Companies

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.

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.

After performing with national touring bands for a dozen years, Brian Penick decided he could lend a hand to local bands trying to break into regional and national markets. So Penick created the Counter Rhythm Group in October 2010. In one year, the CRG has worked with six bands on seven album releases and countless tours and shows. It all starts with artist development and promotion.

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.

From cutting, to design and through to the manufacturing of custom jewelry, Koop Diamond Cutters does it all from the fourth floor of the Queen City Building in downtown Cincinnati. Cincinnati native Clarence Koop started the business in 1966, and soon after, his son Butch began designing jewelry pieces on an order-by-order basis. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Koop now has a full manufacturing plant and sales center to provide customers with a complete, in-house shopping experience.

Zone Creative Group, a media development and video production company, started with two employees in 2003. Eight years later, Zone CG now has 10 employees, but keeps the same goal owner John Colmar had in mind when he launched.