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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 Ohio business with a century of service in the spotlight below.
February's Ohio Business Spotlight
Entrepreneurship is one of many strengths within Ohio’s minority community.
Here in the Secretary of State’s office, we are working to provide minority entrepreneurs looking to start a business with the right resources they need to grow and succeed.
These featured Ohio businesses are shining examples of how minority-owned businesses are thriving, and will continue to thrive, in the Buckeye State.
Address: Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace Street, Akron (retail space)
County of Headquarters: Summit
7thFloorClothing.com
Social Media:
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
About
The inception of 7th Floor Clothing began when childhood friends Frank Miller III & Preston Clark came together in 2016 to collaborate on a t-shirt project during the 2016 NBA Finals. The two designers favored the hometown Cleveland Cavaliers over the opposing Golden State Warriors and expressed this on a pre meditated championship t-shirt. At the time of production, the series was far from over and tied at three games each. Luckily for 7th Floor Clothing, the Cavaliers reigned victorious and the tee shirts where a hit.
The breakthrough for 7th Floor Clothing came with a little help from the best basketball player in the world, LeBron James. During the welcome home ceremony for the Cavs, the superstar exited the team plane wearing a dad hat with a frog sipping tea. At the time this was a popular meme on social media that sparked a new idea from 7th Floor Clothing. Preston approached Frank about creating a customized championship version of the frog dad hat complete with the Cavs jersey, Larry O’Brien trophy and a crown on his head. After manufacturing the hat, the designers sent hats to LeBron James through mutual friends. One month later, LeBron posted two consecutive pictures of himself on Instagram wearing the hat. Fans went in a frenzy looking for the hats. After the posts from King James’ Instagram, the local news called in search of the two designers from Akron. After the news story aired other media outlets such as Bleacher Report and USA Today also reported on the hat and worldwide sales skyrocketed. The “Kiss The Trophy” dad hat was a great success & 7th Floor Clothing was now a worldwide viral phenomenon.
In 2017 7th Floor Clothing released many new products, but the most popular campaign was yet to come. In the fall Clark and Miller teamed up with All Star Sports to create the “Stay Home 23” line. This concept came about when rumors started swirling in the sports world that LeBron James would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers after this final year of his contract. 7th Floor Clothing and All Star Sports created hats and tees expressing the desires of local sports fans for the King to “Stay Home”. This campaign exploded when a local reporter caught wind of the merchandise and posted a story along with pictures on twitter. Immediately after his story broke, the “Stay Home 23” merch was featured on ESPN’s The Jump, USA Today, The Bleacher Report and NBA.com.
Nationwide sales started to rise once again among the fans. The “Stay Home 23” campaign eventually grabbed the attention of the #1 newspaper in the world, The New York Times. In most of the previous articles about 7th Floor Clothing and it’s merchandise, Preston Clark & Frank Miller III remained anonymous until the New York Times sent a reporter and photographer to cover the brand. The New York times article was a sensation and a milestone for 7th Floor Clothing. This brand is continuously growing and has goals of launching new products and collaborations for seasons to come.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
Ohio supports small business in general and all things that are creative.
Is your business family-owned and do you have a legacy story?
Our business is owned by two friends of over 25 years Preston Clark and Frank Miller III. We started out working separately freelancing and came together around the time that the Cavs won the NBA Finals. Our first project was a championship tee that we created before the championship was actually won and it was a hit. Our second creation was a hat that was worn on social media by LeBron James, which boosted our business to become worldwide. Aside from our clothing brand, we have printed t-shirts and created logos for other businesses and entities including the Mayor of Akron, and have worked with the Akron Chamber.
What advice would you give an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
Ohio is a great launchpad for starting a small business. Our advice would be to stay consistent, be creative, be prayerful and also to network as much as possible. Here at 7th Floor Clothing we pride ourselves in being involved and active in our community by speaking to the youth and motivating them to possibly start businesses here in Ohio or wherever they may land as well. We suggest all entrepreneurs to pay it forward and watch how it has a positive impact on your business and your life. Our motto is "Go Be Great"
Address: 13 N. Williams Street, Dayton
County of Headquarters: Montgomery
Social Media:
Facebook
About
Tae started out as Fashion Remedy Boutique where she was an online boutique. She ended up liking the idea of pop up shops and businesses coming together. She began hosting pop up shop events in 2017 and it became a great success and allowed her to see how well businesses were doing at these events.
She realized how much she loved it and made it a full time thing. She rented out banquet halls and hosted events. She had two big food truck rallies in Trotwood last year to bring something exciting to the city after they suffered from the tornado. They were able to give out free clothes and food to people who lost everything. She has been able to give small businesses free spots at these events, allowing them to display their business. She tries to look for people she sees working hard and bless them with a way to make money. Tae finally was able to save and open the MARKET PLACE. This is a dream come true. She just wants to grow from here. She wants to open up more locations and help others get their business off the floor and help them promote it.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
I am born and raised in Ohio so my heart is here. I never wanted to be anywhere else. I have made amazing connections here and I see myself growing and bringing more amazing opportunities to help small businesses grow.
Is your business family-owned and do you have a legacy story?
I have been hosting small business events for three years now. I have had big food truck rallies and pop up shops. I decided in November 2019 I was ready for my own building to have a place for small businesses to set up and help display their products.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
To always, believe in yourself. It may take years to see the fruits of labor, but always follow your heart and work hard for it.
Address: 6655 Providence St., Whitehouse
County of Headquarters: Lucas
Social Media:
Facebook, Twitter
About
Tony Garcia and partners established Garcia Surveyors, Inc. in 2007 with a belief in superior service. They currently operate multiple offices, with numerous CAD technicians and administrative staffers, and six professional surveyors – variously licensed in multiple states and combining for many decades of faithful service. In step with this growth is their appreciation for their customers, whose satisfaction remains their driving force. They take full advantage of the latest in data collection and transmission, drawing and modeling software, communications, response, and organization to fulfill your work-scope with convincing efficiency. Complimenting these tools are the training, education, intuition, and vision of their talented surveyors. The Garcia objective is to operate as part of your team, providing the best surveying services possible. Through meticulous research, consistent data transmission, dependable fieldwork, and exhaustive review, you can be assured the job is done right. They believe it is what you should expect from an accredited firm with an assembly of licensed surveyors, relying on over 200 years of combined experience, and dedicated to the art and science of land surveying.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
The prevalent attitude toward hard & honest work as well as the coordination and helpfulness of different counties, jurisdictions, and civic entities.
Is your business family-owned and do you have a legacy story?
Tony is a first-generation surveyor – however – we have several sets of siblings and other relation in our ranks. Additionally, Tony has two children who have expressed interest in surveying!
Have you taken advantage of resources available to minority-owned businesses?
Yes, we are proud to maintain MBE, DBE, and EDGE certifications from Ohio DAS, ODOT, OTIC, and the cities of Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland, and more.
How have the resources available for minority-owned businesses helped you start your business?
These certifications have certainly allowed us the opportunity to get our foot in the door and show our clients that, in addition to fulfilling minority-business requirements, we strive to outperform the industry standard.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
Do your research to find and utilize the wonderful opportunities and programs available. Since we are also licensed and do business in other states, we have a clear window on how beneficial having state of Ohio programs has proven to be. Most importantly, the people behind these programs are the driving force to their success, and in turn – ours.
Address: 2430 S 3rd Street Ironton
County of Headquarters: Lawrence
JJGMI.com
Social Media:
Facebook
About
J & J General Maintenance, Inc. provides union crafts, tools and equipment — and if necessary the materials — to make repairs or install new equipment for the industrial markets.
The company began out of a need for a general contractor who could do it all — a one-stop shop for the industrial maintenance works in manufacturing and refining. Having all the crafts and ability to do all the work under one contractor allows us to perform turnkey work, while scheduling and coordinating all the crafts and meeting rigorous schedules.
J & J General Maintenance, Inc. is committed to providing safe and quality services based on integrity, value, and performance, while building long-term relationships with their clients. Services will be under budget and on time using skilled union craftspeople.
They pride themselves on the fact that no customer or job is too small or too large. Their commitment is to do quality work at a fair price and in a timely manner.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio? Ohio is a great place to work.
Although my primary work is in the bordering states of Kentucky and West Virginia due to the industry local to me. I’d like to do more work in Ohio though.
Is your business family-owned and do you have a legacy story?
Started up on my own with a silent partner.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
Take advantage of all the resources out there for new business. Start with your chamber of commerce and follow leads as well as attending all the free seminars to minimize the steep learning process of being a new company.
Images
Address: 4604 Turney Rd, Garfield Heights
County of Headquarters: Cuyahoga
Kidz-Style-Lounge.business.site/
Social Media:
Instagram
About
When owner Brandy Bates struggled to find employement, Kidz Style Lounge was born. She had used braiding as a means of income through high school, but had never considered it career-worthy. Brandy obtained a license and braided the hair of friends. Through social media, her braiding skills got noticed and Bates was able to start Kidz Style Lounge where she could use her braiding skills as a source of income.
The Kidz Style Lounge was able to house a program called "SET UP SHOP." The program, created by Brandy, gave women the opportunity to obtain professional training and become licensed braiders in the state of Ohio. The goal was to help them gain more revenue and be able to be productive in the workforce.
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
I am the first and only multi-culturial children's beauty and barber salon in Ohio. I am very proud of that fact.
Is your business family-owned and do you have a legacy story?
My business is not a family-owned business, but it is a family-oriented business. I plan to pass my business on to my daughter, I want her to learn the business and manage the franchise of Kidz Style Lounge. Learning entrepreneurship is great when creating generational wealth for my children and likewise for their children to come.
What advice would you give an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
Get involved in your local organization such Urban League, ECDI Northern, Jump Start to make sure you are financially equipment to start a business and to gain and sharpen your buisness knowledge.
Address: 175 South Third Street, Columbus
County of Headquarters: Franklin
TMHSolutions.com
Social Media:
Facebook, LinkedIn
About
TMH Solutions LLC is an Ohio-based, woman-owned, minority-owned and managed Information, Management, and Technology Consulting and Enterprise Software Reseller firm in Columbus. Established in 2010 by CEO Theresa Harris, TMH Solutions’ mission is to collaborate with their customers and strategic partners to deliver high-quality, cost-effective technology solutions and ensure that these solutions provide maximum business benefits for the customers. TMH Solutions empowers their customers to make IT work efficiently and effectively, and does this with their six core values to support: Collaborative, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Success, and Trust. TMH Solutions specializes in the needs of local and state government organization, education, and healthcare where they serve as an advocate for alignment customer business processes with Information and Technology solutions. TMH Solutions also believes in helping the Central Ohio community thrive through community service through being involved in various non-profit and community organizations, such as Center Of Science and Industry, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Project Management Institute Central Ohio Chapter, The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, Columbus City Schools, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium."
What do you like about doing business in Ohio?
I like that there are several business resources in Ohio to help small new businesses become successful. Many private and public businesses seek the products and services of small businesses to create a community in which everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
As an Ohio business, I find top talent, which is important in information technology. We retain great resources and maintain a loyal customer base. As a woman-owned, minority-owned and managed company, we collaborate with our customers, strategic business partners and employees to deliver high quality products and services. We enable our customers and their stakeholders to gain maximum business value.
Have you taken advantage of resources available to minority-owned businesses? Yes
How have the resources available for minority-owned businesses helped you start your business?
We are certified by the State of Ohio, the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, City of Columbus and the Unified Certification Program as a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. We attend conferences held throughout Ohio to understand how to be competitive, the best in the industry, and customer preferred. TMH also seeks support from the Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers, the Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Small Business Administration. These organizations provide information and insight to help our organization scale in size. Also, as a woman-owned business, we are a member of Women for Economic Development and the National Association of Women Business Owners.
What advice would you give an entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Ohio?
The advice I would give to an entrepreneur is to always provide value. Produce great work for your customers. Always invest in the best resources you can afford. Have a plan, communicate your plan and modify your plan over time. Dream big and do great things! Be careful how you spend your time. You can always find ways to make money, but time once it’s spent is gone forever. Always network. Get involved in your community. Stay in a position to give time, talent and your treasure to causes in which you believe. Also, have faith and be of good courage.
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