CARROLL, Ohio — A business owner, inspired by his childhood and now success as an adult, works to make sure his community is taken care of and moving in a positive direction.

“To try and wrap my head around what we've been able to build and achieve, it still baffles me today that the business is as large as it is,” said Brad Hutchinson. 

Hutchinson has built a successful business empire with Company Wrench, a construction and demolition company with 12 locations, with home base being in Carroll in Fairfield County.

The lifelong Lancaster native said growing up in humble surroundings had a profound impact on his life. 

“We were poor, you know, working poor and mother was a drug addict,” he said. “No one needs to educate me on what it's like to be around some of the addictions today. I have so much to give now that I feel like it's important that I do in order to try and pass the legacy along.” 

Hutchinson's generosity to his workforce and philanthropic efforts are notable in the Lancaster community, including bonuses and free stock options at work to paying off retail store layaways, school lunch debt and past-due utility bills. 

He continues to offer a helping hand when needed, and much of the time under the radar. 

He recently bought work boots for 50 high school students learning trade skills at the Workforce Center in Lancaster. 

“I'm all about helping the ones who are willing to put forth the effort. And these kids, if they're taking this program to better themselves, you know buying boots is a very small piece for me in order to help them get to their career goals,” said Hutchinson. 

“He understands what some of the kids are going through with their struggles, and he's just willing to help,” said Nathan Hale, Lancaster City Schools superintendent. “And to find an individual like that, you know I've never heard of it before.” 

Hutchinson is also heavily involved with downtown Lancaster development. 

In recent years, he's spent millions of dollars refurbishing the Mithoff building into a multi-business dwelling, as well as operating the Mill Event Center, a private and public events space. 

Hutchinson said after 23 years into his business, he is as motivated as ever and carries a quote with him each day on his phone, as a reminder to always give 100% in whatever someone does. 

“You don't ever own success,” said Hutchinson. “It can always go away, depending on what's going on in the environment. You cannot wake up one day and decide you're not going to go to work. It doesn't work that way.”