It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the 20 Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Award winners for 2026. These companies are located within Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne, Ashland, Holmes and Lake counties in Northeastern Ohio.
The criteria to earn a Business Growth Award is based upon a company increasing its sales or employee totals significantly over the past five years. This impressive growth results in major economic benefits for our local/regional economy. Sales, of our Business Growth Award winners’ 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 these companies 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.
Cascade Capital Corporation is certified, by the U.S. Small Business Administration, to deliver the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout Ohio. It is one of the largest economic development financing programs in the country. Cascade Capital Corporation’s SBA 504 Loan Program provides below-market, long-term fixed interest rate financing. In combination with traditional bank financing, borrowers can receive up to 90 percent financing for new building, equipment and business purchases. The most utilized SBA 504 financing term is 25 years, with current interest rates in the 6.25 percent range.
Cascade Capital Corporation’s Ohio 166 Loan Program offers a very competitive, below-market fixed rate of 4 percent for 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 financing programs to stimulate their growth and contribute to the overall growth of the Northeastern Ohio economy.
Cascade Capital Corporation and Smart Business are proud to present the 2026 Business Growth Awards Program honoring the outstanding companies whose growth directly fuels the engine that drives the economy of Northeastern Ohio. ●
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 operations worldwide, assets of $5 trillion and $375 billion in stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2026. Chase serves more than 87 million consumers and 7.5 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: 5,100 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, 14,500 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 2026 Honorees
All-Tech Manufacturing Ltd. has spent the past five years navigating an unusually demanding period for small manufacturers while protecting the capabilities, relationships and skilled workforce that have sustained the company for decades. Based in Akron, All-Tech produces precision CNC-machined components and provides customers with turning, milling, sawing, polishing, heat-treating, grinding and related manufacturing services.
Frank and Joe Manijak founded All-Tech, and their manufacturing experience built the company and its reputation. A defining achievement came in April 2024, when Candace and Mark Presley, a married ownership team, completed the purchase of All-Tech. Frank’s daughter, Candace, is the company’s majority owner and serves as CEO, leading its operations and strategic direction. Mark serves as co-owner and COO. Under their leadership, All-Tech has become a certified Women-Owned Small Business. Candace’s brother, Frankie Manijak, continues the family’s hands-on manufacturing as All-Tech’s shop foreman. This continuity links the founders’ knowledge and values to a new generation of talent. ●
Technology | Best Employee Growth | Best Story
Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD, Apex Skin is celebrating its 15th anniversary, a milestone that reflects years of growth, innovation and a commitment to exceptional patient care. Over the past five years, Dr. Garcia has guided the organization’s strategic expansion across Northeast Ohio, culminating in the opening of its 16th clinic in Alliance. This latest expansion strengthens access to high-quality dermatologic care for patients throughout Summit, Stark and surrounding communities, and demonstrates his ongoing commitment to investing in the region’s health and well-being.
Dr. Garcia has demonstrated that successful AI implementation in health care is not about adopting technology for its own sake. It is about strengthening the human side of medicine. He has implemented a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to AI that enhances access to care, improves provider satisfaction and supports staff, all while ensuring that clinical judgment and personal relationships remain at the center of every patient interaction. ●
Over the past five years, trusted IT service provider AtNetPlus has experienced remarkable growth and evolution. In 2025, the company was named a Government/Public Sector Category Winner at the MSP Titans of the Industry Awards Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. This honor recognizes excellence, innovation and a commitment to making a difference for clients and communities.
Led by Co-Founder and CEO Jay Mellon, AtNetPlus has expanded beyond its Northeast Ohio roots, opening an office in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This expansion marked a meaningful milestone, reaching new markets while reinforcing the company’s devotion to local, relationship-driven IT support.
AtNetPlus has broadened its service offerings to include AI and automation solutions that help clients identify and implement practical ways to reduce manual work and improve efficiency. The company has also strengthened its focus on cybersecurity by building layered security services, ransomware protection, compliance support and security awareness training. ●
In the unprecedented period following the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit sector struggled — especially small, community-based nonprofits. While many ceased to exist, Country Life Kids Camp survived. The pandemic had a particularly significant impact on children, who were stripped of the normalcy of childhood and needed both socialization and structure.
Led by Camp Director Tina Bildstein, Country Life Kids Camp was committed to providing a safe space “where kids could be kids” and prepare them to head back to their classrooms. During the mandatory statewide closures in 2020, the camp had to reinvent how its mission could continue to serve the community and help everyone return even stronger. The camp added spring and fall “Wilderness Clubs,” began hosting field trips for schools, scouting troops, homeschool groups and others, conducted pickleball clinics, and opened its doors to host special events for local organizations’ off-site team-building. ●
Technology | Best Sales Growth
Etactics, Inc. was established in June 1999 to provide a cost-effective reimbursement solution for health care providers. With over 25 years of industry experience, the company remains driven by its original mission to help health care providers achieve financial health and independence, now supported by the second generation of family involvement and leadership.
Drake, Etactics improves cash flow for its clients. After switching to Etactics’ services, clients immediately improve accounts receivable by automating health care claim submissions and addressing after-insurance patient balances. Additionally, the company helps hospitals and practitioners comply with HIPAA policies and Office of Civil Rights mandates. Etactics currently serves 6,500+ clients 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. In addition to growing its list of satisfied clients, Etactics continues to add new products and services where it can deliver significant value. ●
Service | Best Emerging Employee Growth
Experienced Roofing is a full-service commercial roofing contractor proudly serving Northeast Ohio from its home base in Portage County. Founded in January 2024 by Rusty Myers and Chris Shodd, the company was built on a commitment to quality workmanship, integrity and customer satisfaction. Through hard work and dedication to excellence, it quickly established itself as a trusted partner for commercial roofing projects throughout the region. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company expanded by welcoming a third partner, Shawn Robinson.
In mid-2025, Myers and Robinson purchased Shodd’s ownership interest, restoring Experienced Roofing to a 50/50 partnership. The company continued its rapid growth, ending 2025 with increased revenue and a workforce of 14 employees. In 2026, Experienced Roofing took another major step by purchasing a new property in Paris Township. Extensive renovations and improvements are transforming the facility into the company’s permanent home, laying a foundation for continued expansion and long-term success. ●
Manufacturing | Best Employee Growth | Best Story
In 1983, a local company began producing gloves for firefighters. Forty-three years later, Fire-Dex manufactures some of the most innovative head-to-toe firefighting PPE on the market. The company pursues excellence in every product that leaves its facility, furthering its mission to “Serve Those Who Serve.” A family-owned and -operated business, Fire-Dex has remained committed to that mission across generations of the Burke family.
CEO Lauren Burke DeVere is the oldest daughter of Owner Bill Burke. Since DeVere became President in 2021, Fire-Dex has more than doubled in size. Burke’s youngest daughter, Taylor Burke Gilman, serves as President of Gear Wash, a Fire-Dex subsidiary and the industry’s largest independent provider of turnout gear cleaning and repair.
From its Medina headquarters, Fire-Dex continues to advance PPE solutions. In 2024, the company released a new line of turnouts called AeroFlex that supercharges the garment’s breathability while reducing the risk of heat stress and cardiac-related health issues. ●
Service | Best Legacy Sales Growth | Best Story
At Home Genius Exteriors, the mission is simple: to become the fastest-growing and most-respected home improvement company in America while delivering “A Different Experience” to homeowners and professionals alike. Today, with 31 locations nationwide, the company specializes in roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, gutter guards and attic insulation. As Chief Growth Officer Timothy Dunphy says, “You can’t innovate your way out of bad culture. At Home Genius Exteriors, we put people first and use innovation to scale that commitment across every neighborhood we serve.”
That philosophy explains much of the company’s story. In just the past two and a half years, Home Genius Exteriors has expanded from a regional operation into a national organization with 31 locations. Its marketing headquarters is proudly based in Streetsboro. The company recently earned a Top 15 spot on the Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and ranked No. 465 on the Inc. 5000 list. ●
Service | Best Legacy Employee Growth
Over the past five years, Jarrett Logistics has demonstrated consistent growth by combining innovative technology, customer-first service and strategic investments that help its customers build more resilient supply chains. As a leading fourth-party logistics provider, Jarrett goes beyond traditional freight management by serving as an extension of its customers’ businesses — integrating people, processes and technology to optimize every aspect of the supply chain.
Led by Founder and CEO Mike Jarrett, the company has consistently delivered outstanding service, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics operations. Jarrett’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its proactive communication, rapid response times and tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. Unlike rigid TMS systems, Jarrett offers a personalized approach, ensuring programs align with customers’ goals. This people-centric, tech-enabled strategy guarantees that customers interact with dedicated account teams through their designated routing center, with services adapted to specific needs. ●
Over the past five years, Julie Billiart Schools (JB) has experienced significant growth and transformation while remaining focused on its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for students with social, emotional and learning differences. One of the school’s most significant achievements has been expanding its capacity to serve additional students and families.
JB opened its doors in 1954 with 14 students. Over the past 72 years, the school has expanded its campus footprint and programs to meet growing demand, including the development of its Westlake and Brecksville campuses in the last five years. JB has also made ongoing investments in the Lyndhurst and Akron facilities to support specialized instruction, therapy, social-emotional development and hands-on learning. These investments have not only enabled JB to reach more students but also to evolve learning environments to better serve students’ individual needs. Led by President and CEO Lannie Davis-Frecker, JB now serves 544 families across Northeast Ohio. ●
Led by President Joseph Lutz II, Lutz Landscaping & Management Inc. has been a family-owned company since 2005. Over the past five years, the company has experienced some of its most challenging, rewarding and transformational periods. Through economic uncertainty, rapid growth, strategic expansion and personal milestones, Lutz has continued to move forward while staying focused on providing quality service to its customers and creating opportunities for its employees.
One of the company’s greatest accomplishments was successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges that followed. Like many small businesses, it faced uncertainty around labor, material costs, equipment availability, fuel prices and an unpredictable economy. Lutz continued to invest in its people, equipment and services. This ability to adapt and remain financially responsible allowed the company not only to survive but also to keep growing. A major achievement was purchasing the company’s current headquarters, which provided the space and infrastructure needed to run operations efficiently. ●
Since its founding in 1989, National Interstate Insurance Company has built its success on a simple belief: meaningful growth starts with people. Whether serving customers, supporting employees or strengthening communities, the company has remained committed to building connections that create lasting value. That commitment has fueled remarkable growth over the past five years and helped position National Interstate as a leader in the commercial transportation and specialty insurance industries.
Led by President and COO Shawn Los, National Interstate has seen substantial revenue growth, driven by product innovation, digital transformation, customer engagement and employee development. Amid changing market conditions and evolving customer needs, the company has remained focused on helping businesses navigate risk while continuously investing in the people, technology and solutions that make growth possible. A cornerstone of that success has been National Interstate’s expertise in Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) programs, which accounted for 65 percent of revenue in 2025. ●
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 a second generation of family leadership that exemplifies evolution, innovation and a desire to leave a lasting impact on clients.
Open Practice is led by CEO Timothy Drake. Its flagship browser-based application, OpenPM, enables clients to work seamlessly from anywhere. This innovation proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains so as clients continue to shift to remote work. Prioritizing accessible applications continues to drive growth by meeting the most important client need — the ability to work as seamlessly as possible during any technological interruption. To address rising medical insurance costs and high-deductible health plans, Open Practice developed its Patient Online Payments and Scheduling feature. ●
Service | Best Emerging Sales Growth | Best Story
Since opening in 2022, Premier Home Pros has grown from a startup with a bold vision into one of the fastest-growing home remodeling companies in the United States, while remaining fully bootstrapped and declining outside funding. Headquartered in Akron, the company has always had a simple mission: to build a company that delivers an exceptional customer experience and creates meaningful career opportunities for the people who make that experience possible.
CEO Augustine Wadian, along with Noah Jackson, founded Premier Home Pros as a customer-first bathroom remodeling company rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Early in the company’s journey, they brought on Vince Venditti as President and Co-owner, adding decades of industry expertise and helping forge the leadership foundation that continues to fuel the company’s success. Premier Home Pros began with three locations and has since expanded to 17 offices, broadening its product and service offerings nationwide. ●
Manufacturing | Best Sales Growth
Over the past five years, RSS MACLIN has grown meaningfully while expanding how it supports manufacturers, employees, vendors and the City of Barberton. The company’s greatest achievement has been building RSS MACLIN into a comprehensive resource for the can, bottle and glass packaging industries across North and South America. What began as a strong foundation in equipment service and technical expertise now supports nearly every stage of the manufacturing equipment lifecycle.
Led by President and CEO Chris Ganni, RSS MACLIN’s teams operate across the Americas, providing troubleshooting, repairs, preventive maintenance, installation and technical guidance. The company supports complete production lines, helping manufacturers maintain reliable, safe and efficient operations. This broad capability lets customers work with one trusted partner rather than coordinate multiple service providers. Product innovation has also played an important role in the company’s growth. The team has developed custom tooling that makes maintenance, service and repair work easier for facility and maintenance personnel. ●
Sandridge Crafted Foods views its workforce as an extended family — nurturing a strong corporate culture rooted in its core values and fully committed to supporting and empowering employees to be the best they can be. For the Sandridge family, 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 among colleagues, who treat one another with courtesy and compassion.
That culture has fueled real momentum over the past five years. Led by CEO Mark Sandridge, the company expanded its deli salad line by 10 new SKUs, broadening its footprint in the refrigerated deli category, and introduced five new bulk soup offerings in the past year alone. These additions strengthen the company’s position with retail, foodservice and industrial customers seeking consistent, scalable solutions. ●
Over the past five years, Somich & Associates has grown significantly by staying true to a simple philosophy: continually finding better ways to serve its clients while investing in its people. Under the leadership of CEO Andrew Somich, the firm has evolved from a traditional accounting practice into a full-service accounting and advisory firm that helps individuals, families and businesses throughout Northeast Ohio achieve long-term financial success.
As clients’ needs have changed, so has the firm’s business. Somich & Associates has expanded beyond traditional tax and accounting services to include business advising, payroll solutions, fractional CFO services and strategic business planning. This evolution has strengthened client relationships, diversified service offerings, and positioned the firm as a trusted adviser that partners with clients to navigate challenges, identify opportunities and plan for the future. Investments in secure digital technologies, standardized workflows and modern communication tools have driven its continued success. ●
Overall | Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Suncrest is a full-service landscape development, management and retail garden center that has served residential and commercial clients throughout Northeast Ohio since 1976. With branch offices in Stow, Chagrin Falls and Peninsula, the company employs over 130 full-time and 50 seasonal workers. The Landscape Group offers professional designs and installations for a wide range of projects, including master site plans, outdoor living spaces and landscape renovations. Suncrest’s maintenance teams provide landscape and snow management services for clients who value the beauty of their property and curb appeal.
The Garden Center Group is known for quality plant material, including trees, shrubs and perennials. Inside the store, customers find wonderful displays of unique garden art, home supplies and a variety of indoor and tropical plants. Led by President and Owner Richard Haury, Suncrest is celebrating its 50th year in business and has dedicated a new facility for the Landscape Group with the completion of an 18,000-square-foot building. ●
Over the past five years, TruTech Tools has continued to grow and evolve amid supply-chain disruptions, shifting customer expectations, labor pressures and rapid technological change. Based in Mogadore, the company serves HVAC, refrigeration and building-performance professionals throughout the United States.
TruTech Tools’ success stems from combining specialized products with technical knowledge, responsive customer service and education that helps contractors use tools more effectively. One of the most significant achievements has been modernizing the business without losing its reputation for personal service. The company has improved its e-commerce systems, expanded its use of customer data, strengthened marketing and educational capabilities, and begun implementing HubSpot to connect sales, service and customer communications. The company has also become an early adopter of AI. Led by President Billy Spohn, the team is developing and using internal AI tools to locate information, analyze data, improve customer responses, support decision-making and reduce time spent on repetitive work. ●
Over the past five years, Wilson Plumbing and Heating has transformed from a local plumbing company into one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing home service organizations. Through a combination of organic growth, geographic expansion, strategic acquisitions and continued investment in its people, the company has increased revenue significantly since 2021. One of its proudest accomplishments has been building the infrastructure to support that growth, driven by a simple philosophy: build a great place to work, take exceptional care of customers and continuously reinvest in the business.
Led by CEO John Wilson, Wilson Plumbing and Heating expanded beyond its original Akron market into multiple states and broadened its services from plumbing to include HVAC and electrical work. Today, the organization employs approximately 320 people across six locations in three states. This expansion has created significant new employment opportunities and brought operating systems, training, marketing capabilities and customer-service standards to new communities. ●