WEDNESDAY ★ JULY 31, 2024 2024 AWARD CEREMONY
PROGRAM Agenda
Brett Davidsen, News10NBC
Steve Hogan, President, Small Business Council
• Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber Community Partnership Awards Presentation
• KIVA Rochester
• RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
• Urban League of Rochester
Special Guest Speaker
• Dan Mason, General Manager, Rochester Red Wings
2024 Business Person of the Year Award Presentation
• Rookie of the Year Award: Susan Reuter, Flight Wine Bar
• Under 25 Employees Finalists Showcase
• 25 or More Employees Finalists Showcase
Business Person of the Year Award Winners Announced
• Under 25 Employees Winner Remarks
• 25 or More Employees Winner Remarks
Closing Remarks
Committee
Darrell Bell Nazareth University
Anthony DiTucci Livingston Associates, Inc.
Sheila Dunne Toggle Selection
Celebrating Business Leaders in Greater Rochester
The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber affiliate, is pleased to present its annual Business Person of the Year awards. Welcome to our celebration and congratulations to all of this year’s finalists!
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are proud to come together today to celebrate the exceptional small business leaders who are moving our region forward. Greater Rochester Chamber’s membership is made up of over 85% small businesses, and we are proud to work with our Small Business Council affiliate to provide support and recognition for this vital part of the Greater Rochester business community. As part of this, the Business Person of the Year Awards have been presented annually for over 40 years, to help achieve our Small Business Council’s mission to connect leaders and celebrate their work.
This year’s finalists are all outstanding examples of professional excellence in our community. Each of them and their organizations play a crucial role in shaping Greater Rochester into the vibrant, thriving region it is. We encourage you to look through this publication to learn about these outstanding small business leaders in our community making a difference. We hope you’re inspired by their stories, impact, service, and vision for a better Greater Rochester.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners who helped make this event possible. Additional thanks to our community for rallying behind this annual event to make it the resounding success it is. Your attendance today is an important part of the success of all small businesses - the backbone of our Greater Rochester economy. We are honored to spend this time with you and recognize such a distinguished group of business leaders.
Best of luck to all!
Steve Hogan
2024 Board President Small Business Council
Bob Duffy President and CEO
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
• Canandaigua National Bank
• Cheesy Eddie’s
Sponsors• ★ ★
Media Partner
Premier Reception Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
• ESL Federal Credit Union
• First Learning
• HR Works
• Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C.
Past Finalists & Winner’s Circle
• JPMorganChase
• M&T Bank
• Walsh Duffield
• GP Flooring Solutions
• SFJ Wealth Management
• Consiliarium Group, LLC
Greater Rochester Chamber and its Small Business Council affiliate gratefully acknowledges the generous support for this event from its partners and sponsors. To sponsor this event next year, contact Cassidy Franklin at Cassidy.Franklin@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Great Leaders Do Things Right — and Do the Right Thing
Much like the honorees of the Small Business Council Business Person of the Year Award, Paychex is proud to play a role in helping businesses succeed.
We congratulate the leaders recognized for their growth, achievements, and service to the Greater Rochester community.
Congratulations to the finalists of the 41st Business Person of the Year Awards!
We are honored to recognize these individuals who showcase business excellence in the Greater Rochester region. Their outstanding leadership, innovation, and positive influence on the community have truly set them apart.
Paychex is proud to be part of celebrating these remarkable business leaders, whose achievements not only set a high benchmark for their peers but have also become an inspiration for aspiring leaders to dream bigger.
While these individuals are helping their organizations evolve in an ever-changing
workplace landscape, Paychex remains committed to simplifying business functions through our unique blend of HR technology and advisory solutions.
With our all-in-one, cloud-based technology, businesses can digitize their efforts to become more efficient, engaged, and productive.
Paychex is privileged to be a member of the Rochester community alongside these leaders who are instrumental in driving positive change and paving the way for future growth.
Congratulations once again to the exceptional finalists. Your success stories are encouraging to us all!
Winners• 1983-2023
2023 over 50 • Anthony DiTucci, Livingston Associates
2023 under 50 • Phil Yawman, Cooley Group Inc
2022 over 50 • Kevin Schulte, GreenSpark Solar
2022 under 50 • Keith Williams, Consiliarium Group, LLC
2020/21 over 50 • Jay McHarg, AeroSafe Global
2020/21 under 50 • Jill Knittel, JK Executive Strategies, LLC
2019 over 50 • Greg Vangellow, RW Dake Construction
2019 under 50 • Nicole Mahoney, Break The Ice Media
2018 over 50 • Timothy Fournier, Conifer Realty, LLC
2018 under 50 • Abby Reinhard, GP Flooring Solutions
2017 over 50 • Steve Carl, Operation Brain Freeze
2017 under 50 • Traci Adolph, Samson Fuel
2016 over 50 • Cyndi Weis, Breathe Yoga & Juice Bar, Inc.
2016 under 50 • Michael Pavia, Sydor Technologies LLC
2015 over 50 • Ken Rosenfeld, eHealth Technologies
2015 under 50 • Mike & Sitima Fowler, Capstone Information Technologies, Inc.
2014 over 50 • Robert Healy, LaBella Associates, DPC
2014 under 50 • Michelle Ashby, Tipping Point Communications
2013 over 50 • Mark E. Davitt, ConServe
2013 under 50 • Amy Castronova, Novatek Communications, Inc.
2012 over 50 • Ray Isaac, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
2012 under 50 • John Ford Nichols, The Nichols Team
2011 over 50 • Sharon Napier, Partners & Napier
2011 under 50 • Mark Gentile, Odyssey Software
2010 • Eli Futerman, Dan Chessin, Hahn Automotive
2009 • Tom Bonadio, The Bonadio Group
2008 • Kenton Fiske, SenDEC Corporation
2007 • Richard Kaplan, Pictometry International Corp.
2006 • Joe Klein, Klein Steel
2005 • Jim Hammer, Hammer Packaging
2004 • Linda Yaniszewski, ExecuScribe
2003 • Chris S. McVicker, The Flanders Group
2002 • Steven B. Sauer, Business Methods, Inc.
2001 • Lauren Dixon, Dixon Schwabl Advertising, Inc.
2000 • Kenneth McAlpin, McAlpin Industries, Inc.
1999 • Sarah Jane Clifford, The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, Inc.
1998 • Nicholas Juskiw, Trident Precision Manufacturing, Inc.
1997 • Robert T. Tobin, Tobin & Associates
1996 • David Christa, Christa Construction
1995 • James Isaac, Isaac Heating and Cooling
1994 • Richard J. Dorschel, The Dorschel Automotive Group
1993 • I.C. Shah, ICS Telecom Inc.
1992 • Robert “Bud” Frame, Trillium Group
1991 • John (Dutch) Summers, Jasco Tools
1990 • Betty Perkins Carpenter
1989 • C. S. “Chic” Lewis
1988 • Robert Sperandio, Sporting Dog Specialties
1987 • Wayne Scheible, Flower City Printing
1986 • Jane Pitt, JP Associates
1985 • Matthew Augustine, Eltrex Industries
1984 • Charlotte Hegedus
1983 • Robert Hall
2024 SBC OF ROCHESTER
GOLF SCRAMBLE
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Cobblestone Creek Country Club
10:00 AM Shotgun Start
Finish off a great golf summer with the SBC’s annual golf scramble and happy hour. Enjoy networking with fellow members and help SBC Cares support Hope Hall School.
Special Guest Speaker •
Dan Mason General Manager of The Rochester Red Wings
The 2024 baseball season will mark Dan’s 35th season with the Rochester Red Wings and his 30th as the club’s General Manager. Dan is a Webster, NY native, a 1985 graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School and a 1989 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. With an undeniable calling into sports, he grew from an unpaid intern with the Red Wings into the youngest GM in Triple-A ball.
Under Dan’s direction, the Rochester Red Wings have been nationally honored for their high-level, consistent performance (Ongoing Excellence Award), long-standing excellence of ballpark and front office operations (Ballpark Digest, the Baseball America Triple-A Bob Freitas Award) , and in recognition of outstanding promotions (Larry MacPhail Award). Dan has been honored three times as International League Executive of the Year: 1996, 1997 and 2012. He is the past president of the Rochester Press Radio Club and a former board member of McQuaid Jesuit High School, Hillside Family of Agencies and Compeer.
1. Build Food Boxes: rally your company to build food boxes containing the requested items, including including a $25 gift card to ALDI, Tops, Walmart, or Wegmans with each box and/or
2. Buy a Box: make a monetary donation of a minimum of $50 to cover the approximate cost of one food box (though a donation of any amount is appreciated)
3. Volunteer Your Time: to pick up or distribute food boxes Visit
Community•Partnerships
The Small Business Council is excited to present its Community Partnership awards to three organizations in Greater Rochester that will use this donation in an impactful way to help small businesses thrive in our community.
To be considered, organizations must work with small businesses in the Greater Rochester nine-county region, have demonstrated success in assisting small businesses by delivering premier programs that promote business growth in the Greater Rochester region, align with the SBC guiding principles of connecting, caring, celebrating, coaching, and community. Organizations focusing on supporting MWBEs or other disenfranchised small business owners are preferred for this award.
We are excited to announce our three 2024 Community Partnership award recipients who will be presented with an $8,000 donation from the SBC Cares program and the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.
KIVA Rochester
Kiva provides crowdfunded business loans of $1,000$15,000 at 0% interest and with no fees for businesses in the City of Rochester.
RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (CUE) helps to reshape the regional economy and build wealth within the urban community by being a hub for urban entrepreneurial programs and research.
Urban League of Rochester
The mission of the Urban League of Rochester is to enable African-Americans, Latinxs, the poor, and other disadvantaged to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power, and civil rights.
To learn more about the Community Partnership Awards and submit your organization for consideration in 2025, please contact Cassidy Franklin at Cassidy.Franklin@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.
BUSINESSES WITH Under 25 Employees•
Nita Brown Owner/Founder Mansawear
Jeremiah Gryczka Founder & CEO
Mountain House Media
Pauly Guglielmo CEO Craft Cannery
Michele Nichols President Launch Team, Inc.
Chris Sekula Owner
Sekula’s Precision Painting
Mark Siwiec CEO
Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec and Associates
Dr. Mary Vadas Owner
Towne & Country Eyecare
Mansawear owner and fashion designer Nita Brown was born in Ghana. As the daughter of a diplomat, she left for her first overseas trip at the age of seven, traveling to the Czech Republic. Brown completed her secondary schooling in Ghana, received a B.A. in History from Columbia University and an M.B.A. in International Management from Georgetown University. She speaks Ashanti (Twi) and French.
Mansawear designs classic silhouettes and pairs them with modern fabrics. The brand’s garments provide unique elegance and the process is simple. You select a style from her collection of modern classics -- dresses, jackets, coats, tops, and more -- choose from the 100’s of colorful, quality cotton fabrics, and four weeks later you receive a garment made expressly for you. Mansawear’s sophisticated, elegant and versatile garments which are timeless and can be worn for multiple occasions.
Mansawear is a permanent fixture at Rochester Fashion Week, where Brown debuts each year’s fabric and style collection. Mansawear is sold at Memorial Art Gallery’s museum shop, or at the full-fledged retail site www.Mansawear. com or in person at 367 Park Ave, Rochester. Brown and Mansawear have been featured in numerous media outlets including, the Rochester Business Journal, The Democrat & Chronicle, PBS local affiliate WXXI’s Tailor Made: The Story of Rochester’s Garment Industry, Chanel 8 CBS’s Be Inspired Show, Spectrum News and twice on News 10 NBC’s Spotlight segment.
Prior to Mansawear, Brown founded Red Sandal Tours, an educational tour company the conducted tours to Brazil, Dominica, Ghana, South Africa and The Sea Islands. Her Ghana tour was nationally acclaimed by National Geographic Traveler magazine in its 50 Tours of a Lifetime Survey.
Brown is an avid runner and traveler. She has lived or work on all 5 continents. She sits on the board of Borinquen Dance Theater, and raises funds for building and supporting schools and hospitals for the FST Sisters, a community of nuns based in Ghana. She is active member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, where she served on Parish Council and now assists as a lector and communion minister.
JEREMIAH GRYCZKA a
Founder & CEO
Mountain House Media
NITA BROWN f
Jeremiah Gryczka is an award-winning commercial producer, director, and entrepreneur.
Since Founding Mountain House Media in 2017, the company has become a leader in emerging production technology, such as virtual production, high-speed video, and motion control. Working with brands like Ticket Master, Mountain Dew, Cracker Jacks, Doritos, the PGA, NFL, and Bleacher Report. Born in Syracuse, NY, Jeremiah has lived, worked, and grown his business in Rochester, NY, since attending the Rochester Institute of Technology; graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeremiah is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing and hiking.
PAULY GUGLIELMO n
CEO
Craft Cannery
Paul “Pauly” Guglielmo is the CEO of Craft Cannery, founder of Guglielmo Sauce, and a partner at Red Bird Market in Fairport.
Having honed his communication skills as a former longtime radio host, Pauly ventured into the world of bottling sauces and dressings with Craft Cannery. From local gems to beloved national brands, his company has become a go-to for businesses seeking top-quality bottling services dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams. By providing an affordable entry point and minimizing start-up challenges, Pauly is empowering others to bring their visions to life.
Beyond his business ventures, Pauly actively contributes to his community. As the current President of Rochester Rotary, Vice Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, and a board member of Rochester Broadway Theater League and St. Ann’s Foundation, he is committed to making a positive impact. Additionally, Pauly serves on the BOCES Batavia Culinary Advisory Board and is a proud member of The Italian Civic League.
At home, Pauly finds joy in his family life. Residing in Brighton with his wife, Ryann, and their 5-year-old son Leo, they eagerly await the arrival of Baby #2 in November.
As owner and president of Launch Team, Inc., Michele leads a team that helps tech companies compete and grow. Launch Team provides marketing strategy, change management and go-to-market strategy for companies looking to grow sales, launch new products, roll out transformation programs, enter new markets, and create competitive advantage. With a 20 year track record of helping companies meet short and longterm growth targets, Michele consults with companies in the US and internationally and guides in the implementation of those strategies.
MICHELE NICHOLS r President Launch Team, Inc.
Chris Sekula founded Sekula’s Precision Painting in 2017, igniting a journey of remarkable growth. Under his leadership, the company steadily grew into a million-dollar enterprise as of last year, side-by-side with his growing real estate portfolio, a testament to his astute business acumen and dedication. Securing pivotal contracts with esteemed institutions like Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester, and Seymour Public Library, Chris positioned the company as a trusted name in the industry, allowing Sekula’s Precision Painting to expand service areas to include Buffalo while upholding core employee culture values.
Yet, beyond business success, Chris exemplifies commitment to family values and community service. When he’s not bringing his children to sports practices or coaching teams himself, his Painting for Patriots campaign underscores his patriotism and support for veterans, while annual sponsorships to youth sports programs reflect his investment in the next generation. He also sits on the board of the Pittsford Chamber of Commerce, investing his time to encourage local business growth.
Chris Sekula’s story embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial resilience and community stewardship. From humble beginnings to transforming his venture into a thriving enterprise, he continues to leave an indelible mark on both the business landscape and the lives of those he serves.
MARK SIWIEC r
CEO Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec
and Associates
CHRIS SEKULA l
Owner
Sekula’s Precision Painting
Mark Siwiec, the CEO and Broker of Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec and Associates, has been a leading figure in the Rochester real estate market for over 30 years. Since 1991, his success has been built on honesty, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. This dedication led to over $92 million in sales last year, with nearly 81% of this volume coming from referrals by previous clients. A proud Rochester resident for 40 years, Mark is deeply connected to his community. He has contributed time and money to local philanthropic organizations for over 25 years, often chairing boards or gala events to enhance the city’s vibrancy. Mark enjoys spending time at his weekend residence on Keuka Lake, where he cherishes moments with friends, dining al fresco in the summer, or enjoying a fine wine by the fire in the winter. Mark believes that his professional and personal lives are intertwined, both reflecting his personal integrity. With a career spanning over three decades and generating more than a billion dollars in business, he values the friendships made along the way and his commitment to making Rochester a better place to live.
DR. MARY VADAS q
Owner
Towne & Country Eyecare
Dr. Mary Vadas is a graduate of St John’s school in Spencerport, Cardinal Mooney High School, Niagara University and the New England College of Optometry in Boston. Aside from travels during her studies, she has been a lifelong resident of Spencerport. Now the Dr. and her husband have 3 children and have returned home to stay.
Towne & Country Eyecare Associates is a local, independently owned optometrist office located just West of Rochester. Dr Mary Vadas opened the practice in December 1998, which started in a small space along the canal in the village of Spencerport. In 2003, the practice moved to its current location at 2277 South Union Street.
These leaders rose to the challenge
Congratulations to the 2024 Business Person of the Year Award nominees! Thank you for your visionary leadership in shaping a brighter economic future for Greater Rochester. JPMorganChase celebrates your remarkable achievements.
Congratulations to all the Business Person of the Year finalists!
BUSINESSES WITH 25 or More Employees•
John Baker Owner
Cheesy Eddie’s
Mike Baker CEO and Co-Founder
RocNet Supply, Inc.
Jonathan Prince CEO Coast Professional, Inc.
DeMarco Reed CEO
Patrick Spotless Cleaning, LLC
Alex Whitaker CEO & Co-Founder
Tri Tower Telecom Corporation
John Baker is the owner of Cheesy Eddie’s Bakery, a vibrant small business in the city of Rochester. While John’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, he is best known for his commitment to his family,(wife, Colleen and children, Stephen and Carly) his deep care for others, and a fearless love of adventure. (ask him about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro)
John obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science from Geneseo in 1983 and entered the workforce in the field of sales. He quickly made his mark as he naturally understood that success in sales is really about building genuine relationships with two key pillars–trustworthiness and reliability. He became the first person in Upstate NY to receive the Northeast Rookie of the Year award in 1984. Throughout his sales career, John consistently soared as a top performer, earning President’s Club recognition multiple years. In 1989 Baker joined Merkel Donohue, where he continued to excel through account development, and then managing major accounts and overseeing pivotal projects, for close to 25 years.
In 2003, John’s long held dream materialized when he acquired the bakery. For the first decade of ownership, John made the strategic determination to continue his sales career in order to allow Cheesy Eddie’s to strategically grow. His tireless commitment and energetic leadership have propelled the business to grow tenfold since 2003. Cheesy Eddie’s continues to be a true Rochester tradition, reliable and trustworthy.
John can not be seen apart from his desire and ability to serve others. This is evidenced by a distinct care for each member of his team and Cheesy Eddie’s dedication to give a minimum of 10% of annual profits each year in support of numerous local charitable initiatives.
MIKE BAKER b
JOHN BAKER ag
Owner
Cheesy Eddie’s
Mike Baker is the CEO and Co-Founder of RocNet Supply, a network solutions provider for fiber and broadband internet service providers. He founded RocNet with Peter Wells in 2014, starting with just cell phones and laptops around a dining room table. Their mission was clear: help independent internet service providers deliver high-speed internet using secondary market hardware solutions. Under Mike’s leadership, RocNet now serves over 500 customers in 30 countries, from global telecommunications leaders to small-town cable companies.
Beyond RocNet, Mike supports local organizations focused on community service. He chairs the Rochester arm of David’s Refuge, aiding caretakers of children with special needs, and sits on the boards of Camp Stomping Ground, promoting empathy and self-direction for children, and the RBC, which supports local charities through its annual golf tournament.
Mike has received numerous awards, including 40 Under 40, Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, Rochester Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, and Inc. Best Workplaces.
He lives in Pittsford, NY with his wife Courtney and their daughters Clara and Elsie. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, golfing, attending Phish concerts, and spending time on the water with his family.
JONATHAN PRINCE r CEO Coast
Professional, Inc.
Jonathan (Jon) Prince, Chief Executive Officer of Coast Professional, Inc. (Coast), is an esteemed leader with over 23 years of experience in the call center and accounts receivable management industry. Having started his career as an entrylevel employee, Jon has applied key lessons from each stage of his career to his leadership approach. His role as a leader is to guide with experience, allow space for autonomy, and support his team through challenges.
Jon is responsible for the strategic direction of Coast, overseeing processes across all locations, and providing leadership at all levels. He directs, administers, and coordinates internal activities, focusing on optimizing day-to-day operations. Jon also contributes his expertise to the management of several large-scale contracts with governmental clients.
Jon aspires to leave a legacy of growth and resilience, particularly highlighting the company’s ability to adapt and thrive during the pandemic. Under his leadership, Coast achieved numerous accolades, including five consecutive Training Magazine’s Apex Awards, BBB Torch Award for Ethics, and Best Places to Work in Collections Awards. His commitment to culture, compliance, and transparency is reflected in every decision.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jon values family above all, dedicating his personal time to his wife and two children.
DeMarco Reed is the founder and CEO of Patrick Spotless Cleaning, LLC. He started his cleaning business in the summer of 2021 and decided to name his company after his oldest brother who is no longer with us; may God rest his soul. DeMarco has always had a passion for cleaning and has loved to clean since he a child. Having four other siblings in the house growing up, they all had shared days of who does what around the house, but his mother only liked it when he cleaned.
DeMarco started off working for another small commercial cleaning crew in 2007-2014 which gave him the experience he has today. He wishes to thank them for the opportunity. This experience got him far and opened a lot of doors. DeMarco has also partnered with other entrepreneurs who helped build his business to become a success. The Patrick Spotless Cleaning team takes pride in cleaning, and satisfying customers is their number one priority. They also have one of the highest-paying cleaning companies in Upstate NY.
DEMARCO REED e
Alex Whitaker is the co-founder and CEO of Tri Tower Telecom, a nationally recognized network hardware provider specializing in Supply Chain Continuity and Customized Asset Recovery Services. Since co-founding the company in 2009, Tri Tower Telecom has achieved multiple recognitions from the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100, as well as America’s Inc 5000.
Alex’s commitment to civic duty and philanthropy is a testament to the values instilled in him during his upbringing. His contributions to our community were honored in 2023 when he and his father received the Multi-Generational Award from the Association Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter. His commitment to community service is further reflected in his role as the 1st Vice Chair of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies’ Board of Trustees, his participation in the Al Sigl Governance Committee, his leadership in the Strategic Planning Task Force, and his representation on the Board of Center Information Services. Alex is a member of RIT’s College of Telecommunications Industrial Advisory Board and active with the Al Sigl/RIT Access Technology projects.
ALEX WHITAKER b
CEO & Co-Founder Tri Tower Telecom Corporation
His dedication to community development is further demonstrated by his engagement with the City of Rochester’s Talented Tenth Program.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys just about any sport with a racquet (especially squash), spending time with his wife, and visiting their four children on college campuses and in cities across the country.
Past Finalists & Winners Circle ★
Russ Schwartzbeck
SFG Wealth Management
2022 Award Finalist
QWhat has been your professional journey since being recognized at the Business Person of the Year Awards?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such an incredible group of people from the Rochester area. Our business has continued to grow and evolve, and I’m so proud of our firm and where we are going. We continue to help our financial planning clients live the life they want to live.
AWhat advice would you give to those aspiring to join this elite group of business leaders?
Be a sponge – learn and absorb as much as you can. Get to know leaders in our area and ask them questions. Believe in yourself. And read, read, read!
Abby Reinhard
GP Flooring Solutions
2018 Award Winner Q
What has been your professional journey since being recognized at the Business Person of the Year Awards?
GP Flooring has continued to grow at an amazing pace, and we’ve worked hard to scale up with great people and systems to sustain the growth and maintain our company culture. In 2024 we were named one of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in New York.
We’ve expanded our scope of offerings — if you walk on it, we do it. We have locations in Buffalo and New York City now, in addition to our headquarters in Gates, where we moved in 2019. I’m so proud of our team, which lives by our core values.
Our industry is tackling sustainability issues, and I’ve gotten involved in helping to advance solutions, including by serving on the board of the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). I also joined the board of the Builders Exchange of Rochester, served on its strategic planning committee, and I chair its government relations committee. I also served a four-year term on the board of Fuse Commercial Flooring Alliance and currently serve as a board advisor. I enjoy getting involved in industry-related leadership.
AWhat advice would you give to those aspiring to join this elite group of business leaders?
Take risks you can afford, if your logic, gut, and heart are all telling you the same thing. Also, have a high bar for the quality of people around you.
Hear success stories and advice from some of our past Business Person of the Year Award winners and finalists
Keith Williams Consiliarium Group, LLC 2022 Award Winner
QWhat has been your professional journey since being recognized at the Business Person of the Year Awards?
In the two years since I was so fortunate to be honored with this award, Consiliarium Group has continued to experience tremendous growth in both revenue and profitability. I am very grateful to continue to lead our wonderful team and work with incredible customers across all industries. I continue to learn and be a student of the game, strive to be a better leader, and am even more passionate about competing and improving. This was an individual award, but it affirmed all of the hard work by the CG team and support from my family that made it possible.
AWhat advice would you give to those aspiring to join this elite group of business leaders?
Embrace and practice servant leadership which has been fundamental to my approach to life both in and out of business. Focus on helping your customers and your colleagues to achieve their goals versus focusing only on your own goals. Make integrity a core value of your business. Remember that it is our responsibility to give our time, talent and treasure back to the community that gives so much to us. The best leaders are constantly striving to become the best version of themselves while mentoring others to do the same to reach their own potential.
CONNECTING CARING CELEBRATING
