Vital Statistics:
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Canton, OH (Stark Co.)
Employees: 23
Industry : Technology (Web design / Internet Marketing)

Background:
The Karcher Group was established in 1997 by Geoff Karcher. Prior to launching The Karcher Group, Geoff worked for Internet Service Providers and Web development firms, gaining extensive experience in the technology industry. Using this knowledge, he built his new firm based on a core philosophy of a quality solution backed by superior customer service. This philosophy has led the way for the firm to become one of the leading Web site development and hosting firms in Northeast Ohio.

Today, The Karcher Group offers a full suite of custom services ranging from Web site design and programming to hosting and Search Engine marketing.

Challenges:
The Karcher Group experienced many of the same challenges most small businesses face in the early years. However, one of the biggest, and most unusual, challenges was the downturn of the economy and 9/11. The ".com" bust sharply impacted the technology industry and caused many businesses to reduce spending on Web-related initiatives.

The Karcher Group adapted to the changing business environment by offering clients Web-based solutions built to streamline their internal and external processes. These solutions helped The Karcher Group to weather the economic downturn and aided the continued growth of the company. By this time, new customer acquisition was easier because the amount of competition was reduced by the downturn.

Having the ability to recognize challenges and the flexibility to adapt immediately is one of the primary reasons for The Karcher Group’s success through the years.

Results: New Jobs, more revenue.
Since 2001, The Karcher Group has averaged 40.6% sales growth per year;
In the last two years, the company has created 15 new jobs, seven of which were created in 2004;
During the last 18 months, the company has generated business from several Fortune 100 and 500 clients.

Community Achievements:
2004 Best Small Business of the Year (Jackson-Belden Village Chamber of Commerce);
Provides wireless hotspot service to Belden Village Towers;
Offers free monthly seminars to educate the business community about how it can operate thier individual companies more effectively using Web-based tools;
Offers free/discounted hosting and services to all religious organizations;
Participated in and/or sponsors many non-profit organizations and fund-raising events, such as Glenoak Boosters, Canton Ad Club, Moonlight Golf Outing, Little Flower Summer Festival, and the annual MS Walk;
Involved in many other community organizations, such as local chambers and the Canton Ad Club;

Clients:
In NEO: Moen, Inc., Stark Development Board, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Diebold, Stark Community Foundation, North Canton YMCA, City of North Canton
Outside NEO: Richardson Company Training Media, DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions, Samsonite, JCrew

Who is involved in NEO Growth Watch?
What companies are growing?
How can I get involved?
Who do I contact if I have a question?