Brian Fitzgerald, founder and president; Aaron Broder, co-founder and CEO, Evolve Media Corp.
Finalists — Media Brian Fitzgerald and Aaron Broder’s high standards for life and business are focused on putting forth maximum effort in whatever they do. Not only did this common factor bring the business partners together, but it also allowed them to grow Evolve Media Corp. into the successful digital media company it is today. […]
David and Michael Miller, Brightway Insurance
FINALIST- Financial Services David Miller co-founder and CEO Michael Miller co-founder and CMO Brightway Insurance Creating an enjoyable insurance purchasing experience is an oxymoron to most people. However, through dedication to quality customer service and carrying a diverse portfolio of types of insurance to ensure the lowest possible price, brothers David and Michael Miller created […]
Oscar Suarez, Florida market leader, Ernst & Young LLP
PARTNER – Florida Oscar Suarez Florida market leader Ernst & Young LLP For more than 25 years, Ernst & Young has celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of men and women pursuing innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in their businesses, their teams and their communities. The hours, sweat and passion they’ve poured into their businesses and the triumphs […]
David Sweet, President, Mecco Marking & Traceability
FINALIST / INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING One need not look far to understand the impact of Mecco Marking & Traceability on the consumer world. From the message of “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear” inscribed on a car’s side mirrors to the serial numbers on Gillette razor blades, Mecco produces the lasers that help […]
Natasha Ashton: Office space is a critical factor for your business
Finding the right place for your business to call home
Harry Herington, chairman and CEO, NIC Inc.
WINNER – Technology Harry Herington Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board NIC Inc. When asked about his leadership style, NIC Inc.’s chairman and CEO, Harry Herington, explains that he prides himself on leading by example and having high expectations of those around him. Herington makes it clear that working at NIC can be […]
Jameel M. Burkett, President, Burkett Restaurant Equipment
Semifinalist, Distribution Upon graduating from the University of Toledo in 2002, Jameel Burkett took his bachelor’s degree in business administration to Burkett Restaurant Equipment, the business his father had built. At the time, it was nothing more than a local restaurant dealer. But Burkett believed he could take the business and transform it into a […]
Dr. Steve Lasky, CEO, Advanced Analytical Technologies Inc.
FINALIST Dr. Steve Lasky CEO Advanced Analytical Technologies Inc. J. Lasky had a vision for what Advanced Analytical Technologies Inc. could be. Achieving that vision, however, was proving to be a big challenge. Lasky and three other investors had launched the company with the hope of producing for workers in the life science industry a […]
Bob Brisco, director and CEO, Internet Brands
Winner – Interactive Media/Internet Bob Brisco has been a pioneer in Internet media for nearly two decades. He is the CEO and director of Internet Brands, an Internet publishing company that is becoming widely admired. For the last 12 years, Brisco has guided the growth of Internet Brands to become one of the region’s largest […]
Alessandro Pirozzi, chef and owner, Cucina Alessa
FINALIST – Real Estate & Hospitality Alessandro Pirozzi chef and owner Cucina Alessa Alessandro Pirozzi had some tough moments growing up in a home where he was the youngest of four children and the only boy. But without those struggles, he probably wouldn’t have achieved the success he has found as one of California’s most […]