Smart Business Magazine, June 2017

26 Smart Business Akron Canton June 2017 Paul Chaffee CEO Software Answers Inc www software answers com Software Answers Inc run by CEO Paul Chaffee is not only a software company but also an intellectual property business Chaffees primary goal is to provide schools with the tools needed to improve the student learning experience Chaffees secondary goal is to create a workplace in which employees feel their innovation and creativity is fostered and their voices are heard In 2002 Chaffee and the handful of employees that made up Software Answers launched a singular web based grade book known as ProgressBook to a small number of area school districts Fifteen years later the company has grown exponentially with the ProgressBook suite becoming a major solution to over 70 percent of Ohios public school districts for monitoring and maintaining their student data at all grade levels Software Answers has been recognized as one of the best employers in Ohio for the past six years The environment fosters creativity promotes the balance of work and home life and encourages personal growth 2017 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Jennifer Chernisky PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER Jennasis and Associates www jennasisassociates com Jennifer Chernisky president and founder of the digital marketing firm Jennasis and Associates has developed a team of work from home employees allowing mothers and fathers to earn an income and still be available to their children and family whenever they choose to be The diverse group of designers writers developers and strategists bring expertise from their particular field to create the best solutions to achieve client goals Chernisky began her one woman virtual administration firm in 2011 with three clients Today Jennasis and Associates has expanded its client base and has seen its team of marketing professionals and experts grow to include those with backgrounds in pharmaceuticals higher education insurance social services technology architecture ministry legal startups and TV and film The firm has garnered national recognition and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller nonprofit and for profit concerns spread across the country Chernisky also opened a satellite office in Philadelphia and most recently one in Kansas City Gerard Daher PRESIDENT AND CEO Speedeon Data www speedeondata com Speedeon Data led by President and CEO Gerard Daher helps its clients maximize their return on marketing spend with custom data solutions that allow marketers to identify and engage customers with the right message at the right time It does this by sourcing multiple data sets and overlaying them with data sciences modeling and analytics that lead to customized offerings The companys growing revenue has allowed it to make investments in product management sales marketing and engineering while also investing in personnel All new hires receive direct training on the company data assets partners and customers in addition to shadowing all departments Continuing education is given in the form of internal training and regular guest lectures from industry experts while professional development resources are allocated for employees to attend conferences and receive additional training within their fields Such investments have allowed the company to keep turnover low Victor DiGeronimo Jr PRESIDENT AND CEO DiGeronimo Companies www indexc com Victor DiGeronimo Jr is president and CEO of DiGeronimo Companies As part of the third generation leadership team he continues to carry out the strong work ethic and innovative thinking instilled by his family His steadfast leadership and direction coupled with his business acumen and ability to take necessary risks has propelled the organization forward and maintained the family legacy DiGeronimo has expanded existing services entertaining unique project opportunities and expanded the company into new geographic regions These ventures required foresight extensive market analysis and financial planning in order to mitigate risk and increase future viability DiGeronimos proven leadership and innovative thinking as well as an understanding of business challenges allows the company to push ahead of its competitors As a family the DiGeronimos have always taken an active philanthropic role both locally and nationally Aside from monetary donations time labor and materials have also been donated in order to complete improvement projects for schools parks and other community service projects Sam Falletta OWNER AND CEO Incept www inceptresults com Under the leadership of Owner and CEO Sam Falletta Incept has grown at an average rate of 20 percent per year for the past 10 years growth that can be attributed to the development of successful customer experience strategies for numerous Fortune 500 companies as well leading Incept on the forefront of employee engagement trends Transforming a call center company into a sought after career meant leaving the traditional contact center approach behind Falletta encourages Incept employees to be the best versions of themselves by giving the company a youthful appeal with progressive policies no dress code community involvement and more resulting in Incept being recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio by WorkplaceDynamics five times By ensuring employees have emotionally bought into what Incept is trying to achieve continuing to build its culture with a focus on performance and ensuring that employees are working toward something meaningful the company continues to have happy employees and happy customers Matthew P Figgie CHAIRMAN Clark Reliance Figgie Capital The Figgie Foundation www clark reliance com Matthew P Figgie Chairman of Figgie Capital Clark Reliance and The Figgie Foundation is an eighth generation Clevelander who employs extraordinary individuals who help the company aggressively grow products capabilities and competencies on a global scale For the past seven years Clark Reliance has been recognized as one of the top workplaces in Northeast Ohio and is a six time award winner as a great workplace for top talent Evolving from Figgies vast experience on Wall Street Figgie Capital encompasses global asset allocation alternative investments currency and commodity trading venture capital economic forecasting and mergers and acquisitions This broad expertise is used to effectively maximize overall returns while limiting total volatility in todays uncertain and unpredictable worldwide markets The Figgie Foundation continues to fulfill its mission through a focus on supporting our community in a multitude of areas and unique missions A strong advocate of the arts the foundation also supports children through many investments Smart50NEO