Last Thursday, the Greater Akron Chamber buzzed with the energy of entrepreneurs eager to scale their businesses at the Scalerator NEO Information Session. This event, part of MAGNET's ongoing efforts to drive manufacturing in Northeast Ohio, provided a platform for local business owners to connect, learn, and explore the transformative power of the Scalerator program.

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Brittany Bush, Scalerator NEO Administrator, who shared the impressive track record of the program. Since 2017, Scalerator has helped over 95 companies in Northeast Ohio achieve significant growth, collectively adding $750 million in annual revenues and creating 2,000 jobs. The program's focus on the three Cs of growth—Customers, Capacity, and Cash—was a recurring theme throughout the session.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by MAGNET’s own Mike O’Donnell. Panelists Elie Merheb, President & CEO of Kapco, and Tom Sasura, President & CEO of North Coast Seal, shared their firsthand experiences of how Scalerator NEO catalyzed their companies' growth. Their stories were both inspiring and practical, offering actionable insights into how the program's teachings could be applied to real-world challenges.

A key takeaway from the panel was the emphasis on peer learning. Both Merheb and Sasura stressed how the cohort-based nature of Scalerator NEO allowed them to collaborate with other like-minded leaders, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. This environment, coupled with the expert guidance provided by the program, has been instrumental in driving sustainable growth for their companies.

Merheb and Sasura also highlighted several key impacts from their participation in the program:

• Team Empowerment: By involving key leaders in setting the growth plan, they fostered a sense of ownership throughout their organizations. The alignment this created ensured everyone was moving in the same direction.
  
  
• Financial Improvements: Enhancing accounts receivable processes, enabled quicker cash flow, and updated their pricing strategies to better reflect market realities.
  
  
• Customer Segmentation: Defining customer segments more precisely allowed them to tailor strategies for each, leading to more effective marketing and sales efforts.
  
  
• Digital Presence: Both companies upgraded their digital marketing efforts, improving their websites and social media presence to better engage with customers.
  
  
• Cultural Wins: Celebrating successes both internally and externally reinforced a growth mindset across their teams, encouraging openness to new ideas from all levels.
  
  
• Product and Equipment Investments: They introduced new product lines and invested in new equipment to meet market demands and stay competitive.
  
  
• Hiring Process Improvements: Refining their hiring processes ensured they attracted and retained the right talent to support their growth ambitions.

The impact of these changes demonstrates the power of a focused, strategic approach to scaling a business. As O'Donnell noted during the discussion, the key to success lies in a company's willingness to invest in growth, adapt to change, and empower its people.

The Scalerator NEO Information Session not only highlighted the successes of past participants but also ignited excitement for the future. For those ready to take their business to the next level, Scalerator NEO offers a proven path to growth, backed by the support of MAGNET and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business owner with a hunger for growth, don’t miss the chance to join this elite program. Apply now at ScaleratorNEO.org, and take the first step toward transforming your business.

About Scalerator NEO:

Scalerator NEO is a seven-month, no-cost program designed for ambitious Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Funded by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and the Fasenmeyer Fund, the program focuses on helping companies grow through targeted strategies in Customers, Capacity, and Cash.

Apply today to be part of the 2025 cohort and unlock your company’s full potential.

Contact: Brittany Bush - bbush@manufacturingsuccess.org.