Past Events
December 3rd, 2019
SBDC - 2018 Client of the Year
The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE hosted a recognition luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, at Kent State University at Stark. The SBDC is honoring the owner of a small businesses that has been successfully launched in Stark County.
Kimberly Glover, sole member of American Blue Collar Canine LLC, https://american-blue-collar-canine.business.site/, attended the prestigious Highland Canine Training School for trainers. Here she learned the art of training service dogs of all types, including those used for autism, diabetes, drug detection, search and rescue, and police assistance. Basic obedience and other training was also a part of the coursework. While attending school, Kimberly also created her business plan with the guidance of the SBDC and formally launched her business in June 2017. She secured a permanent location for the business shortly after. The business is growing rapidly with several service dogs in different stages of training. The SBDC is recognizing Kimberly for her vision and innovation in going above and beyond what an average training facility would offer its clients.
SBDC - 2017 Clients of the Year
The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE hosted a recognition luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at Kent State University at Stark to honor the owners of three small businesses that have been successfully launched in Stark and Medina Counties. Each of the businesses has received guidance from an SBDC counselor.
Redbudsuds - Canton, Ohio
Aubrey Miller, owner of Redbudsuds, www.redbudsuds.com, created a line of environmentally friendly, natural, all-in-one soaps that were well received in the local market. While the soaps have wide appeal, she revitalized branding with a concentration on the tiny home and outdoor enthusiast markets. Growth in these areas has been explosive and Redbudsuds is now an employer. The Small Business Development Center is delighted to recognize Aubrey for her vision and growth as her firm enters its second stage of existence.
BrittFit Family Fitness, LLC - Wadsworth, Ohio
BrittFit, http://www.britt-fit.com/, owned by Brittany Gerstenslager, provides fitness classes in which the family exercises together. Children learn about lifelong fitness and parents are able to be with their children rather than hiring sitters so they can work out at the gym. The business is growing rapidly and has expanded its class offerings. It is on the verge of increasing its geographical market as well. The SBDC is recognizing Brittany for her innovation and tenacity in entrepreneurship.
Beyond our Boundaries - Canton, Ohio
Debra Shumard, owner of Beyond our Boundaries, www.beyondourboundaries.com, has true entrepreneurial spirit. What started as a for-profit service provider for adults with developmental disabilities, which also offered weekend getaway opportunities for this clientele, has matured into longer vacations opportunities and online certification training for providers of developmental disability services. Virtual reality trips hosted by travelers with disabilities also are available. As with any business, Beyond our Boundaries was faced with a changing market, changing regulations and other challenges. Debra successfully and strategically navigated the course to keep her business relevant and well run. The SBDC recognizes Debra for her adaptability and long-term success.
SBDC - 2016 Client of the Year
The Ohio Small Business Development Center and SCORE hosted a recognition luncheon on December 6, 2016, at Kent State Universtiy at Stark to honor the owners of four small businesses that have been launched in the area, Each of the businesses has received guidence from an SBDC counselor or SCORE volunteer. The event was well attended with over 100 guests.
Jackson Township, Ohio - facebook.com/reziststudiofitness - www.canyourezist.com
What started out as a personal fitness journey and workouts with friends in a local park has turned into a very successful small business for Theresa Carson. With the assistance of the Small Business Development Center, Carson has grown from teaching four ReZist fitness method classes a week at the personal gym to 28 studio and corporate classes per week at three locations. She is no longer the only instructor, now employing 15 part-time instructors.
SBDC - 2015 Client of the Year
The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE hosted a recognition luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at Kent State University at Stark to honor the owners of four small businesses that have been successfully launched in Stark County. Each of the businesses has received guidance from an SBDC counselor or SCORE volunteer.
InfoGPS Networks, Inc. is a software company that targets highly regulated industries required to manage the risks associated with collecting non-public information. InfoGPS' "Information Governance Software", at its most basic level, views, tracks, monitors and classifies data in real time for businesses and organizations of all sizes within various market segments. ​www.infogpsnetworks.com/
SBDC - 2014 Clients of the Year
We first met Krista and her mother, Candice, at one of our Small Business Seminars. Then, we met again during an initial counseling session relating to a family business. Later, Krista, requested individual counseling as an investor and participating partner in a small business acquisition. Now, following the full acquisition of the business, she is President and Owner of Aeration Septic, Inc. ​www.aeration-septic.com
Dating back to Krista’s initial involvement; and, not unlike most small businesses; Aeration Septic needed to increase sales, address management and employee responsibilities and establish financial controls. Krista addressed those needs by prioritizing the business’ direction, streamlined the management functions, reaffirmed the field service staff and took responsibility for day-to-day operations.
More specifically, she developed a plan that increased sales revenue from the core residential business and then added staff to generate and support the potential of new business from the commercial/industrial market. In addition, she changed or reassigned personnel when necessary and appropriately. Furthermore, Krista has been adept at managing and changing the culture of her business. Never an easy task. However, she did it by promptly and candidly addressing all matters with management, employees, suppliers and customers.
Empower Training & Assessment Company, LLC is a consulting firm devoted to developing human and organizational potential. Its founder, Angie Giltner is a licensed social worker, licensed chemical dependency counselor, and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. These skills give Angie a unique perspective on human interaction within an organization making her a top notch consultant. To date, Angie has trained thousands of professionals and organizations in specialized areas spanning all levels of leadership development, business ethics, and team building. Empower has experienced rapid growth is now expanding into new geographic markets, including Stark County. In addition, Empower has partnered with Kent State to provide learning opportunities for students in the Management and Information Systems degree track. The SBDC is proud to salute Empower Training and Assessment Company, LLC and its founder, Angie Giltner for the great work they are performing. www.empowerohio.com
SBDC - 2013 Clients of the Year
Nanny Goat Naturals was started by Kathy Jeffers in 2005 with two goats and has grown to a herd of more than 25. Client uses the milk from her goats to create soaps, lotions, and fudge which were initially sold via farmer’s markets and the internet. They have now expanded into a store in downtown historic Hartville. The Canton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to have provided on-going support and encouragement to the business and looks forward to the great things yet to come.
Nanny Goat Naturals, Hartville, Ohio
SBDC - 2011 Clients of the Year
Susan and Lance Lucas were highly motivated to start a one stop graphic design and digital printing business when they approached the Small Business Development Center. Susan had considerable experience as a graphic artist while Lance, a home-town boy, had worked in the printing industry since his days at Tuslaw High School and RG Drage. The business planning process occurred very quickly and in February of 2011, the business opened its doors providing two new jobs to Perry Township. Since that time, the business has grown quickly and has easily surpassed its first year projections
When Tiffany first approached the SBDC, she was a tea enthusiast who wanted to bring an eclectic tea room into the area. She spent a year working with us to complete a well defined business plan and on June 1st took the leap into business ownership. Her firm, The Dragonfly Tea Room and Gift Shop has brought seven new jobs into the area. This delightful shop is nestled in the heart of Canal Fulton, and is decorated in a light and airy English garden theme. It also offers a fairy garden room for children’s parties and other special events. To date the business has been well received by the surrounding communities and the tourism industry.
