2026 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Presented By: Return on Life Wealth Partners
Joe Conley
President & CEO
Royce-U.S. Protection Service; Tenable Event Services
Joe Conley, President and CEO of Royce-U.S. Protection Service and Tenable Event Services, stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his consistent execution of a focused, acquisition-driven growth strategy. Over the past two years, Conley has completed three strategic acquisitions, expanding his companies’ capabilities and market presence. While modest in size, these transactions reflect a disciplined approach to building value through integration and operational improvement. Under his leadership, both organizations continue to strengthen their positions in security and event services, demonstrating that thoughtful, incremental dealmaking can drive meaningful long-term growth.
Mike Crislip
President
Carole Sanderson
CFO
Onyx Creative
Mike Crislip, President, and Carole Sanderson, CFO, of Onyx Creative are 2026 Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmakers of the Year honorees for their leadership in executing a strategic growth plan through targeted acquisitions. In 2025, they guided the firm through the acquisitions of RSA Architects (Cleveland) and CDA Architects (Houston), expanding Onyx’s geographic footprint and enhancing its ability to take on larger, more complex projects. These transactions build on a history of thoughtful expansion, strengthening talent, capabilities and industry expertise. Under their leadership, Onyx Creative continues to scale its national presence while maintaining strong client relationships and a collaborative culture.
Larry Fulton
Managing Principal
Fulton Equity, LLC
Larry Fulton, Managing Principal of Fulton Equity, stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his entrepreneurial approach to acquisition-driven growth. A serial operator, Fulton has acquired and scaled multiple Cleveland-area businesses, most notably the 2025 acquisition of Fish Furniture, a century-old brand he is repositioning for its next phase of growth. His experience spans manufacturing and specialty products, where he applies a disciplined strategy of value creation and operational leadership. Recognized as a Crain’s 40 Under 40 honoree and a two-time Weatherhead 100 award winner, Fulton continues to invest in both businesses and the community, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs while building a multi-generational business platform.
Carey Jaros
President & CEO
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick
Executive Chair
GOJO
Michael Moran
CEO & Managing Partner
Walnut Ridge
Carey Jaros, President and CEO, and Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, Founding Partner, of GOJO, along with Michael Moran, CEO and Managing Partner of Walnut Ridge, are 2026 Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmakers of the Year honorees for their leadership in the landmark $2.25 billion sale of GOJO Industries to The Clorox Company. Together, they guided one of the most significant transactions in the global hygiene sector, positioning Purell and GOJO’s professional platform within a broader health and wellness ecosystem. The deal reflects a strategic alignment of market leadership, operational scale and long-term vision, creating a powerful, integrated solution for both consumer and institutional hygiene markets.
Stephen McHale
Founder & CEO
Graici
Stephen McHale, Founder and CEO of Graici, stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his leadership in advancing AI-driven solutions for social impact sectors. Since launching the company in 2021, McHale has guided Graici’s growth through strategic capital raises, including a $7.5 million Series A2 round that significantly increased the company’s valuation. Focused on improving outcomes in health, education and social services, Graici’s Data Is Power platform addresses complex human prosperity needs. McHale’s vision and execution continue to position the company as an emerging force in purpose-driven Agentic artificial intelligence.
Steven Muszynski
Founder & CEO
Patrick Leimkuehler
President & COO
Splash Financial
Steven Muszynski, Founder and CEO, and Patrick Leimkuehler, President and COO, of Splash Financial are 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmakers of the Year honorees for their leadership in scaling a high-growth fintech platform through strategic capital and product expansion. In 2025, they led the company’s $70 million Series C funding round, bringing total equity raised to more than $135 million. The investment supports Splash’s continued growth and the launch of new products, including a home equity line of credit offering. Under their leadership, Splash has processed more than $6 billion in loans, strengthening its position as a leading AI-enabled marketplace connecting borrowers with credit unions and banks.
Vin Zachariah
CEO
Ampica Energy Solutions
Vin Zachariah, CEO of Ampica Energy Solutions, is a 2026 Cleveland Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his leadership in executing and integrating multiple strategic acquisitions to build a scaled, differentiated energy services platform
In 2026, Zachariah led the successful integration of TPI Efficiency, The Utilities Group, Community Energy Advisors and Viridi to launch Ampica uniting teams, systems, and go‑to‑market strategies into a single operator‑led platform focused on the underserved middle market. Under the team’s leadership, Ampica delivers capital-free energy efficiency, and sustainability services, helping industrial and manufacturing organizations turn energy from a volatile cost center into a strategic advantage. His vision and execution exemplify forward-thinking dealmaking and market innovation and a disciplined approach to long‑term value creation.
Social Impact Investing
Lorne Novick
CEO
JumpStart Inc.
Lorne Novick, CEO of JumpStart Inc., stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmakers Social Impact Investing honoree for his leadership in advancing inclusive economic development. With nearly three decades of experience across entrepreneurship, law and business operations, Novick has helped expand access to capital, expertise and networks for entrepreneurs throughout Ohio. At JumpStart, he has guided strategic initiatives that support underserved founders and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. Recognized for building high-performing teams and driving measurable impact, Novick is deeply committed to ensuring that entrepreneurship continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, innovation, and long-term prosperity across Northeast Ohio and beyond.