When thinking about the concept of systems, what comes to mind are things most often recognized as functional, interactive, and interdependent segments that allow something to be seen as whole. There are a number of perceptions that define a system – ecological, social, political and informational are just a few of many examples.

Global Healthcare Group (GHG) is a specialized healthcare staffing company serving the government and private sectors across the United States.

For over thirty years, Oxford Learning has been helping to give students of all ages the tools to better process and comprehend the materials they are learning in school. By using cognitive learning techniques, Oxford Learning teaches students how to learn effectively and develop more efficient ways of thinking, concentrating, listening and retaining the information they receive.

Founded in an Annapolis, Maryland home, Chesapeake Bay Candle has enjoyed remarkable growth over its two decades in business, becoming an industry leader carried by retail giants including Target, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Hallmark. “During the last 20 years, we have produced 300 million candles—enough to light up one for each family on this continent!” says co-founder and CEO Mei Xu.

For Al Dente Pasta, its thirty-four year journey is a story of passion for good food, the drive to succeed and the ability to overcome circumstance while remaining true to the values upon which the company was founded.

Sunwarrior has demonstrated a commitment to making the best plant-based foods and supplements for its customers. The company lives up to its mission to ‘Illuminate Body, Mind, and Planet’ and strives to exemplify those ideals in everything it does – from sourcing the finest ingredients from around the world to growing microgreens in its own facilities.

With origins in Central and Eastern Europe, kolaches are pastry rolls that are filled with fruit, or meat and cheese. These snacks have also become popular in the United States over the years, and the Kolache Factory, committed to the authenticity, craftsmanship, and food innovation, offers a modern take on this Old World treat.

Private capital is taking off throughout Canada. “Both private equity and venture in Canada are exploding,” says CVCA CEO Mike Woollatt. Indeed, forty one billion dollars in private equity poured into Canadian companies last year, setting a new record for the nation. At $1.9 billion, venture capital investment was also up dramatically in 2014 – and continues to rise.

Private capitalists are having their day across North America. From California to Quebec, the opportunities are startling – and they continue to grow.

Riley Contracting Group began in 1987 under the leadership of Mike Riley. Based in Cary, North Carolina in the heart of Research Triangle Park, the commercial general contractor has established a solid reputation in both North and South Carolina for project quality, its team approach and the timeliness in which it completes projects on budget and to project specification.

Based in historic Kerrville, Texas, privately-owned Huser Construction is a highly efficient operation. Using its decades of combined experience and a well-trained staff of about twenty-eight, the company often takes on projects ranging from about $1 million to $10 million in a variety of sectors from multi-family dwellings, healthcare facilities, churches, schools, restaurants and banks to retail, public spaces and restorations of historic properties.

HGC Construction has been serving Cincinnati since 1931. The company has built commercial and residential structures – as well as relationships – through three generations, becoming a local staple.

Builders Choice can handle a challenge. The modular design and manufacturing company works in rugged and remote Alaskan locations to deliver a dependable solution able to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

HouseMaster is a trailblazer. “We were the first company to franchise in the industry and certainly one of the first companies in the industry whatsoever,” says President Kathleen Kuhn. “So many of the things that we needed to develop a strong professional service we had to pioneer.”

For over 35 years, Titan Contracting & Leasing has supplied premier specialty mechanical contracting services to the power, petrochemical, refining and general process industrial markets throughout North America and select international markets.

COP Construction LLC has been delivering a wide range of construction services since 1947. Active across Montana, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, the Company has offices in Billings, MT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sheridan, WY, allowing the team to give each geographical area the attention it deserves.

Since 1968, Hill & Wilkinson has evolved. Once a small family business and now a leader in its field, the firm provides a full range of contracting services across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on a service model called “Process-Driven Design and Construction” in which each client’s unique process dictates the specific way the company approaches projects.

Approaching fifty successful years in business, the Alps Wire Rope Corporation remains firmly committed tomeeting the needs of customers across a range of sectors. The company serves customers from the oil and gas industries to elevator manufacturers, the construction industry, marine, mining and the United States government and military.

Comfortable, ergonomically designed seating for the workplace has long been recognized as the key to office productivity. Since 1988, ErgoGenesis has specialized in ergonomic seating and accessories for use in offices, homes, laboratories, industrial settings, or wherever else there is a need for comfortable, ergonomically designed seating.

AVEKA is a contract manufacturing, research and development company that focuses on particle technology for a broad range of applications and markets. Business in Focus spoke with Business Development and Marketing Manager, Nicole El-Sawaf and CEO and Founder, Willie Hendrickson.