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December 2025
Christopher Goff, Esq. Chairman
Jeff Dafler President & CEO
Darla Brown Vice President – Marketing & Membership Strategy
Melinda McNutt Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations
Mark Prosise Vice President – Events & Strategic Initiatives
Mike Weiss Creative Director
ACTION NEWSLETTER is published monthly for the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The subscription cost is $25 per year and is included in the price of membership.
Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to:
Editor, Action Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce 222 Market Ave. N Canton, Ohio 44702 or call (330) 456.7253, or e-mail news@cantonchamber.org
Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, Dec. 10 • 5-7 PM
222 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702
Celebrate another year of Chamber cheer with our final Business After Hours of 2025, hosted at the Canton Regional Chamber office on December 10. Share good tidings with fellow Chamber members and new friends while we reminisce on memories and plan for a prosperous new year! Tour the Chamber offices and enjoy refreshments.
Chamber Members: Free to attend! Plus, bring a $15 door prize to earn a 30-second "commercial" opportunity to spotlight your business (members-only benefit).
Non-Members: $15 to attend. Interested in joining the Chamber? Attend this event as our special guest at no charge! Email Erica Barnes, Membership Specialist, at erica@cantonchamber.org to reserve your spot.
Sponsorship Opportunities! Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact Melinda Kapalko, VP of Development and Partnership Relations at (440) 855-9097 for details.
This session will help growing businesses understand how commercial real estate can support expansion and long-term planning. Attendees will learn how to assess space needs, create efficient environments for their teams, and evaluate options for office, warehouse, distribution, or industrial facilities. The discussion will cover leasing and purchasing, market trends, and what to consider when selecting or negotiating a new location.
Date: Monday, Jan. 12
Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – Noon
Presentation: Noon – 1 p.m.
Pricing: $15
Location: Canton Regional Chamber
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It’s hard to believe we’re already wrapping up 2025. This year moved quickly, especially for those of us who stayed active and connected within the Chamber community. The relationships built through events, conversations, and collaborations have continued to prove their value, helping many of us strengthen our visibility, expand our networks, and build meaningful partnerships. As we look ahead to 2026, the Chamber is preparing updates that will give members even more ways to be discovered and highlighted throughout the region.
Throughout the year, Chamber members strengthened their reach through programs like AultCare QuickConnect luncheons, Business After Hours, Safety Council meetings, Tip Clubs, and special events. These weren’t just networking moments; they created introductions that turned into partnerships, vendor relationships, referrals, and ongoing collaborations across every industry.
Members who stepped into sponsorship or speaking opportunities saw an even greater impact. Sponsorship placements and thoughtleadership roles helped businesses stand out as active contributors to the regional business community, building familiarity and trust among fellow members and local decision-makers.
One of the most significant changes this year is the Chamber’s transition from a printed directory to a fully modernized online directory. The online directory has already generated about 25,000 direct views in the past year, bringing the total to more than 200,000 on cantonchamber.org. With upgrades underway, the Chamber expects even more visibility for members in 2026.
Unlike printed materials, which quickly become outdated, the online directory keeps business information accurate, up-to-date, and available year-round. It also includes improved search functionality, making it easier for people to find businesses based on what they need, whether they’re local leaders, buyers, job seekers, or community members.
The enhanced directory provides several ways for members to showcase what they offer, depending on the level of visibility they’re aiming for:
● Regular listing – Included with membership and ensures your business is present and searchable.
● Premium option – Allows businesses to build out a more detailed profile with descriptions, photos, videos, coupons, and additional content.
● Category advertising – Helps businesses appear more prominently within their chosen directory categories.
These new options are more innovative, more costeffective overall, and offer more opportunities to be seen and discovered than the printed directory ever could. Members now have increased flexibility to choose the level of visibility that fits their goals and budget.
Because so many buying decisions start online, the directory’s updated platform becomes a valuable part of any local marketing strategy. Staying visible on a high-traffic, trusted site like cantonchamber. org ensures members are discoverable by thousands of regional business leaders and community members year-round.
The timing of this directory refresh makes the end of the year the perfect moment to review your listing, update your information, and explore the new options available. A few minutes of attention now can make a big difference in your visibility heading into 2026.
As the Chamber rolls out new updates, stay tuned to email announcements and the event calendar so you don’t miss opportunities to strengthen your presence and get the most from your membership. Here’s to wrapping up 2025 with momentum and moving into a new year with even more opportunities to support one another and grow together.
The Stark County Safety Council Steering Committee is hitting the runway for a PPE Fashion Show at the December 11 Luncheon. Yes — a real one. Yes — there will be poses. No — we are not stopping them. Our “models” will show off the gear they use every day — from welding helmets and chainsaw chaps to highvis gear, arc flash suits, respirators, harnesses and more. It’s educational… but also hilarious… and it might be the most fun we’ve ever had talking about safety. Santa will be our host — because who better to MC a toy drive than the big guy himself?
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., Program begins at Noon
Pricing: $25 (includes delicious buffet)
Location: Alex D. Krassas Event Center 251 25th St., NW Canton, OH 44709
Registration: CantonChamber.org
We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. All toys stay right here and will be delivered to kids in Stark County this Christmas. Let’s fill Santa’s sleigh!
Join us for our year-end Holiday QuickConnect, a festive luncheon celebrating the connections we’ve built throughout the year. Enjoy extended networking and shop with up to 15 local vendors and businesses. Just good food, great people and a relaxed way to wrap up the year together.
Wear your most festive holiday attire and celebrate the season with us.
This venue provides an opportunity for 3 table top exhibit opportunities. This is a member only opportunity. Showcase your services or products during the event with your personal tradeshow exhibit. Tables will be provided. Cost for an exhibit will be $25 while they last!
About the series: AultCare QuickConnect offers great networking opportunities for business leads. Join Stark County’s premier luncheon – enjoy activities, hear speakers, make connections, and savor lunch. Members can promote their business with a 30-second commercial by contributing a $15+ door prize. Contact Erica Barnes at erica@cantonchamber.org.
Presenting Sponsor:
Engagement Sponsor:
Donate here:
We are deeply grateful for your past support and commitment to our mission. Past gifts have helped us celebrate remarkable success in our 39th year — and now, as we enter our 40th, we need your support once again to continue this important work.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
A & R Builders Ltd.
Accel Pest Control
American Title Assoc Agency
Amy Wengerd Group (The) - EXP Realty
Apex Electric Supply Co.
AspiredX
Astoria Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
Aultman Hospital Aultman Health System
Bank of Magnolia (The)
Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA
BHR-Ohio, Inc.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Brady’s Landscaping LLC
Central Christian School
REM Ohio
Building Industry Assoc. of Stark and East Central Ohio
Bulk Carriers Transportation Equipment
Scriptshop Pharmacy
Blick Center
CLA Canton
Clark & Son Auction & Liquidation
Greater Stark County Urban League
Congregation of the Divine Spirit / House of Loreto
Creative Management Information Services, Inc.
Keep It Focused LLC
Danny Boys Italian Eatery
BH Simon Enterprises
Davies Pharmacy
DeHoff Development Company
Desert Inn
DeVille Apartments and Builders, Inc.
Divine Hall of Fame Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Don and Sara Armen Foundation Inc.
Doylestown Telephone Co.
Eckinger Construction Co.
IT Lasso, LLC
IT Lasso, LLC
Edward Jones - Greg Olenick
Enbridge
ALD Decal & Graphics
Erwin T. Su, D.D.S.
Finally Hear Hearing Aid Center
First Federal Community Bank
Daimler Truck North America
Holderbaum Sewer & Drain Service
GBC Design, Inc.
Canton Palace Theatre Association
Glenn Medical Systems
Hannon Electric Company
Harrison Auto Parts
Heartland Expert Automotive Resource Team
HFS Wealth Advisors
Infinity Homes & Remodeling, LLC
JAM Industrial Supply
Tuscarawas County Committee on Aging, Inc.
Clean Eatz
Dover Public Library
Serena’s Landscaping
HireQuest Health
Custer Products
Honey Baked Ham Company (The)
Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Fieldstone Counseling Inc.
Canton Country Day School
XL Pattern Shop, Inc.
KeyBank
King Properties
Dee-Oh-Gee’s Pet Spa
Berlin Contractors Inc.
Lion Technologies LLC
Mann Marketing
Marazita Graphics, Inc.
Living Water Church
Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co.
MJK Electrical Engineering, LLC
Another Act of Kindness
Microplex, Inc.
Midlake Products & Manufacturing Company
Miracle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Mission BBQ
Mobile IBC Services, Ltd.
NewMarket Financial Advisors
Osborne Family Dental
OTC Services
Paarlo Plastics Inc
Paychex
Pioneer Financial Services Inc
Play It Again Sports
Pro Art Signs LLC
Reichman Plumbing LLC
Dr. Wraps Vehicle Skins
Ron Ruegg Automotive
RTM Transport, LLC
S.A. Comunale Co., Inc.
Safety Resources Company of Ohio, Inc.
Sedgwick TPA
Seibert Keck Insurance
Seven Seventeen Credit Union, Inc.
Heritage Christian School
Smith Development Corporation
SSB Community Bank
Stark State College
Advocare Clinic
Strauss Studios
Summit Glove
The Bowdil Company
The Oak Clinic
Thermo Manufacturing, Inc.
Massillon Plaque Company
Connecting Point
Uhrichsville Carbide Inc.
U-Shredd-It
Applied Behavioral Connections
Village of Carrollton
W.W. Cross Industries Inc
Waggoner Chocolates
Wastewater Solutions LLC
Water-Watts Inc.
White Dumpster
Yoder Dental Associates
Young Volvo
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and AultCare have partnered to offer healthcare coverage through a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA).
The MEWA was developed to provide additional options to employers and to help control the costs of healthcare benefits. Medically underwritten MEWA rates may provide a less expensive option than a smaller community rated plan obtained under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This plan is available for small group employers with less than 50 employees.
• Employee health benefit plan options
• Vision coverage included
• Groups are not subject to ACA community rating
• 2-50 eligible employees
• 75% minimum participation requirement
For Chamber membership information, call 330-456-7253. For health fund information, contact your independent broker or your AultCare representative.
All AultCare health plan quote proposals include commission, unless otherwise specified.
• 50% minimum employer contribution for single coverage
• Chamber member in good standing
• Member in good standing with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
• 16 plan options
• Traditional copay plans
• Health plans/health savings account (HSA) compatible
• Dental coverage available upon request
WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in September. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact Autumn Zerbe at autumn@cantonchamber.org
Academy Sports and Outdoors
Ronald J. Wildblood/Store Director
6687 Strip Ave, NW North Canton, OH 44720 (346) 554-1136
Ronald.Wildblood@academy.com Academy.com
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 301 stores across 21 states, as of March 7, 2025. Academy’s mission is to provide “Fun or All” and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy’s product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands.
Our vision is to be the BEST sports & outdoors retailer in the country.
Our mission is to provide FUN FOR ALL through strong assortments, value, and experience.
Akron Driving Academy 1350 Kelly Avenue Lower Level Building A Akron, OH 44306 (330) 409-9184
www.cdldrivingacademy.com/ school/akron-ohio
Discover your future on the road with a career in commercial truck driving—a field with a strong job outlook and a great deal of flexibility and independence. At our new Akron, OH location, our CDL training provides everything you need to succeed. Our Class A CDL course is a comprehensive 160 hours of classroom learning and hands-on, practical training, ensuring students are fully prepared for both the written and road tests.
Our classrooms, experienced and certified instructors, 2.5 acre on-site training yard, driving simulator and late model Freightliner trucks provide our students with the highest quality training experience possible.
BowTana, LLC.
Katie Bowman CEO 4043 Beck Ave, Mailbox 2 Louisville, OH 44641 (330) 205-9336
Katie@BowTana.com
BowTana, LLC, is a Medicaid certified provider agency that is a unique community-based program that connects individuals with disabilities to the joy and purpose of caring for cats in need of loving homes. Our mission is to empower clients through hands-on animal care, community engagement, and meaningful skill-building—all while helping cats find their forever families.
In partnership with We Love Caturday, LLC, and Twenty9 Lives Cat Rescue the clients take an active role in every part of the adoption experience. They greet visitors, share information about each cat, and guide potential adopters through the adoption process. Behind the scenes, clients help care for the cats—cleaning, feeding, socializing, and promoting their stories on social media to help them find homes.
Through these experiences, clients develop valuable communication, teamwork, and vocational skills while learning about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. We also connect clients and community members with local resources in Stark County that support pet care and retention, helping families keep their animals healthy and safe.
With two welcoming adoption areas and a heart for both people and pets, BowTana is where compassion grows, confidence shines, and every cat—and person—gets the chance to thrive. We are Unleashing Joy Together!
Lori M Wemhoff
Communications & Marketing Professional 568 Woodlands Glen Avenue Hartville, OH (330) 842-0217
Lmscc1@sbcglobal.net
www.linkedin.com/in/lori-wemhoff-27a43b1/ www.facebook.com/lori.schroeder.wemhoff
Communications Executive | Brand Builder | Culture Champion | People Centered Impact-Driven Leader | Community Engagement Advocate
Communications and marketing professional with leadership experience across community, nonprofit, membership-based, healthcare, and corporate sectors. Proven success in strategic planning, brand marketing, driving stakeholder and community engagement, elevating awareness and visibility, fundraising, and leading high-
performing, diverse teams. Mission, process-driven, and advocate for guideline compliance, while building and maintaining mutually beneficial collaborative relationships.
I believe in communication, collaboration, and providing a positive, team-oriented culture. I want to work for an organization that is an advocate for and passionate about making a positive impact on its community.
Fischer, Evans & Robbins, Ltd. Attorney At Law
Mark F. Fischer 3521 Whipple Avenue, N.W. Canton, OH 44718 (330) 244-0997 atfischer@fer-law.net www.fer-law.net
Fischer, Evans & Robbins, Ltd. is a boutique law firm located in Stark County, Ohio focusing in all aspects of civil litigation with particular emphasis in insurance coverage, litigation, insurance defense, employment law, commercial vehicle defense, products liability defense, premises liability, political subdivisions, construction litigation, commercial litigation, and appellate work. The firm’s attorneys have litigated cases throughout Ohio and West Virginia in both state and federal courts with a primary geographical focus in Northeast and Central Ohio.
The highest priority for the legal team of Fischer, Evans & Robbins, Ltd. is to provide its clients with the finest legal representation possible. The attorneys, paralegals, and support staff are experienced, knowledgeable, and attentive to the individual needs of each client.
The successful courtroom experience of our attorneys demonstrates not only our firm’s trial expertise, but it is also a testament to knowing which cases should be brought to trial. Because of our numerous successes in the courtroom, unnecessary trials are avoided when adverse parties instead seek to resolve cases prior to trial. In this manner, successful resolutions are achieved for clients without expenses being needlessly incurred for costly time-consuming courtroom litigation. In many instances, cases have been resolved by our attorneys in pre-suit mediation without a complaint even being filed, all to the benefit of the client.
Hanhart Agency Inc
PO Box 158
Dover, OH 44622
(330) 343-7767
hanhartinsurance.com
As a Full-Service insurance firm: Home, Auto, Life, Health, Business, Bonds, Benefits, Annuities
Hoppel Fabrication Specialties Inc.
Steffon Hoppel Manufacturing , Innovating, Custom Fabricating
9481 Columbus Rd. Louisville, OH 44641 (330) 823-5700
steffon@hoppelfab.com
Hoppelfab.com
fb Hoppel Fabrication
Hoppel Fabrication Specialties originated in 1985 Created by President & CEO Steffon Hoppel. Equipped with determination and drive he decided to pursue his passion in working with metal by complementing his hobby and quickly opened a small shop for welding repairs. As his passion and skills grew, so did his vision for expanding the business to provide custom fabrication along with light manufacturing that was not confined to any limits or boundaries.
As a result, he was able to offer additional services including cab & chassis mountings, heavy duty hitch assemblies, custom truck bodies, trailers, equipment & special vehicles. This ignited a passion to blaze a trail in the field of prototypes and product development.
With a creative mind driven by challenge to pursue cutting edge technology, Steffon enjoys designing conceptual prototype models and always strives to inspire his customers in new product development empowering them to carve out a niche in their respective industries.
Fabrication services include custom fabrication, shearing, forming, bending and shape burning. If you have a vision, we can bring it to life
Hoppel Fabrication Specialties defines custom metal fabrication as the very foundation on which the organization was created and sets us apart from others in the industry, it is part of our identity; it represents who we are, what we do and is the fuel that fires our passion to design and create.
Using a remarkable gift to CONCEPTUALIZE VISUALIZE & EXECUTE this foundation is used to create and design everything he touches from a business entity to a final end product.
Linden Healthcare Consulting LLC PO Box 272 Wooster, OH 44691 (330) 439-6788
www.lindenhc.com
Helping healthcare professionals succeed with business and regulatory consulting services.
Little Flower Family Practice
211 15th St NW
Canton, OH, 4703 (330) 455-0800 www.littleflowerfp.com
Family Practice Office
Mamas and Misfits
7508 Bethany Circle N North Canton, OH 44720
Dog rescue and rehabilitation for Puppy Mill survivors. Breeder direct rescue service.
NDN Logistics LLC
PO Box 108 Malvern, OH 44644 (330) 771-2890
Crude Hauler
Pinnacle Care Providers
236 3rd St SW Canton, OH 44702 www.pinnaclecareproviders.com
Founded in 2012, Pinnacle Care Providers is a team of compassionate healthcare professionals including physicians , nurse practitioners, RN’s, LPN’s medical assistants, and administrative staff. Our exclusive focus is on senior living communities. Our diverse and specialized teams ensure the highest standards of care, offering the following services: Long Term Care Teams, Assisted Living Medical Teams, Palliative Care Teams, Pain Management Teams, and Independent Living Medical Teams. These experts teams bring healthcare directly to you or your loved one, eliminating the need for disruptive trips to a primary care provider. We are like a physician’s office that comes to your location, helping to ensure your comfort and minimizing disruption to daily life. Pinnacle Care Providers is an industry leading
Boost your brand visibility, support the community, and connect with thousands of local professionals and families.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL
MEMBERSHIP EVENTS
BUSINESS EVENTS
SPORTS EVENTS
Interested in sponsoring?
Contact: Melinda Kapalko
Vice President of Development melinda@cantonchamber.org (440) 855-9097
COMMUNITY EVENTS
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENTS
healthcare company that provides clinical oversight services to long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and independent living facilities.
Quaker Steak and Lube 6073 Dressler Rd North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 433-9464 thelube.com/locations/ohio/canton
The Quaker Steak & Lube® Canton restaurant offers the best wings in North Canton, with over 25 different wing sauces. There is always something happening at The Lube® like our trademark Bike Night, Kid’s events, Happy Hour and more!
LEADERSHIP STARK COUNTY EVENTS
AKRON - CANTON ADVOCACY
ALLIANCE EVENTS
Sickle Cell Affinity Network
Sickle Cell resources, information, support and care
Timothy L. Johnson, Founder 330-834-8411
Scanohiosc@gmail.com
scanohiosc.wixsite.com/sicklecell facebook.com/sicklecellohio
Sickle Cell Affinity Network (S.C.A.N.) is a Non-profit Health LLC focusing on providing information, resources and support to combat the lack of proper treatment for those caring for the sickle cell disease & anemia disability in Stark County, Ohio.
I had a seizure when I was 2 years old in 1989. It was discovered at that time that I had sickle cell disease (C hemoglobin SC Disease) as it was not routinely checked in children until 1996. At 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Meningococcal Meningitis and almost lost my life if it was not for the quick efforts of the hematology unit at Akron Children’s Hospital. At 18 years old, I was no longer allowed to visit the Sickle Cell Unit at a Children’s Hospital and had to find a Hematologist to treat my hereditary blood disorder. For the last 20 years, I have not been able to be treated by any hematology & oncology clinic in Stark County. I have inquired with reasons and
found they varied but the response was the same that they “do not treat sickle cell patients”.
I found hematologist that would treat Sickle Cell in Summit County, OH in which I was able to discover in the last 20 years that I had functional asplenia and possessed crystallizable C-hemoglobin SC Disease; information none of my PCPs, specialists or ER visits were ever able to discover about my blood cells or organs. It has been through working with the Hematology & Oncology unit at SummaCare in Akron, OH that I have developed this Nonprofit to bring the same resources and opportunities prevalently available in Summit County to Stark County.
Our mission is to provide proper Sickle Cell treatment within hospitals, offices and treatment centers to individuals caring for Sickle Cell in Stark County, Ohio through outreach, support and legislation to make Stark County’s sickle cell treatment as efficient and effective as it is in Summit County, Ohio. Building a healthy life and informed future for all.
4627 Whipple Ave NW Canton, OH 44718
(234) 485-8005
yo@thedivebar.sucks https://thedivebar.sucks @thedivecantonoh
The Dive Bar is Canton’s destination for live entertainment! We offer live shows at least once per week, as well as weekly karaoke every Tuesday at 8pm. Our venue includes a large stage, dance floor, fully wired sound, touch tunes, pool table, and video/board games for patrons to use during open hours.
We also offer a small food menu featuring pizza, soft pretzels, and walking tacos made to order. We always have free popcorn for our guests. We are open every week Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm-1am.
In addition to our regular business hours, our venue is also available to book for private events, parties, meetings, and more. We have a spacious patio with lots of seating and a private parking lot with more than 50 parking spaces for patrons.
Check our website for our entertainment schedule and keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming festivals and night markets at our location coming in 2026!
As a Sedgwick TPA customer our goal is to always provide you with comprehensive and immediate service for all of your workers’ compensation claim needs. Part of that service includes a dedicated claims examiner assigned to your account who can offer a detailed plan of action to assist you in navigating the Ohio workers’ compensation system.
As winter approaches, businesses must address the challenges of snow accumulation on rooftops. Removing snow is crucial to avoid structural damage and ensure safe operations, as it can pose significant risk to workers if a collapse were to occur. However, rooftop work comes with its own inherent dangers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of fatalities and injuries when removing snow and ice from rooftops.
Rooftop snow removal work can expose personnel to various hazards including:
• Falls from roof edges
• Falls through skylights
When your company experiences a workers’ compensation claim, your assigned claims examiner will typically receive notice of the claim within a few days of the filing. Their immediate goal is to complete a claim review of all documentation available so that they can notify you of any concerns with the information on file. Some of the caution signs they monitor include:
• Falls from ladders
• Electrical injuries from contact with overhead wires
• Cold-related issues like frostbite and hypothermia
• Prior medical history to the same body part
• Overexertion leading to muscle strains
• A delay in seeking treatment
• Vague or inconclusive injury descriptions
• Medical treatment discrepancies
• The injury is reported soon after a known employer discipline
• Hobbies or extracurricular activities that could cause the reported injury
To prepare for safe snow removal, employers should first assess the roof’s structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, and ensure the location of skylights and the roof edge are well marked with flags or by other means. Once that is complete, determine the most effective way to clear snow and ice and apply ice-preventing chemicals, when needed. In most cases, the safest way is from the ground using long-handled tools or draglines. If that is not an option, aerial lifts can generally provide employees safer access to the roof than ladders, especially when there is a significant accumulation of snow on the ground. Ladders should only be used when absolutely necessary. If a ladder is necessary, use it only to access the roof. Never use tools such as a snow rake or shovel while standing on the ladder; doing so may cause the employee to fall.
• Medical conditions that co-exist alongside the primary diagnosis (comorbidities)
Once the validity of a claim is verified your claims examiner will develop a detailed plan of action to monitor and help move the claim to final resolution either through full and final settlement of the claim or a full duty return to work.
When working at heights of four feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems. If the roof does not have a tall enough parapet wall or standard guardrail in place, then some other form of fall protection must be used. Employers must ensure that employees are trained on the proper use, care and inspection of fall protection equipment including lanyard, harness, self-retracting lifeline, etc. Additional requirements are found in OSHA 1910.28 and 1926 Subpart M.
Electrical hazards are another concern when clearing off rooftop snow. To minimize the risk of electrocution, maintain at least a 10-foot clearance from power lines, use non-conductive tools and ensure that electrical equipment is grounded.
Early communication with your claims examiner can provide clarity in the investigation process, reduce administration delays and ensure forward motion of the claim, which is a benefit to both you and your injured worker.
Cold weather exacerbates the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Employers can help by providing warm, layered clothing, encouraging frequent breaks in heated areas and ensuring workers stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks. Ensure employees are trained on the signs and symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-stress conditions that affect the body. To help prevent muscle strains, review proper lifting techniques and encourage employees to push the snow rather than use a shovel to lift it. Warm-up stretches prior to starting work can also help prevent muscle strains. Also, if employees use a snow thrower, they should be trained on its proper operation, the correct PPE to use and safe ways to raise and lower the snow thrower to and from the roof.
While it is an unfortunate fact that workers do get injured on the job and the majority of those claims are credible, a strong relationship with your assigned claims examiner who can review what options are available to you as the employer to mitigate time and expense in the claim is one of the best tools you have in your toolbox. Their expert knowledge of the Ohio Workers’ Compensation system can help you make informed decisions that will lead to successful claim outcomes.
One final concern is for anyone working on the ground near where the roof is being cleared. Falling snow and ice can pose a serious danger to workers and bystanders below. Best practices include establishing an exclusion zone of at least 10 feet from snow removal areas, using signs and barriers to limit access and requiring hard hats and eye protection for those working nearby.
If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dominic Potina at 614-579-4723 or dominic.potina@sedgwick.com
While rooftop snow removal is necessary, it is important to be aware of the hazards. Employers must engage in careful planning, provide proper training and equipment and adhere to OSHA guidelines to ensure worker safety. Additionally, employees must apply what they have learned to prevent injuries to themselves or fellow workers. By taking these precautions, businesses can protect their employees and reduce winter-related workplace injuries.
If you would like to know more about Sedgwick’s safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.
You can reach SCORE at cantonscore@gmail.com or phone 800-634-0245. You can learn more about the chapter, including upcoming workshops, at www.score.org.
Turning a hobby into a business is still one of the most exciting paths to entrepreneurship. The dream of earning a living doing what you love continues to inspire millions of people each year. But passion alone is not enough to create a profitable, long-lasting venture—especially in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Before you make the leap from hobbyist to business owner, take time to honestly evaluate whether your hobby can become a sustainable business. The fundamentals haven’t changed, but the tools available to new entrepreneurs—especially AI-powered tools—have transformed what’s possible, how quickly you can test ideas, and how efficiently you can operate once you get started.
Below are the key questions you should ask yourself, along with updated 2025 considerations and guidance.
FROM HOBBYIST TO ENTREPRENEUR: ARE YOU READY FOR THE SHIFT?
Turning a hobby into a business means transforming something you want to do into something you have to do. When you take it from “just for fun” to “this pays the bills,” the relationship changes.
ASK YOURSELF: WILL I STILL ENJOY THIS WHEN IT’S MY JOB?
There will be days when motivation is low or creativity isn’t flowing. A sustainable business requires consistency, systems, and follow-through—even when inspiration is missing.
ARE YOU READY TO BE VISIBLE?
Many hobbies are private, relaxing escapes. A business requires promoting your product or service, sharing your work publicly, and telling people why they should choose you over competitors.
ARE YOU READY TO WEAR MULTIPLE HATS?
Small business owners don’t just make the product or deliver the service. You’ll also be the:
• Marketer
• Bookkeeper
• Scheduler
• Customer service representative
• Salesperson
• Operations manager
The good news?
AI can now assist with or automate many of these tasks, making the transition to entrepreneurship far more manageable than in previous years.
IS THERE A REAL MARKET FOR YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?
Even the most enjoyable hobby may not translate into a profitable business if there isn’t a market willing to pay for it. Ask yourself:
• Who needs or wants what I create?
• Are there enough customers to sustain sales over time?
• What are customers currently paying for similar products or services?
• What differentiates my offering from others in the market? It’s essential to look beyond enthusiasm from friends and family. Real demand should come from people who don’t know you—and who are willing to pay fair value.
DO YOU WANT THIS TO BE A BUSINESS, NOT JUST A PASSION?
Running a business means being accountable for deadlines, customer expectations, financial performance, and growth. You must be prepared to:
• Track finances and manage cash flow
• Follow legal requirements (permits, taxes, licenses)
• Create marketing strategies
• Engage customers consistently
• Make decisions based on data—not just emotion
This shift is often the hardest part of turning a hobby into something bigger. But with preparation and the right tools, the transition becomes much more achievable.
A business plan is still one of the most valuable documents you can create. Even if you’re not seeking funding, a written plan gives you clarity about whether your idea is viable and what steps you must take to succeed.
SCORE Mentor Dennis Wright recommends evaluating your business idea through four essential components of a business plan:
1. Identify Your Target Customer Who needs your product or service? Consider their demographics (age, income, location) and psychographics (interests, motivations, values).
2. Determine the Unique Benefit You
What problem does your product or service solve? Why should a customer choose you?
3. Communicate Your Value Proposition How will you tell customers that you offer more value than your competitors? What sets you apart?
4. Think Through Pricing and Profitability
Research what customers are willing to pay and compare it to your costs. A sustainable business needs healthy profit margins.
5. Do the Math
Know your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections. Financial clarity protects you from surprises. A business plan is not just a document—it’s the roadmap to your success.
The biggest change in entrepreneurship over the past few years is the arrival of affordable, accessible, powerful AI tools. These tools give hobbyists and new business owners advantages that used to require large teams or significant budgets. Here’s where AI now plays a meaningful role:
AI can analyze huge amounts of data to help you understand:
• Who your customers are
• What customers search for online
• What competitors offer
• What similar products are priced at
• Whether demand is rising, flat, or declining
You can get real insights—quickly and affordably.
AI can help you write (or refine):
• Executive summaries
• Target customer personas
• Competitor analyses
• Marketing plans
• SWOT analyses
• Financial projections
• Pricing models
It can also run “what-if” scenarios, helping you forecast different business outcomes based on price, volume, or expenses.
AI tools can now create:
• Professional logos
• Social media graphics
• Product photos (real or AI-generated)
• Captions and posts
• Website copy
• Email marketing content
• Short videos and scripts
This makes your business look polished from day one.
AI can automate or simplify:
• Bookkeeping and budgeting
• Appointment scheduling
• Customer support messaging
• Inventory tracking
• Order workflows
• Email replies
• Document organization
These efficiencies save time, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
Whether your hobby is baking, crafting, writing, fitness, coaching, or consulting, AI can help you:
• Brainstorm new product ideas
• Improve existing offerings
• Analyze customer feedback
• Document processes for consistency
• Create tutorials, patterns, recipes, or guides
AI becomes your behind-the-scenes business partner.
Before taking your hobby to the next level, connect with a SCORE mentor at score.org. A mentor can:
• Help you validate your idea
• Review your business plan
• Guide you in using AI tools effectively
• Provide insights into your market or industry
• Support you throughout start-up and early growth
No entrepreneur needs to do this alone. The combination of mentorship, planning, passion—and today, AI—creates a powerful foundation for success.
