Jeffrey R. Clark, president and CEO, Anthony

Winner — Distribution and Manufacturing Jeffrey R. Clark’s motto of “Get ’er done” has become widespread throughout Anthony. Over the years, Clark’s employees have seen him use this philosophy to drive the company to new heights — doing what it takes to exceed the competition and better serve customers. As president and CEO of Anthony, […]

Melvin Payne, chairman and CEO, Carriage Services Inc.

Consumer Products & Services, Finalist As the remaining founder and operational leader of Carriage Services Inc. — the fourth-largest publicly traded death care company — Melvin Payne leads by example and is clearly recognized and appreciated for it. Decentralization, local control, achievement and mission are recurring themes in how chairman and CEO Payne operates his […]

Cindy Taylor, president and CEO, Oil States International Inc.

Oil Field Services, Award Recipient As CEO of Oil States International Inc., Cindy Taylor leads by example, demonstrating her high standards and dedication to transparency. Key to Oil States’ success has been her ability to leverage the talents of the many people within the company. Taylor believes in “distributive leadership,” which requires the retention of […]

Josef Gorowitz, CEO, Prodege LLC

Finalist—Interactive Media/Internet With a successful start-up venture under his belt, Josef Gorowitz decided to take on a new challenge — harnessing the capital-raising power of the Internet. To this end, he founded Torrance, Calif.-based Prodege LLC in 2005. CEO Gorowitz’s initial model focused on partnerships with search providers to create white label platforms that donors […]

Peter Dameris, president and CEO, On Assignment Inc.

Winner – Services On Assignment is built on a “people first” approach. Whether it’s best serving its employees, the professionals it places or the clients it serves, the staffing company builds strong, trusted relationships. Peter Dameris, president and CEO of the Calabasas, Calif.-based company, leads a team of professionals who are experts in the field […]

Darron Anderson, CEO, Express Energy Services LP

Oil Field Services, Finalist It was all going so well for Darron Anderson. Investors bought the business that he had built into a success. Anderson felt disconnected from the company’s operations. He needed a new challenge and found it in Express Energy Services LP. This was a company that was growing and it seemed as […]

Honoring the best of the best

This group of honorees represent those individuals who pursued and obtained the coveted distinction of an Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist. Smart Business, along with Ernst & Young, is proud to recognize and honor the accomplishments of these entrepreneurs.