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Ohio Business Spotlight
The Ohio Business Spotlight is a new initiative designed to highlight strong businesses that can serve as examples of Ohio’s economic potential. Ohio businesses start at the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, so there is a special opportunity to empower new entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to succeed in the Buckeye state. Each month, Secretary LaRose will select various businesses around the state that share a common theme.
"My great grandfather found his American dream in Ohio when his company filed to do business right here at the Secretary of State's office," said LaRose. "It’s my goal to continue encouraging that dream and highlighting Ohio’s success stories will go a long way towards providing the energy, insight, and inspiration entrepreneurs need as they prepare to start their business."
Learn about the manufacturing businesses in the spotlight below.
October's Ohio Business Spotlight
Manufacturing is the largest of the 20 sectors of Ohio’s economy and generates $104.2 billion in economic output. From food to automotive supplies to aerospace -- the manufacturing industry provides nearly 700,000 jobs for Ohioans – the third-largest in the country. There are 54 technical centers around the state that churn out 6,000 students annually in the trade skills – making Ohio a key location to find manufacturing talent.
These featured Ohio businesses are models of Ohio’s manufacturing success.
Address: 1301 Miller Williams Road, Eaton
County of Headquarters: Preble
BullenTech.com
Social Media:
LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter
About
Globally recognized as the leader in Ultrasonic Machining, Bullen has established itself as a trusted partner to advanced technology companies worldwide and as a leading provider of high quality, components for the semiconductor, MEMS, transportation, defense and aerospace, medical and life sciences industries. They design and build our own custom designed equipment and tooling and are fully vertically integrated for ultrasonic machining services.
Bullen Ultrasonics’ story is rooted in place and purpose. The story began in 1971 in a garage in Preble County, and today affects industries in the furthest corners of the globe. The Bullen family has stayed centered in Preble County, bolstering the local economy, residents, and the community. In doing so, the company has created a strong legacy of a positive impact on customers, culture, and the community. They pride themselves on being one of the best places to work in Preble County, and have been recognized as such. They have a strong emphasis on a culture of excellence, humility, integrity, and teamwork with a foundation of love, trust and respect. Their mission statement, which they work to live out each day, is that they strive to improve the quality of life for all their stakeholders.
What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur wanting to grow their business in Ohio?
The common focus of a young entrepreneur is to focus on an innovative product or service but, I would suggest putting equal importance on the culture that you create within your company. The culture you create combined with the skill-sets that Ohio has to offer can have as much of a lasting impact as your business product or service.
Address: 2021 Hanna Road, Marietta
County of Headquarters: Washington
About
Pioneer Pipe and the Pioneer Group of companies are based out of Marietta, Ohio, and include their sister companies, Metaltech Steel and Riverview Industrial Supply, and various real estate development companies. Their principal business divisions include construction and field services; manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly; plant maintenance; steel and industrial supplies; and real estate development. They operate out of six facilities in the Mid-Ohio Valley, five of which are located in Marietta, Ohio.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
The quality of Ohio’s workforce. Our operations are based in Southeastern Ohio and the people of this region have a very strong work ethic and take great pride in the quality of their work.
Address: 285 Commerce Street, Tallmadge
County of Headquarters: Summit
Steere.com
Social Media:
Instagram, Twitter
About
It was the fall of 1949 when Frank W. Steere, Jr., a chemical engineer working for the BF Goodrich Company, decided to take the leap of faith and start his own business around a new, vinyl plastisol material he was introduced to in the rubber industry.
Frank soon connected with Ben Stiller of Quikey Manufacturing Co and began making dip molded, vinyl coin purses known as “Quikoins” - his first big success. In the 1950s, STEERE made over 50 million coin purses for Quikey and soon expanded by selling vinyl grips and sleeves to a variety of other industries.
In 1962, STEERE built its headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, where they still reside today. STEERE developed an expertise around the blow molding process in the 1970s to make seat belt sleeves for the automotive market. During the 1980s, STEERE took its blow molding capabilities under the hood of the car and started making blow molded air-induction applications. In the 1990s, STEERE advanced its design capabilities and launched the patented DUAL PROCESS ™ overmolding technology that enabled them to join dissimilar materials and parts.
During the first decade of the 2000s, STEERE began working on complex, high-pressure turbo ducts and established Square One Engineering, a stand-alone machining subsidiary. Today, STEERE is a third-generation family-owned business. They are especially proud of the core values that have made them successful and their commitment to philanthropy.
What is something that makes your business unique?
With over a dozen engineering patents and various trademarks, STEERE is constantly innovating and looking for opportunities to provide solutions to our customers. We’ve grown our company over the past 70 years through sound business principles and by adapting to changing economic conditions.
Address: 1200 Southeast Avenue, Tallmadge
County of Headquarters: Summit
Social Media:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest
About
With headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, Summit Racing Equipment is the world’s largest e-commerce, mail order, and retailer of performance automotive parts and accessories. Summit Racing offers a huge selection of in-stock parts from over 1,600 manufacturers for all forms of racing, street performance, off-roading, trucks and SUVs, restoration, and powersports, plus tools and shop equipment. They also offer no-hassle special ordering and fast ground service shipping to most areas of the country. Summit Racing has distribution centers and Retail Stores in Tallmadge; Sparks, Nevada; McDonough, Georgia; and Arlington, Texas.
What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur wanting to grow their business in Ohio?
A little luck is good - but hard work makes you lucky.
Address: 5155 Financial Way #6, Mason
County of Headquarters: Warren
Social Media:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
About
TrueChoicePack (TCP) is a total solutions provider for private label brands & customized disposable products. We are a proven expert in the design, manufacturing & distribution of products to the retail and food & beverage industries as well as to consumers. Their team provides customers service ‘from concept to delivery’, working with them through the entire process to ensure all business goals are met. They are proud to provide an array of products: tableware disposables, trashcan liners, retail bags, plastic cling films, and more. Their goal is to provide their customers with disposables that maximize quality, efficiency, sustainability and profitability. To meet these goals, they offer products that are made from renewable and compostable materials as well as traditional plastic and paper materials. They offer their customers the opportunity to utilize their global supply chain and warehousing network while providing them top-notch customer service and account management.
What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur wanting to grow their business in Ohio?
It is important to focus on your growth without being impatient; be committed to doing what you need to grow but do not undervalue the importance of hard work. Stay true to your values and your dreams. Believe in yourself and trust your ideas.
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