Meet the 2024 East Central finalists

Greg is the CEO of AffirmedRX

AffirmedRx is redefining trust in the PBM space. As a public benefit corporation, its mission goes beyond profit – it prioritizes your health and happiness.

Pharmacy benefits and human interaction aren’t words you hear used together very often, but AffirmedRx is doing things differently. It believes in blending cutting-edge technology with a human touch. Its innovative systems alert AffirmedRx as soon as there is an issue with a prescription, and its dedicated team jumps in immediately to ensure that your members face zero frustration at the pharmacy level – personally reaching out to providers, members and even the pharmacy to resolve issues as they happen in real time. This proactive approach guarantees happier members and clients.

AffirmedRx is so confident in its model that it guarantees 10% savings net of rebates in the first year and a flat trend in year two. If AffirmedRx exceeds that 10%, it is not looking to share that savings with you — you keep it all.

AffirmedRx is the PBM that’s truly on your side, blending technology, human care and genuine clarity. By partnering with AffirmedRx, you can guarantee that you are working with a team that you can like and trust.

Jill is the Co-Founder, Board Member, and CEO of Avation Medical, Inc.

Avation Medical is an innovative neuromodulation and digital health company with a mission to make wearable peripheral neuromodulation accessible to patients across a variety of clinical conditions. The company’s Vivally System is the only FDA-cleared, closed-loop, at-home wearable neuromodulation device system. Combined with a companion mobile application, Vivally offers a comprehensive therapy and support system for patients suffering from urge urinary incontinence and urinary urgency caused by overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Vivally is prescribed by a clinician following a brief clinical evaluation, which includes personalized calibration. Personalization establishes an EMG target and a range of neuromodulation energy associated with the detection of an EMG signal to indicate nerve activation. Vivally delivers clinically effective therapy in just 30 minutes, as little as once per week. Vivally is available by prescription in select geographies in the United States.

Gregg is the Managing Partner of Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP is a law firm built on legal excellence and fueled by entrepreneurial spirit. Founded in Cleveland in 1938, the firm is one of the fastest growing in the country, with offices in six major US cities and approximately 400 attorneys, many of whom are former AmLaw 100 attorneys attracted to the firm’s sophisticated work, community connection and supportive culture — a rare combination in the field of law.

Benesch attorneys are foremost thought leaders and changemakers in their respective practices, representing clients in matters spanning commercial transactions, class actions, securities, product liability, intellectual property, data security and more. Decades of leading record-breaking transactions and industry-shaping litigation have earned Benesch the trust and confidence of the world’s most recognizable brands, many operating in highly regulated industries, including health care, finance, transportation, retail, real estate and manufacturing.

Benesch is regarded for its enduring commitment to the communities it serves, to building a firm that reflects the global marketplace of today and to ensuring equitable opportunities for tomorrow’s lawyers.

Darrin is the Co-founder & CEO and Kirsten is the Co-founder & COO of Cloverleaf

Cloverleaf has built an automated coaching product that uses common behavioral assessments (Disc, CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, etc.) as a starting point to workplace coaching experience that integrates with the tools that employees use every day (email, calendar, Slack/Teams) to build self-awareness, team cohesion and leadership competency.

Purba is the CEO of Cybervation, Inc.

Cybervation is a high-growth technology solutions and staffing company whose IT services include enterprise software development, system integration and support services. It is also one of the top IT and medical staffing agencies in Ohio. Through its health care subsidiary, TrailBlazer Staffing Solutions, the company elevates patient care by expertly matching health care facilities with top-tier medical professionals. The company specializes in designing and creating customized premium services for organizations in temporary/contract staffing, temporary to hire, direct hire and flexible staffing options.

Cybervation is also helping customers solve complex business problems through product-based solutions and data-driven tools for the retail/hospitality/restaurant industry. BistroUX is one such award-winning, cloud-based payment solution for restaurants, food trucks, small to mid-sized stores, and much more. BistroUX has been nominated as one of the 2022 Startups to Watch by Columbus Business First magazine.

Ravi is the Co-Founder & CEO of DATAECONOMY Inc.

DATAECONOMY is a fast-growing global software and services company focused on data and analytics. Its mission is to enable enterprises to monetize data at data speeds. The company’s core capabilities span self-service analytics, data mesh, data fabric, master data management, data governance, cloud enablement, digital transformation, digital twins, knowledge graphs, machines lake for cyber security, financial crimes and more. The company has created several out-of-the-box solution accelerators for the data monetization journey. 

Dallas is the CEO and Chris is the COO of Felux

Felux is an AI-enabled marketplace and supply chain platform digitizing steel, metals sourcing & procurement. Its mission is to solve b2b commerce for the industrial world. A marketplace built by steel and technology experts. Manage all of your quotes, find new suppliers, get financing and track shipments all in one place.

Alex is the CEO and Michael is the Chief Growth Officer of InfoTrust

InfoTrust provides digital analytics services and tools to many of the largest consumer advertisers in the world. It offers a SaaS product that it has developed, and professional services in analytics and data governance, and it resells and supports solutions from several major technology providers (most notably Google).

Teresa is the President, Board Chairperson, & CEO of Intervala, LLC

Intervala tailors intelligent manufacturing solutions to each customer’s unique requirements. It is a full-service manufacturer of complex, high-performance printed circuit board assemblies, cables and electromechanical systems for global customers in the medical, industrial, transportation, semicap and defense industries. Inspired by a customer-focused culture, Intervala’s team draws on decades of experience to bring a fresh approach to problem-solving by combining turnkey manufacturing capabilities, a full suite of engineering expertise, new product introduction and global supply chain management to deliver smart, innovative solutions. Intervala has manufacturing operations in the Pittsburgh and Boston areas.

Daniel is the President & CEO of JusticeWorks Youth Care

JusticeWorks provides intensive in-home social services in 120 counties in six states (soon to be eight states).
Its “whatever it takes” philosophy has resulted in positive outcomes for families with significant trauma and dysfunction. JusticeWorks saves lives and builds better futures for troubled families and children.

Its public agency customers will say that no other provider is as good a partner, nor more persistent and innovative than JusticeWorks.
Daniel Heit also owns Catalyst RTW, a vocational services company that works for insurance companies to resolve difficult and expensive workers’ compensation cases.

Jordan is the CEO of Keyfactor

Keyfactor brings digital trust to the hyper-connected world with identity-first security for every machine and human. By simplifying PKI; automating certificate lifecycle management; and securing every device, workload and thing, Keyfactor helps organizations move fast to establish digital trust at scale – and then maintain it. In a zero-trust world, every machine needs an identity, and every identity must be managed.

Paula is the Founder & CEO of Lakestone Enterprises dba Heirloom Traditions Paint

In February 2013, Paula Blankenship was 50 years old, single, and raising her teenage son. She started a business in her kitchen simply to give her son Braden something to do and teach him her entrepreneurial ways. She had always been around paint and refinishing furniture due to her parents’ and her mother’s love of buying old furniture and updating it.

Paula's mother, Clarice, was a true pioneer and had been in many businesses through her life, having owned a thriving furniture business. Paula grew up in a home that was filled with love and support and allowed her to dream big. Nothing was out of reach if she truly desired it. Paula raised her son with that same spirit and wanted to continue those efforts through this small venture in the kitchen. 

Paula began researching paint to understand what was lacking and soon developed a paint that has revolutionized the DIY world. It would become a leader in the market today. She created a unique ALL-IN-ONE Paint formula that would help take the guesswork and confusion out of painting that contains everything in one can. She also designed and developed a limited color palette for 36 on-trend colors, along with preparation and painting tools. 

Lindsay is the Founder & CEO of Luxe Brands, LLC

Luxe Brands, LLC is a bridal fashion company with multiline offerings + brands for all brides. From La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection, a luxury designer and special-order boutique located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, to "luxury for less" with multiunit Luxe Redux, the company caters to serve all brides.

La Jeune Mariee started it all in 2008 in a quaint, 800 square-foot shop. In 2011, Founder + CEO Lindsay Fork created Luxe Redux Bridal as a solution to an ever-growing inventory problem. Luxe Redux sells luxury off-the-rack bridal gowns at a discounted price. With seven brick-and-mortar locations in the United States and growing, Luxe Redux also offers brides an at-home + online shopping experience, disrupting what is considered normal in the industry. Luxe in a Box allows brides from all over the opportunity to shop luxury bridal gowns for less.

Luxe Brands’ No. #1 goal is to deliver brides an unparalleled and exceptional experience regardless of budget or style.  It strives to give all of its brides’ boundless inspiration.

Robert is the CEO of Magna5 MS LLC

Magna5 provides outsourced IT and cybersecurity services to over 700 clients in 37 states being, supported from six regional service centers employing 220 people. The company maintains its own 24x7 Security Operations Center, Network Operations Center and Helpdesk. The company was ranked 2437 on the INC5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in 2024, as well as being selected as a Top Workplace for Leadership and Innovation on a national level by Energage. It was also selected in the Best Places to Work in Pittsburgh (the headquarters location) by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Industry awards have included the Channel Company’s selection to its MSP500, Elite 150 and Security 100 lists in 2024 as well.

Cara is the CEO of Marinus Analytics

Established in 2014 out of Carnegie Mellon Robotics, Marinus Analytics is an internationally recognized leader in innovating technology in service to society. The Pittsburgh-based company recently opened a London office and works with clients across three continents.

Marinus Analytics has been awarded research funding from the National Science Foundation, and, in 2021, Marinus Analytics received third place in the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE to tackle global challenges.

Our flagship SaaS aids public safety agencies in investigations into online human trafficking by data mining the adult services websites. The platform saves precious time, accelerates missing-persons cases, identifies organized crime networks and is complemented by robust user training and support.

Michael is the President of Mars Electric Company

Mars Electric is an independent wholesale distributor of lighting, switchgear, and electrical supplies, serving customers with 12 locations across Northeast Ohio, in addition to its award-winning website. Mars Electric offers over 10,000 in-stock products, expertise in helping customers solve challenging electrical and lighting issues, access to thousands of hard-to-find electrical, lighting and gear products, and specialized pipe and colored wire management solutions. Services included are Express Will Call so that customers can grab and go; Vendor Managed Inventory Services, which offers customers the ability to offload management, replenishment and delivery of materials to their facility or to Mars Electric; and prefab services that save labor like prefabricating lighting.

At the company’s state-of-the-art, expansive central distribution facility, it maintains the largest inventory in Northeast Ohio and offers streamlined logistics systems for enhanced responsiveness, accuracy and efficiency, including next-day and same-day delivery, with 20 delivery vehicles, including a crane truck available every day.

Ryan is the Founder, President, and CEO of Miranda Construction

Established in 2016, Miranda Construction has rapidly become the premier construction company in Kentucky, boasting a reputation for excellence and innovation. Its commitment to quality and a strong work culture has earned the company the prestigious “Best Places to Work” award for five consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to its team members.

As the leader in design-build projects in Louisville, Miranda Construction takes pride in shaping the city’s skyline with structures that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetics. Its open-book accounting is the most trusted in Kentucky, fostering transparency and trust in its partnerships.

"Building Forward, Giving Back" is not just the company’s tagline; it is its ethos. From the inception of its company, its mission has been to be the best builder, create the best buildings and do so with the best people. The company believes in progress, not just in construction, but in the communities it serves.

Miranda Construction specializes in a wide range of commercial projects, including design-build initiatives, retail spaces, hospitality establishments, industrial complexes, office developments and multifamily residences. 

Ali is the Co-Founder & CEO of Oat Haus

Oat Haus is a food company that makes Granola Butter, the world’s first oat spread. Born out of founder Ali Bonar's eating disorder recovery, Oat Haus is on a mission to bring fun and play to food. Oat Haus is sold in over 3,000 stores nationwide, including major grocery and retail chains. Oat Haus is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Michael is the Founder & CEO of Patriot Software

Patriot Software offers cloud-based accounting software and payroll services designed to help American businesses and their accountants simplify administrative tasks. The accounting software product holds a patent for its Dual-Ledger Accounting system, allowing customers to switch between viewing the general ledger in cash-basis and accrual accounting. The payroll software supports employers with up to 500 employees and includes software add-ons for time and attendance and human resources solutions. The software also offers integrations with third parties, including 401(k) plans and workers’ compensation insurance, thereby streamlining administrative tasks and making accounting and payroll fast, simple and affordable. Patriot Software is disrupting the accounting and payroll industry by eliminating complex processes and steep learning curves with its intuitive software. Patriot Software provides USA-based customer service and development, serving tens of thousands of businesses nationwide since 2002.

Stephen is the CEO of Ritchey Metals Company, Inc.

Ritchey Metals manufactures zinc and aluminum alloys to service the steel, diecast and electroplating industries. It performs the chemistry behind the metal products used in everyday life. As the largest producer of steel coatings alloys in North America, its team members ensure that the right blend of metal to coat steel is used in construction projects around the globe. Our customers also use our alloys to produce critical components that can be found in just about every American household. This includes everything from parts for consumer appliances, automobiles, and motorcycles, to toilet knobs, door handles and pipe fittings. Creating precise alloys to meet customers’ specifications is critical to ensure that the products we all use every day perform as expected and last the way the manufacturer intends.

To minimize the global impact of mining, as well as the amount of waste in landfills, Ritchey Metals is committed to a significant, and rapidly growing, recycling program. In addition to what it recycles in house, Ritchey Metals connects domestic companies that produce metallic waste with recyclers all over the world to turn that waste back into usable materials. 

Carl is the President and James is the Chairman of River City Furniture

With locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Louisville, RCF Group focuses on providing a tailored experience for its clients throughout North America, gaining insight through listening sessions to understand their business culture, needs and challenges, and providing comprehensive solutions through furniture/furnishings, architectural interiors and facilities services solutions.

RCF Group is a Haworth Best in Class dealer and leverages 300+ partnerships with manufacturers, spanning projects throughout the USA. RCF Group prides itself on its client centric business approach, single-point-of-contact expertise, uninterrupted project flow and installation methods that deliver success.

Christine is the Owner & President of Whirlybird Granola, LLC

Whirlybird Granola is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It bakes and distributes its granola to over 7,000 customers nationwide. It has its Whirlybird brand, which is non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. It also provides retailers with custom granolas and cookies for their private label lines. 

Jim is Managing Partner of Zink Corporation

Zink Corporation is an employee-owned company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with offices throughout Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania. Zink companies include Zink Foodservice, Zink Hospitality, Z-Ventilation Solutions, AIM National, Wenger Temperature Control, Scotsman Mid-Ohio and ZCS Distribution. Zink provides comprehensive sales, marketing, distribution, ventilation, service and installation for premier manufacturers, dealers and operators in the hospitality and foodservice industry. For additional information, visit www.zinkcorp.com.