Companiesfor regionalism

Charlie Hall’s first job after getting a degree in finance from Miami University, was selling copiers in Chicago. His boss told him he had to make 50 cold calls a day to keep his job. After six months, Hall got fired. Two days after he got fired, Spring Valley, a bottle watered distribution company that had been one of his cold calls, offered him a job.

Four long-time friends and a bar in Chicago created the impetus for what is now a business that operates nine bars in the Cincinnati area, with plans for more soon.

David Brecount and Mark Miller started US Digital Partners with a bold vision: they wanted to embrace the way the internet was changing business interaction and help Cincinnati companies develop and market their brands.

Brian Burke started IBuyCells in 2006. Alone, he was buying and selling used Verizon phones out of his house in Loveland. In 2008, he saw much more potential in selling Apple computers and iPhones. In October of 2009, he founded sellyourmac.com and generated $1 million of revenue in the first year.

Though Kaleidoscope has been around for 22 years, in its last decade, its focus has shifted to four distinct areas of product development. By keeping a clear eye on consumer goods, electronics, healthcare and transportation, Kaleidoscope takes the process from research to ideation.

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.

Daniel Cross started A Step Ahead Physical Therapy in 2006 to fill a need in the community. The company started with four therapists and only a couple of clients, but now 13 therapists serve more than 300 children a year.

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.
 

Northern Kentucky-based Messier-Bugatti USA (MB USA) is a global producer of wheels, brakes and carbon-carbon heatsinks used in aircraft braking systems.  Since the 1980s, its parent company, Messier-Bugatti, SAFRAN Group, headquartered in France, has distinguished itself by refining carbon braking systems for commercial aircraft, which have since replaced the steel braking systems of the past.  Alongside acting as a production facility, MB USA is also a customer support center for clients in the Americas, Asia and Oceania.

Close the Loop is a global leader in recycling imaging consumables, from inkjet cartridges, to laser toner cartridges, to drum units, copier bottles and more.  Since its founding in 2000 by Steve Morriss, Australia-based CTL has expanded internationally, opening its Hebron, Kentucky-based US headquarters in 2007.  At present, CTL is developing a cutting edge recycling facility in Hebron, with the aim to produce zero waste in the process of recycling print consumables.

The architects, designers, and graphics experts at FRCH Design Worldwide help retailers around the globe get the in-store brand experience just right.  The result has been rapid growth, while at the same time maintaining a culture of satisfied employees.