Founder: Finite Fiber has been a family owned company throughout its history. Father and son Bill and Todd Downing purchased Finite Fiber from Victor Gelb in January 2006. Victor purchased the company from the Ekus family, who founded the company in 1921.
Headquarters: Akron.
Key family members active in the company: Bill Downing, Todd Downing, owners.
What it does: Finite Fiber manufactures precision cut fibers that are used as a reinforcing material in rubber compounds.
Markets served: Agriculture, automotive, construction, industrial, medical, mining, transportation.
What are the strengths of a family owned business? The family is passionate about the business and is willing to provide whatever support and resources are necessary for continued success and growth.
Do non-family members hold any executive or ownership roles? The president is a non-family member and runs the company. The family is involved in strategic planning and annual budgets and performance reviews.
How much does the younger generation of family members influence decisions? They have a longer range focus, which has a positive impact on decision making.