Six Startups Spread their Wings

The Hamilton County Business Center’s annual graduation celebration on Sept. 14 honored the accomplishments of six companies that came into the incubator with an idea and left with a solid business. Their business models varied, but the goals for each venture were the same: Implement a plan that grows revenues and creates opportunity.

Graduating companies Advanced Control Products, DBK-USA, F & B Medical, Industrial Solutions Group, The Hug Delivery Co. and W-Insight each succeeded in growing their entrepreneurial venture from idea to success:

• Advanced Control Products, operated by Tony Beuke and Ken McMurray, distributes flow, control and automation products.

• DBK-USA, headed by President Holger Holtmeier, designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of standard and custom-designed electric heaters, heating elements, and heater system solutions for all industries.

• F & B Medical, led by Tom Foy, is a full-service provider of wheelchairs to nursing homes.

• Industrial Solutions Group, run by Kevin Roegner, provides the highest quality environmental and occupational health and safety services. It was purchased by Houston-based Concentra.

• The Hug Delivery Co., created by Candy Federl, is a specialty e-commerce company focusing on delivering plush animals and gift baskets. The company was bought by Jones the Florist.

• W-Insight, operated by Vanessa Freytag, advises companies on the opportunities and buying preferences of the women’s market.

Collectively, these companies generated revenue of more than $5.2 million in the past 12 months and increased employment from seven to 27 over the course of their tenures at HCBC. But most importantly, these companies have staying power that will allow them to be positive contributors to Greater Cincinnati’s economic base for years, operating from their new homes in Hamilton County communities such as Deer Park, Cincinnati, Norwood and Blue Ash.

We congratulate them.