Meet the winners

In 2007, Anthony Carolan launched My Lineage, which specializes in personalized family heritage products for military personnel and civilians. With a balance of tradition and innovation, he grew from $6.4 million to $15.0 million in three years. Looking ahead, Anthony has an ambitious goal of reaching $30 million in revenue to continue creating opportunities for both his team and the customers they serve.

With Spiro Preovolos at the helm driving innovation and transformation, PenChecks shatters growth year after year, with revenue skyrocketing from $24 million in 2021 to over $53 million in 2024. His secret? A laser focus on people and culture, Top Places to Work titles and a 95% employee retention rate. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about reshaping the financial services landscape.

Over 23 years, Nicole Dragoo transformed Chandler Asset Management’s operations from a modest firm managing under $1 billion to one that doubles AUM every five years, now exceeding $40 billion in institutional assets. 68% employee-owned through an ESOP, Chandler’s shared ownership culture and outside board support continued growth and success.

Craig Krawczyk’s Live Design Group is guided by a unique mission — to create spaces for organizations that serve their communities. By following this, he doubled revenue and staff in five years, now operating in 34 states. Looking ahead, he aims to expand into designing for adults with disabilities, private schools, and social services — his company has already completed Red Cross projects in over 40 states.

At the helm, Bryan Hancock spearheaded doubling Timberchase Financial’s revenue in just four years and achieving a 30% increase in the last year alone. Yet, his company’s mission extends beyond profit, aiming to foster financial direction for everyone they encounter, in a no-nonsense way, and holding to a fiduciary standard.

Bruce Summerville started Inline Electric Supply Company in 1988. Since then, it has grown to 26 locations across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. In 2012, Inline became 100% employee-owned, and Bruce joined the local Vistage Group. Now, with over a dozen in Vistage training and a new distribution center, Inline is nearing $500 million in annual revenue with the new goal being a billion annually.

After growing to $60 million in revenue and leading a financial turnaround that saw EBITDA soar from under $2 million to over $6 million in a year, Greg Brown’s journey at B R Williams Trucking took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer, prompting him to sell. Rather than seeking the highest bidder, he sought a buyer who would provide the best opportunities for his company and now serves as a consultant.

Founded in 2009, Jerad joined Summit in 2015 as a team of 15, Jerad Hutchen’s Summit Contracting now leads nearly 200 employees, making the Inc. 5000 list for the second time. Also, by leveraging a carefully cultivated partnership, he led an acquisition to expand offerings across multiple states. Thinking outside of the box with his team, he created a scholarship program to attract new talent and a visa sponsorship program to get the best people from overseas.

As the CEO of a mission-driven organization, Outlook Nebraska, Eric Stueckrath has guided the company to become a pillar of support in the blind and visually impaired community, tackling everything from employment to daily needs. Looking to the future, he envisions a world where organizations like his are no longer needed because society has fully embraced individuals with blindness and visual impairments.

After spending his early years in agriculture, international business, then dot com, Boyd Ober started Leadership Resources in 2003 to help leaders recognize how their past experiences shape their mindset, which influences their actions and their results. Today, the LR team has expanded to supporting organizations and leaders nationwide with proven integrated systems to help them grow their business and their leadership.

As CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistants, Beth Lachance grew her company from $46,000 in first-year revenue to over $15 million annually in just five years, boasts a team of 850 with a 4% attrition rate and serves over 1 million patients a year. What sets Global Medical apart is not just its financial success but its commitment to a culture of mutual support, communication, and professional growth.

Ranger Industries began as a manufacturer of stamp pads supplied to the banking industry in the 1920s, and today has evolved into a manufacturer of art and craft supplies focused on spotting gifted designers and helping them build their brands with innovative crafting products. With a commitment to remain a US based manufacturer, CEO Alain Avrillon focuses on a positive work environment supported by automation.

After graduating as a mechanical engineer, Andy Zucaro gained experience designing equipment before founding AZCO Corp. His expertise lies in solving customers’ production challenges and offering tailored solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. AZCO Corp specializes in feeding, cutting, and handling flexible materials, focusing on quality and innovation. Our goal is not to be the biggest but to be the best.

Founded in 2018, Prince Sterilization Services was born from a carefully planned spin-off of Gibraltar Laboratories — a family company Dr. Daniel Price sold. This venture allowed him to bring his son into a leadership role as president and a five-year plan to sell. Staying on track, the company has achieved 45-50% annual growth in top-line revenue and 45% EBITDA margin in the past three years.

At MTHN Architects, Peggy prioritizes company culture and employee wellbeing, where the workplace and policies earned both JUST and WELL certifications. Most recently, Peggy led a collaborative strategy for the completion of The Epicenter at the University of Utah, an innovative hub for social impact and community engagement. As MHTN enters its second century, Peggy ensures that it continues to leave its mark on the built environment.

Since founding North Face Roofing in 2010, Craig Peters and his team have transformed the company into a shining example of how strong leadership and a people-first approach can elevate a business and its employees. In an industry often criticized for treating workers as disposable, they created programs for their team and their families, resulting in fourfold company growth and 30% increase in crew output.

Starting as a truck driver earning $6 an hour, Marvin Acey worked his way up through various roles before co-founding Rocky Mountain Recycling in 1999. Under his leadership, the company grew from three founders to approximately 250 employees at its peak. In 2020, after 21 years, Marvin and his partners decided to sell Rocky Mountain to a company with about $4 billion in annual revenues.

Under Anita Andrews-Hutchinson’s leadership as co-founder, It Takes A Village Family of Schools has recently doubled its capacity, boasting six early learning centers, two elementary schools, and a sprawling 9.1-acre campus. Looking ahead, she and her team plan to leverage community partnerships to expand to serve 5,000 annually and scale their internal talent pipeline.

As the first non-Riley family member to become CEO, Matt Prince has championed a philosophy at Riley Construction that prioritizes excellence in construction and well-being. Throughout his tenure, he initiated the company’s lean journey, emphasizing respect for people and enhancement of processes, which yielded an increase in net profit by 25% and positive feedback from clients, architects, and subcontractors.

Starting G.A.S. in 1977 when he was 26, Dan Dickinson’s strategic leadership guided the company to over $1.4 billion in selling and leasing commercial and corporate aircraft and engines. He also led the creation of seven successful companies under his leadership, each addressing unique niches within the aviation sector and even venturing into power generation systems.

As the CEO of her family’s business, Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry, Hadley Perry Pacheco led accelerated growth, from $4 million to surpassing $10 million in annual revenue over seven years and boosting the company’s gross profit margin by a whopping 7%. Her long-term vision is as clear as a flawless gem. She’s setting ambitious growth targets and laying the groundwork for future generations.

In 2004, with two loyal employees and a truckload of determination, Robert Miller set out to conquer the paving world. In its first year, his company, RAM Pavement, generated a modest $250,000 in revenue — fast forward two decades, and the company now boasts an impressive annual revenue of nearly $22 million. He projects RAM could reach $125 million in revenue within the next two decades.

Carl Howard drives innovation at Autobell Car Wash, leading efforts like app development for seamless subscription services and changing the operating platform during the pandemic. His commitment to the community shines through. During his leadership, he has helped nonprofits raise over $5 million and awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships, positively impacting communities throughout the Autobell footprint.

From the outset, Martha Percival Brown had a clear vision: to lead Tipperary Sales for about 10 years before pursuing new ventures. But it wasn’t just about personal goals; it was about ensuring the company’s continued success. Martha strategically turned over key areas of the business — sales, marketing, and merchandising — to her successor, then added operations and finance later.

As CEO of Spartan Light Metal Products, Tom has seamlessly integrated his commercial and shop floor expertise, advancing new technologies and talent development while preserving the legacy of our founder, Henry Jubel. His vision for Spartan’s future includes robust growth in both top-line and bottom-line performance, driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence.

Guided by Lus Haberberger’s vision, Luzco stands out for its people-centric culture and rapid growth. Under her guidance, revenue skyrocketed by 337% over the last couple of years, earning recognition as one of the top 10 fastest-growing private companies in the area for two consecutive years. On top of that, an impressive 67% of her workforce comes from diverse backgrounds, with 28 different nationalities represented.

From humble beginnings, Archford now serves mostly-family businesses, 1200+ families, and manages more than $1 billion in assets, with Jim Maher leading the way. In business, Jim led revenue growth of 127% in the last five years. In philanthropy, he and wife Jenny developed Archford Angels, a program where employees donate to a nonprofit of their choice, generating over $1 million for 82+ community nonprofits.

David Maher has led a business exit at Maher & Company that puts people before profits. While many CPA firms are being acquired by larger entities, he strategically chose a unique path — an internal transition to five younger shareholders. Maintaining consistency for both employees and clients took precedence over potential financial gains from an external sale despite multiple offers from larger firms.

At the intersection of material science and additive manufacturing, Jacob Nuechterlein has carved out a unique niche with his company, Elementum. Leveraging a generous $100,000 investment, he identified a significant gap in the material science market. Today, he boasts an impressive client list that includes Formula 1 racing teams, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

Alexa Cataldo, alongside her dedicated team, has grown Sample Supports, a developmental disabilities service provider, from 50 individuals in services to 500 over ten years. Under her leadership, they’ve maintained low turnover rates in a high-burnout industry. Alexa’s goal is to expand their work with step-down placements, serving those often deemed too challenging for traditional community settings.

Under Dr. Carl Clark’s leadership since 2000, WellPower has become a beacon of innovation in community mental health. He’s grown the organization from $18 million to $150 million and his team from 200 to over 1,400. On top of that, he’s instrumental in reducing unnecessary arrests in behavioral health or addiction issues, helping address food insecurity and providing a living wage for all staff.

When Randy founded his restoration company over 30 years ago with just $10,000 in a checking account, he never imagined he’d one day sell Professional Restoration in a wildly successful transaction. He found a national restoration firm that aligned with his vision, and Randy’s business was ready to sell. By letting loose and relinquishing control, Randy found a strong leadership team that was an integral part of bringing the transaction to fruition.

Established in 2001, Pranav Dalal’s Office Beacon has grown from a nascent remote staffing company to one of the largest privately held firms. Before “remote staffing” was common, Pranav began offering services from India, then expanded operations to include the Philippines, Mexico, and, most recently, South Africa. Today, his company is on track to grow over 23% in revenue in the next year.

As the leader of a fourth-generation family business founded in 1906, Davey Glantz has successfully blended traditional values with modern innovation. Under his leadership, the company has flourished, now boasting 27 locations coast-to-coast and employing over 300 people, most recently opening two locations this past year. Looking ahead, he wants to continue to invest in his team and new technologies.

When FSSI’s owners looked at succession planning, Jennifer dismissed the option of selling to an outsider.  In 2021, Jennifer spearheaded an ESOP initiative, making all FSSI’s employees owners, sharing in the company’s success and the opportunity to build wealth.  Employees have responded with record-breaking productivity and profitability.  With eyes on the future, Jennifer looks forward to watching her team grow and lead the company.

John Rochford and his team at Synder Langston invested heavily in developing their young leaders, driven by a desire to preserve the company’s legacy and culture, rather than pursuing an external sale or merger. Even John’s exit strategy has been focused on the meticulous preparation of the next generation of leaders to take the company to the next level. This December he will finalize his exit from his $400 million company.

Aaron Sakaria began his journey 15 years ago in Shanghai, China, where he started a home furnishings trading company. Today, Fresh has evolved into a multifaceted enterprise with a global reach and a commitment to revitalizing small-town America. On top of this, since 2019 the company has seen a 257% growth in revenue and EBITDA growth from 1% to 12% under Aaron’s leadership.

Brooke Lee is the CEO of Anchor Paper Company, representing the fourth generation of family leadership in a hybrid ESOP business. Under her leadership, 100-year-old Anchor Paper has grown by 31% over the past 10 years despite the declining demand for paper products. She also led the company to secure a significant national account, expanding its reach beyond its traditional Midwest base.

Innovation is at the heart of Dale Andersen’s leadership philosophy, and his company Delkor Systems. Over the past 25 years the team at Delkor has created what is now recognized as the most advanced U.S. manufacturers of packaging machinery.  Leaning on his out-of-the-box POV he’s grown his team from 10 to 350 and increased revenue from $5 million to $150 million annually.

Over a nine-year period, Jim Ginther’s family-owned company achieved a fourfold increase in top-line revenue and a tenfold increase in bottom-line profits — attracting potential buyers. A successful transaction in 2023 allowed other family owners to exit the business, Jim staying on to lead the company into its next growth phase, which he has termed “USC 3.0.”

In the demanding field of employment law, Michelle Johnson leads with integrity and decisiveness. Under her leadership, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough’s labor and employment practice has expanded in size and influence, setting new industry standards for excellence. Michelle is dedicated to going beyond the basics of legal expertise, offering tailored advice for optimal outcomes for her clients.

When Robert transitioned from CTO of a marketing firm to CEO of AMBAC International, a 100-year-old precision manufacturing company, it marked a key career move. His leadership blends a deep connection to the shop floor with a commitment to modernizing while preserving AMBAC’s legacy. As AMBAC grows, Robert plans to shift from operations to a consultative role, continuing to grow innovative companies and developing teams.

Sean Taylor joined Smith + Howard as an intern 31 years ago, and under his leadership, the firm has transformed from a small team of 24 to an influential firm of over 300 employees. One of Sean’s greatest achievements during his tenure is driving strategic growth through acquisitions. Over the past year, he led four acquisitions, significantly expanding professional service capabilities and his client base.

Taking over House of Cheatham from his father-in-law in 1996, Mike transformed the family-owned hair care company from under $7 million to a successful $110 million sale in December 2021. He expanded its product line, notably with Aunt Jackie’s, and demonstrated his commitment through annual bonuses, a $3 million gift to Clark Atlanta University, and anonymous scholarships. Mike now serves on various boards, collaborates with his brothers, and cherishes time with his grandchildren.