Jeremy Rayl, CEO, J. Rayl Transport Inc.
FINALIST: Distribution and Manufacturing As CEO of J. Rayl Transport Inc., Jeremy Rayl has successfully transformed the third-generation, Akron, Ohio-based international transportation company from a small family business to a thriving multimillion-dollar enterprise. Rayl was able to maintain corporate success during historic depressive macroeconomic conditions in an industry where many were closing their doors, filing […]
Tom Nies: Requirements for great entrepreneurship
How three key things will make you and your company better at entrepreneurship
Lars Buttler, founder and CEO, Trion Worlds Inc.
MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT, FINALIST Trion Worlds is a leader in innovating the gaming industry — changing the way games are developed, played and sold.At the head of this charge is founder and CEO Lars Buttler. Prior to starting the Redwood City, Calif.-based company, Buttler was the vice president for global online at Electronic Arts — […]
Andrew Sherman, president, MesoCoat Inc., Powdermet Inc.
FINALIST: Industrial and Engineered Products and Materials Andrew Sherman is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his professional life to developing sustainable materials using materials science and technology. He aims to reduce the environmental, energy and cost impact of society, while also eliminating waste such as lost productivity. Toward this end, he’s founded, personally capitalized […]
Matthew Figgie and Rick Solon: Productivity environment
How building the right culture for employees can boost success
A.J. Hyland, president and CEO, Hyland Software
WINNER: Technology A.J. Hyland, president and CEO of Hyland Software, spurs on the company by creating a culture of innovation, encouraging every employee to innovate in actionable ways. But Hyland doesn’t just encourage his employees to innovate – he practices what he preaches. Recently, he had the choice to bring an innovative solution to market […]
Jon Cook, president and CEO, VML
FINALIST When Jon Cook began his career with VML as an account executive in 1996, the Internet was just beginning to take off. Few marketing firms recognized the potential for digital marketing, but Cook, knowing that in the marketing industry a firm needs to continually push the envelope, urged the company to head in the […]
Paul Fox achieves Skylight Financial Group's vision one step at a time
How to plan a path for the future of your business
Barry Cik, founder, vice president and technical director, Naturepedic
WINNER: Retail and Consumer Products Barry Cik refused to buy any crib on the market when he went shopping in anticipation of his first grandchild. An expert in the field of environmental engineering, he was shocked by questionable materials – such as vinyl/PVC and polyurethane foam – being used in standard baby mattresses. Even organic […]
Ryan White, managing partner, PRICE FOR PROFIT
WINNER: Services and Management Solutions Ryan White took a gamble in 2006, leaving behind a fast-track career with office products manufacturer Avery Dennison to launch a pricing consultancy, PRICE FOR PROFIT, out of his basement. White targeted and quickly won a number of manufacturing and distribution clients in Northeast Ohio and elsewhere with his disciplined, […]