The Doing Right Spotlight
The Family Business Center, with support from the Robert and Donna Martin Family, is excited to announce the Doing Right Spotlight! The Doing Right Spotlight event celebrates companies that are doing their part to help their employees and communities and make a positive difference in the world. From small acts of kindness to large-scale philanthropic efforts, “doing right” means a lot of things. The spotlighted companies – and all of our nominees – are doing amazing things not for the recognition or accolades but simply because it is the right thing to do. We believe that doing good has a ripple effect — one kind act ripples out to affect and inspire many people. We hope you are as inspired as we are to do good too!
Nominations Are Now Open
We are looking for local nominees from family-owned or privately-held businesses that have made an impact within the past year. For example, companies that are:
- Doing extraordinary things for their employees
- Benefiting their community in meaningful ways
- Improving the future of humankind (locally, nationally, or globally)
- Or making an impact in other ways that reflect the spirit of “doing right”
To nominate someone please fill out this form. The information you provide will be reviewed by a committee, and a video story on each spotlight per category will debut at our Doing Right Spotlight event on March 12, 2025.
2024 Doing Right Spotlight
Jupmode
Jūpmode is a full-service screen-printing company and retail brand. Based in Toledo, Ohio, their company’s goal has always been to create and foster a sense of pride in the city of Toledo by remembering our past and highlighting the new wave of excitement happening today. They believe that by doing better for the city of Toledo, more people can do better in the city of Toledo. Giving back to the community is part of Jūpmode’s culture. Their Here for Good Campaign, which was started during the pandemic and has continued on, helps to support local organizations by selling shirts to raise money. They believe more and more people want to work at a place they are proud to work at. And they think giving back to the community provides that for them.
Learn more
SSOE Group
SSOE is an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm. Over their 75-year history, they’ve earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to high-tech and general manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, automotive, battery, food, chemical, and glass industries. SSOE believes that a company’s responsibility to their communities has become increasingly important. They embrace this philosophy to the fullest extent, not only in their everyday work but in their commitment to their community. They have set a goal of 20 hours of community service for each of their employees. And their philanthropic giving follows the organizations where their colleagues choose to volunteer—expanding their impact.
Learn more
Designetics, Inc
Designetics is a leader in fluid application systems, offering innovative solutions for applying adhesives, coatings and fluids across industries like automotive, marine and medical. The company is known for its custom applicators and precision dispensing systems that enhance efficiency, accuracy and safety on production lines. Designetics created their Designetics Cares Foundation which is more than just a nonprofit charitable foundation; it’s their way of putting their values into action. They believe in doing the little things that make a big difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Their mission is to transform lives now and for future generations through outreach, donations, and in-kind services.
2024 Doing Right Spotlight Student Scholarship Winners
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.
Sara Lee, on behalf of Kripke Enterprises
Major: Marketing with a minor in professional sales
Sara Lee's commitment to community service began in high school, where she aimed to brighten the lives of elderly residents through music. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performances, Sara adapted by creating and sharing video concerts for nursing homes during holidays, amassing over 1,700 volunteer hours. Her dedication to making a difference, influenced by her family's tradition of volunteering and the transformative power of music therapy, has shaped her future aspirations. As she approaches her graduation in May 2024, Sara plans to blend her marketing skills with her passion for social impact. She envisions launching a skincare-focused makeup company that encourages authenticity and continues her journey of meaningful community contribution. READ MORE
Conner Lombardi, on behalf of Aly Sterling Philanthropy
Dual MD, MBA Program
Conner Lombardi is a fourth-year dual MD, MBA student at The University of Toledo, graduating in May 2024. Conner is passionate about community engagement, compassionate patient care, and mentorship in medicine. Conner served as Executive Director of the UTCOMLS ambassador program, where he designed, coordinated, and volunteered in numerous long-term outreach and education projects at both the University of Toledo and local public high schools and universities. Conner also serves as a research mentor for dozens of medical and undergraduate students at the University of Toledo. As he prepares for internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado, Conner aims to blend his passion for medicine with his dedication to public health and community outreach. READ MORE
Emily Dworczyk, on behalf of the Taylor Automotive Family
MBA - Finance and International Business
Emily Dworczyk, an MBA student at the University of Toledo, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Taylor Automotive Family at the Second Annual Doing Right Spotlight Event. Recognized for her initiative in founding a boys' volleyball program at Perrysburg Schools, Emily's efforts have significantly contributed to the sport's growth in the greater Toledo area. Her leadership not only facilitated the establishment of a comprehensive program but also instilled values of teamwork, leadership, and community service among the participants. Beyond sports, Emily's extensive volunteer work, influenced by her upbringing and faith, spans various community service projects, reflecting her deep commitment to making a positive impact. As she looks forward to her future, Emily remains dedicated to serving her community, advocating for educational and extracurricular programs, and embodying the spirit of "Doing Right." READ MORE
2023 Doing Right Spotlight
View the 2023 event here on our YouTube page featuring a keynote address by Jeremy C. Park.
Doing Right for their Employees
Kripke Enterprises is a family business that treats all employees like family. They have started a First-time Home Buyers Program that takes employees who want to buy their first home through financial literacy courses to help them learn about all the aspects of purchasing and owning a home. At the end of the program, Kripke assists the employees with their down payment and helps them pay part of their mortgage for a period of three years.
Their goal is to make sure their employees feel safe and secure, not only at work but at home as well.
Doing Right for the Community
Taylor Automotive Family has served Toledo and the surrounding communities for more than 40 years, by not only providing quality new and used cars, but they’ve taken an active role in bettering their community. They’ve donated thousands of dollars to different organizations and held multiple fundraisers to show their support of the community.
Their goal is to make a large impact on their community by giving back, connecting and honoring the people around them to make a positive change.
Doing Right for the Future of Humankind
Aly Sterling Philanthropy is a full-service consulting firm specializing in building sustainable solutions for nonprofits. They provide fundraising, board governance, strategic planning and executive search services to organizations of all shapes and sizes. Over the years, they’ve helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars, engage their leaders and grow their missions.
Their goal is to leave the world a better place if they continue to challenge themselves and others to do things differently.
2023 Doing Right Spotlight Scholarship Winners
In the spirit of doing right, there were 3 University of Toledo students awarded $250 scholarships in the names of each of the honorees. The scholarship winners were Grace Kim, Kevin Bishop, and Prathik Kandimalla.
Prathik Kandimalla, on behalf of Aly Sterling Philanthropy
Major: Biology pre-med major and entrepreneurship minor
At age seven, I began volunteering for Chess Without Borders by setting up equipment
and selling food at chess tournaments. In recognition of my meticulous work ethic,
the director Dr. Kiran Frey offered me the larger role of a volunteer coordinator.
I organized philanthropic dinners to raise funds and awareness for various societal
problems, such as human trafficking. Dedicating hundreds of hours to designing service
events, the experience has made me realize the importance of education, empowerment,
and giving back to society. I intend to dedicate myself to humanitarian causes and
community service in my future medical career. READ MORE
Grace Kim, on behalf of Kripke Enterprises
Major: Marketing and Information Systems
I collaborated with ProMedica, specifically its children trauma center, and led a
local summer music camp that was funded through the community and features on iHeart
Radio. The impact of the experience still speaks volumes to this day, and it has been
unforgettable summer. READ MORE
Kevin Bishop, on behalf of Taylor Automotive
Major: Finance
I created a student-run philanthropy organization called IrishTHON, a fundraiser dance marathon that raises money for the kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I had the vision for high school teens to become more involved in the outside community and make an impact on The City of Toledo. I was greatly impacted because I got to see firsthand and hear stories how the funds, we raised changed the lives of the children and their families. In their words, we were giving them hope and a second chance at life. READ MORE
