Recognition for Building a Factory That’s Rooted in Place
In 2023, Forbes selected Found Surface founder Aidan Meany for its inaugural 30 Under 30 Local: Cleveland list—highlighting young innovators who are shaping the future of their industries, and their cities, from the ground up.
This recognition is more than a personal milestone. It’s a sign that Cleveland’s manufacturing future looks different than its past. At Found Surface, we’ve set out to rebuild a regional textile economy—one that values ecological responsibility, economic integrity, and puts people and place before shortcuts.
Forbes' recognition of Aidan reflects what we’ve known all along: you don’t have to leave Cleveland to make something global. You just have to be bold enough to build it differently.
At Found Surface, that means producing everything under one roof. It means hiring locally, sourcing responsibly, and making clothes that people can feel good about wearing—because they know exactly where they came from.
We’re proud to see Aidan’s name on the list. And prouder still to be building a business that proves Cleveland still makes things. Better than ever.
