We’re proud to share that Brad Griffith, founder and president of Buckeye Innovation, was named a 2026 Columbus Smart 50 Award honoree by Smart Business Network. This award recognizes Central Ohio leaders for vision and impact judged on innovation, impact, and sustainability.
Under Brad’s leadership, innovation, impact, and sustainability go hand in hand. Buckeye Innovation builds custom, open-source websites and applications that clients can actually own and manage themselves. This philosophy has anchored partnerships with organizations like Accelerate Columbus, Community Refugee and Immigration Services, The Columbus Foundation, and many other community-centered organizations.
Brad has also shaped how the company works internally. He led the move to a four-day workweek and a fully-remote team while maintaining the collaborative culture that fuels employee and client relationships.
Innovation, to Brad, isn’t just about new technology. It’s about making sure that technology actually reaches the people and organizations who need it most, and building a company sustainable enough to keep showing up for them year after year.
Buckeye Innovation is grateful to Smart Business Network for the recognition, and even more grateful to the clients and partners who make this work meaningful. Brad was celebrated alongside this year’s other honorees at the Smart 50 awards ceremony on August 13.
