NFIB in Your Community

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NFIB in Your Community

NFIB/Ohio members are involved in many ways across the state.

  • Brothers' Military Service Inspires Veteran-Focused Seating Business
    Patriot Seating, Inc. was founded in 2005 by Ken Altiero. Ken had spent 24 years in the office furniture industry and 18 of those years he owned KMA & Associates, Inc., a successful manufacturer's representative group.
  • Family-Owned Company Reaches 80 Years in Business
    In 1928, Jones Lumber Company was begun by William Haydn Jones; now his grandson, Evan Jones runs the same Columbus-based business that has not only managed to adapt to the changing needs of the industry, but also retained the same commitment to excellence throughout the years. Originally exclusive to lumber, the Jones family decided to expand 15 years ago, adding millwork after realizing the demand for architectural mouldings, cabinetry and component parts, just to name a few things.
  • Jackson Family Makes Small Business a Way of Life
    For the Jackson Family, involvement with small business has been a way of life for nearly three decades. Deb Jackson and husband, Gene, purchased a hardware store in 1980, which had been a staple in the community. Throughout the years, the business has been affiliated with the likes of True Value and John Deere. Although she sold the business in 2000, Deb reopened the hardware store in November of 2006. Heart of Ohio Hardware offers services ranging from key duplication and fishing equipment to Rug Doctor rental and pipe cutting.
  • Michael Angelo's More Than a Work of Art
    Apparently, no one ever told Michael Shepherd not to play with his food. It paid off. As owner and operator of Michael Angelo's Pizza, Shepherd makes a living throwing around ingredients, but in the end it's more than just a show. Started in Kenton in 1997, Michael Angelo's Pizza has built upon the principles of excellence and service.
  • Batavia-Based Technology Manufacturer Finds Reward in Providing Jobs
    With the rapid pace of technological advances, it can be hard for business to keep pace. This comes as a welcome challenge for Shirley and Scott Reilman, Jason Jasper and Craig Wilson, owners of Spectra-Tech Manufacturing. As a contract assembler of electronic circuit boards, Spectra-Tech provides a complete range of services, from prototyping to high-volume production, to manufacturing top-quality products with personalized customer service.
  • Canton-Area Business Serves International Market
    From hauling milk for his family's cheese factory to becoming a successful manufacturer of tanks and trailers, Tom Burkey has illustrated the perfect example of progressive business. Superior Tank and Trailer, based in Beach City, Ohio, has been in the business of selling, leasing, manufacturing and repairing tank trailers for over 20 years, but got its start in 1964 when Burkey began independently hauling milk.
  • Personalized Security a Cornerstone for North Canton Business
    Over the last few decades, security at home and at work has emerged as a primary concern in the minds of the general public. And since 1981, ProTech Security Inc. has been a leader in satisfying the security needs of an ever-changing market, offering customers the best protection possible.
  • Pataskala-Based Landscape Company Committed to Dedication and Service
    Working outdoors is nothing new to Jonathan Frailey. Since elementary school, he has been in the grounds maintenance business, starting off with mowing neighbors' lawns to the creation of a full-time landscaping business in 1994. Now, Lawn Jon Grounds Care Inc., based out of Pataskala and serving the greater Columbus area, caters to both commercial and residential customers and offers a wide variety of services ranging from turf maintenance and irrigation to chemical applications and snow and ice control.
  • Local Plastics Manufacturer Becomes Vocal Advocate of Small Business
    Custom made, high quality products are the foundation for Fowler Products, Inc. Based out of Crestline, Ohio, Fowler Products has been manufacturing quality plastic extrusions for over three decades. Owner and operator Mark Fowler says it's FPI's "focus on research and development, quality control and manufacturing" that allows them to provide their customers with products that are both consistent and reliable.
  • NFIB Members LM Engineering Make a Case for Unmatched Customer Service
    Originally established as the Company in 1982, LM Engineering started out by manufacturing protective instrument and equipment cases for local musicians. Founder Joe Maluso wanted to create low-cost, high-quality "road cases" for himself and his fellow musicians in the area around Youngstown, Ohio. It was this idea coupled with unmatched customer service, a policy aptly labeled the "Zero-Risk Guarantee," that caught the attention of retail music stores throughout the region. As a result, Maluso moved his rapidly expanding business to a commercial location in 1985.
  • SAS Environmental Partners With NFIB to Grow Membership, Clout
    Helping businesses become environmentally safe is the primary goal of SAS Environmental. Based in Akron, SAS has provided environmental services for businesses since 1995 and they now have 19 employees. More specifically, SAS is an environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental site assessments, facility audits, remediation systems design and operation, landfill services, and regularity compliance. For the last seven years SAS has been an NFIB member and they realize the importance of having someone fighting for small business.
  • Cleveland-Based Manufacturing Company Strives to Become Industry Leader
    Founded in 1953, Avtron Manufacturing Inc. has since become a leader in designing and manufacturing electrical control and test equipment. Robert Fritz, owner of this Cleveland-based company, has been an NFIB member for nearly 15 years and recognizes the global need for high quality, reliable products that can stand up to the sometimes harsh industrial settings.
  • Linda Brown of Globe Furniture Celebrates 45-Year Membership
    Globe Furniture in Chillicothe has had 102 years of experience providing quality service for its customers while spanning five generations of the Schachne family. Siegfried Schanne started the business in 1905 at the original location on Main Street in downtown Chillicothe. Since then, the family-run store has undergone many changes including one relocation and two expansions to the business in the '50s and '60s.
  • Complete Laundering Services Makes Strides in Northern Ohio
    Ray Zammit and his company Complete Laundering Services are located in Oregon, Ohio, close to Toledo. The original owner founded the business in 1994 and moved to its 15,000 square-foot location in 1998. In 2004, Zammit purchased the business, and from he and his team helped Complete Laundering Services take off with a combination of hard work, new equipment and process upgrades. Zammit also made the important decision to become an NFIB member in 2005.
  • Willson Brothers Continue to Build a Successful Business
    Since the founding of Willson Builders in 1981, the company has grown from a small carpentry sub-contracting company to a $40 million operation that now specializes in general contracting and construction management. Over the past 26 years, brothers Paul "Bud" Willson and John Willson have grown their business to become a leading commercial and industrial contractor in Northwest Ohio. The company now has 65 team members, including five family members, and take on projects ranging from small office renovations to large out-of-the-ground commercial buildings.
  • Cooper Farms Still Growing After 70 Years
    Nearly 70 years ago, Virgil Cooper decided to start a business with the goal of raising the healthiest and finest turkeys possible. This was during a time when so many others had lost the capacity to dream big due to the scars left by the Great Depression. Although times were difficult as the economy still recovered from the catastrophic damage that had been done to it in the 1920s, Virgil Cooper was determined that Cooper Farms would succeed. And succeed it did.
  • Happy Chicken Egg Farm Focuses on Raising Happy Employees
    Happy Chicken Egg Farms has grown over the years, from the garage of the Lackey Family home in Grandview to its new, state-of-the-art food distribution warehouse in Grove City, Ohio. Bruce Lackey, the eldest son of founders Lee and Marjorie Lackey, is the current president and CEO while his mother, wife and several brothers, sisters and in-laws hold positions within the company. It's very much a family operation as third-generation sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and others have worked part-time during summers and school breaks in what has become affectionately known as the "Happy Chicken Experience."
  • Lima Pallet Company Pursues American Dream Into Third Generation
    In 1977, the Lima Pallet Company first opened its door for business -- a home garage door to be exact. In its humble beginnings, the business operated out of a small garage and had a base of loyal customers who helped get the family business off the ground. In time, word of quality work quickly spread to others around West Central Ohio, and the business has been expanding ever since.
  • Fifty-Eight Year NFIB Member Tiger General Continues Long Tradition of Customer Service
    Since 1925 Tiger General has been selling and building top-quality trucks, trailers and machinery from rural Medina, Ohio. Founder Bovie Overholt set high standards for quality work at a fair price and he passed his vision on to his son Mark who oversees the business today. While there are a number of products that Tiger General provides, it specializes in well service equipment including swabbing rigs, double-drum workover rigs, VAC trucks and winch rig-up trucks.
  • Stoll Rug and Furniture Cleaners Continue Tradition of Customer Service
    Stoll Rug and Furniture Cleaners has been in the business of cleaning rugs and upholstery in Northwest Ohio since 1937. It has been owned and operated by the Gorrell family since 1979 and it has been a member of NFIB since 1980. With 15 employees, a new, 12,000-square-foot facility and five trucks to provide cleaning services on location, the company has grown significantly since it was originally founded by the Stoll family nearly 70 years ago.
  • "Flag Lady" Mary Leavitt Continues Long Tradition of Patriotism
    NFIB member Mary Leavitt made a name for herself as the "Flag Lady" when she began selling United States flags out of the trunk of her car in Libertyville, Ill., in 1979. Leavitt's venture grew and evolved to become "The Flag Lady's Flag Store" that is currently located on High Street in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Roesners Lead Copley Feed and Supply in NFIB Activism
    The Copley Feed and Supply Company has been serving its Northeast Ohio community since 1939, providing everything from salt, bedding and hay for large animals, to bird seed, cat food and dog collars. It's the sort of place where folks can consult with professional staff members who can help them diagnose and treat any weeds or diseases that are plaguing their lawns, gardens and ponds while also picking up some wind chimes, stepping stones or a rocking chair.
  • Second Generation Leads Cooper Enterprises to Team up With NFIB
    LaMont "Monty" Friebel and his brother, Edward, are leading their family business, Cooper Enterprises, into the 21st Century by manufacturing quality wooden parts, fixtures and furniture, as well as laminated components at their 100,000-square foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Shelby, Ohio.
  • Wheeler Landscaping Family Stays Active With NFIB
    Wheeler Landscaping is a small business located in Geauga County, just east of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have provided quality design-build, lighting, management and irrigation as well as snow removal services to northeast Ohio since 1976. Wheeler Landscaping has received numerous state and national awards for its outstanding performance in distinctive design, installation and management, and continually participate in national safety contests as well.
  • Brothers Utilize Web Site to Stay Active
    In the early 1970s, Rick and Kevin Rudolph's family acquired a business called Service-Supply Company. At that time, the business was located in Pennsylvania, but the Rudolph family quickly moved it to Ohio.
  • Walters' Activism Keeps Ownership Dream Alive
    Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance, Inc. first began in 1948; however, it was in July of 1992 that Bill Walters became a co-owner. Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance, Inc. employs 18 individuals with two locations in Beverly and Marietta, Ohio. Because it is an independent insurance agent; Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance, Inc. is able to sell coverage from several different companies, which allows them to cater to the specific needs of their clients.
  • Sielschott Stands up for Small Businesses, Including His Own
    Small-business owner Robert Sielschott says the biggest challenge for his business is "controlling the costs that are associated with employing people, i.e. regulations, payroll taxes, medical insurance costs, workers' compensation costs and tax compliance burdens."
  • Grassroots Activism Keeps Member Energized
    "I believe the biggest challenge is cutting through partisan politics to make real change for business owners," said Tim Miller, small-business owner and NFIB member in Ohio.
  • NFIB Member Exercises Influence With Local Legislators
    Duane Hickerson has only been an NFIB member for two years, but in that time he has become very active in ensuring that the voice of small business is heard. "I was first attracted to NFIB because of the active lobbying and communication efforts on issues effecting small business," said Hickerson.
  • The Watson's Businesses Grow and Expand While Fighting for Small Business
    Roger Watson started his first small business in 1965, now he and his wife, Renee, own five successful small businesses that provide a multitude of services including tax preparation and consulting, estate planning, financial services, equipment and party rental, computer sales and service, short-term or long-term lot rental at an RV park, sales of fruit, vegetables, and garden and gift items.
  • Bowser Family Business Perseveres While Standing Up for Small Businesses Everywhere
    When we asked Steve Bowser what he likes best about being a business owner, he told us he enjoys the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges and meeting goals. He also said he appreciates having the opportunity to work with and help talented and intelligent people.
  • Rick Walters Elected Chair of Marietta Area Action Council
    Local business owners in the Marietta area recently elected Rick Walters of Dietz, Futrell and Walters Insurance, to serve as chairman of the NFIB Marietta Area Action Council. Walters, whose business is located in Beverly, has been an NFIB member since 1989.
  • Mike and Joanie Kovach Named NFIB/Ohio's Small-Business Champions
    Ohio's largest small-business advocacy group, the National Federation of Independent Business, today presented the "Small-Business Champion" award to Mike and Joanie Kovach, owners of City Machine Technologies in Youngstown. The NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council unanimously selected Mr. and Mrs. Kovach to receive the award.
  • NFIB/Ohio Member Herman A. Harrison Testifies Before the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee
    My name is Herman Harrison, president of Foster Transformer Company based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. I am here today to testify in opposition to Senate Bill 113 and other efforts by the Ohio General Assembly to mandate health insurance coverage. I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before this committee today.
  • NFIB/Ohio Member Reba Matern Testifies Before the House Labor and Commerce Committee
    My name is Reba Matern and I am vice president of Matern Metal Works Incorporated based out of Mansfield, Ohio. I am here today to testify in opposition to House Bill 80. I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before this committee today.
  • CPA Brings Business Approach to Government
    Peter Beck is bringing the spirit of small business to government – and bringing the government to small businesses.
  • Cleveland Business Owner Succeeds Despite Setbacks
    Diana Richards has a thing for clean floors.
  • Increase the Power of Your Voice With a Letter to the Editor
    To make your voice even louder, get involved by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
  • Ohio Small Business Person of the Year Secret to Success is Service
    David Bianconi, the 2003 Ohio Small Business Person of the Year, knows all about growth.
  • NFIB Member Testifies Against Costly House Health Care Mandate Bill
    I respectfully urge you to vote NO on House Bill 33.
  • Share Your Personal Story With Your Ohio Lawmakers
    For the next two years, your lawmakers will make hundreds of decisions that will affect your business.
  • NFIB Members Take Main Street Message to Presidential Forum
    Twelve NFIB members delivered the Main Street message in person to President Bush at a presidential economic forum in Waco, Texas, late this summer, demonstrating the growing clout small business carries in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 states.
  • Mike Kovach Engineers His Own Success Story
    Mike Kovach is an electrical engineer. "It's pretty much what he's done his whole life," says his wife, Joanie. Together, they run City Machine Technologies of Youngstown, Ohio.
  • Karsten Goes His Own Way
    Jack Karsten is a one-man wrecking crew, it seems.
  • Sokol Stresses Importance of Getting to Know Your Lawmakers
    When Randy Sokol served as president of the Ohio Restaurant Association and chairman of the Ohio Hospitality Coalition, he learned the importance of speaking his mind to his lawmakers.
  • Letters to the Editor a Powerful Grassroots Tool in Ohio
    One of the best ways to reach communities is through letters to the editors of local newspapers.
  • NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council Member Jenny Baader: An American Dream Come True
    You can thank the Baader Brown Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Ohio for keeping your children safe while they're on their way to school.