25th Annual Family and Private Business Awards

Goering Center 25th Annual Awards Ad

This year marked 25 years of the Family and Private Business Awards. This year's theme, "Taking Care of Business", was designed to honor businesses whose teams have gone the extra mile in exemplifying one or more of our 10 Best Practices for Family and Private Businesses.

Family and Private Business Award Recipients

Batesville products pictured at the 25th annual family and private business awards

Founded in 1946, Batesville Products, Inc. is a full-service, custom aluminum casting supplier headquartered in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They work closely with customers from initial concept design to full production, providing castings ready to assemble on the product line. With in-house engineering, casting, machining, and polishing, BPI supplies custom aluminum and zinc components for 70+ industries nationwide. They specialize in complex permanent mold castings, with low-porosity and high-quality surface finish.

Clark Shaefer Hackett pictured at the 25th annual Goering Center awards

Founded in 1938, Clark Schaefer Hackett is a Top 100 accounting firm in the U.S., ranked by Accounting Today. With over 600 employees, they offer the best of both worlds — the resources of a national firm with a local firm's collaborative, service-oriented approach. 

Crescent Corporation at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Although Crescent was founded in 1987, its origins go back to five generations of the Taylor Family.  In 1848, John Rex Taylor arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the mission of "finding a distribution niche, serve it well, provide the best quality and grow with your customer.” John was succeeded by the next three generations of Taylors, continuing to build the family business, which would be known as the Taylor Distributing & Warehousing Company through the mid-1980s. In 1987, Chris and David Taylor Jr. decided to expand into a new growing segment of business providing a unique service, focusing on the growing club store business, combining contract packaging and distribution operations.

Today, Crescent has over a half dozen operating plants within the mid-west and the eastern US. Crescent provides contract packaging and parts fulfillment services, employing well over 1500 great people, with the vision of being a Premier Service Provider within our industry.

Delish Dish at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Chef Mavis Linnemann-Clark founded The Delish Dish to bring her passion for gourmet food, global flavors, and knack for Southern hospitality and events to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 

Since 2012, The company has been catering and delivering the highest level of service and from-scratch global cuisine to events around the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

Grove Transportation at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Founded in 1990 by brothers John and Bill Grove, Grove Transportation specializes in the domestic and international air freight forwarding community but is also a specialized service provider to local industry.

Their goal is to provide customers with the utmost in customer service and reliability. Management staff offers decades of combined experience in various facets of the transportation industry, from freight-forwarding, local cartage, expedited truckload, LTL, to warehousing and logistics, and stands ready to assist.

In short, they are a one-call transportation and logistics company.

Gus Perdikakis Associates at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Founded in 1979 by Gus and Jo Ann Perdikakis, Gus Perdikakis Associates is a family-owned engineering and technical staffing firm. For 45 years, they have found reward in challenging projects, professional growth, collaboration, personal friendships, and satisfied clients. 

Johnson Investment Council at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Johnson Investment Counsel, Inc. was founded in 1965 under the principle that clients are the top priority. Their dedication to service stems from a passion to provide sophisticated solutions to clients, partnering with them to develop long-lasting relationships that span generations. As a fee-only wealth management firm, Johnson Investment Counsel has steadily grown to become one of the nation's largest independent wealth management firms, currently serving clients in 49 states. 

Kelly Production Group at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

KPG Creative was founded in 2002 as a studio and live event video production company. They focus on telling great stories and creating memorable experiences. Their staff brings a wide range of experiences to the company, but all share a passion for great storytelling that evokes emotions and drives action.

PLK Communities pictured at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Founded by Peter Klekamp in 2001, PLK Communities started out as a real estate management company with a focus on multifamily and industrial properties. Throughout the years, PLK evolved into the ownership and management of retail, office, and self-storage facilities in the Eastern United States. With the acquisition, redevelopment, and management of multifamily properties, their focus is centered on exceptional service and distinctive living experiences for our residents.

Today, PLK has over 200 full-time associates and manages over 6,700 apartment homes across Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. PLK Communities has grown into the largest owner of multifamily units in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Statistical Area while maximizing value across a diverse portfolio of properties.

TRIVACO pictured at the 25th Annual Goering Center Awards

Tim Pieper purchased Tri-State Controls in 1992 and renamed it Tristate Valves & Controls, better known by the acronym, TRIVACO. Their focus was to provide Severe Service Valves to the Power and Paper industries. Since then, the company has expanded to also include Pneumatic and Electric Actuators, Air Heaters and Slurry Valves

Keith Baldwin Volunteer of the Year Award

Jonathan Theders of RiskSOURCE/OneDigital pictured at the 25th Annual Goering Center Awards

Jonathan Theders, CEO of RiskSOURCE/OneDigital, is the 2024 recipient of the Center’s Keith Baldwin Award, which honors an outstanding volunteer, much like the namesake of the award.

Having utilized the Goering Center for over 18 years, as well as serving as a previous member and chair of the board of directors, Theders understands firsthand the value that the Goering Center for Family and Private Business has for the Cincinnati business community. 

“The Goering Center has an amazing staff, but it’s also built on a foundation of amazing volunteers,” Theders said. “There’s hundreds of volunteers each year that make this a special community, and I am just one of those many people.” 

Theders has been involved with the Goering Center since 2006 and has taken part in almost everything it has had to offer. He is a graduate of the Next Generation Institute (NGI), transitioning his father’s business into his own hands, being in the first Leadership Development Institute class and serving on the very first Roundtable the Center put together. He and his company have also been through the Business Boards Institute twice.

“I've been a benefactor of the Goering Center's influence,” Theders said. “So really giving that back to others and sharing whatever I can is important to me.”

Carol Butler, President of the Goering Center, says that choice to pick Theders for the award was a clear one.

“With Jonathan’s level of experience and dedication to the Center and our members, it was an easy decision,” Butler said. “He cares deeply about his business and the work they do for their clients. We are fortunate to have him as a long-standing volunteer.” 

John Goering, founder of the Goering Center, believed in the power of connecting others and providing members with valuable experiences and access to leading experts. Theders has helped to fulfill Mr. Goering’s vision, and for that, we are grateful.

Larry Grypp Rising Leader Award

Johnny Payne, the Rising Leader winner, pictured at the 25th annual Goering Center Awards

Johnny Payne was nominated for the Rising Leader Award by Kristen Bailey of Sweets and Meats for the best practice "Dynamic Business Strategy" and is a candidate to assume a senior leadership position in the business. 

Sweets and Meats has been able to retain 100% of employees since he assumed the GM position, adding an additional 5 more full time employees, and bolstering revenue year-to-date through his practices by an additional 15%.

In Kristen’s nomination, she wrote: "Johnny was our first volunteer when we launched our business in 2014. He was our first customer when we launched our food truck in 2016. He is also our first General Manager. The systems he has put in place allow us to take on more jobs and be more efficient as a team. He is certified Six Sigma Green Belt and with his background in process improvement, he has been able to make vast changes to our structure, improving all operations in the kitchen and increasing employee morale."

Family Business Hall of Fame Induction

Standard Textile, The Hall of Fame Business Inductee, pictured at the 25th Annual Goering Center Awards

Founded in 1940 by Charles Heiman, a German immigrant and Holocaust survivor, Standard Textile has grown from humble beginnings in Cincinnati to become a global leader in the textile industry. The company’s success is deeply rooted in its commitment to innovation, with over 150 patents in healthcare textiles, reusable surgical technology, and more.

Under the leadership of Gary Heiman, the third-generation CEO, and Alex Heiman, the fourth-generation president, Standard Textile continues to push the boundaries of what textiles can achieve. The company has developed revolutionary products such as high-performance fabrics designed to enhance patient care and hospitality experiences. These innovations have positioned Standard Textile as a trusted partner for healthcare institutions, hotels, and commercial laundries worldwide.

Beyond its technological advancements, Standard Textile is also dedicated to sustainability. The company has implemented numerous eco-friendly initiatives, including water and energy conservation programs, to reduce its environmental footprint. This commitment to sustainability aligns with its broader mission of improving the quality of life for people around the world.

With a strong global presence, including manufacturing and distribution facilities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Standard Textile is well-positioned for continued growth. The company’s success is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market demands while staying true to its core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. 

As Standard Textile looks to the future, it remains focused on driving the industry forward through continuous innovation, expanding its global reach, and upholding the legacy of excellence established by its founder. The company’s unwavering commitment to improving lives through advanced textile solutions ensures its place as a leader in the industry for years to come.

Special Thank You to our Sponsors

The Goering Center's achievements would not be possible without the financial and technical support of our sponsors and their people. We would like to recognize them and thank them here.

Premier Sponsors: Fifth Third, Clark Schaefer Hackett, USI
2024 Goering Center Awards Event Sponsors
FPBA Creative Sponsors SpotOn, GameDay, and the Cincinnati Business Courier

2024 Award Honorable Mentions

Camargo Insurance Logo

Camargo Insurance is an independent, award-winning, Ohio based insurance agency supplying insurance services throughout the country. Since 1956, we have developed a reputation for providing our clients with outstanding customer service, including fast and personal claims service.

Centennial logo

Since 1975, Centennial has provided recruiting services to organizations in a diverse range of industries.  Their proprietary 4C Recruiting Process® helps their team identify the character, culture, chemistry, and competency needs of clients and match it with those of candidates to ensure a long-term fit.

CMO-OnLoan company logo

CMO-OnLoan is a marketing consulting firm that serves privately held, mid-market companies in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky. The firm helps companies increase their marketing capability and confidence by building, implementing, and growing revenue-generating strategic marketing playbooks. Their purpose is to build the region by fueling mid-market company success. 

Diggit company logo

Located in Lebanon, Ohio, Diggit is geographically positioned and equipped to perform all phases of underground utilities and mass excavating for clients in the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana region. Their typical project types include commercial and residential subdivisions, commercial and industrial sites; as well as schools, churches and government facilities. 
 
Demolition, earth moving, erosion control, excavation -- whatever you require, they have the fleet and expertise to efficiently and affordably get the job done. Regardless of project size, Diggit can assist with all your site development needs from concept through completion.

Donnellon McCarthy company logo

Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises (DME) has served Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana customers since 1957. With locations in Cincinnati (OH), Columbus (OH), Dayton (OH), Lima (OH), Parkersburg (WV), Harrisburg & Anna (IL), they continue to cultivate strong business relationships by offering outstanding products from the leaders in our industry Toshiba, Sharp, Savin and FP Mailing Solutions. DME provides support for more than 15,000 devices including software solutions. 

Flottman company logo

Flottman Company is a leader in commercial printing and marketing solutions, offering over a century of expertise to help businesses make a lasting impression. From eye-catching brochures and direct mail to intricate packaging inserts, their print services are designed to elevate your brand.  
 
They also have an in-house agency that provides expertise in media planning and placement, public relations, social media, website design, and digital marketing. 
 

Journey Advisory Group logo

Journey Advisory Group is an employee and family-owned local business. Launched in 2013, Journey Advisory Group is a SEC Registered Investment Adviser specializing in investment management and financial planning. We partner with our clients to meet the needs of their life’s journey: wealth management, college, retirement and estate planning, tax management and insurance. Clients are often faced with the unappealing choice between small, independent firms lacking expertise and depth, and large, impersonal, unresponsive organizations. Journey provides a unique alternative: sophisticated planning and investment expertise combined with exceptional personalized service. We are committed to providing our clients with active, insightful and ongoing investment and planning support throughout life’s journey. We are passionate about staying involved in our local community supporting a range of initiatives and events.  

Junk King company logo

Junk King was founded from a garage in 2005 by two friends in San Carlos, CA. The idea was simple, offer great customer service and recycle more than the other guys. Today, Junk King is the #1 Rated Junk Removal Service in North America, with over 100 locally owned franchises in 32 states and Canada.

Key bridge compliance logo

Backed by seasoned compliance professionals, Key Bridge blends industry experience with a proactive approach, guiding you confidently through compliance risks. They collaborate and integrate seamlessly into your team.

Loveland Excavating logo

Loveland Excavating and Paving, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Matthew J. Brennan with the goal of providing reliable site development services at a competitive price. By developing lasting relationships with clients, they have enjoyed tremendous success over the past 28 years. They are proud that more than 80% of their business comes from repeat customers.

McGill Smith Pushon company logo

McGill, Smith, Punshon, Inc. are a Cincinnati design firm composed of experienced architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, planners, and surveyors serving the Greater Cincinnati and regional area. Commitment to quality has been the cornerstone of the past and is the foundation for the future. 

Mesa Industries Logo

Mesa ETP are storage tank manufacturers and makers of floating roof drains, seal systems, emission control products, & laminated fabrics. Mesa ETP's full-time engineering staff are industry experts and a trusted resource for product information and technical concerns. Mesa ETP products are engineered to specific dimensions and configurations to meet the needs of each customer's application and conditions. Engineers work closely with tank owners and maintenance companies to ensure a perfect match between our products and the installed environment. 

Premier Resource Group logo

Premier Resources Group (PRG) is a division of Sizemore & Company LLC, which was founded in 1989 as an association management consulting company for the engineering/construction industry. In late 2014, the company formally expanded its service offerings to include staffing and consulting services. Today, PRG is a go-to talent solutions company for the engineering/construction industry and has supported some of the largest owner and contractor companies in the United States. PRG fills its clients’ talent gaps by providing contract staffing, direct hire recruiting, and advisory services to construction projects throughout the country.

In 2019, Sizemore & Company became Premier Resources Group and launched bundled staffing and advisory services to maximize value to clients worldwide. We now provide contract and contract-to-hire staffing and direct hire recruiting services for construction and engineering, accounting and finance, and IT and professional positions, as well as business advisement.

Prolocity company logo

Prolocity is a highly regarded full-service Salesforce consultancy focused on delivering a competitive advantage. They combine strategy, proven process, and quality execution to create an exceptional client experience. With hundreds of completed projects and a 5-star customer rating, Prolocity is recognized by clients and partners for our unmatched expertise and passionate people. With deep expertise with Salesforce technology, they empower clients and partners to achieve transformational outcomes.

RJ Beischel company logo

R. J. Beischel Building Co. employs a team of experienced project managers and craftsmen dedicated to building high-quality projects safely and on time. We specialize in working in occupied facilities; performing renovations and new construction for healthcare, commercial, educational, religious, and government clients.

ROADiD company logo

In the Fall of 1999 Co-Founder Edward Wimmer and his father created Road iD from their leaky basement in Northern Kentucky - with just two credit cards and a dream. Their mission is to educate outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of wearing Identification and provide athletes with innovative identification products.

TRA company logo

TRA design is a fun, friendly and forward-thinking design firm offering design solutions that exceed client expectations. They seek to build value through design by cultivating a fun employee centered culture where creative thinking is second nature, and where the built form is a true reflection of their collaborative design process. They strive to provide innovative, sustainable architecture, interior design, and site planning solutions that make their clients and themselves proud.

Urban Sites company logo

Urban Sites was the vision of both Bill Baum and Ed Hubert over 30 years ago. What started out as a few historic rehabs in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati has transformed into a company offering Development Services, Construction Services, and Property Management Services with critical mass in Over-the-Rhine, East Walnut Hills, and Covington. Urban Sites focuses on residential properties, office and retail spaces and affordable housing in walkable neighborhoods. Urban Sites is a full-service company with the role of connecting you to us. Our employees are the center of that relationship.

Verdant company logo

As one of the largest independent equipment finance companies in the United States, Verdant Commercial Capital has the expertise and discipline of a bank, with the innovation and flexibility of an entrepreneurial independent. The Verdant team focuses on helping original equipment manufacturers, dealers, and distributors sell more equipment by making the financing process easier for their customers. With flexible capital and a broad credit spectrum, Verdant is uniquely positioned to provide optimal funding solutions for transaction sizes ranging from $25,000 up to $100 million. By combining deep industry knowledge with a technology-driven approach, partners sell critical equipment and software across six industries: Industrials; Manufacturing; Specialty Vehicle; Golf, Sports & Entertainment; Renewables & Energy Efficiency; and Technology & Office Automation. 

Zeal 40 company logo

Zeal40 was started in 2015 with two goals; expanding creative services in branding, graphic design, social media, marketing strategy, website development with local organizations/businesses. While also providing a workplace with the best talent. After 9 years in business, Zeal40 is thriving. Zeal40 is a certified, women-owned business located downtown Cincinnati.