<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.6

                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 1 OF 13

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made in Medina, Ohio
and is entered into on this 4th day of April, 1998, and effective as of April 1,
1998, by and between Corrpro Companies, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the
"Company"), and David M. Hickey ("Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH:
         In consideration of the recitals, the mutual covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the
parties agree as follows:

         SECTION 1 - TERM AND DUTIES.

         (a)      TERM. The Company shall employ Executive, subject to the
                  provisions of this Agreement, for a three-year term effective
                  April 1, 1998 and ending on March 31, 2001. This Agreement at
                  all times may otherwise be terminated in accordance with the
                  provisions of this Agreement.

         (b)      SUBSEQUENT TERM. Executive and the Company may, but shall be
                  under no obligation to, negotiate terms and conditions of any
                  subsequent term of employment. In the event, however, that
                  Executive remains in the employ of the Company after the term
                  of this Agreement without the parties having entered into a
                  new employment agreement or extending this Agreement, then 1)
                  the terms of this Agreement shall not be applicable, 2)
                  Executive shall be an employee-at-will subject to the
                  benefits, programs, and policies of the Company then in
                  effect, and 3) either party may terminate the employment
                  relationship at any time with or without cause.

         (C)      DUTIES. During his employment pursuant to this Agreement,
                  Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President of
                  Manufacturing and International Operations of the Company, and
                  shall be responsible for the duties attendant to such office.
                  Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer (or such
                  other officer as determined by the Chief Executive Officer),
                  and shall be subject to the policies and procedures adopted by
                  the Company from time to time. Executive agrees to serve as an
                  officer or director of such of the Company's subsidiaries or
                  affiliates as the Company may reasonably request.

         (d)      CHANGES IN STATUS. The Company agrees that it will not,
                  without Executive's consent, (i) assign to Executive duties
                  materially inconsistent with or which materially diminish his
                  current positions, authority, duties, responsibilities and
                  status with the Company, or (ii) materially change his title
                  as currently in effect, or (iii) require Executive to perform
                  duties which would necessitate changing his present residence,
                  or (iv) remove him from, or fail to re-elect him to, any of
                  such positions, except in connection with the termination of
                  his employment as provided for in this Agreement. Except as so
                  limited, the powers and duties of Executive are to be more
                  specifically determined and set by the Company from time to
                  time.



<PAGE>   2
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 2 OF 13

         SECTION 2 - COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

         (a)      BASE SALARY. During his employment pursuant to this Agreement,
                  Executive shall receive an annual base salary of One Hundred
                  Seventy Thousand Dollars ($170,000) as compensation for his
                  services to the Company (the "Base Compensation"), such
                  compensation to be payable in regular installments in
                  accordance with Company policy for salaried employees.

         (b)      SALARY ADJUSTMENTS. Effective as of the first day of each
                  fiscal year of the Company during Executive's employment
                  pursuant to this Agreement, the Base Compensation shall be
                  subject to review and a recommendation by the Chief Executive
                  Officer of the Company to the Board of Directors (or its
                  designated committee) and any adjustment shall be subject to
                  the approval of the Board or its designated committee. In the
                  event the Base Compensation is adjusted, such adjusted Base
                  Compensation (adjusted either upward or downward) shall be
                  payable to Executive under this Agreement for that fiscal
                  year; provided that any downward adjustment shall be limited
                  to ten percent (10%) of Base Compensation unless the Base
                  Compensation of all Senior Level Executives (all persons with
                  the title Vice President and above employed by the Company) of
                  the Company are similarly affected by a reduction in excess of
                  10%.

         (c)      VACATION. Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of paid
                  vacation each year of this Agreement to be taken in accordance
                  with Company policy then in effect.

         (d)      ANNUAL BONUS PLAN. Executive shall be a participant in the
                  Company's annual bonus plan subject to the attainment of
                  performance objectives and other provisions of such plan as in
                  effect each year of this Agreement.

         (e)      BENEFIT PLANS. During his employment pursuant to this
                  Agreement, subject to eligibility and applicable employee
                  contributions, and except as otherwise expressly provided in
                  this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to participate on
                  substantially the same terms as other Senior Level Executives
                  in all employee benefit and executive benefit plans, pension
                  plans, medical benefit plans, group life insurance plans,
                  hospitalization plans, or other employee welfare plans that
                  the Company may adopt from time to time during Executive's
                  employment pursuant to this Agreement, and as such plans may
                  be modified, amended, terminated, or replaced from time to
                  time. In addition, Executive shall receive such other
                  compensation as the Board of Directors of the Company (or a
                  committee thereof designated by the Board) may from time to
                  time determine to pay Executive whether in the form of
                  bonuses, stock options, incentive compensation or otherwise.

         (f)      FRINGE BENEFITS. During his employment pursuant to this
                  Agreement, and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
                  Executive shall be entitled to participate on substantially
                  the same terms and conditions as other Senior Level Executives
                  in all fringe benefits provided such personnel, such as sick
                  pay and company car or car allowance.



<PAGE>   3
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 3 OF 13


         (g)      EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. The Company shall reimburse, in
                  accordance with Company policy, Executive's ordinary and
                  reasonable business expenses, including professional dues and
                  expenses, incurred in furtherance of Executive's performance
                  of Executive's duties under this Agreement.

         SECTION 3 - TIME COMMITMENT AND PERFORMANCE. Executive shall devote his
best efforts and all of his business time, attention, and skill to the business
and the operations of the Company and shall perform his duties and conduct
himself at all times in a manner consistent with his appointment as Executive
Vice President of Manufacturing and International Operations of the Company;
except, however, Executive may serve on corporate, civic, or charitable boards
or committees and manage his personal investments and affairs provided such
activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive's duties under
this Agreement and provided Executive keeps the Chief Executive Officer
reasonably informed of Executive's commitments.

         SECTION 4 - COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY. From the effective date of this
Agreement and one (1) year following the later of (i) termination of Executive's
employment with the Company, or (ii) termination of any consulting agreement
which the parties may enter into immediately subsequent to termination of
Executive's employment, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, either for
himself or on behalf of any other corporation, partnership, person, group, or
entity:

         (a)      enter into any contract or agreement, or own, directly or
                  indirectly, any interest in, or engage in or conduct in any
                  manner or capacity (whether as shareholder, consultant,
                  advisor, principal, agent, partner, officer, director,
                  employee, or otherwise), any business competitive with any
                  line of business then being conducted or planned to be
                  conducted by the Company;

         (b)      attempt to divert or take away, in any manner, the business or
                  patronage of any customer or potential customer of the Company
                  or otherwise take from or deprive the Company of any business
                  opportunity;

         (c)      attempt to hire or employ, whether as an employee, agent,
                  independent contractor or otherwise, any employee of the
                  Company; or

         (d)      materially interfere, in any manner, with the business, trade,
                  good will, sources of supply, or customers of the Company.

         For purposes of this Section 4, there shall be disregarded any interest
of Executive arising solely from the ownership of less than a five percent (5%)
equity interest in a corporation whose stock is regularly traded on any national
securities exchange or regularly traded in the over-the-counter market.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this
Section 4 are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business
interests of the Company and that such restrictions are not unduly burdensome in
scope or duration.



<PAGE>   4
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 4 OF 13


         SECTION 5 - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/INVENTIONS.

         (a)      PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. During his employment pursuant to
                  this Agreement and at any time thereafter, Executive shall not
                  disclose, or cause to be disclosed in any manner, to any
                  corporation, partnership, person, group, or entity (other than
                  to Company employees or authorized representatives, or in the
                  ordinary course of business consistent with Company policy
                  regarding trade secrets) or otherwise use for any purpose
                  other than the Company's business, any trade secrets or
                  confidential or proprietary information of the Company,
                  including, but not limited to, the following:

                           (a)      the Company's customer or prospective
                                    customer lists;

                           (b)      information concerning the Company's
                                    promotional, pricing, or marketing
                                    practices;

                           (c)      the Company's business records; and

                           (d)      the Company's trade secrets and other
                                    confidential and proprietary information.

         Upon termination of employment under any circumstances, Executive or
         his estate or representatives, shall promptly return to the Company all
         property of the Company including any and all electronic devices and
         related data storage devices and shall destroy or erase any data which
         cannot be returned. This Section 5 shall survive the termination of
         this Agreement.

         (b)      INVENTIONS. Executive will communicate to the Company promptly
                  and fully and hereby assigns all of Executive's rights in all
                  inventions or improvements made or conceived by Executive
                  (alone or jointly with others) during Executive's employment
                  and for a period of one year thereafter, which are along the
                  lines of the business, work or investigations of the Company
                  or which result from or are suggested by any work Executive
                  may do for the Company. Executive agrees that any such
                  invention or improvement, whether or not patentable, shall be
                  and remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company.
                  Executive agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current
                  written records of all such inventions or improvements at all
                  stages thereof, which records shall be and remain the property
                  of the Company. Executive agrees to take such actions and
                  execute such documents and instruments, including but not
                  limited to patent applications, as the Company requests to
                  vest or maintain title to such inventions or improvements in
                  the Company or otherwise to carry out the intent of this
                  agreement. There shall be excluded from the operation of this
                  Agreement the Executive's inventions and improvements,
                  patented and unpatented, which were made prior to Executive's
                  employment by the Company, and which, if Executive has any
                  such inventions, are listed on an attached exhibit.

         SECTION 6 - COMPENSATION DURING DISABILITY. Executive shall receive his
Base 

<PAGE>   5

                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 5 OF 13

Compensation (net of applicable withholdings) during the first ninety (90)
business days of absence due to Disability (as hereinafter defined). In the
event of Executive's Disability and a determination by the Board of Directors
that sufficient reasonable accommodations for the Disability cannot be made, the
Company may terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement. If the
Company terminates Executive's employment under this Agreement because of
Executive's Disability, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and
provide to Executive the benefits, specified in Section 7 hereof. The amount of
benefits to be paid by the Company to Executive under this Section 6 or under
Section 7 shall be reduced by any amount paid or to be paid pursuant to Company
sponsored disability plans. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall
mean Executive's inability, through physical or mental illness or accident or
other cause, to perform his major and substantial duties on a full time basis as
determined by a physician hired by the Board of Directors for this determination
(the "Company Physician"). If the physician regularly attending Executive (the
"Executive Physician") disagrees with the opinion of the Company Physician, the
Company Physician and the Executive Physician shall choose a third consulting
physician (the expense of which shall be borne by the Company), and the written
opinion of the third consulting physician shall be conclusive as to such
disability. In conjunction with this Section 6, Executive consents to such
examination, to furnish any medical information requested by any examining
physician, and to waive any applicable physician-patient privilege that may
arise because of such examination. All physicians, except the Executive
Physician, selected hereunder must be board-certified in the specialty most
closely related to the nature of the disability alleged to exist.

         SECTION 7 - RESIGNATION DUE TO COMPANY FAILING TO HONOR ITS OBLIGATIONS
AND TERMINATION WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE OR DUE TO DISABILITY.

         (a)      GENERALLY. Executive may resign his employment and terminate
                  this Agreement if the Company fails to honor its obligations,
                  subject to the procedures as provided in this Section 7. The
                  Company may terminate Executive's employment for any reason at
                  any time upon 30 days notice to Executive, provided that the
                  Company pay Executive the amounts as determined in this
                  Section 7. Anything to the contrary contained in this
                  Agreement notwithstanding, (i) if the Company fails to honor
                  any of its obligations under this Agreement, and if the
                  Company does not cure the determined failure within thirty
                  (30) days after a determination of a failure in accordance
                  with the procedures set forth below and if as a result
                  Executive resigns his employment with the Company or (ii) the
                  Company terminates Executive's employment with the Company
                  under this Agreement without Good Cause (as defined in Section
                  8), or (iii) if Executive's employment terminates by reason of
                  Disability as provided for in Section 6 hereof, Executive
                  shall be entitled to receive and the Company shall pay to
                  Executive the following:

                  (1)      SALARY. Executive's Base Compensation earned through
                           the date of resignation or termination and a lump sum
                           payment for any unused vacation shall be paid on or
                           before the next regularly scheduled pay-date after
                           the effective date of the resignation or termination.

                  (2)      SEVERANCE. Severance payments for a period of one
                           year (two years if Executive 


<PAGE>   6
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 6 OF 13

                           is terminated by the Company without Good Cause
                           within the period three months before or twelve
                           months after a Change in Control as defined in
                           EXHIBIT A) shall be paid in consecutive periodic
                           payments commencing on the first pay day in the month
                           following such resignation or termination in the
                           aggregate amount (net of any required withholdings
                           and Disability payment offsets as provided in Section
                           6) equal to one year (two years if Executive is
                           terminated by the Company without Good Cause within
                           the period three months before or twelve months after
                           a change in Control as defined in EXHIBIT A) of
                           Executive's Base Compensation then in effect,
                           provided that in the event of Executive's death prior
                           to the receipt of all payments, any remaining
                           payments shall cease to be made. During the period
                           which severance is payable, the Company agrees to
                           provide, through a group life insurance arrangement
                           or individual life insurance policy or otherwise,
                           life insurance with a death benefit at least equal to
                           the remaining severance payments. Upon Executive's
                           death during the severance period and prior to
                           receipt of all severance payments, the death benefit
                           shall be payable to Executive's designated
                           beneficiary or, if none, to Executive's estate.

                  (3)      BENEFITS. Following any resignation or termination
                           for which a payment under Section 7(a)(2) is owing,
                           Executive, or his spouse and eligible dependents in
                           the event of Executive's death, shall continue to
                           participate at the expense of the Company for a
                           period of twelve (12) months following such
                           resignation or termination in the same or comparable
                           hospital, medical, accident, disability and life
                           insurance benefits as Executive participated in
                           immediately prior to resignation or termination of
                           his employment unless by law, the terms of any
                           insurance policy or the terms of the applicable
                           benefit plans, continued coverage is not permitted.
                           Executive and eligible dependents may continue
                           coverage under such benefit plan for subsequent
                           periods and subject to applicable premium
                           contributions, to the extent permitted by law or by
                           such plans. To the extent that during Executive's
                           employment, any such benefits were part of a program
                           of benefits for Senior Level Executives of the
                           Company, generally, then any subsequent modification,
                           substitution, or termination of any such benefits,
                           generally, shall also apply to Executive and to the
                           benefits available to Executive pursuant to this
                           Section 7(a)(3).

                  (4)      EARLY CESSATION OF BENEFITS. All benefits (other than
                           those with respect to which continuation is required
                           by law) under Section 7(a)(3) above shall cease upon
                           the death of Executive and his spouse.

                  (5)      ANNUAL BONUS PLANS. An amount equal to a full year's
                           participation in the annual bonus plan then in effect
                           as provided for in Section 2 hereof shall be paid to
                           Executive within the time period prescribed by such
                           plan, (i.e. the Executive will be paid based upon
                           actual results as if the Executive had been employed
                           the full twelve months and had received the full
                           twelve month Base Compensation). In addition, any
                           payments due Executive under the incentive plans then
                           in effect 

<PAGE>   7
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 7 OF 13

                           as provided for in Section 2 hereof (other than any
                           annual bonus plans) in accordance with the terms of
                           such plans shall be paid to Executive within the time
                           period prescribed by such plans.

         (b)      PROCEDURES. For purposes of this Section 7, the following
                  procedure shall be used to determine whether the Company has
                  failed to honor any of its obligations under this Agreement;
                  (i) Executive shall submit a claim to the Company's Board of
                  Directors specifically identifying the nature of the failure;
                  (ii) within thirty (30) days of receipt of such claim, the
                  Board of Directors shall determine whether they agree with
                  Executive that a failure has occurred and shall communicate,
                  in writing, their determination to Executive; and (iii) if
                  Executive disagrees with the determination of the Board of
                  Directors, Executive, within ten (10) days of Executives's
                  receipt of such determination, may submit the claim to
                  arbitration in accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of
                  this Agreement, and such determination shall be final and
                  binding upon the Company and Executive.

         (c)      SOLE REMEDY. The payments provided in this Section 7 shall
                  represent the sole remedy for any claim Executive may have
                  arising out of the Company's failure to honor its obligations
                  and termination without Good Cause. The Company may condition
                  payment of amounts due under this Section 7 (other than
                  payments due to Disability) upon the receipt of a release and
                  covenant not to sue in a form reasonably satisfactory to the
                  Company.

         SECTION 8 - TERMINATION FOR GOOD CAUSE.

         (a)      GENERALLY. The Company shall have the right to terminate
                  Executive's employment with the Company under this Agreement
                  for Good Cause. As used in this Agreement, the term "Good
                  Cause" shall mean:

                  (1)      personal dishonesty within the course of employment
                           with the Company which evidences a want of integrity
                           or is a breach of trust;

                  (2)      persistent failure to abide by reasonable rules and
                           regulations governing the transaction of business of
                           the Company as the Company's Board of Directors may
                           from time to time adopt or approve;

                  (3)      persistent inattention to duties, or the commission
                           of acts within employment with the Company amounting
                           to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

                  (4)      misappropriation of funds or property of the Company
                           or committing any fraud against the Company or
                           against any other person or entity in the course of
                           employment with the Company;

                  (5)      misappropriation of any corporate opportunity, or
                           otherwise obtaining personal 


<PAGE>   8

                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 8 OF 13

                           profit from any transaction which is adverse to the
                           interests of the Company or to the benefits of which
                           the Company is entitled;

                  (6)      The conviction of a felony; or

                  (7)      any material violation of the terms of this 
                           Agreement.

         (b)      PROCEDURES. Executive's employment shall in no event be
                  considered to have been terminated by the Company for Good
                  Cause if such termination took place as the result of (i) bad
                  judgment or negligence, or (ii) any act or omission reasonably
                  believed in good faith to have been in or not opposed to the
                  interest of the Company. Executive shall not be deemed to have
                  been terminated for Good Cause unless and until there shall
                  have been delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted
                  by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the
                  entire membership of the Board of Directors (excluding
                  Executive if a member of the Board) at a meeting of the Board
                  (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for
                  him, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board),
                  finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board,
                  Executive was guilty of any of the conduct set forth above in
                  clauses (a)-(c),(e) and (g) above. However, pending a final
                  determination of the Board, the Board shall have the authority
                  to place Executive on "leave of absence status", with or
                  without pay in the sole discretion of the Board as determined
                  by a majority of the Board.

         (c)      FURTHER OBLIGATIONS. In the event that the Company shall
                  terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement for Good
                  Cause, the Company shall have no further obligation to
                  Executive under this Agreement except to pay his Base
                  Compensation and unused vacation earned through the date of
                  termination, on or before the next regularly scheduled pay
                  date after termination and to perform such other obligations
                  as imposed by law.

         SECTION 9 - VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OTHER THAN SECTION 7. Executive may
voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company under this Agreement,
other than as provided in Section 7 hereof, upon not less than ninety (90) days
prior written notice to the Company. In the event that Executive terminates his
employment pursuant to this Section 9, the Company shall have no further
obligation to Executive under this Agreement except to pay his Base Compensation
and unused vacation earned through the date of resignation and to perform such
other obligations as imposed by law..

         SECTION 10 - TERMINATION UPON DEATH. Executive's employment under this
Agreement shall terminate upon the death of Executive. Upon such termination,
Executive's designated beneficiary, or his personal representative shall receive
the payments/benefits described below from the Company:

         (a)      SALARY. Executive's unpaid Base Compensation earned through
                  the date of termination and a lump sum payment for any unused
                  vacation shall be paid on or before the next regularly
                  scheduled pay date after termination.


<PAGE>   9
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 9 OF 13

         (b)      BONUS. An amount equal to a full year's participation in the
                  annual bonus plan then in effect as provided for in Section
                  2(d) hereof shall be paid within the time period prescribed by
                  such plan (i.e. the Executive will be paid based upon actual
                  results as if the Executive had been employed the full twelve
                  months and had received the full twelve month Base
                  Compensation).

         (c)      BENEFITS. Benefits will continue for Executive's spouse and
                  eligible dependents in accordance with Company policy and as
                  required by law.

         SECTION 11 - POST TERMINATION CONSULTING AND COOPERATION. For a period
of six (6) months following the termination of Executive's employment under this
Agreement, regardless of whether such termination is by Executive or by the
Company or whether it is with or without Good Cause, Executive, at the sole
discretion of the Company, shall provide the Company and its designated agents,
advisors, and executives with such consultation as the Company may reasonably
require up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week. However, Executive shall
have no consulting obligation under this Section 11 if he resigns under
circumstances, which entitle him to payments under Section 7 hereof. Company
shall pay Executive an hourly rate of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per
hour and reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses and out-of-pocket costs
incurred in connection with fulfilling his obligations under this Section 11.
The Company shall endeavor to schedule such consulting so that Executive's
obligations under this Section 11 to assist Company shall not unreasonably
interfere with Executive's business prospects or responsibilities to a new
employer.

         SECTION 12 - BREACHES AND REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees
that in the event that Executive violates the undertakings set forth in Section
4 or 5 hereof, other than in an immaterial fashion, in addition to any other
rights or remedies to which it may be entitled under law or this Agreement, the
Company shall, except as prohibited by applicable law, cease making any
severance or other payments hereunder and shall be entitled to enforce the
provisions of Section 4 or 5 by injunction or other equitable relief, without
having to prove irreparable harm or inadequacy of money damages.

         SECTION 13 - SEVERABILITY. The provisions contained in this Agreement
are severable and in the event any provision shall be held to be invalid,
unenforceable or overbroad, in whole or in part, by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby and shall be given full force and effect.

         SECTION 14 - NOTICES. Any notices, requests, demands, or other
communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if made in
writing delivered personally or if sent by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested.

         SECTION 15 - SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and to
the benefit of Executive, his heirs and legal representatives, except that
Executive's duties to perform future services are expressly agreed to be
personal and not to be assignable or transferable.

<PAGE>   10
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 10 OF 13

         SECTION 16 - APPLICABLE LAW, ARBITRATION AND JURISDICTION. This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of
Ohio. The parties agree that any dispute arising out of this employment
relationship except for disputes arising under Sections 4 and 5 of this
Agreement shall be settled by arbitration conducted in accordance with the rules
of conciliation and arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, such
arbitration to be conducted in Cleveland, Ohio, or at such other location as the
parties may agree. Costs of such arbitration, including Executive's attorneys
fees (to the extent such fees are reasonable), shall be borne by the Company.
With respect to disputes arising under Sections 4 and 5 of this Agreement,
Executive and the Company consent and submit themselves to the jurisdiction of
the courts of the State of Ohio.

         SECTION 17 - AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by a written
document signed by both parties.


<PAGE>   11

                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 11 OF 13


         SECTION 18 - NO WAIVER. No waiver by either party at any time of any
breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of
this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same time or any prior or
subsequent time.

         SECTION 19 - HEADINGS. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any
provision of this Agreement.

         SECTION 20 - PRIOR AGREEMENTS. This Agreement supersedes in all
respects all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral,
regarding the subject matter hereof, including, but not limited to, the
employment agreement entered into between the parties effective April 1, 1997.

         SECTION 21 - RESTRICTIONS OF PAYMENTS OR PERFORMANCE. To the extent the
Company is unable to make any of the payments or perform any of the obligations
hereunder due to restrictions imposed by law, by the Company's Articles of
Incorporation or Code of Regulations, or by loan agreements or other contracts
to which the Company is or becomes party to, the Company agrees to take such
reasonable steps as are necessary to remove such restrictions. In the event the
Company is unable to remove such restrictions, Executive and the Company shall
enter into negotiations to effect reasonable alternatives. The Company's
obligations shall be suspended until such time as such restrictions are removed
or such reasonable alternatives are effected.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date and year first above written.

                                        CORRPRO COMPANIES, INC.

                               By:  
                                    -------------------------------

                               Its: 
                                    -------------------------------
                                               "COMPANY"


                                    -------------------------------
                                             David M. Hickey





<PAGE>   12

                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                 PAGE 12 OF 13

                                    EXHIBIT A
                                       TO
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                     BETWEEN
                             CORRPRO COMPANIES, INC.
                                  AND EXECUTIVE

For purposes of Section 7(a) of the Agreement, "Change in Control" means and
shall have occurred at any time during Executive's employment pursuant to this
Agreement, and if any of the following shall occur:

         (i)      The Company is merged, consolidated, or reorganized into or
                  with another corporation or other Legal Person, and
                  immediately after such merger, consolidation, or
                  reorganization Voting Securities entitled to exercise a
                  majority of the Voting Power of the surviving or resulting
                  corporation or other Legal Person are not (A) Voting
                  Securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to
                  such merger, consolidation or reorganization, or (B)
                  securities received in exchange for such Voting Securities of
                  the Company.

         (ii)     Any person becomes the Beneficial Owner of Voting Securities
                  representing twenty percent or more of the combined Voting
                  Power of the Company. The change in control shall be deemed to
                  have occurred no later than the date on which a report is
                  filed on Schedule 13D or Schedule 14D-1 as promulgated
                  pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
                  (the "Exchange Act"), disclosing that any Person has become
                  the Beneficial Owner of Voting Securities representing twenty
                  percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company.

         (iii)    A "change in control" or possible "change in control" which
                  would be required to be disclosed in response to an item in
                  Form 8-K or Schedule 14A in connection with the filing of a
                  report or proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, has or may have
                  occurred or will or may occur in the future pursuant to any
                  then existing contract or transaction. The change in control
                  will be deemed to have occurred no later than the date on
                  which the Company files such report or proxy statement with
                  the Securities and exchange Commission disclosing the "change
                  in control" or possible "change in control."

         (iv)     During any consecutive six (6) month period commencing before
                  or after the date of this Agreement, individuals who at the
                  beginning of such six (6) month period constituted a majority
                  of the Board of Directors of the Company cease serving on the
                  Board; however, if a person ceases to serve as a director of
                  the Company for any reason not related to the Company (as, for
                  example, because of family reasons, or health reasons, or a
                  lack or time), then such cessation shall not be considered as
                  a "cessation" under this Exhibit A, and any replacement
                  director shall, for purposes of this Exhibit A, be treated as
                  the same person as the director who so ceased serving.



<PAGE>   13
                     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DAVID M. HICKEY
                     --------------------------------------
                                  APRIL 1, 1998
                                  PAGE 13 OF 13

(b)      Any reference in this Exhibit A to a section of the Exchange Act, a
         rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, or any schedule,
         form or report promulgated under the Exchange Act or any subdivision or
         item included in any of the foregoing, shall be deemed to refer to any
         successor, replacement or amended section, rule, regulation, schedule,
         form, report, subdivision, or item in effect at the time a
         determination is made. The following words and phrases when used in
         this Exhibit A, shall have the meanings indicated:

         (i)      PERSON shall have the meaning used in Section 12 (d)(3) or
                  Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, and shall also include
                  all affiliates and associates of such Person as defined in
                  Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

         (ii)     LEGAL PERSON means any Person other than a natural person,
                  including any entity which can acquire, hold and dispose of
                  property in its own name, a fictitious name, or in the name of
                  its owners or owners.

         (iii)    BENEFICIAL OWNER shall have the meaning defined under Rule
                  13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, but without the
                  sixty (60) days limitation specified in paragraph (3)(1)(I) of
                  said Rule.

         (iv)     VOTING SECURITIES means any stock or securities entitling the
                  holder to exercise Voting Power.

         (v)      VOTING POWER means the right to vote in the election of
                  directors or persons serving in a similar capacity with a
                  corporation or other Legal Person, or if there is no board of
                  directors or similar body, the right to vote to retain or
                  dismiss the management or the Legal Person.