Deluxe Athletics is an organization dedicated to satisfying its clients’ needs for synthetic turf grass applications. The company has the ability to accomplish any size project for its clients. Deluxe Athletics has presented itself a strong company, receiving nominations for the Cobb Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award since 2009.

President Chris Daniluk has recently had to expand the physical facilities due to the company’s growth. He regards 2012 as the best year in regards to gross profits, climbing 12 percent from 2011.

Deluxe Athletics has shown its commitment to the Cobb community through its donations. In 2012, the company donated 184 community service hours and $84,150 to nonprofit organizations. The company is heavily involved in the Cobb County Schools Foundation, Cobb County Schools, Cobb County Safety Village, Cobb County Football Coaches Association and more.

According to Daniluk, “Deluxe Athletics has strived to be a productive, caring and giving member of the surrounding community. The very nature of our business means thousands of children and adults will use our products over many years.”

Daniluk also believes that Deluxe Athletics is above the competition because of the company’s personnel. The company’s values are “customer first” and “on time and on budget.” This 2013 Small Business of the Year top nominee continues to expand its growth and success throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic area.

Business Profile

Owners: Christopher Daniluk

Industry: Construction company specializing in athletic facilities

Year Established: 2004

Location: Marietta

Number of Employees: 40

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 30%

Did You Know?: Deluxe Athletics designed and installed Kell High School’s football field.

Website:  deluxeathletics.com

Cumberland Diamond Exchange is a family-owned, first generation, fine jewelry company specializing in loose diamonds and engagement rings. They are recognized as part of the top 5 percent of independent, specialty jewelers in America. Cumberland Diamond Exchange’s collections and services include loose diamonds, engagement/bridal sets, estate jewelry, pearls, colored gemstones, custom jewelry design, watches, repairs and appraisals.

Since its foundation in 1982, Cumberland Diamond Exchange has grown substantially. They gain approximately 100 new clients each year, with 11,900 total clients in 2012. The company also has 12 full-time and two part-time employees. In 2012, Cumberland Diamond Exchange had a 11.1 percent increase in sales growth and a 10.7 percent increase in transactions.

Cumberland Diamond Exchange differs from the competition through developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers, investing in the Cobb community through donating more than $50,000 to Cobb businesses, purchasing power and direct buying, and creating a great experience for customers.

Cumberland Diamond Exchange is dedicated to community service. In 2012, they donated 189 hours of community service and $52,000 to nonprofit organizations. They are involved with the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Pink Ribbon’s “Classic Golf Tournament,” SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, the Wellstar Foundation and many other nonprofits.

Owners Mark and Rhonda Jacobson are proud of their award-winning company, winning awards for being Cobb County’s best jeweler and being selected as one of the top jewelers in the United States. This 2013 Small Business of the Year top nominee has received media coverage in various magazines and press for their commitment to building relationships with their clients.

Business Profile

Owners: Mark and Rhonda Jacobson

Industry: Fine jewelry

Year Established: 1982

Location: Smyrna

Number of Employees: 14

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 11.1%

Did You Know?: Cumberland Diamond Exchange won the 2012 Cobb County “Best of” Jewelry!

Website:  cumberlanddiamond.com

Social Media:                     Facebook -.facebook.com/CumberlandDiamond?v=info&ref=sgm

                                                    Twitter – twitter.com/CumberlandDiaEx

                                                    LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/cumberland-diamond-exchange?trk=copro_tab

The Color Spot knows how to make a visual impact. Originally a division of Repro Products Inc., owner Michael Feldberg decided to form his own print and design company in 2003. Michael grew up in the printing business, accompanying his parents to Repro Products on numerous occasions. When he decided to split and form The Color Spot, it was a no-brainer that he would model his company’s ethics after Repro Products’ customer-centric values.

The Color Spot is dedicated to helping its customers make great impressions by providing high quality and vibrant color graphics. The company offers a full range of graphic print services, including: vehicle wraps, banners, trade show displays, wall graphics, crowd banners and more.

Since forming in 2003, The Color Spot has grown substantially in its size and sales. In 2012, the company had a 2.3 percent growth in sales and gained several employees. The Color Spot increased its customer base from 435 in 2011 to 530 in 2012. The increased customer base should provide increased sales and company growth in 2013 and beyond.

In 2012, The Color Spot donated 707 hours of community service and $46,977 to nonprofit organizations. The company is actively involved with the American Cancer Society, Atlanta Steeplechase, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Ronald McDonald House, and many more organizations. The Color Spot has also provided labor and service to Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts and the Coles College of Business.

The Feldbergs are confident that The Color Spot will continue to grow over the years as the company continues to provide high quality and vibrant color graphics. This 2013 Small Business of the Year top nominee continues to provide turn-key graphics solutions for a variety of industries and assists businesses with all graphic needs.

Business Profile

Owners: Michael Feldberg and Robert Feldberg

Industry: Printing and design

Year Established: 2008

Location: Marietta

Number of Employees: 35

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 2.3%

Did You Know?: The Color Spot created banners for the Special Olympics of Paulding County.

Website:  colorspotink.com

Buildrite Construction understands the need to do “Whatever It Takes” to get the job done and keep customers satisfied. Bryan Alexander, owner of Buildrite Construction, started the company out of the back of his pickup truck more than 30 years ago. Since then, his company has grown in customer base, sales and size, making Buildrite Construction one of the fastest-growing small businesses in the construction, contracting and design industries.

For example, in 2012, sales increased by 73.71 percent. Due to the growth in sales, the company had to increase its staff from 21 full-time employees in 2011 to 33 in 2012.

Over the years, Buildrite Construction has contributed thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations. In 2012, the company donated $10,000 to several organizations. They participated with several nonprofits in 2012, including the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-A-Wish Foundation, a few churches and more.

Alexander is proud of the work his company has done, including providing labor, time and materials to churches at cost, below cost, and no cost. He believes the growth of Buildrite Construction has created exponential growth within the Cobb community as his company helps Cobb County build, expand and renovate. This 2013 Top 25 Small Business of the Year has worked on construction for buildings in many industries, including government facilities, schools, hotels, restaurants, medical facilities and retail locations. Their motto, “Whatever It Takes” is always brought to each job site.

Business Profile

Owners: Bryan Alexander

Industry: Commercial construction

Year Established: 1982

Location: Kennesaw

Number of Employees: 33

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 73.71%

Did You Know?: Buildrite Construction is a corporate sponsor for the Ronald McDonald House’s golf tournament and annual dinner.

Website:  buildriteconstruction.com

Brookmeade Healthcare is a healthcare information and technology consulting company that takes prides in its ability to achieve excellence through its staff and growth in clients. Founded in 1998, the company has grown over the past 15 years through dedication and determination. The company is passionate about healthcare and about providing excellent service to all customers.

Brookemeade Healthcare provides many consultation services, including project management, implementation, optimization, workflow and process analysis, engagement management services, training knowledge and transfer services, integration and technology, and custom report writing.

In addition to focusing on providing excellent customer service and building lasting relationships, Brookmeade Healthcare also strives to maintain excellent relationships with their employees. The company has grown from 26 full-time employees in 2011 to 43 in 2012. The company also experienced a 36 percent growth in sales in 2012.

Brookmeade Healthcare is set apart from others in the industry because of its focus on staff management. They offer flexible schedules, competitive pay and benefits, and support in all ways necessary. Employees receive many benefits, including an annual review process, work and life support programs, profit sharing and more. Employees with one year on the job receive 10 paid vacation days, 10 paid holidays and five paid sick days.

Brookmeade Healthcare also participates in community service. In 2012, they donated 200 hours for community service and $30,000 to nonprofit organizations. They have helped Must Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Cobb Pregnancy Services, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Doctors without Borders, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many other nonprofit organizations.

Beaumont Products has grown since its conception in 1991 from a small production facility to a campus facility in Kennesaw. The company develops, manufactures and distributes citrus-based air fresheners, specialty cleaners and personal care products to retail, commercial and institutional markets worldwide. The company’s focus is to provide customers with products containing high quality natural ingredients without sacrificing the overall quality of each item. To Beaumont Products, success is driven by their small, dedicated team of employees who are passionate about delivering the best quality products and customer service to consumers.

Beaumont Products’ product portfolio includes: Citrus Magic, Clearly Natural, Veggie Wash, Dermatone, Farmer’s Market & Donge Soaps, Citrus II, Trewax and Brilliant Metal Polish Cleaner and Citrus Slice. They offer a wide variety of natural products for everything from produce rinse to lip balm.

In 2012, Beaumont Products experienced a 7 percent growth in sales and a growth in company size. The company also experienced a growth in customers, from 73,000 in 2011 to 87,000 in 2012.

Employees at Beaumont Products receive many benefits, including employee bonus pay, a flexible spending account, health insurance paid by the company, a company match on 401(k), education reimbursement, industry related training and other perks. Employees with one year on the job receive five vacation days. After 10 years with Beaumont Products, employees receive four weeks of vacation time.

Henry M. Picken, owner of Beaumont Products, believes his company is a small innovative business that successfully competes on a global stage with larger consumer product companies. This 2013 Small Business of the Year top nominee provides many natural products for consumers and is dedicated to giving the best products and satisfaction to the company’s customers.

Business Profile

Owners: Henry M. Picken

Industry: Consumer products

Year Established: 1991

Location: Kennesaw

Number of Employees: 85

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 7%

Did You Know?: Beaumont Products partners with Clean the World, a nonprofit charity organization, to help provide soap to those in need in countries worldwide.

Website:  beaumontproducts.com, citrusmagic.com, veggie-wash.com, clearlynaturalsoaps.com

Social Media:     Facebook – facebook.com/#!/citrusmagic?fref=ts

                                                Twitter – twitter.com/thecitrusmagic

Blue Sky Exhibits was founded on three core ideals: relationship, value and creativity. The company takes a thoughtful and professional view of design and marketing in order to support their client’s exhibit programs with comprehensive and cost-effective services.

Founded in 2003, Blue Sky Exhibits is celebrating their 10th business anniversary this July. They offer award-winning design, quality manufacturing and trade show related services including: graphic design, production, audio, video, labor installation and dismantle, supervision, refurbishing, warehousing, handling, shipping, electrical, cleaning, drayage, lead management, inventory management, storage, floral and photography.

Owners Donald B. Keller and Timothy M. Kelley have strived to consistently improve this Marietta-based company. Despite the economic culture in the early 2000s that caused many firms in the industry to close, Blue Sky Exhibits was able to stay afloat. They have developed a unique business model that is customer-centric and independent of a heavy manufacturing load. The company has continued to persevere and create outstanding environments for their clients.

Blue Sky Exhibits makes sure their employees are comfortable in the work environment. Some of the employee benefits include health insurance mostly paid for by Blue Sky Exhibits, work and life training, company match on 401(k), industry-related training, profit sharing, and other benefits. Employees with one year on the job receive 10 vacation days, 10 company-paid holidays, 1 company-paid floating holiday and 5 days sick-leave.

Blue Sky Exhibits is also dedicated to the community. In 2012, they gave 150 hours’ worth of community service and $16,000 in contributions to nonprofit organizations. They are involved with Must Ministries, The Center for Children and Young Adults, the EDPA Foundation, and many other organizations.

Business Profile

Owners: Donald B. Keller and Timothy M. Kelley

Industry: Trade show marketing

Year Established: 2003

Location: Marietta

Number of Employees: 20

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 12%

Did You Know?: Blue Sky Exhibits created a custom themed backdrop for the Marietta High School marching band for quick assemble and dissemble on the football field.

Website: blueskyexhibits.com

Social Media:                     Facebook- facebook.com/pages/Blue-Sky-Exhibits/

                                                Twitter- twitter.com/BlueSkyExhibit

Behind RYECO, Inc., there is a strong team of individuals willing to make sacrifices and willing to accept challenges. The company’s passionate and dedicated employees take customer service to the next level. As RYECO has grown, the team has continued to operate with integrity. The company credits its staff’s dependability, dedication and team work to its success.

RYECO, Inc. provides quality resource-saving and safety solutions to the paper industry worldwide. Owner Timothy Rye patented the first “Edge Crack Detector and Marking System.” With the success of Rye’s product, RYECO has continued developing other products. Today, the company has installed more than 2,000 systems globally. RYECO is considered a leader in saving resources.

Since opening in 1989, RYECO has experienced growth almost every year. In 2009, the company did not experience much growth due to the economy. However, to overcome that hurdle, RYECO came up with a new growth strategy. The company started relying less on the paper industry and more on other global markets. Today, RYECO serves more than 20 industries and holds presence in every industrialized country. More than one-third of RYECO’s sales are exports to other countries.

Although RYECO does global business, the company remains committed to the Cobb community. In 2012, the company donated more than 870 hours of community service and more than $2,500 to nonprofit organizations. RYECO supports charitable causes such as the Kennesaw Mountain Magnet Program, the Boy Scouts of America, Breast Cancer Awareness and many more.

This 2013 Small Business of the Year finalist strives to grow on a global scale but still calls Cobb County its home. RYECO’s focus on working with integrity helps the company exceed any and all of its customer’s expectations.

Business Profile

Owner: Timothy Rye, Steve Polemitis, David Vice

Industry: Paper

Year Established: 1989

Location: Marietta

Number of Employees: 26

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 9%

Did You Know?: RYECO, Inc.’s products have been featured in the Pulp and Paper magazine.

Website: RYECO.com

Mopdog Creative + Strategy provides strategic and creative solutions for clients’ marketing, advertising and communication challenges. The company maintains an award-winning, marketing-driven staff that works hard to meet clients’ needs. At Mopdog, the professionals have a thirst for knowledge and a passion for broadening experiences.

The company partners with its clients to accomplish their targeted marketing goals. The staff continuously evaluates how to improve and enhance clients’ experience. Mopdog’s main focus is a strategic and innovative partnership environment. The company believes in providing an environment for its staff to thrive and grow. Mopdog applies important practices, including creativity and innovation, operational organization and ways to improve client relationships.

The company likes to “think big” through proactive planning, innovative communication tactics and expanded offerings to stay ahead of current trends. The entire team collaborates to solve clients’ marketing challenges. Mopdog also diversifies its business reach by putting the focus on today’s hot markets, like health care, home care and hospice. Mopdog continuously provides opportunities for team members to enhance their knowledge and experience, which brings more value to clients. Mopdog employees continuously go above and beyond within the company and the Cobb community.

Mopdog has shown its commitment to the Cobb community through various philanthropic efforts. In 2012, the company donated more than 2300 hours of community service and more than $25,000 to nonprofit organizations. Mopdog supports the American Cancer Society, the Cobb Chamber’s Cobb Youth Leadership, Ford Elementary School’s PTSA, The Georgian Club and many other nonprofits.

This 2013 Small Business of the Year finalist is continuously innovative. Mopdog is working to implement websites with responsive design, thinking of new ways to circulate social media posts and using other strategic methods to allow clients to expand their reach and customer base. As Mopdog continues to grow, it continues to focus on its team to bring its clients bigger ideas to solve challenges.

Business Profile

Owner: William and Cheryl Musial

Industry: Marketing and communications

Year Established: 1992

Location: Kennesaw

Number of Employees: 15

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 52%

Did You Know?: Every Thursday, Mopdog’s team has a Mexican Fiesta luncheon so the staff can reconnect and collaborate on different projects.

Website: mopdog.com

Social Media:                       Facebook – facebook.com/mopdogcreative?ref=ts

                                                Twitter –twitter.com/mopdog

                                                LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/1453126

                                                Pinterest – pinterest.com/mopdog/

                                                Instagram –instagram.com/mopdog/

LOUD Security Systems Inc. can attribute its small business success by providing a higher level of customer interaction than its competitors. The company prides itself on having a small town touch while providing services on a larger organizational level. LOUD Security maintains trust with its clients by keeping lines of communication open. The company frequently updates its web page, Facebook, billing inserts and newsletters to provide clients with the latest information.

LOUD Security Systems has been in the security industry for 18 years. John Loud, president, provides his clients with access control, commercial fire alarm systems, personal emergency response for the elderly or disabled, whole-house audio and central vacuum systems. More than 40 full-time employees and four part-time employees serve more than 6,100 customers.

An innovative program of LOUD Security Systems is the 222 program. This program provides a courtesy call to each new customer two days, two months and two years after the initial system installation. The program gives great feedback for LOUD Security’s service department and keeps an open dialogue between the company and the client. LOUD Security Systems also offers email and text notification of false alarms, alarm system troubles, and entry and exit signals straight to the customer. LOUD Security is proud to be able to provide minute-by-minute information while an event is happening, giving clients peace of mind. LOUD Security Systems continues to be innovative and lead the security industry.

LOUD Security Systems is also involved in charitable organizations. In 2012, the company gave more than 350 community service hours and more than $16,350 too nonprofit organizations. LOUD Security is involved with The Bullock Hope House, Northwest Georgia YWCA, the Kennesaw Teen Center and many other charitable causes.

This 2013 Small Business of the Year finalist continues to grow and be innovative as challenges arise. LOUD Security Systems recently launched the LOUD Security GET LOUD Campaign to increase brand awareness in Cobb County. The company’s new initiative, Keep it in Cobb, demonstrates LOUD Security’s dedication and commitment to the Cobb community.

Business Profile

Owner: John Loud

Industry: Low voltage contractor, Residential and commercial security systems

Year Established: 1995

Location: Kennesaw

Number of Employees: 46

Percentage of Growth in 2012: 172%

Did You Know?: John Loud was a flight attendant prior to starting LOUD Security Systems Inc. in 1998!

Website:  LOUDsecurity.com

Social Media:                     Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/LSsystems

                                                Twitter – twitter.com/loudsecurity