Login | June 21, 2025
KNR marks 20th year with new and expanded charitable campaigns
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: June 20, 2025
It’s been 20 years since Kisling, Nestico & Redick was founded in 2005.
Since then the firm has focused on two goals, said Founding Partner Rob Nestico, delivering meaningful results for injured clients and giving back to the communities where its attorneys and staff live and work.
“It’s a privilege to guide clients through the legal process, and we’re grateful to the communities that have supported us along the way,” said Nestico, who continues to guide and govern the firm.
While the firm has grown tremendously from its somewhat humble beginnings in Akron when there were only three attorneys and three paralegals to 12 offices across the state and more than 35 lawyers and over 150 support staff, Nestico said its mission remains the same.
In fact, through the creation of its signature charitable initiative known as KNR Cares, attorneys and staff have formalized programs that provide various types of assistance to residents.
“What began as a few grassroots efforts has evolved into a firm-wide culture of giving; one that is deeply woven into KNR’s identity,” said Nestico.
“Over the years, KNR Cares has hosted school supply drives, turkey giveaways and other charitable events.”
In honor of its 20th anniversary, KNR is expanding its efforts even further, launching new campaigns and scaling up some of the firm’s most beloved programs.
“In 2025, many of our campaigns are inspired by the number 20,” said KNR Managing Partner John J. Reagan. “Some are brand new and others are expansions of things we’ve traditionally done, but all are designed to deepen our impact.”
In February employees participated in the annual Polar Bear Jump, raising a record $20,466.
Then in March, KNR rolled out its “20 Acts of Kindness” campaign, providing surprise support across Ohio.
Staff members handed out detergent and quarters at a 24-hour laundromat in Akron, tipped servers at Sweet Melissa’s in Boardman the full amount of their bill, and brought lunch to Akron firefighters.
They also donated books to Little Free libraries, gave blood, supported newly housed veterans through the Cleveland American Veterans Association and led statewide neighborhood cleanups.
In honor of National Water Safety Month and in memory of a client’s child who drowned, KNR is distributing $5,000 to organizations across the state to fund free swimming lessons. Applications were accepted in May, and the money is being distributed this month. Students will have a full year to complete the lessons.
This August KNR will sponsor 20 classrooms, covering back-to-school expenses.
Capping off the celebration, in October the firm will underwrite 20 pet adoptions at shelters around the state, and its annual Akron turkey giveaway will be expanded, with an additional 100 full Thanksgiving meals distributed--20 each in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown.
KNR offers all staff eight hours of paid volunteer time each year, but many go beyond that.
“The culture of giving is part of what continues to attract and retain talent, including many of the original team members,” said Reagan.
“Community is at the heart of KNR,” said KNR Director of Operations Brandy Gobrogge. “This anniversary gives us a chance to show our gratitude, and to do even more for the people who have always supported us.”