ASHLAND — Spire Advertising recognized five finalists and announced the winner of its third 10K Giveaway on Dec. 7.
The award package was presented to Chrissy Gilmore, CEO of Thermo-Tec. For over 30 years, Thermo-Tec has provided top quality heat and sound insulation products for high-performance vehicles. They are the originator of exhaust insulation wrap. Their business began as a way to protect the founder’s children from the heat of a go-kart’s exhaust pipes.
Since then, their innovations have protected NASCAR drivers, military men and women, astronauts, and everyday people who love the thrill of speed and power.
Thermo-Tec was chosen by a panel of independent judges based off of their application detailing their business plan, backstory, obstacles they’ve overcome, and their potential for growth. They will receive a custom video and marketing package from Spire, valued at $10,000. The award was presented by Jeremy Harrison, the owner and founder of Spire Advertising.
“I did not expect to win,” Gilmore said. “My parents have run the business for 30 years and have been doing a lot of print [ marketing ], so being able to do a lot more digital marketing will be a huge help for us. This is definitely going to help us get where we want to be.”
“My biggest goal is to let consumers know we are the original,” Gilmore continued. “They look at our competition and think they are.” Chrissy wants to change that. “If you search our product, the competition comes up.” As the original innovators, Gilmore said, “We should always be on top.”
Thirty-five small businesses from Ashland, Holmes, Richland, and Wayne counties submitted applications for consideration this year. From this pool of applicants, three independent judges reviewed submissions anonymously and selected five finalists. This year’s finalists were Ashtonne Packaging (Ashland, OH), MillerStorageBarns.com (Millersburg, OH), Mohr & Mohr Bows (Ashland, OH), Mr. Appliance Repair (Ashland, OH), and Thermo-Tec (Greenwich, OH).
Representatives from all five companies were present to receive their recognition. “This is the second time I’ve been a finalist. Receiving this recognition proves that putting the time into marketing really can make [ your business ] grow,” Orva Miller of MillerStorageBarns.com said. “I think it’s awesome that Spire is recognizing companies this way.”
“It’s an honor to be noticed as a growing business that is reaching the goals we set out to reach,” Dan Eichelberger of Mr. Appliance Repair said.
This is the third year Spire has offered the 10K Giveaway. Previous winners include HySight Technologies and FiELD9:architecture.
Spire connected the 10K Giveaway to Small Business Saturday as a way to recognize and empower small business success. As a small business owner himself, Jeremy Harrison, Founder and CEO of Spire Advertising, finds the opportunity to partner with and boost another small business in Northern Ohio this way extremely exciting.
“Small business leaders are vital to our local communities,” says Harrison. “It’s a practical way we can recognize and help some of these great local companies. My favorite part has been to see firsthand what an impact this marketing makes for the businesses who win.”
About Spire Advertising: Started in 2006, Spire creates done-for-you digital marketing solutions for local small businesses who are ready to grow. Spire employs 14 full-time employees and serves over 400 clients across the Midwest. The company was recently listed on the Weatherhead 100 Upstarts list of the 35 fastest growing small businesses in Northeast Ohio.
