In a world where companies start and fail rapidly, sustained success is a remarkable accomplishment that offers important lessons. I wanted to understand how being in Ohio has uniquely contributed to Cooper Farms' amazing track record. To steal a phrase from the book Built to Last, I was eager to talk with Gary Cooper (VP and COO) and learn how he is "building a clock versus simply keeping time."

Q: Gary, how does being located in Ohio contribute to Cooper Farms' success?

A: The first thing that comes to mind is people. In Ohio, we have found some of the most amazing people. The employees of our company share Midwest farm values of honesty, trustworthiness, common sense and family traditions. I know, without question, that every Cooper Farms associate comes to work each and every day with the goals of doing what is right and contributing their best. I appreciate that this may be the expectation every company has of its employees. But, I also know it is the rare executive who can legitimately claim that the expectation is reality. Ohio people give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay and take great pride in doing the job right. We have friendly, caring people who are more like family than employees.

Read the rest of my interview with Gary.

Dick started at Cedar Point amusement park in 1972 as a midway supervisor, advancing steadily through the organization to CEO and president in 1986 and Board Chairman in 2003. Cedar Fair built its new worldwide headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio, to consolidate management operations from around the country. Dick says the central location is perfect.

Entertaining as his job may be, Dick still needs time for himself. And while Ohio is known for easy commutes, Dick has only to drive (or walk) to his beautiful Lake Erie home next door, allowing plenty of time to enjoy Ohio's "North Coast," boating, fishing and pursuing other outdoor activities with his family. In Ohio, Dick Kinzel has had a very successful ride without sacrificing a rich personal life. The balance is perfect.

And Nelson Manufacturing is supported by AEP Ohio, its preferred energy partner. AEP Ohio has a stake in the state’s economic vitality, providing competitive and reliable electricity to thousands of businesses committed to Ohio as the prime location to grow and prosper.

Tony grew up in Ohio and first started his work at Nelson in a hybrid sales and engineering position. The company commitment has special meaning for him because his father used to be the plant manager. These days, Tony oversees the company’s production of high-tech trailers for heavy hauling of materials for the construction, aerospace, nuclear and other energy industries. He takes pride in working with employees with a tough work ethic and built-in manufacturing smarts. “Our mechanics have two-year degrees for welding and hydraulics, plus the vocational schools for high school students really prepare kids to get things done in the new economy,” said Tony.

With a young family to watch over, Tony is able to balance his time at work and home. He ran his parish’s summer festival last year -- a time-honored and cherished family outing for the entire community.

"I have the gift of time to both raise my kids the way they deserve and give my business what it needs," he added. "In Ohio, there’s no delay in getting what I want. It’s the perfect balance of work and life.”

Watch this video as Tony shares why he calls Ohio home.

A new ag incubator in Northwest Ohio has helped entrepreneurs grow their dreams for more than 10 years, according to hiVelocity.

"This is so yummy you ought to sell it" has warmed many a home cook's heart. And for more than 10 years, Ohioans with recipes and dreams have been using the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen in Bowling Green to launch their businesses.

NOCK was established by the Agricultural Incubator Foundation as a place where regional residents can access a professional-grade facility. A catering kitchen opened first, followed by a cannery in 2005 and blanching/freezing space in 2010. Many jars of barbecue sauce, boxes of chocolates and so on have rolled out of NOCK's doors over the years.

Early "graduates" have been so successful their products were sold at major retailers and at numerous regional markets. Today, 27 entrepreneurs are renting the NOCK resources for production, says manager Paula Ray.

Source: hivelocity

Find out more about Ohio's agriculture and food processing industry and how NOCK is helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams in the ag industry.

Tony's commitment to supporting emerging minds will be evident to all University of Toledo engineering students with the completion of the SSOE Lecture Hall, a college renovation project supported by his company. Giving back to the state through the university is just common sense to Tony. In addition to the public university's graduates making up well over a third of the local SSOE workforce, his company has benefited from a state-supported internship program and other professional development. In fact, last year SSOE was named one of the nation's fastest growing firms of its type. Additionally, SSOE celebrated its 60th anniversary by opening its fourth office in Ohio.

Ohio has been a smart and lasting match for Tony, providing access to top clients alongside a family-friendly lifestyle with time for outings on Lake Erie and visiting Toledo's museums and amazing parks. Tony's master plan is his reality - commitment to the community, family and employees... it's the perfect balance.

Read more stories of executives who have found their perfect work/life balance in Ohio.