Entrepreneurship: Growing Companies

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.

941 Pavillion Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

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.

Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

2865 Chancellor Drive Suite 105
Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017

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.

214 East Eight Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

At first, Jean-Francois Flechet, the city's ambitious waffle entrepreneur, served only waffles in a shared space in Findlay Market. Now, the Taste of Belgium franchise serves crepes, brownies, calzones and espresso drinks in spaces near and far, including a new full-service bistro on Vine Street slated to open before the end of the year.

1801 Race St # 9
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

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.

Cincinnati, OH

Based in the Hamilton County Business Center in Norwood, JYSproductions has resources like those found in New York or L.A. But Cincinnati offers greater visibility because the film production field is less crowded.

1776 Mentor Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

Framester merges event photography, social networking and just plain fun into one package.

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

MarketVision Research sets itself apart through its signature data-driven, quantitative analysis, and its thoughtful, qualitative analysis that helps companies understand what drives the decisions of their own customers.

10300 Alliance Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242

Etegent Technologies carefully mines data for miltary and aviation industries, extracting valuable information and needed knowledge to help companies improve and grow.

1775 Mentor Ave., Suite 302
Cincinnati, OH 45212

Eco Engineering has built its own fast-growing company by helping others save money through innovative energy efficient lighting systems.

11815 Highway Drive, Suite 600
Cincinnati, OH 45241-2065

With his new product, B2Bee founder Scott Miller isn't trying to take over the competitive world of online invoicing. But he is out to snag the corner of it he knows best by targeting entrepreneurs, small business owners and solo service providers.

1775 Mentor Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45212

800-869-9989
1216 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45202

When she was a child, Melinda Kirk was bitten by a dog. As a young adult, however, she was bitten figuratively when she and her partner obtained two Weimaraners. Her passion for pups pushed her to build a unique, specialty pet food business that sources organic ingredients and uses local producers.

Covington, KY