Rushlight Ventures Commemorates Start of Construction on New Headquarters

Published: March 1, 2024
Cover photo: Groundbreaking of the new headquarters, which will be located on Washington Church Road adjacent to the newly renovated Cornerstone Research Group headquarters. Pictured (left to right): Alex Carlson, Jim Danis, Patrick Hood, Joseph Zeis, and Jeff Bennett.

In a momentous event attended by distinguished guests and community leaders, the Rushlight enterprise hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on February 29 to launch the construction of their new headquarters on Washington Church Road in Miami Township.

The event began with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by Patrick Hood, CEO and Founder of Rushlight Assets; Jeff Bennett, Senior Vice President of Operations at Rushlight Assets; Joseph Zeis, Senior Advisor of Aerospace and Defense for the State of Ohio; Alexander Carlson, Director of Community Development for Miami Township; and Jim Danis, CEO of Construction Managers of Ohio.

After the symbolic groundbreaking, the event moved indoors where guests were greeted with a networking reception. Andrew Cothrel, President of Rushlight Ventures, serving as the event’s emcee, highlighted the significance of Rushlight Ventures in the technological landscape and venture ecosystem.

“Rushlight Ventures is expected to make an impact in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Cothrel.

Articulating his vision for the new building, Patrick Hood emphasized its role in cultivating philanthropy, building community, and growing businesses. The event space in the headquarters will overlook a small lake, with hardscaping to accommodate outdoor functions. Hood also mentioned that space in the building will be available to nonprofit and entrepreneurial partners, such as Dayton’s Entrepreneurs’ Center.

Alex Carlson underscored the impact of CRG and Rushlight Assets on the township, stating, “It’s not every day I get to work with a company that truly is concerned with giving back to our community.” He discussed the pivotal impact that Rushlight Assets’ move will have on the community. Carlson concluded his comments by presenting company leadership with a framed proclamation from the township in recognition of their present and future contributions.

In his keynote address, Joseph Zeis emphasized Ohio’s pivotal role in national defense advancements and highlighted the crucial contributions of Rushlight Assets and its subsidiaries CRG and Rushlight Ventures to this effort. He commended the leadership of these companies for their dedication to strengthening Ohio’s position and their impact across the nation.

Following the speeches, CRG President Christopher Hemmelgarn and Senior Vice President Kristin Cable led attendees through an immersive tour of the new CRG headquarters, providing insights into the future of the aerospace and defense industry.

The event marked a significant milestone in Rushlight Assets’ journey, symbolizing its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and economic growth in the region.

Key details about the new Rushlight Assets headquarters:

  • The new Rushlight Assets headquarters will be 25,763 square feet over two stories. The first floor includes 10,373 square feet of office space and 6,090 square feet of community space; the second floor will have 9,300 square feet of office space.
  • Project partners include Construction Managers of Ohio, First Commonwealth Bank, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and Roll & Associates, Inc. Architects & Planners.
  • Anticipated project cost: $9.5 million, with an expected completion date of February 2025.

About Rushlight Assets: Rushlight Assets serves as the parent company of several wholly owned subsidiaries, including Cornerstone Research Group and Rushlight Ventures. Beyond its enterprise-wide operations, Rushlight Assets is committed to giving back to the region, with an emphasis on cultivating philanthropy, building community, and growing businesses.

About Rushlight Ventures: Rushlight Ventures is a pioneering venture studio that specializes in the monetization of defense and dual-use intellectual property created by CRG and additional small and mid-sized businesses conducting federally sponsored research. With a proven track record of measurable success, Rushlight Ventures is dedicated to advancing innovation, fostering economic value, and nurturing growth within the business ecosystem.

About Cornerstone Research Group: CRG, headquartered in Miamisburg, OH, is an advanced high-technology company that has been delivering innovative products and services to aerospace, defense, and industrial customers since 1997. The multidisciplinary teams at CRG collaborate with leading technology providers, positioning them as a fast-growing leader in innovation and technology commercialization. CRG’s broad technology portfolio includes aerosystems, power and energy, medical and sensors technology, materials science, and advanced manufacturing.