Smart Business Magazine, August 2018

44 Smart Business Cleveland August 2018 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S CELEBRATING 98 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S CELEBRATING 83 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S CELEBRATING 80 BusinessLONGEVITYAWARDS2018 BizLongevity CONS TRUCTION MATERIAL SOLUTIONS The Millcraft Paper Co is a fourth generation family owned business specializing in the distribution of premium paper packaging and graphic arts products Founded in 1920 by Harold and Pauline Keil the company began as a specialty stationery and wedding invitation business to eventually over nearly 100 years grow to become the a leading Midwest distributor of paper packaging and graphic supply It has 15 locations in 12 cities and serves Ohio Michigan New York Indiana Kentucky West Virginia and select East Coast markets Its longevity stems from knowing when to change and when not to It honors the customer relationship and believes in the entrepreneurial spirit accessibility flexibility and creativity The company proudly supports its local communities because theyre not only where it does business but theyre also home Millcraft believes in innovation and evolution but it stays true to the values that are central to its long lasting relationships with clients suppliers and communities The company is relentless in its drive to find fresh solutions for clients Often its clients demands that drive Millcrafts expansion into new markets Led by President Travis M Mlakar the company holds strong to its principles of honesty loyalty and integrity and always strives to find ways to make doing business with its clients easier In 1935 Wally Grossman started manufacturing heat and thermal protective apparel in his parents basement Together father and son developed a great business George and Wally Grossman worked together for almost 30 years despite the Great Depression The business evolved over the years with Wallys son Charlie running the business from 1966 to 2005 Charlies son Chuck joined the family business in 1998 and has been running the company as CEO since Charlie retired in 2005 Opportunity has knocked several times over the years One of those opportunities was getting into the electric arc flash protection business in 2001 In 2002 the company implemented lean manufacturing technologies from the Toyota Sewing System This lean transformation cut costs significantly and allowed the company to stay in the U S while most other sewing jobs have gone overseas Since 2012 NSA has acquired five companies and expanded its product offerings to now include FR Rainwear new knit and woven fabrics and most recently T shirts union made in Chicago In 2017 NSA expanded into a more than 60000 square foot fulfillment center near its 90000 square foot headquarters on Industrial Parkway in Cleveland With almost 500 U S employees the companys future is bright The story of R W Sidley begins with a wheelbarrow a pickaxe and some land in Thompson Ohio From those small beginnings emerged a company that has spanned across multiple generations businesses and states Established in 1933 and incorporated in 1938 R W Sidley will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year Robert J Buescher president and CEO represents the third generation of the family to lead the company Bob Sidley an 83 year old board chairman and former CEO of 57 years still comes to the office every day including weekly management meetings driven by the pure passion he has for the business R W Sidleys evolving product and service offerings over the years represent the successful use of vertical integration Beginning with sand and stone founder Robert W Sidley quickly realized he could use the silica sand and gravel for many additional offerings to customers Today led by Beuscher the company is driven to help people not only make their project easier but also elevate a regular project to something special The various product and service expansions over the years are examples of R W Sidleys management team continuing to find opportunities to help its customers whether theyre builders homeowners or tradesmen and tradeswomen The company strives to be a one stop shop for its customers construction material solution needs FOUNDED 1935 Chuck Grossman CEO INCORPORATED 1938 Robert J Beuscher President and CEO FOUNDED 1920 Travis M Mlakar President