Jun 16, 2022
A glass or glazing project's success depends on several factors, including the right people, environment, tools, and connections. According to Scott Kosman, company owner and president, teamwork and trust are the two ingredients that have made Lakeland Glass successful.
Lakeland Glass provides various services to industrial, commercial, and residential clients, from storefront retail glass and doors to new construction glass.
The Lorain company has seen steady growth for several decades. Lakeland grew from the deep roots and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kosman family. In 1924, Scott's grandfather, Anthony, launched Lorain Glass Company, which his father, Jack, and uncle, Gene Sofranko, successfully operated for many years.
In the early 1980s, understanding the growing needs of the local economy and possessing a competitive vision, Jack and Gene launched Lakeland Glass and its GlassHopper services, including residential and small commercial projects. Today, Kosman operates Lakeland, while his cousin Kevin Sofranko operates Lorain Glass, also a Buckeye Community Bank client.
"A lot of our success is linked to our excellent employees," said Kosman. "We have good people that took a risk and started with us. I'm committed to doing what is needed to make this a great company, and that includes creating an environment where employees succeed.
"I've surrounded myself with outstanding people, and they truly make my job much easier every day. Some of us have been together for so long — witnessing births, marriages and plenty of changes — that we joke that we and Lakeland are all maturing at the same time."
According to Kosman, Lakeland gains new clients from an excellent reputation delivered from word of mouth that results from expert service and a team with exceptional skills and longevity. Relationships and trust work for clients, employees, and the companies Lakeland chooses to work with, like Buckeye Community Bank.
"We didn't like the direction our previous bank was going, and it became more and more difficult to work with them," said Kosman. "Buckeye was a natural fit for us when Sandi Dubell joined the bank. They have been a trusted partner when we had a need, opportunity or challenge. Bruce (Stevens), Ben (Norton) and Sandi have been there, always willing to work with us. Buckeye is not only my business bank, but I also use them personally. They offer several account options and have been there for the expertise I have needed."
Buckeye's Bruce E. Stevens said that working with Lakeland is a natural fit as it is the type of business powering job creation.
"Lakeland is client-focused on driving business performance by putting people first and having an obsessive focus on delivering great results. Our investments in the communities we serve and the companies that help them grow is fundamental," Stevens said. "Entrepreneurs founded Buckeye Community Bank, so the passion Scott showed for Lakeland and its future resonated with us."
Check out Lakeland Glass at lakelandglass.com.
