Youngstown, Ohio [Oct. 26, 2026] – Crain’s Cleveland Business named Jeff Ryznar, founder, president and CEO of Canfield-based 898 Marketing, to its 2026 Notable Leaders in Communications list. The Cleveland business publication honors senior communications leaders across Northeast Ohio who drive change inside their firms and serve their communities. The recognition brings a Mahoning Valley-rooted agency to a regional stage.
Ryznar launched 898 Marketing in Youngstown 12 years ago as a one-person operation. Today the full-service agency employs more than 40 people and serves clients in healthcare, technology, retail, automotive, manufacturing, professional sports and other industries. He oversees every part of the business, including strategy, creative and client relationships. This year, 898 Marketing opened a second office in Hudson to support its continued growth.
“I’m truly grateful to Crain’s for this honor,” said Ryznar. “It reflects my family’s support and sacrifice and a team that shows up every day called to serve. I share it with them, with the partners who trust us and with the Youngstown community that gave us our start.”
Under Ryznar’s leadership, 898 Marketing earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Adweek named it one of the Fastest Growing Digital Agencies in the country, ranking it No. 1 in Ohio two years running. Crain’s Cleveland Business also named 898 Marketing one of Ohio’s Best Employers.
Outside the agency, Ryznar chairs the boards of BBB of Youngstown and Seton Catholic School. He serves on the boards of the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and belongs to the Ohio Chamber CEO Forum. He is an Ohio Commodore and received the University of Akron’s Decade of Dedication Award. Ryznar has 24 years of industry experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University.
Read more on this honor here.
