Doing Right Spotlight 2024
The Doing Right Spotlight, supported by the Robert and Donna Martin Family, recognizes businesses that are making a meaningful impact—not just in their industries, but in the lives of their employees and the communities they serve. Each year, we celebrate companies that embody the spirit of "doing right," whether through philanthropy, employee support programs, or initiatives that create lasting change.
In 2024, we are proud to highlight Designetics, Jupmode, and SSOE Group—three companies that are leading by example. Their dedication to giving back, fostering a strong workplace culture, and investing in their communities reminds us of the power businesses have to make a difference.
Watch their stories below and see how they are creating a ripple effect of good in the world.
Designetics
Designetics, founded in 1987, is a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in chemical application processes, primarily serving the automotive industry. Now in its third generation, the company employs around 70 people, fostering a strong family-oriented culture. Beyond manufacturing, Designetics has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy through the Designetics Cares Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and education. The foundation provides scholarships and partners with organizations that offer holistic support to students, such as Connecting Kids to Meals and the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, ensuring children have access to food, after-school programs, and other essential resources.
The company actively involves its employees in community service, offering paid volunteer time for them to support causes of their choice. A standout initiative is their annual coat drive, which ensures that hundreds of children in Northwest Ohio receive warm winter coats. Designetics also provides financial and hands-on support to local nonprofits, reducing costs for organizations like Connecting Kids to Meals. The company believes corporate philanthropy enhances workplace culture, strengthens community ties, and provides employees with a greater sense of purpose, reinforcing that businesses should engage in giving back without hesitation.
Jūpmode
Jūpmode is a custom decoration business specializing in screen printing and embroidery for local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and events. In addition to custom apparel, they have a retail brand celebrating the history and culture of the Midwest, particularly Toledo, with vintage-inspired t-shirts. Their Toledo-based production facility doubles as a retail store, allowing customers to shop for locally themed designs. Jūpmode is deeply committed to the community, embracing the motto “You Will Do Better in Toledo” as a reflection of their belief in the city’s potential and the importance of supporting local organizations that make a meaningful impact.
In 2020, Jūpmode launched the Here for Good program to support small businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations during the pandemic. The initiative allowed groups to sell shirts online and keep half the proceeds, providing a much-needed revenue stream when in-person shopping was limited. Since its launch, the program has raised over $135,000, selling more than 13,500 items. More than just a fundraiser, Here for Good has strengthened community ties, bringing businesses and residents together in a shared effort to uplift and support one another.
SSOE Group
SSOE is a leading engineering and architectural firm with a vision of designing and building the future for clients, colleagues, and communities. Specializing in industrial and commercial projects, the firm plays a key role in developing semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery, and food processing plants, as well as hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings. SSOE fosters a diverse, inclusive workplace where employees can grow professionally, with over 300 shareholders invested in the company. Beyond business, they prioritize community support, offering volunteer programs and financial contributions to charitable organizations across the U.S., Mexico, and India.
SSOE’s commitment to giving back was exemplified through its organic partnership with Same Café, a pay-what-you-can community café. Inspired by an employee’s volunteerism, SSOE expanded its support by donating a daily meal for a year, reinforcing its dedication to community impact. Employees are encouraged to pursue their passions outside of work, fostering a culture where service and career growth go hand in hand. By empowering employees to engage in meaningful causes, SSOE strengthens both its workforce and the communities it serves.
Student Scholarships
In the spirit of doing right, there were 3 University of Toledo students awarded $1,000 scholarships donated by the 2023 Doing Right Spotlight Honorees. The scholarship winners were Sara Lee, Conner Lombardi and Emily Dworczyk.
