family business awards - Conway Center for Family Business

2012
FAMILY BUSINESS
AWARDS
14th Annual Awards
Recognizing Central Ohio’s
Outstanding Family Businesses
www.familybusinesscenter.com
SPONSORED BY:
Advertising supplement to Columbus Business First
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Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
November 2012
The Conway Center for Family Business
Welcome Message from
the Directors:
The Key to Family Business Success
T
he Conway Center’s Family Business
Awards event was established in 1999 to
recognize excellence in family business.
More than 120 Central Ohio family-owned
businesses have been honored since the first
awards event. Each November, family business
leaders look forward to the Family Business
Awards Luncheon to celebrate the successes of
Central Ohio’s family-owned businesses.
Each summer, the Conway Center invites
nominations of family-owned businesses
that deserve recognition for their significant
accomplishments. We encourage you to
nominate outstanding businesses for award
recognition in 2013.
Deana Gordon
Associate Director
Dick Emens
Co-Founder and
Executive Director
Family-owned businesses are a key contributor to our region’s
economy. According to conservative estimates, there are more than
6,000 family-owned businesses in Central Ohio that contribute jobs,
taxes, and support of community organizations. The Family Firm
Institute reports that family-owned businesses comprise more than
80 percent of business enterprises in North America, account for
64 percent of the national GDP, and employ 62 percent of the U.S.
workforce!
FAMILY BUSINESS EDUCATION
4th Annual
Family Business Tour at
A. D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson
Annual events facilitate member interaction
and develop deeper relationships among new
and prospective members.
business leaders
Nine educational programs provide valuable
information on family business topics using
informative speakers, case studies, and input
from family business owners and experts to
discuss family business issues and challenges
from their personal perspective or professional
experience. Quarterly roundtables and webinars
also are offered to provide more intensive
training on select topics.
to future generations
FAMILY BUSINESS PEER GROUPS
 Provide educational support and peer interactions
 Offer networking opportunities with highly successful family
 Assist family business leaders with transitioning their businesses
 Celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding family businesses
NETWORKING AND SOCIAL EVENTS
The Conway Center for Family Business also helps
family businesses be profitable and successful,
assists family business owners with transition to
the next generation, and increases awareness
of contributions of family businesses to Central
Ohio’s economy. Our offerings include:
The over-arching mission of the Conway Center for Family Business is
to help family-owned businesses grow and prosper. We recognize and
celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding family firms each year
through our Annual Family Business Awards Program. Their continued
growth and contributions to their communities, often through
multiple generations, benefit Central Ohio and everyone who lives and
works here.
Since its founding in 1998, the not-for-profit Conway Center has
helped hundreds of large and small family businesses, ranging from 10
to 10,000 employees. We invite you to learn more about the Conway
Center and to attend an upcoming session. The Center benefits Central
Ohio and family businesses through programs that:
University. Taught by Conway
Center leaders, the course
is essential training for new
family business leaders.
It provides background
in family business basics,
including an overview of the
structure, business leadership, and cultural
dynamics necessary to build and sustain a
family business. Topics include strategic, estate
and succession planning; an understanding of
business and family and how they overlap in a
family business; and management of life-long
relationships with families, businesses and
wealth.
The Family Business Tour and Networking
Event is hosted by a different family business
each summer and offers a behind-the-scenes
look into what made the family’s business
successful, how it works and its plans for the
future. During past years these popular events
have been held at White Castle executive
offices, Charles Penzone Salons and Ricart
Automotive.
in our community
 Increase awareness of the positive benefits family businesses offer
Central Ohio
This year’s honorees embody outstanding business practices and
community contributions. They illustrate how family businesses make
Central Ohio a great place to live and do business.
Join us in recognizing their success.
Deana Gordon
Dick Emens
Associate Director
Executive Director
www.familybusinesscenter.com
FamilyBusinessCenter.com
Intimate groups of 6 to 12 peer participants
provide a confidential environment for idea
exchange, family business education, and
personal growth. They present an opportunity
to learn by seeking advice from peers and
professionals who have “been there, done that”
and who are willing to share their experiences
and knowledge. Each peer group has a shared
purpose and sets mutual expectations. Group
members commit to respect the confidentiality
of the group’s participants. The Conway Center
offers six peer group opportunities to members:
Business Development, CEOs, Marketing/Sales,
Online Strategy, Next Generation Leaders, and
Women in Family Business.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE WORK
Family business leaders learn to build and sustain
a family business through the Entrepreneurship
and Family Business course at Ohio Dominican
Another summer favorite is Family Business
Night at the Columbus Clippers. Each year,
more than 100 Central Ohio family business
leaders attend the game, and one is selected
to throw out the first pitch. The gathering
provides an opportunity to spend time outside
of the office with others whose common
interest is the intersection of family and
business.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILY BUSINESSES
Whether you need to discuss a family business
issue, desire a referral to someone who can
provide professional advice or assistance to
your business, are looking for case studies
on family business topics, or want to know
more about family business best practices, the
Conway Center can help. The Conway Center
for Family Business, a 501(c) (3) organization,
exclusively serves family-owned businesses.
Please visit www.familybusinesscenter.com
or call us at 614.253.4820 to ask how we
can help.
Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
November 2012
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
2012 Conway Center
Family Business Awards
These Family Enterprises Set the Bar for
Business Success in the Central Ohio Region
S
ince 1999, the Conway Center for Family Business
has recognized and
celebrated the success
of Central Ohio family businesses of all sizes. Family
businesses play an integral
part in the Central Ohio
community -- a core part
of the Center’s mission is to
promote their achievements
and provide recognition for
their accomplishments.
Milestone Achievement – Recognizes family
businesses that have reached a significant milestone during
2012 (longevity, business, or other significant achievement).
2012 Honorees:
100 years : A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson
60 years : Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
40 years : TriAd Marketing & Media
35 years : Gioffre Companies, Inc.
30 years : Laser Reproductions
25 years : Spartan Logistics
20 years : Safex, Inc.
Re-Invention – Recognizes family businesses that have
successfully adjusted their business strategy or focus to address
a changing business climate or societal demands.
Award Categories
Awards are presented to family businesses in
six categories to recognize particular areas of
achievement that take into account the many
facets of family business success: Communication,
Community Engagement, Milestones, Re-Invention,
Succession, and Support of a Family Business. More
than 120 Central Ohio family businesses have been
recognized since the program’s inception.
This year, 20 family businesses and individuals are
being honored in the following categories:
Communication – Recognizes family businesses that
have developed exceptional tools or strategies for effective
communication within their company or with their family members
regarding the business.
2012 Honorees:
Dublin Cleaners
Three-C Body Shops, Inc.
Succession Planning/Implementation
Recognizes family businesses that have developed or completed
a succession plan or transferred leadership.
2012 Honorees:
Dublin Building Systems
Katzinger’s Delicatessen LLC
Lincoln Construction
Ricart Automotive, Inc.
Support of a Family Business – Recognizes
organizations or individuals that have shown support or demonstrated a commitment to the strength, success or longevity
of a family firm.
2012 Honorees:
Charles Penzone Salons – Mary Lynn Foster
The Joseph Group
2012 Honoree:
Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation
Community Engagement – Recognizes family
businesses that have made a major contribution to the Central
Ohio community.
2012 Honorees:
Brexton
Donatos Pizza
Team Buckeye – Nissan • Honda • Toyota
White Castle System, Inc.
Family business honorees and their guests enjoying the luncheon during
the Family Business Awards program.
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Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
November 2012
PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE
COMMUNICATION
Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation
4928 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
www.ahlumarbor.com
Founder/CEO: David R. Ahlum
Family Members: 3
Employees: 26
Year Founded: 1976
Ahlum & Arbor adheres to the highest standards of tree and
plant health care. Ahlum & Arbor offers customized pruning and
plant health care programs designed to effectively maintain and
enhance the health of your trees and shrubs. Plant Health Care
Services: fertilization programs, nutrient deficiency treatments,
root enhancement, inspections and applications for disease
and pest infestations, girdling root inspection and repair, and
emerald ash borer. Tree Pruning and Removal Services: safety
pruning, structural pruning, corrective pruning, crown thinning,
crown restoration, cabling & bracing, and tree and shrub removal.
Consulting and Evaluation Services: tree preservation, valuation
and appraisal, expert witness, tree inventory, and tree risk
assessment.
Ahlum & Arbor is a family-owned, full service arboricultural firm
serving both residential and commercial clients for more than 35
years. David and Lana started the company in 1976 while Dave
was at OSU -- Dave with a horticultural background and Lana with
one in finance. Dave and Chris Ahlum are both Board-Certified
Master Arborists (BCMA) through the ISA. The BCMA credential
is designed for those who have reached the pinnacle of the
profession and requires extensive experience, education and
testing. Chris has also earned the Registered Consulting Arborist
designation from the American Society of Consulting Arborists
(ASCA). He is one of only three individuals in Ohio who hold both
the BCMA and ASCA designations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Brexton
815 Grandview Ave., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215
www.brextonllc.com
Founder/CEO: Timothy P. Galvin
Family Members: 4
Employees: 10
Year Founded: 2001
Incorporated in 2001, Brexton is a firm dedicated to commercial
development, design build, construction and property
management services to the real estate and construction
industry. Brexton’s primary focus is healthcare projects in the
$1 to $15 million dollar range in the Central Ohio market. We
also have completed a dozen projects for audio and video
production companies and really enjoy the more technically
challenging projects. Our principals have completed projects
in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas,
West Virginia and all of the major Ohio Municipalities. We have
extensive experience in suburban medical and hospital facilities.
Brexton’s real estate, development and construction company is
unlike any other. Our customers tell us so. We set ourselves apart
by assembling the strongest specialized teams to deliver the
best value in our projects. We also have a strong commitment
of giving back to our community where we make our living. All
of our family members and employees volunteer their time,
talents and resources to charities of their choice. As a company,
we support many charities that have included a monthly
commitment to Faith Mission for the past 10 years.
Donatos Pizza
935 Taylor Station Road, Columbus, OH 43230
www.donatos.com
Founder: Jim Grote
Chairman: Jane Grote Abell
President, CEO: Tom Krouse
Family Members: 2
Employees: 1,654
Year Founded: 1963
Donatos Pizza, founded in 1963 by Jim Grote, is family owned
and operated and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The
creator of Edge to Edge® pizza, Donatos is recognized as one
of America’s premier regional pizza chains. Donatos and its
Franchise Partners operate 158 restaurants in 7 states – Ohio,
Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina,
and Virginia. Additionally, Jane’s Dough Foods, the baking
and manufacturing division of Donatos, established in 2008,
provides pre-proofed dough, par-baked pizza crusts and pretopped pizzas for some of the largest food service distributors
and retailers in the nation, totaling more than 2,000 points of
distribution.
Founded in 1963 on the philosophy of making the best pizza
and treating others the way he would like to be treated, Jim
Grote, a college sophomore at the time, purchased a small
pizzeria on the south side of Columbus for just $1,300. From
the beginning, Jim built Donatos on three fundamentals:
creating a superior product, hiring great people, and adhering
to strong principles that promote goodwill in business and the
community. Though the brand has continued to evolve and
change throughout its 47-year history, it remains unique in its
ever-constant commitment to the founding mission: to promote
goodwill through products, people and principles and services.
Team Buckeye - Nissan∙Honda∙Toyota
2615 N. Memorial Dr., Lancaster, OH 43130
www.buckeyecars.com
Founder/CEO: Gerald Spires
Family Members: 7
Employees: 156
Year Founded: 1978
The Buckeye family of dealerships is committed to providing exceptional service and value for our customers. More than half of
our team members have been with us for 10 or more years and
their skills and experience are key ingredients to our success.
After the recent addition of the Toyota dealership, Buckeye now
employs over 150 team members and together with spouses
and children, impacts more than 500 lives. We believe it’s our
responsibility to strive to improve their well-being and help each
one understand how his or her efforts affect our ability to meet
that responsibility. Team Buckeye is committed to providing
the best automotive value and experience. Our purpose is to
develop a genuine family relationship with every customer and
associate. We achieve this through our knowledge and integrity,
while maintaining the highest standards, attending to the smallest details, and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
We are committed to our customers, our team members and
the communities we serve. Our experienced team is really
what makes Buckeye unique and has enabled us to provide
a level of consistently exceptional service that is uncommon
in dealerships. With excellent benefits and profit sharing, we
strive to have our team members share in the success of the
dealerships. We also share our success with the communities we
serve through generous donations to causes close to the hearts
of our Buckeye family.
White Castle System, Inc.
555 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215
www.whitecastle.com
Founder: Edgar Waldo Ingram (“Billy”)
President, CEO: E.W. “Bill” Ingram III
Family Members: 13
Employees: 10,450
Year Founded: 1921
White Castle is in the business of satisfying cravings and
making memories. With 420 restaurants in 12 states, a frozen
food division that supplies the grocery, convenience store
and vending channels, the Castle has truly become a national
institution. White Castle also owns and operates its own meat
plants (3), bakeries (2) and manufacturing facilities through its
PSB division and 2 frozen food plants that supply the grocery
channel. White Castle is famous for loyalty among its team
members with the lowest turnover rates in the quick serve
restaurant industry. Significantly, over 27 percent of White
Castle’s 10,000 team members have been with the company
for 10 years or more.
When White Castle opened its first restaurant in 1921,
hamburgers weren’t considered suitable fare for families. In
fact, founder Billy Ingram was discouraged by friends and
colleagues who said he would fail with his “wild experiment
in the hamburger business.” Thankfully, Billy forged ahead,
and with a focus on cleanliness and service, pioneered the
creation of the quick service restaurant industry. Through
pioneering standards of excellence, and a “total quality
management” approach, Billy created a taste sensation and
White Castle became a “national institution.” Today, led by the
3rd generation, there are nine 4th generation members who
work in the business.
RE-INVENTION
Dublin Cleaners
6845 Caine Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
www.dublincleaners.com
Founder: Greg Butler
President: Brian Butler
Family Members: 3
Employees: 48
Year Founded: 1934
Dublin Cleaners is Columbus’ largest and premier provider of free
pick-up and delivery fine dry cleaning. We are the only cleaners in
Ohio to receive a four star award from Leading Cleaners International and the only member of the Association of Wedding Gown
Specialists in the Columbus Metro area. Together with New Albany
Cleaners we have seven locations around northern Columbus and
provide free delivery service to nearly all affluent areas of the city.
We’ve been recognized for our technology and innovation by nearly
all local media and nationally on Fox & Friends, BusinessWeek, and
Entrepreneur Magazine.
It seems many family business people talk to us about how we get
along. Our business is thriving in the worst conditions either of the
two living generations has seen. Where many families struggle to
cooperate, we’ve come together to combine our strengths to grow
despite two recessions, corporate casual trends, a public smoking
ban, substantial regulatory environmental cost increases, large
increases in energy costs, and swelling fuel costs. Our industry has
had sustained volume decreases over the past decade, with only
a few flat years to cheer about. Despite this, we gain market share
and build our brand while we enjoy working among family.
Three-C Body Shops, Inc.
2300 Briggs Rd., Columbus, OH 43223
www.threecbodyshop.com
Founder: Robert Juniper Sr.
CEO: Robert (Bob) Juniper Jr.
Family Members: 3
Employees: 49
Year Founded: 1956
Three-C Body Shops provide automotive collision repair, frame
and unibody correction, and refinishing. We offer high quality
workmanship as an alternative to the practices of insurance
company DRP (direct repair programs) or “preferred shop
programs.”
The company’s unique story begins with the business starting
up only as a “front” for a gambling operation, eventually going
legitimate, and ending up making the Inc. 500 fastest growing
companies in America two years in a row in 1994 and 1995. The
story continues with Three-C nearly going broke in 2005 due to
economic issues within our specific industry, barely surviving to
then face “the great recession” and continuing today on a very
strong upward trend through 2012.
SUCCESSION
Dublin Building Systems
6233 Avery Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
www.dublinbuilding.com
Founder/ Chairman of the Board: Vic Irelan
Owners: Tom Irelan, Bob Howe & Rich Irelan
Family Members: 4
Employees: 43
Year Founded: 1970
Dublin Building Systems is a Commercial General Contractor
serving Central Ohio for over 42 years. At DBS we specialize in a
Design-Build delivery method, meaning we team up with the client
and our in-house designers early on in the process to determine
the company’s space, flow and future expansion needs. A budget
is established and it is everyone’s common goal to deliver a high
quality product within that budget. Our niche market is manufacturing and industrial customers.
DBS is unique in a few ways. 1. We take care of our customers
way beyond the sale and even the completion of the building
project. If a 20-year customer calls with a roof leak we will send
someone over that day, fix it on the spot and not charge them.
Any customer is a customer for life. 2. We self-perform a lot of the
construction activities, such as concrete work, steel erection, roofing, etc. This in-house work assures the customer of high quality
work and speed of delivery all at the best cost.
Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
November 2012
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
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2012 FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD HONOREES
SUCCESSION continued
Katzinger’s Delicatessen LLC
475 South 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215
www.katzingers.com
Founder/CEO: Diane Warren
Family Members: 2
Employees: 38
Year Founded: 1984
Katzinger’s provides Deli Love in the form of welcoming smiles
and made to order (and Food Network worthy) sandwiches,
salads, soups and desserts. The Deli Love continues in our
Specialty Foods Shop where our knowledgeable staff shares
with our guests a large selections of artisan (and often
unpronounceable) cheeses, meats, smoked fish, slow rise breads,
unique oils, vinegars, and more. And if that weren’t enough,
Katzinger’s Catering takes that Deli Love throughout the city
to both businesses and homes. Our goal is to provide the
Katzinger’s Experience to every guest.
“I have met many family business owners and have found many
more similarities than not. We all are proud of our businesses,
work too much, practice some degree of servant leadership, and
are driven by that devil that is in the details. We also are incredibly
grateful for every customer that honors us by allowing us to serve
them. I suppose my family business is unique in that currently I
am the only family member working here in Columbus, though
I am prepared for that to change when the time is right. My
daughter’s long-distance counsel continues to be an important
part of our growth and a valuable asset for me.” — D. Warren
Lincoln Construction
4790 Shuster Rd., Columbus, OH 43214
www.lincolnconstruction.com
Founders: Max Holzer and
Bob “Lincoln” George
President: Kurt Schmitt
Family Members: 3
Employees: 35
Year Founded: 1971
Lincoln Construction is a 41-year-old family-owned commercial
construction company. We specialize in building long-term
relationships that allow us to work collaboratively with clients—
many of our relationships exceed 30 years. Over 90 percent of
our business comes from repeat clients in the following sectors:
Institutional, Religious, Industrial, Office, Retail and Medical. Our
projects range from small fit-outs to projects in excess of $30
million. At the end of the day, we provide business strategy
and strong owner advocacy throughout the development and
construction process that allows our clients to focus on their
business.
The “family” in our business extends beyond our immediate
family. We take great pride in providing a positive workplace
where our employees can have an impact on the business
and have a career. We are proud to have four current 30-year
employees (four 30-year employees just retired), and numerous
with 10-20 years of service with us. Our Lincoln family is truly
something special, and it makes us a better company.
Ricart Automotive, Inc.
4255 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
www.ricart.com
Founder: Paul F. Ricart, Sr.
President, CEO: Rhett C. Ricart
VP, Treasurer: Paul F. Ricart, Jr.
Family Members: 8
Employees: 430
Year Founded: 1953
Ricart Automotive offers the
public the largest selection and greatest pricing on both new
and used vehicles. We have a strong and committed sales staff
with many years of experience satisfying our customers’ needs.
Completing the experience are the Service and Parts Departments
with highly trained staff and extended hours to meet the busy
lifestyle of today’s consumers. Browse our inventory online,
request more information regarding a vehicle, set up a test drive,
inquire about financing, order a part or schedule service all in the
convenience of your home. Ricart is conveniently located just
minutes from Columbus.
The Ricart business is now in its third generation. Founded in
Central Ohio, Ricart is deeply rooted in the community. The
founder, Paul Ricart, Sr., embraced the local military base by
offering special pricing. His son, Fred, branched out to local
communities and became instrumental in the growth of the
DARE program. Now, Rick Ricart carries on this tradition and
has demonstrated this by contributing resources to schools,
events, and many other businesses in the greater Central Ohio
area. This grassroots family-approach continues to set the
Ricart group apart from others.
SUPPORT
Mary Lynn Foster,
Charles Penzone Salons
1480 Manning Parkway, Powell, OH 43065
www.charlespenzone.com
Founder: Charles A. Penzone
CEO: Debra A. Penzone
VP/Chief Operating Officer: Mary Lynn Foster, CPA
Family Members: 4
Employees: 483
Year Founded: 1969
Mary Lynn Foster has been with Charles Penzone Salons
for over 10 years, first in the capacity of VP/Chief Financial
Officer and then promoted to VP/Chief Operating Officer
approximately five years ago.
The Charles Penzone Salons has served the Central Ohio
area for the last 43 years by providing the ultimate salon
and spa experiences. Within an ambiance of intimacy
and privacy at the three Grand Salons, guests experience
innovative and luxurious hair, skin, nail, and massage
treatments, and the ultimate in world-class service.
The company’s three urban-inspired, boutique brands
serve Columbus’upwardly-mobile residents and visitors.
Throughout its history, the Charles Penzone Salons have
been an early adopter of trends and ideas to advance
the salon and spa industry. The company prides itself on
remaining on the forefront of operations to ensure the
highest possible level of guest service. The Charles Penzone
Salons encourages their team members to live purposedriven lives and provides opportunities for our team to
volunteer their services and donate time towards helping
numerous local and national causes.
The Joseph Group
300 Marconi Blvd., Suite 106, Columbus, OH 43215
www.josephgroup.com
Founders: Mark and Matt Palmer
CEO: Mark Palmer
President: Matt Palmer
Family Members: 2
Employees: 11
Year Founded: 1999
The Joseph Group is a wealth planning company that
specializes in investment management. Our mission is simple
but powerful: to understand our clients’ cherished dreams
and goals and provide wealth planning and investment
management services that help them achieve those dreams
and goals. We work with 300 clients and manage more than
$300 million for those clients including personal, family,
charitable and retirement plan portfolios. Our team consists
of experienced and caring financial advisors, investment
managers and client service professionals.
Established in honor of Joseph Palmer (father of the company
founders), the entire Joseph Group team strives daily to
reflect the core values that Joe reflected so well throughout
his life: integrity, excellence and a passion for knowing
and serving others. Built on the model of a family versus
business, the company’s associates have lunch together
every Monday and enjoy spending time with one another
outside of work. There are no work schedule or vacation
policies at the company; instead, members of The Joseph
Group family create their own work/life balance with the
goal of honoring God first, family second and business third.
Passion for our clients’ dreams is reflected in our quarterly
magazine, Harvest, which spotlights clients and friends and
our quarterly Wealth Summits, which provide a forum to
explore a broader meaning of wealth to include the many
blessings and opportunities available to all of us.
MILESTONE
100 - A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson
491 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
www.adfarrow.com
Founders: Alfred D. and Lillian Farrow
Dealer Principals:
Robert and Valerie Althoff
Family Members: 2
Employees: 90
Year Founded: 1912
America’s oldest Harley dealer celebrates its 100th birthday
this year. A.D. Farrow Co. originated in Nelsonville, Ohio and
moved to Columbus in 1924 under the leadership of founder
Alfred D. Farrow and his wife Lillian. A.D. Farrow was among
the pioneering men who helped established Harley-Davidson
Motor Company. The Farrow family operated the dealership for
70 years. Current Dealer Principal Bob Althoff purchased the
company in 2002. The “Family of Dealerships” now has shops
in Pataskala, Sunbury, and downtown Columbus. The relatively
new Shop at NorthStar boasts an 18-acre campus complete
with a 32,000 square foot facility, bringing a multimillion-dollar
investment to Delaware County.
While the company is heavily involved in events in the motorcycling world, it also serves the non-motorcycling community
through charitable donations to multiple organizations by
creating the famous Thunder Tunnel at the Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure Columbus, hosting the annual Ohio Fallen
Heroes Motorcycle Ride and Rally, and training Lima Co.
Marines, with its Rider’s Edge Safety Course. A.D. Farrow Co.
prides itself on making dream comes true. Amazingly, the company has sold more motorcycles in the past eight years than in
the past ninety-two years combined! The company has been
recognized as a Top 100 Dealer by Dealernews, the Powersports
Industry’s highest honor, every year for the past 10 years. It has
also won the industry’s top award for Community Involvement
three years ago and again this year.
60 - Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228
www.anthony-thomas.com
Founders: Anthony Zanetos & Tom Zanetos
President: Joe Zanetos
VP: Greg Zanetos and Tim Zanetos
Family Members: 6
Employees: 200
Year Founded: 1952
Anthony Zanetos began experimenting with the art of candy
making in the early 1900’s, but it wasn’t until 1952 that he and
his son, Tom, formed and incorporated the Anthony-Thomas
Candy Co. using their first names. Anthony-Thomas started as
a father-son team but now has its third and fourth generations
operating the company. The 152,000 sq. ft. chocolate factory,
built in 1994, is the largest family-owned gift-boxed chocolate
manufacturer in the Midwest, producing over 10 million
pounds annually.
Anthony-Thomas employs 200 people in its manufacturing
facility and over 75 in the retail stores. Nine production lines
produce candy not only for the company owned 14 retail
shops, but also for its fund-raising , wholesale and contractmanufacturing divisions. The state-of-the-art factory was
built to showcase how Anthony-Thomas makes its sweet
confections. Over 21,000 people tour the factory annually.
One of our most popular chocolates is our peanut butter
buckeyes which are placed in officially licensed Ohio State
University packaging and sold all over the United States. Our
current advertising campaign explains our goal of producing
the best tasting chocolates -- Our chocolates are so good, we
eat all we can and only sell what’s left.
40 - TriAd Marketing & Media
371 County Line Road West, Westerville, OH 43082
www.triad-inc.com
Founders: Ken Keller,
Lee Ault and Pat Reynolds
CEO: Dave Keller
Family Members: 2
Employees: 11
Year Founded: 1972
Awards Profiles continued on page 6 >
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Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
MILESTONE continued
It’s time to Stop Talking and Act:
Why Estate Planning is Critical NOW!
TriAd Marketing & Media works with companies like yours
to strategically build business by utilizing a variety of digital
and traditional media.
TriAd is 40! While many creative businesses lose a bit of
their luster over time, we are just warming up. TriAd has a
blended team of professionals talented in the ways of words,
visuals, strategies and even the technical stuff! Nearly half
of our clients have been with us for more than a decade, and
several for more than 30 years. Because we’re committed to
fresh and frequent messages on their behalf we have earned
their trust and loyalty. Check out triad-inc.com/blog to catch
a glimpse of how we add fun to our days and see samples of
our work.
35 - Gioffre Companies, Inc.
6262 Eiterman Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
www.gioffreconstruction.com
Founders: John and Anthony Gioffre
President, CFO: John Gioffre
CEO: Anthony Gioffre
Family Members: 3
Employees: 20
Year Founded: 1977
Gioffre Companies, Inc., established in 1977 by brothers
John and Anthony Gioffre, is a leading Midwest–based,
general contractor specializing in commercial construction
nationwide. Gioffre Companies has successfully completed
a wide range of retail, office, healthcare, education and
industrial projects in various regions of the United States and
Canada. Currently, we are licensed to do business in 43 states
and Canada. Our attention to detail and focus on “bending
over backward” to satisfy clients has been the foundation of
our success and continued growth. With strong leadership
and experienced personnel in place, Gioffre Companies is
well positioned for the future.
Gioffre Companies has separated itself from our competition
with a simple approach. Our experience is that a lot of
general contractors can build projects; therefore, in an
effort to separate Gioffre from our competition and create
added value for clients, our philosophy is to be a 100 percent
“open book” company creating an atmosphere of trust
and integrity. With that atmosphere in place our focus will
always be on service. Our “open book” approach, coupled
with our ability to travel throughout the United States and
Canada, has helped create a situation where our national/
international clients know they can make one phone call
to Gioffre for any of their construction needs, regardless of
location, and they will receive quality workmanship and be
treated fairly from a cost perspective.
30 - Laser Reproductions
950 Taylor Station Rd., Suite E, Gahanna, OH 43230
www.laserrepro.com
Founder & Chairman
of the Board: Jerry Bordner
President: Paul Bordner
Vice President: Bret Bordner
Family Members: 4
Employees: 32
Year Founded: 1982
Laser Reproductions is a family-owned Rapid Prototyping
Service Bureau located in Gahanna, Ohio. Laser offers an
array of services including SLA, RTV, SLS, FDM, CNC, DMLS,
and Tooling and Manufacturing. The facility encompasses
18 SLA machines and a full in-house Model Development
Lab – with expertise in finishing, assembly, and painting.
Laser Reproductions guides clients through the product
development process; from idea generation, design,
development, prototyping, and testing to tooling and
manufacturing.
Laser Reproductions is a unique family business for several
reasons. Laser started as a manufacturer’s rep. firm in 1982
and morphed into a rapid prototyping service bureau in
1996. Laser underwent a succession of generations in 2007
from founder Jerry Bordner to sons Paul and Bret Bordner.
Laser has persevered through economic hardship and
the loss of their DotCom sales partner in 2011. Through
all of the adversity, success, and change throughout the
years, Laser Reproductions is proud to be celebrating
its 30th Anniversary. 2012 has been promising for Laser
Reproductions and the future looks bright.
November 2012
By Beatrice E. Wolper
Emens & Wolper Law Firm
Columbus, Ohio
P to take care of children and grandchildren? And,
enough for your favorite charities?
Sometimes people believe an estate plan isn’t
necessary. But, if you have minor children, want
assets to go to a particular person or place, or want
to provide for certain important life decisions (such
as a living will or durable power for health care),
then one is necessary.
PAGE 6
STORY
Sometimes people believe that an estate plan is
too complicated. Unless you are a Rockefeller (or
a Gates or Buffett), it is not. Sometimes people
HERE
believe their spouses would automatically inherit
eople talk about it, then ponder and
consider it, but often do nothing. The fact
is that no one really likes to discuss what
should happen to their estate when they die. It’s
often overwhelming to think of making decisions
about who gets what and when. But now is the
time to act.
The opportunity to save large sums of money on
gift and estate taxes will end in 2012 if Congress
doesn’t change the current laws.
all of their estate. That may be true under the right
circumstances, but why not make sure? Sometimes
people believe it is too expensive to do an estate
plan. It is not.
You’ve read about this now for over a year. Before
January 2013, a person can give up to $5 million to
another person without any federal tax on the giver
or receiver! (The amount is $10 million if married.)
This decreases to $1 million on January 1, 2013,
with any amount over that given in life or death
taxed at 55 percent.
If you are thinking, “I don’t have $5 million,” you
can still gift well in excess of the annual allowed
amount of $13,000 without any federal tax on the
giver or receiver.
How do you take advantage of this opportunity
before it’s too late?
First, think about why it is important to know
where and when your money goes, and why it is
important to save on taxes. The more you understand the reasons, the more committed you will be
to get it done.
Sometimes, people freeze and don’t take action
because they are afraid of running out of money
before they die. Good estate planners help thaw
these decisions by determining how much
money should remain in the estate, how much is
discretionary. In other words, how much is enough
to take care of yourself and your spouse? Enough
If you don’t know where to start, ask a friend. Make
a call to someone you trust. The first step may be
as simple as making the phone call. With planning,
an individual can save significant funds on taxes,
better enable the next generation to benefit from
their hard work and planning, and reap emotional
and financial rewards.
Doing nothing means that your “no” decision is
really your final decision.
Do it.
25 - Spartan Logistics
20 - Safex, Inc.
Founders: Ed Harmon, Jim Ranney
President: Steve Harmon
Family Members: 5
Employees: 180
Year Founded: 1988
Founder/President: Dianne Grote Adams, MS, CSP, CIH, CPEA
Family Members: 4
Employees: 21
Year Founded: 1992
4140 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus, OH 43207
www.spartanwarehouse.com
Spartan works with large manufacturers providing
outsourced supply chain functions, such as warehousing
and distribution. Spartan is able to pick up customers’ goods
from production facilities, store these goods, and deliver
them to the end user when sold. By adding custom-designed
inventory reporting, packaging, order fulfillment, and
first-class customer service, Spartan’s value proposition is
operating flexibility at the lowest cost. Spartan operates
two million square feet of industrial space in seven cities in
three states. Spartan’s concentration in the Midwest offers
one day truck shipments to 2/3 of the US and Canada’s
population and industrial capacity.
Our mission is to provide Great Service, to Happy Customers,
resulting in Full Buildings, staffed by Passionate Team Members.
140 N. Otterbein Ave., Westerville, OH 43081
www.safex.us
Safex is a woman-owned, environmental, health and safety
consulting company that strives to help customers provide a safe
working environment for their employees. By keeping employees
safe and on the job, we are able to help clients comply with
regulations and cut costs.
Dianne Grote Adams started the business in 1992 as Emilcott/
DGA, Inc. In 2003 the company was renamed as Safex to reflect
our core services. Now, in our 20th year, Safex consistently focuses
on occupational health and safety support and training. Nearly
1100 companies have selected our experienced professional
staff to help their organizations’ environmental, safety and health
departments. Safex has three internal consulting groups that
provide services to our clients. We have a health and safety group,
a training group and an environmental group that work together
as a team to provide the best services to our clients.
Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
November 2012
Jennifer Wehrly
614.583.2200
commercenationalbank.com
Jim Bechtel
614.221.1120
gbq.com
Eric Collet
614.623.2951
definitypartners.com
Jonathan J. Downes
614.221.1216
downesfishel.com
Kelly Borth
614.885.7921
greencrest.com
Joel J. Guth
614.460.2633
fa.smithbarney.com/guth
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
Bea Wolper
614.414.0888
emenswolperlaw.com
Eric Sideri
614.460.3433
keybank.com
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC
Nancy Watts, CPA
614.228.4000
nje.com
Tim McDaniel
CPA/ABV, ASA, CBA
614.923.6532
reacpa.com
The Conway Center
and these Service Providers
put the pieces together
for your family business.
Scott P. Rider, CLU, CFBS, AEP
614.876.7044
riderfinancial.com
Tony Kington
614.334.6141
taftlaw.com
Unmatched
Experience
and
Expertise
Nicole Evans
614.251.4500
ohiodominican.edu
Sarah Chambers
614.469.3251
thompsonhine.com
Valuable
Resources
Programs and
Peer Groups
www.familybusinesscenter.com
7
8
Conway Center for Family Business - 14th Annual Awards
Advertising Supplement to Columbus Business First
November 2012
Peer Group Members Make Connections
Benefit from Peer Feedback and Advice
L earning from other family business leaders is
a key reason Conway Center members love
to participate in peer groups. In fact, a survey
of Central Ohio family business leaders, conducted
by the Conway Center for Family Business, revealed
that they depend on business peers for advice and
rank them as one of their top three business advisors,
along with attorneys and accountants.
In addition, respondents indicated their top sources
for finding information about managing a family
business were friends/colleagues/peers, family
business organizations, and seminars or workshops.
Their responses illustrate the benefits of learning
from the experiences of family business peers
through groups targeted to roles in the family
business, case studies, and educational programs
featuring successful family business leaders.
The Conway Center currently offers
six peer groups to members:
The Business Development Peer Group
strengthens relationships between family-owned
businesses and discusses issues related to business
growth, development, and stability. The group is
led by topic experts in leadership development,
marketing strategy, business plans, organization,
prospecting, and networking.
The CEO Peer Group is for Chief Executive
Officers who value having the opportunity to
confidentially discuss business, family, and personal
leadership issues with peers. Led by Conway Center
board member and founder of Laser Reproductions,
Jerry Bordner, this group is composed of men and
women who lead some of Central Ohio’s best familyowned businesses.
Members share experience, advice, and ask questions during a session of the Marketing/Sales Peer Group.
The Next Generation Peer Group,
facilitated by Dr. Thaddeus O’Brien, a Conway
Center advisory board member, psychologist
and organizational consultant, allows up-andcoming leaders to discuss issues specific to those
working with their parent, grandparent, aunt or
uncle. Topics include: earning respect from older
generations, gaining upper management’s trust,
and communicating across generations.
The Marketing/Sales Peer Group is led by
Conway Center board member and GREENCREST
CEO Kelly Borth. Family business leaders in this
group focus on creating marketing and sales
strategies to improve their bottom line and industry
presence. The 10-month series features hands-on
techniques to take organizations to the next level.
Why Family Businesses Need to Join the
Conway Center for Family Business
The Conway Center is Central Ohio’s resource for educational
programs, resources and networking opportunities that support the
growth and success of family-owned businesses.
Membership Benefits:
 Access to family business leaders and national and local professionals with years of
experience and special expertise regarding family-owned businesses
 Admittance for four members of your company to monthly educational programs held at Ohio
Dominican University, September - May
The Online Strategy Peer Group is led by
Amy Marshall, COO, Columbus Division of Fathom.
Brand new to the Center in 2012, the group covers
online presence and reputation, measuring online
marketing ROI, social media policies and strategy,
integrating online and offline marketing, and
achieving customer engagement.
The Women in Family Business Peer Group,
moderated by nationally recognized attorney Bea
Wolper, a co-founder and advisory board member of
the Center, discusses issues specific to women owning, leading or working in family businesses. Earning
respect, leadership, family dynamics, and communication strategies are among the topics discussed.
PEER GROUPS: [email protected]
What business leaders are saying
about the Conway Center...
“It was an honor to be recognized for
our succession planning at the Conway
Center’s Annual Awards Program. The
Center is a valuable resource for Velvet
Ice Cream. It gives our leadership team
access to information, opportunities,
and leaders of other family businesses
that face similar challenges. The many
educational programs and platforms
the Center provides have made Velvet a
better company.”
 Eligibility for representatives of your family business to participate in Conway Center
Luconda Dager
 Eligibility for a member of your company or family to audit Entrepreneurship and Family
“Knowledge and experience were
the keys for me when I transitioned
to second-generation leadership of
our family business. The Conway
Center’s peer groups and education
series continue to equip and inform
my personal development in a setting
without any high-pressure sales. I am
surprised every Central Ohio family
business isn’t a member.”
peer groups for: Business Development, CEOs, Marketing/Sales, Online Strategy, Next
Generation Leaders, and Women in Family Business
Business (BUS 362) at Ohio Dominican University at no cost
 Invitations to attend the Annual Family Business Tour and Networking Event, Family
Business Night at the Columbus Clippers, and Family Business Awards Program
 Subscriptions to bi-annual print newsletter and monthly e-newsletter providing family
business news and event information
 Cost: Just $385 per year per Family Business
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Deana Gordon at 614-253-4820 or [email protected]
www.familybusinesscenter.com
President
Velvet Ice Cream
Steve Harmon
Managing Director
Spartan Logistics
“The Conway Center for Family Business
has been very valuable to my husband
and me, and for the information we
take back to our employees. Family
businesses have special needs that
are different than other businesses.
The monthly educational sessions
and networking opportunities meet
those needs. I learn information that
is important not only for our day-today operations, but also is helpful in
planning for the future. I especially enjoy
the women’s peer group meetings as
we discuss topics that are relevant to
women who own or work in a family
business.”
Ellen Grinsfelder
President
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
“The Conway Center for Family Business
provides outstanding thought leadership
and insightful education programs.
Conway connects family businesses so
we can learn from one another.”
Jamie Richardson
Vice President
White Castle System, Inc.