delivering projects that go beyond expectations.
The family-owned and -operated company offers comprehensive services including landscape design, pavilions and pergolas, patios, outdoor kitchens, walkways and driveways, fire and water features, and hydroseeding. Tournoux is Landscape Industry Certified, and the company also holds certifications from the Ohio Landscape Association, the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. ●
With over 50,000 orders shipped annually, TruTech Tools LTD, is a premier e-commerce destination specializing in test instruments, tools and educational resources for HVACR and building performance professionals. Established with a commitment to excellence, the company provides a comprehensive range of products from over 100 leading brands.
TruTech was founded as a retirement hobby for James C. Bergmann, who worked with his son, James L. Bergmann, to select products, establish a website and advertise online. Both father and son brought decades of experience in HVAC services and supply distribution. In 2009, TruTech invited now-CEO Bill Spohn to take on the role of general manager, applying his talents, connections and experience to grow the organization.
In June 2024, TruTech marked two years of working with its local Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) implementer. During this time, the company restructured its business with openness, transparency and clarity to develop a strong mission and a 10-year business plan. ●
Over the past five years, Wellness Grove has grown from a dream in the basement of a home into one of the region’s leading mental health and wellness practices. Founded in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic and uncertainty, the practice has thrived. With nearly 150 clinicians, Wellness Grove has earned national accreditation from The Joint Commission and secured certification from OhioMHAS. Under the leadership of Dr. Jessica Headley, President and CEO, and Shaun Swiger, CIO, the practice proudly serves clients across Northeast Ohio and extends its reach through telemental health to reach individuals and families across the state.
One of Wellness Grove’s proudest accomplishments is becoming a host site for Ohio’s Great Minds Fellowship. This opportunity allows clinicians to mentor and inspire future mental health professionals, providing fellows with hands-on experience while preparing them to meet Ohio’s increasing behavioral health workforce demands. ●
Zone Safety is a women-owned business that was established in 2017. The company specializes in traffic control services with a commitment to providing clients with professional and reliable crews.
Julie Cottingham is a visionary, resilient leader and the proud founder, president and CEO of Zone Safety. She has built her business with purpose, employing workers from challenging backgrounds and training them in essential skills to earn a living. Many employees are single moms and dads who have no other resources to rely on. Her mission-driven business combines social impact with financial sustainability by addressing pressing societal issues through business models that aim to create positive change.
Zone Safety’s efforts to eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency include a commitment to giving felons a second chance by providing them with jobs. The company also supports the unhoused and residents of lower-income areas in rebuilding their lives through sustainable employment. ●