"Our reputation means everything to us," Dan said.

Dan got an early start in the business. While still in college, and after he'd earned his business degree from Kent State University, Dan worked for an Akron-based insurance restoration company. When the Akron contractor closed its doors during the mid-1970s, Dan and a business partner decided to set out on their own.

In 1976, they founded their own company specializing in insurance work; they formed its name - Allen Keith - from their own middle names.

At first, the fledgling company relied on contractors for repair work. But that didn't last long. "I realized immediately that in a business that's built on customer satisfaction, I needed total control over quality," Dan said.

Allen Keith Construction now employs more than 100. "We hire the best plumbers, carpenters, electricians - and we never cut corners," Dan said. "We stand behind our work, and take pride in our reputation for quality workmanship, integrity and cost-effective work."

"We work very hard to make the experience of a large loss as trouble-free as possible by completing the work on time with the same care and dedication that went into the original construction," he added.