2026 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing
The 2026 Smart Business Evolution in Manufacturing Awards honor innovative Northeast Ohio manufacturers. See who we recognized this year!
How Ken Ganley steered through 11 acquisitions in 2025 to expand Ohio’s largest auto dealer group
Whether or not Ganley’s growth this year involves more acquisitions, one thing is certain: He will stay focused on his people, treating them as the most important asset in his business.
2025 Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio
The Pillar Award for Community Service recognizes businesses and individuals dedicated to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live. See who we honored this year!
2025 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Northeast Ohio recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
2025 Northeast Ohio Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars
The Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars program recognizes the industry’s most promising up-and-coming professionals. See the 2025 class of honorees.
Fady Chamoun grows Aladdin’s and Seasoned Brands with a commitment to Lebanese heritage and hospitality
With some 2,200 employees across a footprint that stretches into four states and abroad, the Chamoun family is focused on extending their heartfelt hospitality as the company continues to grow.
Dealmaking realities differ sector by sector, but uncertainty is the common thread
Several Columbus-area dealmakers offered their take on the current M&A market, sharing their perspective on how buyers, sellers, entrepreneurs and investors are fairing. Here’s what they have to say.
How Jared Maloof navigates obstacles in the nascent cannabis industry to grow Standard Wellness Co.
How Jared Maloof helped build Standard Wellness into a vertically integrated multi-state operator with almost 400 employees in four states, nearing $100 million in revenue.
2025 Columbus Smart 50: Celebrating leadership and impact in Central Ohio
The Smart 50 awards recognize the leadership of Central Ohio’s top companies. Check out this year’s honorees!
Meet the 2025 Smart Women Award honorees
The 2025 Smart Women honoree class represents savvy women leaders who leverage unique strengths to drive change, build community and revolutionize the status quo.
Uncertainty hobbles dealmakers as the M&A world awaits clarity
Several area dealmakers offer their take on how they’re seeing the market, the opportunities and challenges facing both buyers and sellers, and how they expect the deal year to finish up.
2025 Smart Culture Awards
The 2025 Smart Culture Awards honor local organizations that have demonstrated cutting-edge practices in cultivating and sustaining their culture. See who we recognized this year.
Riverside’s formula for investing in success to drive long-term growth
From a little buyout shop to a global firm, co-CEOs Béla Szigethy and Stewart Kohl discuss the fundamental business philosophies underpinning The Riverside Co.’s incredible growth.
How Flexjet fuels growth around the globe with a focus on building trust and exemplifying empathy
By embracing three guiding principles Kenn Ricci fuels Flexjet’s growth while carving out its position as an industry leader.
Positivity reigns as dealmakers expect a bullish M&A market despite continued macroeconomic challenges
Dealmakers on their characterizations of the market, how they’re faring in it and the major factors at play in M&A deals.
2025 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing
The 2025 Smart Business Evolution in Manufacturing Awards honor innovative Northeast Ohio manufacturers. See who we recognized this year!
2025 Pillar Award for Community Service – Greater Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati 2025 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year!
2025 Pillar Award for Community Service – Columbus
The Columbus 2025 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
How Bob Serpentini is developing future leaders to grow Serpentini Auto Group
Serpentini had to learn that running a sustainable business demands more than just steady sales.
2024 Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio 2024 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
2024 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Pittsburgh recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
2024 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Northeast Ohio recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
2024 Northeast Ohio Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars
The 2024 Northeast Ohio Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars program recognizes up-and-coming professionals in M&A. Here are the dealmakers we’re honoring this year.
Activity tightens as the deal world’s eyes watch D.C.
Several area dealmakers talked to Smart Business about how they see the current M&A market. Here’s what they have to say.
How Ken Taylor is preparing the fourth generation to carry on Ohio CAT’s legacy
By giving back, Ohio Machinery Co. continues building up the state, from major construction projects to causes behind the scenes.
2024 Columbus Smart 50 honorees share drive to make a difference
The Smart 50 awards recognize the leadership of Central Ohio’s top companies. Check out this year’s honorees!
Brian Zimmerman grows Cleveland Metroparks into its second century of stewardship
With several projects underway to continue enhancing aging facilities, expanding amenities and extending the Cleveland Metroparks’ reach throughout the community, Zimmerman sees plenty of opportunity to boost the system’s value and impact as its footprint continues to grow.
Celebrating 90 years in business, Swensons Drive-In fuels growth by embracing its legacy
Swensons has become revered both for its fresh-grilled, made-to-order meals, as well as its friendly, speedy curbside service.
How family-owned Equipment Corporation of America cemented its place in the construction world
Equipment Corporation of America is the exclusive distributor for several of the leading rigs in the industry and offers sales, rentals, service, parts and training from its 11 facilities throughout the eastern United States and all Canadian provinces.
Market conditions have dealmakers digging deeper for elusive M&A gold
Interest rates are, unsurprisingly, top of mind for the dealmakers we spoke with for this year’s state of M&A article.
2024 Smart Culture Awards
The 2024 Smart Culture Awards honor local organizations that have demonstrated cutting-edge practices in cultivating and sustaining their culture. See who we recognized this year.
How Frederique van Baarle drives growth for LANXESS in America
We should be part of that discussion to educate local communities and government officials about why we use certain materials in the chemical industry, how they impact our everyday lives, and how we are working to reach our sustainability goals.
Meet the 2024 Smart Women Award honorees
Whether making mid-life professional pivots or dedicating their entire careers to a single field, the women joining this year’s Smart Women Breakfast & Awards panel have successfully carved out opportunities for themselves across a range of male-dominated industries. On April 25, this panel of female leaders will take the stage to share their unique career experiences, with the goal of inspiring other businesswomen to overcome and achieve.
Despite its low profile, Management Science Associates makes a big impact across many industries
As data continues to drive decisions all around us, MSA will continue to be right there studying it.
How CEO Adam Golomb keeps iconic Pittsburgh institution Primanti Bros. evolving
Though it might not seem obvious for a 90-year-old sandwich shop to be on the cutting edge, the Pittsburgh-born Primanti’s, under the guidance of Pittsburgh-born CEO Adam Golomb, keeps evolving with the times and has expanded well beyond its humble origins in the Strip District to become a regional restaurant powerhouse.
Nic Barlage drives Rock Entertainment Group’s ambitious plans for itself and the city
Much like a basketball net itself, REG, under Dan Gilbert’s vision as founder and chairman and Barlage’s leadership as CEO, is made up of elements woven together.
2024 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing
The 2024 Smart Business Evolution in Manufacturing Awards honor innovative Northeast Ohio manufacturers. See who we recognized this year!
Positive signs in M&A can be found despite inflation, interest rate constraints
Dealmakers on their characterizations of the market, how they’re faring in it and the major factors at play in M&A deals.
2024 Pillar Award for Community Service – Greater Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati 2024 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year!
CEO Jon Bostock takes the wheel of the Leaf Home “Lamborghini” Matt Kaulig built
Here’s how Matt Kaulig built Leaf Home and how new CEO Jon Bostock plans to build upon this platform during the next chapter of the company’s unstoppable growth story.
2024 Pillar Award for Community Service – Central Ohio
The Central Ohio 2024 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
How Graham Rihn’s obsession with waste reduction has fed RoadRunner Recycling’s growth
As Roadrunner Recycling’s Graham Rihn learned about the growing rate of commercial waste and the inefficient processes companies use to deal with it, he realized there had to be a better way.
2023 Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio 2023 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
How Carnegie Learning uses artificial intelligence to drive real educational growth
Despite massive success, Carnegie Learning has not strayed from the research roots that made it a cutting-edge asset in education from its inception.
2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Northeast Ohio recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
2023 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Pittsburgh recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
How CEO Michael Hoy is building Great Day Improvements into a national powerhouse
Having recently surpassed $1 billion in revenue, Michael Hoy is managing Great Day Improvements’ rapid growth by rallying his team of nearly 2,700 employees around his vision.
How Matthews International Corp. continues to evolve and expand after 170 years
Matthews International Corp.’s core business segments have leveraged the basic concept of making a mark to help the company expand around the globe.
Vic DiGeronimo Jr. builds on the foundation laid by his forefathers
As third-generation CEO, Vic DiGeronimo Jr. continues to honor the strong work ethic and innovative thinking instilled by his grandfather, father and uncles before him.
Casey Ryan takes the helm as Reed Smith’s new global managing partner
Here’s how Casey Ryan continues investing in the people around her to build the strong relationships that have propelled Reed Smith’s recent growth.
Deal math is changing. With capital constrained, how will M&A strategies evolve?
Several area dealmakers talked to Smart Business about how they see the current M&A market. Here’s what they have to say.
Ed Largent leads Westfield to growth by staying focused on the firm’s founding mission
Westfield’s guiding vision and values have remained constant while the world has changed drastically through the decades.
How Wolfe LLC founder and CEO Jason Wolfe went from orphanage to entrepreneur
Despite meager beginnings and adverse circumstances, Jason Wolfe has long found a way to make a difference in a fascinating, fruitful and philanthropic career through Wolfe LLC.
2023 Columbus Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
The Smart 50 awards recognize the leadership of Central Ohio’s top companies. Check out this year’s honorees!
Meet the 2023 Smart Women Award honorees
These Northeast Ohio professionals encourage, inspire and empower their organizations’ up-and-coming women. Read on to see who has been recognized this year.
Chris Donahue has led Federated Hermes to record growth since its international acquisition
J. Christopher “Chris” Donahue and his team celebrated their 2018 acquisition of Hermes Investment Management with a big “rah-rah day” in February 2020. Then, within a matter of weeks, the world suddenly shut down.
How Tri-C’s new president is aligning academic programs and economic opportunities
Here are the three themes new Tri-C President Michael A. Baston culled from his 2,000-person listening process, and how these informed his new vision for the college.
Jeff Broadhurst guides Eat’n Park through growth while creating smiles
The Eat’n Park leadership team stays ahead of changing trends while gaining dedicated employees and loyal customers.
Navigating M&A uncertainty in the face of economic headwinds
Deal math is changing in the face of economic headwinds. With capital constrained, how will strategies evolve?
Brothers Venkee and Devesh Sharma lead Aquatech’s quest to solve the world’s most complex water challenges
Amid rising concerns about water quality and scarcity issues around the world, the Sharma brothers continue pushing for innovative solutions.
2023 Smart Culture Awards
The 2023 Smart Culture Awards honor local organizations that have demonstrated cutting-edge practices in cultivating and sustaining their culture. See who we recognized this year.
Pat Cavanaugh grows Come Ready Foods with a can-do brand mentality
Founded on the belief that “It’s not where you start; it’s where you finish,” Pat Cavanaugh continues building Come Ready Foods into one of the fastest-growing nutritional companies in the country.
Honesty, integrity, drive Michael E. Gibbons in business, politics
As BGL continues to grow, with five offices from coast to coast, Gibbons stays focused on sustaining a strong reputation for honesty and integrity — whether he’s in the corporate boardroom or on the campaign trail.
How Logistics Plus Inc. owner and CEO Jim Berlin turned a whim into a win
Jim Berlin on how he’s learned to lead his own way and turn an idea into a resounding business success.
2023 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing
The 2023 Smart Business Evolution in Manufacturing Awards honor innovative Northeast Ohio manufacturers. See who we recognized this year!
Navigating M&A Uncertainty
Deal math is changing in the face of economic headwinds. With plenty of capital still to deploy, how will strategies evolve?
How MAI Capital Management LLC expands its national reach through strategic acquisitions
From the beginning, Buoncore’s goal was not necessarily to be the biggest firm but to be the best at taking care of people.
Irwin Car and Equipment President and CEO William Baker found a goldmine in a struggling company
Irwin Car and Equipment President and CEO William Baker talks about realizing the full potential of a business by observing the market, listening to customers and trusting his gut.
2023 Pillar Award for Community Service – Central Ohio
The Central Ohio 2023 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year!
2023 Pillar Award for Community Service – Greater Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati 2023 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year!
2022 Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio 2022 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
Mark J. Zilner didn’t just join the family business at Diamond Pharmacy Services, he pushed it forward
Mark J. Zilner is proving that, with a combination of innovation, diversification and nimbleness, one can join the family business and then push the family forward.
2022 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
The Northeast Ohio Smart 50 awards recognize the region’s top leadership. Check out this year’s honorees!
2022 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
Smart 50 Pittsburgh recognizes the region’s top leadership. See who took home the honors this year!
How Crawford United Corp. grows acquired companies to save U.S. manufacturing jobs
Crawford United Corp. President and CEO Brian E. Powers is proving that shareholder value can be achieved without cutting jobs or moving operations overseas.
Michael McGarry and his proven track record have led PPG to global success
When you’ve been with one company as long as PPG’S Michael McGarry, you learn to roll with the changes without losing sight of what makes you successful.
How Malco Products prepared for a smooth transition into the fourth generation of leadership
How Stuart Glauberman charted a different course to facilitate his son’s successful passage into leadership at Malco Products Inc.
Dealmaking shows continued strength. But how long can it last?
Dealmakers see continued strength in the M&A market overall but economic headwinds have become a drag on the previous year’s momentum.
How Covestro LLC encourages new ideas at every level of the organization
How Covestro LLC Chairman and President Haakan Jonsson, Ph.D. sets an expectation of innovation at every level.
How Chris Gorman led KeyBank to record-setting growth during the pandemic
Chris Gorman led KeyBank through tough times to emerge stronger and better prepared for the rapid changes facing the industry. Here’s how he did it.
40 years at Vector Security haven’t stunted CEO Pamela Petrow’s growth
Following her instincts, passions and work ethic, CEO Pamela Petrow turned her first after-college job into a long and successful career — one that stands as proof that a person does not need to bounce from company to company to blossom.
2022 Columbus Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
The Smart 50 awards recognize the region’s top leadership. Check out this year’s honorees!
Benesch prepares for a move to Key Tower as the law firm continues its nationwide expansion
Benesch Managing Partner Gregg A. Eisenberg on his approach to growing the firm, even through a global pandemic.
Helen Hanna Casey leads Howard Hanna Real Estate Services through generations of growth
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services continues to grow, led by CEO Helen Hanna Casey, with a fearless approach to facing every challenge as an opportunity.
Meet the 2022 Smart Women Award honorees
These Northeast Ohio professionals are leading the way in creating strong organizations and mentoring up-and-coming women.
A failed restaurant helped Raji Sankar discover the recipe for success at Wholesome International
One big miss, one big hit and a lot of discovery about how to shape a business set up Raji Sankar and Wholesome International for success.
The M&A Boom: How long can it last?
The 2022 landscape remains strong and active for companies pursuing all aspects of M&A activities. But how long can it last?
Edward J. Sheehan Jr. leads Concurrent Technologies Corp. to keep America safe
How Concurrent Technologies Corp. recruits, retains and engages its dedicated team of specialists to cohesively execute cutting-edge innovations.
2022 Smart Culture Awards
The 2022 Smart Culture Awards honor local organizations that have demonstrated cutting-edge practices in cultivating and sustaining their culture. See who we recognized this year.
Tara Rudnicki prioritizes those in need during a challenging time for Tobii Dynavox
How Tobii Dynavox’s Tara Rudnicki led the company through significant disruptions to both its sales process and reimbursement model during the pandemic.
2022 Smart Business Evolution of Manufacturing
The 2022 Smart Business Evolution in Manufacturing Awards honor innovative Northeast Ohio manufacturers. See who we recognized this year!
Dennis Lejeck learns to love the view from the top at Black Knight Security
Operating in an industry that can have 300 percent annual turnover, Black Knight Security’s Dennis Lejeck had to dig deep to keep his company’s competitive advantage.
Developer Sam Petros finds success — for himself and others — by selling his vision
How Sam Petros founded and grew Petros Development Co. and Petros Homes Inc., which combined have brought more than 3,000 new homes to Northeast Ohio and completed over 100 commercial projects.
Microbac Laboratories and Trevor Boyce take marketing lessons to heart
Microbac’s revamped image has created both a financial and emotional return that chairman and CEO Trevor Boyce knows his competitors are looking to copy.
Dave’s Markets connects with communities to grow together
Dave’s Markets and its five generations of the family in the business grow by learning from their customers and embedding themselves into the communities they serve.
Josh Pickus leads Net Health into the future of work
With a leadership style and the culture designed to drive Net Health boldly into the future, Josh Pickus is leading the health care software business through two major changes.
2022 Pillar Award for Community Service – Central Ohio
The Central Ohio 2022 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
2022 Pillar Award for Community Service – Greater Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati 2022 Pillar Award for Community Service honorees have been chosen. See who we’re recognizing this year.
2021 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
The Smart 50 awards recognize the region’s top leadership. Check out this year’s honorees!
2021 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards recognize region’s top leadership
The Smart 50 awards recognize the region’s top leadership. Check out this year’s honorees!
Meet the 2021 Smart Women Award honorees
2021 Smart Women Breakfast & Awards celebrates some of our community’s most committed and accomplished women, and champions of women’s leadership.
Backed by a new capital partner, Expedient is in expansion mode
On the heels of its AMP Capital deal, CEO Shawn McGorry is looking to leverage its deeper and stronger capital backing to take Expedient forward.
M&A’s Incredible Year
Deal activity is on a record pace, but potential macro threats loom
2021 Columbus Smart 50 Awards
Congratulations to the Columbus Smart 50 Awards honorees!
J. David Heller’s team of A+ players makes it happen for The NRP Group
The NRP Group, before it was The NRP Group, was essentially two people: J. David Heller and Alan F. Scott. Heller was approached, at the age of 28, by a local neighborhood nonprofit in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland that wanted to develop a project to serve the residents of its community. Heller and Scott […]
How UPMC Health Plan’s Diane Holder leads through a crisis
UPMC Health Plan was dealing with multiple issues related to the pandemic, which led President and CEO Diane Holder to reach for the insurer’s disruption plan and put it into action.
Under the proactive leadership of Tom Krouse, Donatos Pizza delivers
Donatos Pizza President and CEO Tom Krouse on how the pizza chain adapted, and adapted quickly, to doing business in a pandemic.
Eric Schnur empowers Lubrizol to support those on the front lines of the pandemic
How Lubrizol Corp.’s Eric Schnur stabilized the company while positioning it to protect those serving on the front lines in this global COVID-19 pandemic.
MedVet focuses on its employees, as new CEO Linda Lehmkuhl leads the way
The focus of Dr. Linda Lehmkuhl and MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets has shifted to put greater emphasis on the employee experience.
Chris Haas always has an eye on what the customer needs
As one of seven children growing up in a blue-collar family in Lakewood, Chris Haas has always been well-acquainted with the value of a hard day’s work.
AJ Petitti has Petitti Garden Centers poised for another big year
Spring has sprung and AJ Petitti can’t wait to get going on another growing season in Northeast Ohio. Petitti Garden Centers is an iconic company built on the bonds of family and great customer service.
Mitchell Grindley directs Plaskolite through a string of acquisitions
Experience pays off as Plaskolite and Mitchell Grindley make acquisitions in a bid to be a one-stop shop for customers.
Cleveland Clinic’s new CEO is poised to confront health care’s greatest threats
Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic conveys a sense of the calm, the strength, the wisdom and the leadership he will need to lead the Cleveland Clinic into the future.
Hoddy Hanna’s rules for acquisitions has Howard Hanna making bold moves
Howard Hanna wins the hearts and minds of an acquired company before making changes. This is just one of the M&A lessons the company — and Hoddy Hanna — has learned.
Bill Papariella is finding a new groove as he pilots Jet Edge International to lead the private jet industry
Bill Papariella faced the end of one dream, but it only gave him more energy for the pursuit of his next venture. See how it has propelled the growth of Jet Edge International.