Leafilter

adds. “We do a lot of radio and television, and we go out to people’s homes and give free estimates.” In addition to installing LeafFil- ters, the company also provides any neces- sary, post-install servicing. “We do the whole thing,” he says. “It’s all under one umbrella.” Kaulig has recently been named the 2017 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Retail & Consumer Products for his region and he is justifiably proud of his company’s accomplishments. “I believe that we’re the third largest remodeling company in the country, now,” he exclaims. “And there are very few single-owner companies that do this type of work. To not have a franchise situation and yet have 40 locations is remarkable. The skyrocketing of an American business that is a sole product is an amazing story. And it’s a business that I started in my basement.” Do humble beginnings always ensure great success? Not always. But in this case, the Ap- ple didn’t fall very far from the tree. developing the newest, best gutter protec- tion products available that can fit some of the gutters that are hard to do, like up in the Pacific Northwest. They’ve got different types of gutters in different parts of the country, so we’ve got some product development going on to be able to fit every type of gutter, and hanger, and roofline, in the U.S. and Canada.” Over the next several years, Kaulig says he’d like to have offices in every major city in the U.S. and Canada, as well as expand into larger residential and commercial applica- tions. “Right now, we’re just in the residential market and we sell directly to homeowners,” he says, “but I think there’s a big market out there for products and services in the com- mercial and residential condominium and apartment complex business.” LeafFilter gets the word out to homeowners by doing a lot of event marketing, including home and garden shows and state fairs. “We also do online advertising and print,” Kaulig Cleveland P 216.674.3800 Akron P 330.867.7350 applegrowth.com TAX - ASSURANCE - BUSINESS VALUATION - ADVISORY SERVICES Helping private businesses achieve Healthy Growth since 1943 Accountants + Business Advisors Beachwood P 216.292.6120 Kent P 330.678.5203 LEAFFILTER PREFERRED VENDORS n Apple Growth Partners www.applegrowth.com Founded in 1943, Apple Growth Partners’ mission is to provide services and creative solutions that deliver healthy, sustainable growth for clients. AGP has 100 staff and offices in Akron, Beachwood, Cleveland and Kent. AGP offers audit and assurance, tax planning, compliance, business valuation, litigation consulting and transactional advisory services. n Skyline www.skylinetrisource.com