Companiesfor quality of life

While Brian Hock trained for the Louisville Ironman in 2010, he had an idea for a way to stay hydrated along the way. That idea evolved into Simple Hydration, a start-up company with an innovative product that is being manufactured in the US.

Five months ago, David Johnson and his wife Estelle McNair started a branding company together. Today, Johnson-McNair is beginning to gain traction and serve clients all over the country.

Started all the way back in 1937 by Cyrus L. Baxter, BHDP has been creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also focus on the way space interacts with people and drives results.

Using pure ingredients and plenty of passion, Queen City Cookies owner Peggy Shannon continues to build a sweet and savory empire, one gorgeous bite at a time. From specialty cookie sales in local shops to her own storefront in Findlay Market, Shannon continues to expand her reach. Now her cookies are available at Whole Foods in Rookwood and online through Sur la Table, with more outlets on the way.

What started as a social enterprise for Easter Seals Work Resource Center turned into much more. After a year of research on deconstruction and reuse centers, Jerry Janszen presented his business plan, won an award, and now runs Building Value. Building Value deconstructs buildings and saves up to 85 percent of what would otherwise be demolished and put in a landfill.

Two sisters have set out to create the perfect no-cream ice cream. They experimented with different bases and came out with some textures that were barely passable. But they kept at it, and with a dedication to using only natural ingredients and lots of time and effort, eventually, Phro*ZEN was born.

CR architecture + design creates extraordinary places that build enduring value for clients and communities. The firm has completed more than 100 education projects, including new construction and renovation projects, many for Cincinnati Public Schools. Recent additions to CR's portfolio include the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Over-the-Rhine and North Avondale Montessori School in North Avondale.