The Smart 50 Roll Honorees listed in alphabetical order by last name.
United Way
Dr. Dominic J. Bagnoli CEO and chairman Emergency Medicine Physicians As CEO of Emergency Medicine Physicians, Dr. Dominic Bagnoli is known as a forward thinking visionary and an advocate of emergency medicine. He co-founded EMP, now one of the leading emergency medicine groups in the country, 20 years ago with a company culture based on core values — a servant’s heart and an owner’s mind. EMP doctors are motivated as business owners to find solutions and create success for hospital partners. The physicians don’t just treat patients’ needs; partners share common values and are involved in their communities. Bagnoli understands the importance of innovation, founding Innovations Team to encourage development and provide support for inventions and ideas that center on health care. An example is the company’s investment in Stat Doctors to provide a virtual house call via Internet or phone 24/7 with board certified emergency room physicians for the diagnosis and treatment of most minor medical conditions.
Scott Balogh President and CEO Mar-Bal Inc. With the leadership, communication and collaboration skills he learned as an IBM sales manager, President and CEO Scott Balogh has developed innovation strategies for Mar-Bal via business processes, engineering and customer engagement. A structured sales pipeline has enabled the company to better identify opportunities. By having the executive team attend a monthly sales forum, resources are better marshaled, resulting in more than $20 million in new business within the past two years. Balogh has focused on talent acquisition in engineering, and established an innovation award given to a team of cross-functional colleagues that developed the most innovative product or process. He also challenged the sales team to put key account managers and engineering technical leads in front of the customer more often. This became a program called Knowledge Share, where 20 different technical discussions on the benefits and advantages of thermoset composites increased quotation requests and created new business.
Jodi Berg President and CEO Vitamix Corp. A world leader in high-performance blending equipment for home and commercial use, Vitamix has a long history of innovation. Its blenders and machines are world-renowned for their quality, durability and versatility. Under President and CEO Jodi Berg’s leadership, the company has forged new business partnerships, expanded its product line, increased sales and strengthened its brand. Vitamix has created a culture of innovation that includes companywide collaboration, including market research, product management and marketing. The company conducts ongoing research so that it can identify trends in the marketplace and develop new products and services to serve customers around the world. One example of differentiation is a machine Vitamix designed and developed called The Quiet One®. Thanks to its advanced vibration dampening technology, at the time it was introduced, the machine was up to four times quieter than the competition, making it a good fit for coffee shops, high-end bars or other front-of-the-house establishments.
Bruce Blaise President Kenan Advantage Group Inc. Kenan Advantage Group Inc., one of North America’s largest tank truck transporter and logistics providers, has four main groups: fuels delivery, specialty products, merchant gas and logistics services — all under President Bruce Blaise’s supervision. These groups represent 12 subsidiaries operating in 38 states with about 7,000 employees. Since becoming president in 2011, Blaise has introduced his leadership of the company’s vision to revolutionize transportation and logistics within the liquid bulk industry through its national scale, advanced technology and a commitment to be the employer of choice. The fuels delivery group, the largest component of KAG, transports some 25 billion gallons of refined petroleum products annually, while the specialty products and merchant gas groups have grown to become dominant transporters within their industries. KAG Logistics is the transportation industry’s first automated, end-to-end logistics service provider, utilizing industry-leading technology to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
Eric Bornstein COO Clinical Specialties Inc. When Eric Bornstein, COO, joined Clinical Specialties Inc. in 2008, he focused on restructuring the company’s functional operations for efficiency and improved profitability. These initiatives lead to development of a new and progressive information technology infrastructure — and revenue growth of more than 450 percent. Through billing automation, claims increased from 3,000 to 13,500 per month, with 70 percent now processed by software applications. A patient referral management tool improved the speed, consistency and reliability of new patient starts beyond phone calls, paperwork and sticky notes. Advanced reporting and analytics tools help decision-makers make better choices on everything from staffing to sales to finances. Portals were developed to improve the company’s interaction and data exchange with its home health agencies and payers. The company is also able to provide better customer service, while shifting to become a solutions provider for issues such as costly hospital readmissions and unnecessary utilization of health care services.
Dr. Akram Boutros CEO and president The MetroHealth System When Dr. Akram Boutros took over as CEO and president of The MetroHealth System on June 1, 2013, he discovered there was a first quarter deficit of $6.5 million. His leadership helped MetroHealth finish 2013 with an $18.9 million net operating income. Boutros never saw a problem he didn’t want to solve (or have solved). For instance, when he found out that Cleveland’s foster children received inconsistent health care and often had chronic conditions such as asthma that could be controlled with proper care, he encouraged his staff to develop a solution. As a result, MetroHealth now oversees the continuous health care of every foster child in Cleveland, regardless of where the actual health care is administered. The initial proposal addressed only the children in MetroHealth’s care. Boutros asked that if that’s such a good idea, why not expand the program to all Cleveland foster children, and it was implemented.
Joseph Carollo President Pam Carollo Vice president Ohio Services, dba Jani-King of Cleveland Joseph and Pam Carollo, president and vice president of Ohio Services, the master franchise holder and business sourcing for Jani-King in Greater Cleveland, work hard on behalf of their franchisees to find new business as well as grow existing clientele. The company vets potential new contracts to ensure profitability to their owners. This has helped grow the company to the No. 4 Jani-King master franchise in the nation. Ohio Services was also one of the first companies in Northeast Ohio to gain Women’s Business Enterprise certification, which allows its larger customers to use Jani-King to fulfill any requirements necessary to work with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise or Women Business Enterprise vendors. Ohio Services works with more than 450 franchisees across the region to help them grow and develop their individual businesses through sourcing of clients, talent development, business coaching and developing a network of outside partners.
Chris Carroll President Flavorseal To say that Flavorseal, a company that processes and distributes food-packaging products, has grown since its humble beginning in President Chris Carroll’s home in 1998 would be an understatement. Now located in Avon, the company added its fourth facility expansion in 12 years when it opened a 63,500-square-foot addition to make room for a new line of products and storage. The grandson of a butcher, Carroll has strived to innovate the food packaging industry. During the 1960s, his grandfather’s business innovated by using elasticized netting to package meat faster than the routine methods of the time — and to give it a look of quality. At the time, it was the definition of innovation. Carroll has worked to carry forward a lot of those same philosophies of developing innovative products. Flavorseal is also developing its seasoning transfer technology, an innovation measure that carries spices through edible film to season meat.
Rick Chiricosta President, chairman and CEO Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical Mutual, founded 80 years ago, is the oldest and largest health insurance company headquartered in Ohio. As a mutual company headed by Rick Chiricosta, president, chairman and CEO, Medical Mutual operates for the benefit of members without needing to meet stockholder demands or Wall Street analysts. Medical Mutual instead focuses on developing products and services that allow it to better serve customers and the communities, helping members achieve their best possible health and quality of life. The company believes in fostering a workplace environment that recognizes, rewards and empowers employees for excellence in service, quality and continuous improvement. Employees are provided opportunities for personal and professional development and growth. Committed to supporting good social causes through community work, Medical Mutual participates in philanthropy, volunteerism and community partnerships. Each year, the company gives to hundreds of civic, educational and cultural organizations and health and human services programs.
Dr. Delos “Toby” M. Cosgrove President and CEO The Cleveland Clinic Dr. Delos “Toby” M. Cosgrove has been president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic since 2004, and those years have been the most successful in Clinic history. Since then, the Clinic has been ranked among the top three hospitals in America according to U.S. News & World Report; contracts and memorandum of understandings to establish Cleveland Clinic medicine in Abu Dhabi, Toronto, Vienna, Singapore and Seattle have been reached; and a successful $1.25 billion capital campaign to support more than 4 million square feet in new construction and improvement has been completed. Cosgrove has enacted policies focused on quality improvement, improved patient experience and greater transparency and accountability. He has reaffirmed Cleveland Clinic’s dedication to clinical medicine and is leading its reorganization into institutes based around specific diseases and organ systems. He has also committed Cleveland Clinic to major support for local schools, hunger centers and high school apprenticeship programs in nursing and the biological sciences.
W. Harry Covington Jr. President Ferry Industries Inc. Since 1982, W. Harry Covington Jr., president of Ferry Industries Inc., has built a brand that has manufactured more than 1,000 rotational molding machines. By focusing on faster cycle times, tighter process control and more flexibility, the company has developed an extensive product range and is attributed with many of the industry’s major advances in the past 29 years. This innovation all starts with a meeting or a phone call. When an existing customer needs something to make the machine more efficient or make it easier to use, Ferry builds on that initial contact — taking the idea from concept to a finished product or new feature on one of its machines. Based on the customer’s requirement, the sales and engineering team works to ensure the factory manufactures any needed enhancements. Concise communication skills and prior planning allow the finished results to operate the first time.
Mary Cowan President NCS Mary Cowan, president and part of the founding family of NCS, is at the helm of an ever-evolving commercial collection agency. Building on its core business, NCS publishes the now Web-based National Lien Digest. It also developed LienTracker software to help clients monitor statutory deadlines, and Lien Direct Online, which helps clients calculate, prioritize and report notice, lien, bond claim and foreclosure deadlines. This year, NCS developed LienFinder, an online database that captures nationwide construction project data daily from hundreds of recording offices, enabling clients to search and review notices, mechanic’s liens, gain business intelligence, minimize credit risk and improve profitability. Showing its emphasis on education, NCS offers free monthly webinars and an “Extra Credit” Web-based video series. The company also holds national seminars to teach stakeholders about these complex laws. While staying headquartered in Highland Heights, the company has grown to be an international service provider under the Cowan family’s second-generation leadership.
Steve Demetriou Chairman and CEO Aleris International Inc. Aleris International Inc., a global leader in aluminum rolled products and extrusions, aluminum recycling and specification alloy production, continuously invests in innovation and technology. Under the leadership of Steve Demetriou, chairman and CEO, the company is pursuing growth in the aluminum industry through more highly specialized end uses, such as aerospace and automotive. Demetriou has championed innovation with the launch of several Aleris R&D centers to focus on projects such as new low density aluminum alloys, advanced process technology and more sustainable processes. Aleris recently unveiled a new aircraft plate mill in China to be an important local source of aluminum aircraft material to support the significant growth expected there. Under Demetriou’s leadership, the team was able to complete the project in less than two years, and met all key deadlines. The facility today is one of only a few in the world capable of meeting the strict requirements of the aerospace industry.
Vic DiGeronimo Sr. Chairman Independence Excavating Inc. Independence Excavating Inc., founded in 1956, has become a leader in the residential and small commercial excavation field. Despite drastic changes in the construction industry, it has had continued success due to diversifications, forward thinking and the use of technology. Over 43 years, Chairman Vic DiGeronimo Sr. has helped the family business adapt to the needs of a changing marketplace. For example, DiGeronimo had the foresight that recycling concrete would be a valuable and sustainable technology. The company constructed a concrete recycling facility in 1977, one of the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio. Then, in 1982, Independence Excavating teamed up to build a portable concrete recycling plant. DiGeronimo’s ability to look ahead to create solutions to problems in the marketplace has ensured business continuity and success, as the company performs excavating jobs large and small, recycles and crushes concrete, asphalt, limestone and granite materials.
Cynthia H. Dunn President and CEO Judson Services Inc. Cynthia H. Dunn, president and CEO of Judson Services Inc., a senior living organization, has developed collaborations between Judson and Cleveland’s University Circle to capitalize on the myriad amenities in the area. Under Dunn’s direction, Judson’s curriculum-based intergenerational programs bring together Circle institutions with school groups throughout Northeast Ohio. One program has Judson residents and students from The Intergenerational School and the Ratner School sharing experiences at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Play House and Western Reserve Historical Society. Dunn also was instrumental in spearheading collaboration between Judson and the Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University to develop a local “Center for Aging Services Technology,” which brings together Judson residents and engineering students to share ideas about how the latest innovations in technology can benefit older adults. Partnering Judson and the Circle has provided a platform for people of all ages to work, live and enrich their lives.
Jason Farro CEO Lighthouse Insurance Group LLC As the health insurance industry adapts to the Affordable Care Act, Jason Farro, CEO of Lighthouse Insurance Group LLC, has remained focused on achieving increased sales and agency expansion with the consumer’s best interest in mind. He’s demonstrated the ability to execute at the highest level in a challenging environment with government-based technology constraints. With the launch of the ACA, Farro realized small business health care plans would be reduced, leaving many employees to buy their own insurance. So in 2009, Farro launched Lighthouse Insurance to utilize the Internet and make one-on-one connections with users. He developed a proprietary CRM and dialing system that connects Web visitors with licensed Lighthouse staffers over the phone. The system also allows people to enroll themselves online. The result: quick one-on-one personal touches. It’s also allowed Lighthouse to add an average of five employees per month, necessitating another office, in just two years.
Umberto Fedeli President and CEO The Fedeli Group Umberto Fedeli, president and CEO of the insurance firm The Fedeli Group, is focused on company culture, which he feels is more important to success than business strategy. Engrained in that culture is the law of reciprocity — giving in order to receive — and being successful by helping others succeed. Knowing that most business’ successes and failures usually center on people, Fedeli makes sure he has the right people in the right positions so that the company can focus on client engagement and build strong, reciprocating relationships. To foster those relationships, Fedeli employees help clients solve their problems no matter what they are by knowing who to call to help them find the answers. By going the extra mile and providing enhanced value to his clients Fedeli has built and sustained successful, lasting and valuable relationships that have helped his company succeed, separating him from the competition.
Paul Fox President and CEO Skylight Financial Group Paul Fox, president and CEO of Skylight Financial Group, a financial planning firm, says a company’s best growth strategy is its commitment and support to the community. In the marketplace, Skylight is recognized as a locally owned company that is committed to the community. Many companies can make the same claim and be accurate, but Fox has ingrained this guiding principle throughout the culture of the organization. When deciding where to locate its corporate office, a top consideration was how moving to a particular location would positively affect the community. It was not tax concessions or how it benefited Skylight, but rather how it could benefit others. Fox believes in doing well by doing good. At the firm level, Skylight supports a variety of groups. Reflecting Fox’s values, Skylight’s financial planners put in hours of volunteer time, working relentlessly to improve quality of life and enrich their communities.
Bill Frantz President Sandridge Food Corp. Under President Bill Frantz’s leadership, Sandridge Food Corp. was the first in its industry to own a high pressure processing machine, enabling the 52-year-old company to make preservative-free, never frozen food products that are safe and have adequate shelf life. By using cold water under extremely high pressure (generally 87,000 pounds per square inch) to destroy pathogens and other harmful bacteria, while not hurting the integrity of most foods, Sandridge doubled its sales and expanded into a national company. It added 150 full-time jobs in Ohio over the past four to five years. In 2013, the plant and facilities were expanded, and Sandridge acquired another company so it can provide “center of the plate” entrees. A company that primarily supplied potato salad, cole slaw and macaroni salad to retail grocery stores in Ohio and surrounding areas, Sandridge today makes 450 refrigerated food products that are sold to national grocery companies.
Hiroyuki Fujita President and CEO Quality Electrodynamics Hiroyuki Fujita, president and CEO of Quality Electrodynamics, a developer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced medical equipment electronics, encourages his team to continually push the envelope. In all departments throughout the organization — manufacturing, purchasing, engineering — he challenges team members to make improvements that will exceed industry standards. Fujita has assembled a top-of-the-line management team, embraced technological advancements and grown his company all while never straying from his core philosophy of “do the right thing as a human being.” His leadership has resulted in a successful high-tech manufacturing company that’s been recognized by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, culminating in an invitation to sit in the first lady’s box at the 2012 State of the Union address. Fujita serves on various committees, boards and councils at the local, national and international levels, including the Manufacturing Council for the Secretary of Commerce.
Brian D. Gale President and CEO I.D. Images Since joining I.D. Images in 2003, Brian Gale, president and CEO, has become its majority owner, completed five strategic acquisitions and grown revenue by 19 percent in six years. His leadership led the provider of pressure-sensitive labels for product identification and product marketing through the recession without a single layoff or reduction in salary or benefits. Though outside equity was needed during the dour economy, including some from family, Gale was able to repurchase that equity in 2012, allowing outside investors to realize an internal rate of return of 60 percent over their holding period. The headcount at I.D. Images also has grown despite a business climate of layoffs. Gale’s focus on employees — flexible hours, paid volunteer time — helped the company get recognition as one of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer in 2011.
Fred Geis Co-CEO Greg Geis Co-CEO Geis Cos. Geis Cos., led by co-CEOs and brothers Fred and Greg Geis, touches every step of the building process, from initial concept through occupancy from a design/build prospective. The family company has more than 40 years of experience developing over 600 projects and 9,000 acres. By splitting the company into four operating companies — architecture, construction, development and property management — in 2008, the company has been set up for continued success. Smart management helped Geis stay profitable throughout the recession, despite narrow gains at times, with its cautious approach to real estate borrowing. Today, the company has made a name for itself by moving into redeveloping urban projects, including the Midtown Tech Park, a speculative office building in a blighted Cleveland corridor, and the Ameritrust complex. Geis also won the bid to create a site for the new Cuyahoga County headquarters and surprised many with a plan for new construction downtown.
Kevin Goodman Managing director BlueBridge Networks Kevin Goodman, managing director of data center services provider BlueBridge Networks, is working to help both his business and the region succeed. Goodman has diversified company offerings into data center services, cloud computing, managed services and infrastructure solutions. The addition of private and public cloud offerings, and an enterprise-class reseller division that offers a host of hardware and software solutions has grown to make up more than half of the company’s revenue. The latter expansion, along with data center optimization services, has helped the company double its revenue in two years. Thinking local, Goodman built a public and private facilities-based cloud platform hosted across multiple facilities in Cleveland, Mayfield Heights and Columbus. This, according to the company, is not provided among any other regional data service center in the country. Goodman also sits on the Northeast Ohio Regional Information Technology Engagement board, which works to eliminate the IT skills gap in Northeast Ohio.
Doug Hartley CEO and President Portage Precision Polymers Inc. Doug Hartley, CEO and president of custom-mix elastomer compound maker Portage Precision Polymers Inc., has had a tough road as a leader. His focus on relationships, however, has made the difference between success and failure. When the company’s controller committed $1 million in accounting fraud, necessitating the re-filing of three years’ worth of tax statements, Hartley’s strong relationships with customers led them to make additional orders, and suppliers helped keep prices low. On Hartley’s end, he provides logistic services for customers and drivers, and works with customers to create the products that they need while helping them find ways to be more competitive. In addition to supporting customers, the company supports its employees with training and education reimbursement. A quarterly bonus program for hourly workers has resulted in a drastic drop in customer returns, and a profit-sharing plan and a substantial 401(k) match help keep employees performing at a high level.
Eric Hauge General manager and vice president ArcelorMittal Cleveland Under the direction of Eric Hauge, general manager and vice president, the Cleveland plant’s more than 1,800 employees have garnered ArcelorMittal’s recognition as the most productive integrated mill in the world. It’s capable of producing 3.8 million tons of raw steel annually. ArcelorMittal Cleveland recently was selected as a winner of ArcelorMittal’s most prestigious internal global award, the Performance Excellence Award for the accelerated startup of Cleveland’s No. 2 steel producing facility. Cleveland was the only plant in the U.S. to receive the award, with more than 100 submissions made worldwide. The facility had been idled since October 2008. In January 2012, however, a corporate decision was reached to restart — with an aggressive and accelerated goal of a startup in four months. The safe and successful startup is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, teamwork and creative thinking at the Cleveland plant and across the company.
Michael Hilton President and CEO Nordson Corp. Nordson Corp. co-founder Eric Nord declared years ago how important is was to the company’s success to continue to encourage innovators and entrepreneurs. Under the leadership of current President and CEO Michael Hilton, Nordson continues to succeed on a global scale by doing just that throughout its many business units worldwide. Hilton champions this philosophy and emphasizes the company’s founding values of excellence, customer passion, energy, integrity and respect for people. This combination has enabled Nordson to generate outstanding results over the past four years. Hilton spearheads a multi-pronged approach to profitable growth that emphasizes innovative new products, new applications, growth in emerging markets and strategic acquisitions. Nordson remains committed to significant R&D investment annually while introducing programs such as nVision, which aim to accelerate the company’s pace of innovation. New applications are also a hallmark of Nordson’s entrepreneurial efforts, including new spaces such as LEDs, MEMs, solar and labeling.
Fred Hunger Chairman and CEO John Hunger CFO World Shipping Group World Shipping Group, under Fred and John Hunger, chairman and CEO and CFO, respectively, has defined itself as a “one-stop” shop that can handle all the global transportation logistical needs of its customers. This includes deep sea shipping of product through shipping lines, railroads and shippers/receivers plus the warehousing/storage of product at 17 terminals in the Midwest. Over the years, World Shipping Group has not been afraid to invest resources into assets that would allow it to continue to deliver solutions regarding the global shipping needs of its customers. An example would be entering into the shipment of hazardous materials, dry powder and chemicals through liquid bulk containers. This has led to consistent year over year expansion in revenue and employee growth. The group currently has more than 1,200 transportation professionals. The World Shipping Group leverages more than 50 years of deep sea shipping experience to benefit customers’ specific supply chain challenges.
Mike Ivany President and CEO Marty Eble CFO Flow Polymers Mike Ivany, president and CEO, and Marty Eble, CFO, have led Flow Polymers to become a clear leader in the company’s niche market, enabling it to differentiate from its competition in an industry that has resisted change. Flow has positioned itself as the low-cost supplier of tire homogenizing agents and rubber dispersion to global customers in the tire, automotive, industrial products, wire and cable, and plastics industries. This is turn has positively impacted the organization, employees and investors. Rubber additives and dispersions had been Flow’s core business since its founding in 1984 by Cleveland entrepreneur Dan Moore. The company uses quality, value and timely response as the key to customer satisfaction, and works to deliver the highest quality products at the lowest cost. Flow’s attention to customer service, quick turnaround time for samples, new product innovation and consistent product quality has made it the company customers go to when they need a solution.
John Kahl CEO ShurTech Brands CEO John Kahl believes the key to any “smart” organization and successful business is the culture of the company. Under Kahl’s leadership, ShurTech Brands continues to be an innovative market leader by following its core values — values that have helped to shape and define the company. A cornerstone of the company is its ability to ensure that all partners are well-informed. Kahl learned early on that “the game is more interesting if you know the score,” a philosophy he applies to operating the business. He knows that to inspire employees to win, they must understand how the business is performing on a regular basis. Kahl and the management team utilize open communication to keep partners abreast of the company’s status, via regular huddles and meetings. ShurTech markets and manufactures do-it-yourself tapes under the Duck®, Painters Mate Green®, Caremail®, Frog Tape® and Easy Linder® brands.
Dolf Kahle CEO Visual Marketing Systems Dolf Kahle, CEO of Visual Marketing Systems, a specialty printing company, has had to adapt his business in the face of an increasingly digital and eco-conscious world. Today’s printers play in a very competitive space as more of their services have been digitized, reducing market share as people increasingly find their printed materials online. Seeing this, Kahle shifted gears by investing in digital solutions and diversifying its print offerings, focusing on accounts requiring high-demand products such as labels, product markings, warning stickers and vehicle wraps, many of which are required by law for worker health and safety. Additionally, Kahle has worked to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and raw material scrap, establishing programs for responsibly sourced materials. He has lead VMS to become the first certified green printer in Northeast Ohio and joined the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. These efforts resulted in VMS winning a Summit of Sustainability Award in 2012.
Stella Moga Kennedy Founder and CEO Le Chaperon Rouge Stella Moga Kennedy, CEO of Le Chaperon Rouge, founded the child day care in 1982 after failing to find one she liked for her son. Kennedy found existing day care centers created unnecessary levels of stress in young children. So she developed a business plan while working multiple jobs and attending night school, eventually opening Le Chaperon Rouge in a church basement with $1,800. Kennedy’s day care utilizes educational play, which equates learning with fun, reducing performance-related stress. The school’s effectiveness led parents to ask Kennedy to start an elementary school, so the day care expanded the program to include fifth grade. Today, Le Chaperon Rouge has 12 schools and more than 200 employees. Part of the school’s success is reducing employee turnover. Teachers are provided with hospitalization; paid vacations; paid time off for birthdays, sick days and holidays; partial college tuition reimbursement; free in-service training; and all the materials they need to run a successful classroom.
Bill Kitson President and CEO United Way of Greater Cleveland In just two years as president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland, Bill Kitson has made an impact on the city, earning recognition throughout the state. Partnering with city leaders to focus on education, Kitson threw the organization’s weight behind The Cleveland Plan, a bill designed to improve public schools. He formed a partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to pair 17 schools with social services, giving each a lead social service agency and a coordinator based in the school to identify and overcome barriers to learning. To support this strategy, Kitson led a fundraising effort that raised $1.1 million. The initiative was given a nod in Gov. John Kasich’s State of the State speech for its innovativeness and effectiveness. Kitson’s leadership has helped the United Way exceed its campaign goal by 3.2 percent, the largest increase in nine years, and narrow its focus for greater efficacy.
Robert J. Klonk CEO Oswald Cos. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2013, Oswald Cos. is one of the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned insurance brokerage firms. Over the past 30 years, CEO Robert J. Klonk has developed several national group purchasing programs and preferred risk pools that incorporate innovative risk reduction strategies to consistently beat market trends and pricing. This year, the company has created a custom-build, comprehensive private health care marketplace and benefit managements platform for businesses. It gives employers a range of administrative flexibility and employee health benefit options, such as the ability to choose the plan type and customize benefits, support for Affordable Care Act record-keeping responsibilities, business data integration to enhance benefit administration and support tools to help make employee choice easier. “Focus Forward” is the philosophy that guides the company, and it sums up the way Oswald serves its clients, with a focus on not only solving today’s challenges, but also creating solutions for the future.
Stewart Kohl Co-CEO The Riverside Co. As co-CEO of The Riverside Co., Stewart Kohl has helped the private equity firm build its own niche as one the world’s few firms with international reach and resources that operates exclusively in the smaller deal space. Riverside uses its teams in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to find exceptional opportunities with the aim of doubling or tripling the size of each company during hold periods that average three to five years. The Riverside Co. enjoyed one of its finest fundraising years in 2013, closing its Riverside Capital Appreciation Fund VI at $1.5 billion. Not only was this 50 percent above target, its now Riverside’s largest fund, pushing the firm’s total assets under management above $4.2 billion. Kohl plays a key role in fundraising, meeting with current and prospective investors to explain the history and strategic vision of Riverside’s fund families.
Mitch Kroll Co-founder, CEO Findaway World Mitch Kroll, co-founder and CEO of Findaway World, knows success begins with people. So, he empowers employees to take risks and try new things in the fast-growing company. The leadership team is a diverse group of opinionated and smart experts who can debate, discuss and push for the best solutions. At the same time, the organization learns by listening to its market, customers, clients and partners. For example, in 2013, Findaway World launched Playaway Light, an all-in-one audiobook format with product adjustments like friendlier controls, a larger backlit screen and a repositioned headphone jack, all based on customer feedback. Kroll has led the company to new products by sticking within its core competency of audio and video, but also bases products on the changing needs of clients. For example, the company launched its Digital Products division to give customers access to more downloadable digital content through new distribution channels like AudioEngine and Lock.
Robert Littman CEO SS&G CEO Robert Littman has been a major influencer in the success of SS&G for almost 30 years. During that time, the firm has grown to the 38th largest in the U.S., with 530 employees in 12 offices in four states. Traditional tax and accounting services have been combined with innovative consulting in emerging industries to create a one-stop shop for clients. The firm is in the top 10 percent for employee retention in the country, which allows clients to receive consistent service. SS&G’s retention rate is due in large part to innovative benefits and additional incentive programs like a health and fitness program and summer bonus hours. The firm even offers a boomerang award for employees who leave and decide to come back. SS&G has a strong commitment to employee training and education, along with a structured mentoring program to assist associates, senior associates and managers with developing professional skills and client service techniques.
Eric Lofquist Co-owner, president, CEO Scott Forster Co-owner, vice president, COO Magnus International Group Inc. Magnus International Group Inc. co-owners Eric Lofquist and Scott Forster run one of the 12 oleochemical plants in the U.S., which transform food industry fats, oils and greases into renewable materials. None, however, are known to operate as uniquely and flexibly as Magnus. In 2010, Magnus built a one-of-a-kind prill tower facility that produces, packages and distributes custom animal feed products for cattle, swine and equine. With an additional $20 million investment, the company launched another tower facility in 2013. Today, Magnus is producing record tons of animal feed ingredients. Moving from recycling petroleum products to manufacturing natural waxes, natural animal feed ingredients and alternative fuels has allowed the company to expand and diversify. There is no precedent for this manufacturing technology. In just a few short years, Magnus has developed unique products and processes, and Lofquist and Forster’s ongoing goal is to manufacture one new sustainable product per quarter.
Steven L. Marks Co-CEO Harvey Nelson co-CEO Main Street Gourmet Steven L. Marks and Harvey Nelson, co-CEOs of Main Street Gourmet, have grown their company from a small, retail coffee and muffin shop to an industry leader in custom baked goods manufacturing. The founders have instilled a culture that promotes the entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of satisfaction, resulting in low turnover and promotion from within. Managers who know how to succeed educate and motivate the current holders of those positions, fostering increased productivity and improved camaraderie. Strategic decisions by Marks and Nelson also have ensured the company’s success. For instance, the implementation of a piece rate production system allowed the company to keep up with grow in a controlled manner. Their development of a custom-baked goods division differentiated the company from its competitors. The energy and enthusiasm of Marks and Nelson have created a dynamic organization that is a leader in its industry.
Rick McQueen President and CEO Akron-Canton Airport Rick McQueen, president and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport, heads an organization that’s engaged with its customers. With 62,000 Facebook likes and 8,000 Twitter followers, the company listens carefully to its customers to make their air travel experience more enjoyable. For example, the company offers free Wi-Fi, a nearby cellphone parking lot and a “hug zone” for greeting loved ones as soon as they walk from their gate to the main atrium. McQueen focuses on operating Akron-Canton Airport for perpetuity, which means focusing more on its place in the community than on profits, though its economic impact is substantial with nearly $400 million realized annually by the region’s economy. The airport employs more than 1,200 professionals at the airport, or through its tenants and aviation-related businesses on the airport’s campus. McQueen and the airport work to keep expenses and costs low and leverages non-aviation revenue to keep its balance sheet strong.
Dave Michelson President and CEO National Interstate Corp. National Interstate Corp. is a leading specialty property and casualty insurance holding company, offering a line of insurance solutions through agents, brokers and affiliated agencies. Under the leadership of President and CEO Dave Michelson, the company has expanded its solutions to become an innovative service front-runner. Michelson is a leader who fosters an environment based on teamwork and group collaboration. He encourages both his staff and all employees to be open-minded and in constant learning mode with the goal of making National Interstate a better place every day. Michelson and his management team often describe National Interstate as a speedboat in an industry of barges. The organization is proud to create highly specialized products to meet the needs of targeted buyers, and then get those solutions to market quickly. Some of National Interstate’s recent product expansions include insurance programs for tow trucks, waste operations, energy distributors, ambulances, as well as crane, rigging, heavy haul and specialized carriers.
Bernie Moreno Owner and President The Collection Auto Group Bernie Moreno has a simple explanation for his success as owner and president of The Collection Auto Group: “I have always believed that car shopping can be a positive experience for our customers — delightful even.” Moreno purchased an underperforming Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Olmsted and in one year revitalized the business to earn a “Best of the Best” award from Mercedes-Benz. The Plain Dealer has named the group — now a collection of 24 — one of the “Best Places to Work” three times. Moreno utilizes the fact that customers today are well-informed about car prices and what their trade-ins are worth; transparency and honesty with the customer saves time and effort. “That creates a customer for life because they know that we will take better care of them than anybody else. … We try to create a culture that says, ‘Let’s get rid of that anxiety.’”
Rhonda Newman President Remington Products Co. Remington Products Co., headed by President Rhonda Newman, founded in 1934, has a history of quality and innovation in the design and manufacturing of cushioning products. The company continually advances its knowledge of cellular materials and implementation of new technology while setting the standard for total customer satisfaction. Through the efforts of a multi-talented team of professionals and its full-service capabilities, the company considers itself the industry leader in the manufacturing of custom foam products. Newman began with Remington in 2011 as vice president of marketing and was named president in July 2012. She has more than 20 years’ experience in new product development and market introduction. The company’s Flexible Manufacturing philosophy helps ensure quality, value and on-time delivery that exceed customers’ expectations. Originally serving the footwear and foot care industries with comfort and energy management products, Remington Products now manufactures both durable and disposable products for numerous industries.
Bill Priemer President and CEO Hyland Software Inc. At Hyland, it’s not just about innovating a product. Innovation is about helping customers get the most from their technology investment, meeting the needs and wants of current and future users. Under the leadership of Bill Priemer, first as COO and now as president and CEO, the company has continued the evolution that has made the company’s OnBase solution the industry standard for ECM. Hyland typically reinvests more than 15 percent of its revenue annually into R&D of OnBase. This type of thinking has led Hyland to develop OnBase for mobile use. The company also hosts events, volunteer time and helps raise money for local and national organizations ranging from the American Red Cross to the Center for Families and Children. Hyland’s philanthropic focus is on supporting established nonprofit programs that promote and develop youth education in technology as well as expanding organizations’ capacities through technology use.
Brian D. Robbins CEO MidWest Materials Inc. In 2004 Brian D. Robbins assumed the position of CEO at MidWest Materials Inc.— the company co-founded by his grandfather 60 years ago. Under his leadership, the steel service center has had record profits in nine out of the 10 years. Despite being in one of the greatest down cycles, Robbins made one of the biggest investments in company history — installing the largest Leveltek Stretch Leveling System in North America — and put in key equipment upgrades in every facet of its operations. He invested millions in personnel, facilities, technology and customer service. The company also changed its supply focus to purchasing and supplying customers with the highest quality prime materials, moving away from its founding principals. Using the Stretch Leveling System, MidWest is able to provide flat, memory-free steel, to not only meet the current needs of high precision manufacturing, but to also be prepared for future needs based on developing products.
Tom Salpietra President and COO EYE Lighting International Tom Salpietra, president and COO of EYE Lighting International, a provider of lighting products, is keenly focused on innovation. As technologies in the lighting industry evolve, Salpietra headed the launch of the EYE LED line to keep up. He paved the way by empowering staff to try new and novel approaches to the designing and manufacturing products. Salpietra has led several process improvement campaigns that brought on cost reductions, productivity improvements, profit growth and increased production speed. He encourages employees to keep pace by attaining industry certifications and furthering their industry knowledge. The company has one of the highest ratios in the industry of company personnel — nearly 90 percent of the company’s sales and marketing staff — who have completed the Lighting Certification examination. Salpietra has also invested in technology to help EYE market and sell its products and services more efficiently and effectively, simultaneously increasing the reach and effectiveness of the company’s messaging.
Gregory J. Skoda, CPA Chairman Skoda Minotti Skoda Minotti, under the leadership of Chairman Gregory J. Skoda, CPA, has added 12 business advisory niche practices, through numerous mergers and acquisitions, in order to better meet client needs. It also has opened three new Ohio offices, as well as one in Florida. In turn, revenue has grown by 1,850 percent from $2 million to $39 million, with employee growth of 1,400 percent. As part of Skoda Minotti’s business model, employees are encouraged in professional development through the firm’s leadership program, a multi-phased curriculum. They also participate in Business Volunteers Unlimited’s Volunteer Trust Institute, which trains employees to serve as nonprofit board members, matching them with an appropriate board based on their skills and interests, as well as various other volunteer opportunities. This talent development has allowed the company to have success as it rapidly grows its services and lines of business.
Thomas J. Strauss President and CEO Summa Health System These are times of unprecedented change in the health care industry and Thomas J. Strauss was one of the first health care leaders to guide an organization through this challenging transition. As president and CEO, he is transforming Summa Health System into a highly accountable, value-based health care delivery system rather than a fee-for-service environment. In the midst of this, he led the organization in an important corporate initiative — a 30 percent partnership agreement with HealthSpan Partners. The goal of the two-year process was to seek a like-minded, not-for-profit partner to strengthen Summa Health financially. As CEO, Straus leads with a servant heart. Under his servant leadership, Summa Health has become a valuable partner of the community in the regions where it operates. He looks at the needs of the people and asks, “How can I help others to solve problems?”
Steve Stokey CEO Allied Machine & Engineering Corp. CEO Steve Stokey’s engaging attitude has extended to every level of Allied Machine & Engineering Corp.’s success, but the key has been education. Allied employees receive regular training. All field sales engineers are trained for about one year before going into the field, and the company has strong technical education seminars for its end users and distributors. By spending time and getting to know customers through these seminars, Allied is better able to know their product needs and concerns. In addition, Stokey heads up Project Lead the Way, which promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW is all about teaching, learning and investing in the future of manufacturing. Teaching youth about engineering and manufacturing, and dispelling preconceptions about machine shops and manufacturing as dark and dirty workplaces helps ensure manufacturing stays strong. It also helps manufacturers like Allied have a talented and educated workforce.
Donald E. Washkewicz CEO, President and Chairman Parker Hannifin With annual sales exceeding $13 billion in fiscal year 2013, a company like Parker Hannifin has to be solving some of the world’s greatest engineering challenges. Led by Donald E. Washkewicz, CEO, president and chairman, the company is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing solutions for mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs about 58,000 people in 49 countries around the world. Washkewicz has not feared cutting out-of-date, wasteful manufacturing practices and installing new, lean philosophies for Parker’s diverse business segments. Employees do not spend time working on ideas that have no use for the market, but instead get deeply engaged in products and services that would give customers more than they ever could have asked for. Employees have personal performance plans to keep them honest and to take the guesswork out of what needs to be done.
Thomas F. Zenty III CEO University Hospitals When Thomas F. Zenty III joined University Hospitals in 2003 as CEO, the hospital system had been bleeding cash for the previous 10 years. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s each gave the hospital a letter and outlook downgrade. That external validation helped propel the significant changes that had to be made. Since then, the system has made a sound financial turnaround. Bond ratings have improved, contributions from the community have increased, philanthropic support is at new levels and patient census has increased. That viewpoint has been growing in acceptance, and in 2005, UH launched Vision 2010, which is comprised of multiple components to affect the necessary changes away from a volume to a value equation. This was a five-year $1.2 billion strategic plan, which included building a freestanding 120-bed cancer hospital, a 144-bed hospital and outpatient medical building in Beachwood and numerous other facilities throughout Northeast Ohio.
