2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Presented By: Return on Life Wealth Partners
Chris Adams
President & CEO
Park Place Technologies
Chris Adams, President and CEO of Park Place Technologies, is being inducted into the 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmakers Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership in transforming a regional IT services provider into a global industry leader. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2019, Adams has driven rapid growth through innovation, customer focus and an aggressive M&A strategy that includes more than 30 acquisitions.
Under his leadership, Park Place has expanded its reach to customers in 180 countries while evolving into a category leader in IT data center services. His vision has positioned the company to support organizations across the full spectrum of infrastructure needs—from procurement to maintenance and decommissioning.
Adams’ career reflects a commitment to strategic growth, operational excellence and community engagement, making a lasting impact on both the technology sector and the Cleveland business community.
Joe Kanfer
Co-Founder
Walnut Ridge
Joe Kanfer, Co-Founder of Walnut Ridge and former CEO of GOJO Industries, is being inducted into the 2026 Smart Business Cleveland Dealmakers Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary impact as an innovator, entrepreneur and investor. As a second-generation leader of GOJO, Kanfer guided the company’s transformation into a global hygiene leader, including the invention and launch of PURELL®, which revolutionized hand hygiene worldwide.
Beyond GOJO, Kanfer has played a significant role in venture investing, supporting the growth of emerging companies through initiatives like Startvest Partners. His leadership extends into philanthropy and community development, where he has been deeply engaged in civic, educational and Jewish organizations at both regional and national levels.
Kanfer’s career reflects a rare combination of visionary thinking, disciplined execution and a lifelong commitment to innovation, community and impact.
Marc Morgenstern
Founder & Managing Partner
Blue Mesa Partners
Marc Morgenstern, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Mesa Partners, is being inducted into the Dealmakers Hall of Fame to recognize his dynamic career as an entrepreneurial dealmaker, Co-Founder, early-stage venture and technology investor, as well as legal and business thought leader. Marc’s been the Chairman, C-suite executive, Director, or Strategic Advisor/Counselor in 100’s of M&A and venture transactions for billions of dollars.
He wrote the first outside check in disruptive startups and category creators including Divergent 3D (whose leapfrog technology is rebuilding the American industrial base), OfficeMax, Within3, and LoungeBuddy, and guided exits to American Express, VISA, and Insight Partners.
As The Mentor-at-Large for The House Fund at UC Berkeley and creator of Cal’s Street Smart Startups course, Marc has helped shape innovation ecosystems across the country. His distinctive perspective, vocabulary, and influence have been extended through his prolific teaching, speaking, and writing efforts; including his acclaimed book The Soul of the Deal.