Congratulations to our Small Business of the Year Finalists! Check them out below:
Outstanding Leader:
Nick Friedman – College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving
Mike Harting – 3 Daughters Brewing
Doug Pace – Stonehill
Startup of the Year:
Small Business of the Year (5-20 Employees):
Digital South Communications, Inc
Small Business of the Year (21-50 Employees):
MidFlorida Armored & ATM Services
Small Business of the Year (51-250 Employees):
2018 Small Business of the Year Pictures
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, September 13 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. More than 600 attendees celebrated the accomplishments of Tampa Bay’s small business community and toasted the evening’s big winners.
This year’s event was presented by Adcock Financial Group and Warren Averett and represents the 38th year the Chamber has recognized this key segment of the region’s economy. Small business awards were presented in three categories based on the number of employees and a fourth business category honoring a startup company. Companies are evaluated on financial success, community involvement and ethical business practices. An award was also presented to the Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year.
The 2018 Small Business of the Year Award winners are:
Outstanding Leader: Brian Butler, Vistra Communications
Brian Butler is the president and CEO of Vistra, an integrated marketing, communications and consulting agency. A retired Army Officer, Brian has significant leadership and communications expertise. He commanded troops in combat and served as spokesperson for an Army Secretary, on the communications team for a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and on the Homeland Security Council in the White House. With his years of leadership experience and now as a small business owner for 11 years, Brian helps others develop strategies to achieve their dreams.
Startup: Tampa Laundry Company, LLC
Tampa Laundry Company is a full-service laundry company open 24 hours/day. They offer self-service laundry machines, wash dry fold, dry cleaning, residential pick-up and delivery services, and commercial laundry and linen rental. As a 100% minority-owned business, they are committed to hiring minorities as well as giving employees opportunities to advance within the growing company.
5–20 Employees: My Paper Pusher LLC
My Paper Pusher relieves the burden of bookkeeping by assembling a team of talented accounting professionals to provide affordable access to the expertise that leaders require to run successful, growing organizations. They create and follow step-by-step procedures customized for each client to ensure accuracy and that bookkeeping never skips a beat if someone gets sick or goes on vacation.
21–50 Employees: Rivero, Gordimer & Co., P.A.
Rivero, Gordimer & Company is a full-service CPA firm that offers accounting services, audit and assurance, valuation and advisory, and tax services. Their highly qualified professionals establish long-term, year-round business relationships with their clients, which allows them to anticipate client needs by perceiving potential problems before they occur and offering workable solutions.
51–250 Employees: Seal Swim School
Seal Swim School operates a year-round learn to swim program that focuses on water safety, early and continuous swim lessons, and a whole lot of fun. They currently teach over five-thousand lessons per week, emphasizing responsible swimming for the entire family. Seal Swim School’s goal is to produce happy, skilled, and safer swimmers while building self-esteem and creating a love for the water.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by Adcock Financial Group and Warren Averett to be held on Thursday, September 13 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. These awards highlight the impact of small business on the community and celebrate the achievements of the best of the best in Tampa Bay.
Small business awards will be presented in three categories based on the number of employees, with a fourth category specifically for startup companies. Companies are evaluated on operational management, community involvement and ethical business practices. The finalists for the four company awards and the Outstanding Leader award include:
Outstanding Leader
Brian Butler, Vistra Communications
Dr. Randy Feldman, DDS, MS, Blue Wave Dental Group
Julia MacGregor, Global Safety Management
Michelle Turman, Catalyst Consulting Services
Startup
Riverside Recovery
Stonehill
Tampa Laundry
Tomlin St Cyr
Valhalla Resale
5-20 Employees
Brannock & Humphries
Marketing Posse
My Paper Pusher
Schifino Lee
Tampa Bay Club Sports
21-50 Employees
Ayanna Plastics & Engineering Inc.
Dobler Consulting
Global Safety Management
Rivero, Gordimer & Company
51-250 Employees
Arma Aviation
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Lukos LLC
Quiet Professionals, LLC.
Seal Swim School
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the semifinalists for the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by Adcock Financial Group and Warren Averett to be held on Thursday, September 13 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. These awards highlight the impact of small business on the community and celebrate the achievements of the best of the best in Tampa Bay.
Small business awards will be presented in three categories based on the number of employees, with a fourth category specifically for startup companies. Companies are evaluated on operational management, community involvement and ethical business practices. The semifinalists for the four company awards and finalists for the Outstanding Leader award include:
Startup
KLIKFIT
Riverside Recovery of Tampa
Stonehill
Tampa Carry
Tampa Laundry Company, LLC
Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services
Valhalla Resale, Inc.
Yellowtail Realty Advisors
5-20 Employees
Brannock & Humphries
CBK Catering & Events
My Paper Pusher LLC
Perfect Pets
Schifino Lee
Seventh Avenue Apothecary
Tampa Bay Club Sport
Terra Incognita Ecotours
The Marketing Posse LLC
Water Walker Investments
21-50 Employees
Ayanna Plastics & Engineering, Inc.
Dobler Consulting
Global Safety Management
Peerfit
Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A.
51-250 Employees
ARMA Aviation Corporation
Happy Feet Plus
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Lukos, LLC
Quiet Professionals, LLC
Seal Swim School
Outstanding Leader Finalists
Brian Butler, Vistra Communications
Dr. Randy Feldman, DDS, MS,Blue Wave Dental Group
Julia MacGregor, Global Safety Management
Michelle Turman, Catalyst Consulting Services
The winners will be announced at the event on September 13. For more details on the Small Business of the Year Awards, please visit www.tampachamber.com.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2017 Small Business of the Year Awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, October 18, at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. More than 600 attendees celebrated the accomplishments of Tampa Bay’s small business community and toasted the evening’s big winners.
This year’s event was presented by BB&T and Frazier & Deeter and represents the 37th year the Chamber has recognized this key segment of the region’s economy. Small business awards were presented in three categories based on the number of employees and a fourth business category honoring a startup company. Companies are evaluated on financial success, community involvement and ethical business practices. An award was also presented to the Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year.
The 2017 Small Business of the Year Award winners are:
Outstanding Leader: Vincent J. Cassidy, President & CEO, Majesty Title Services, LLC
Over the last decade, Vince Cassidy has built Majesty Title Services, LLC from the ground up. He is unwavering in his determination to execute his vision and grow the firm. Vincent is the backbone of the organization and selflessly gives of himself to his team and community. Majesty Title Services, LLC is a full-service Title & Settlement Agency, headquartered in Tampa. Their mission is to provide the finest, most innovative title solutions in the industry.
Startup: VetCor LLC
VetCor LLC is a restoration company that solves water and mold damage challenges in commercial and residential properties. They differentiate themselves by primarily deploying former members of the U.S. military as service technicians. Their mission is to provide exceptional service to customers and provide great value to their corporate partners, while creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for our Nation’s Heroes – Sustaining a Legacy of Service!
5–20 Employees: Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, PA
For over 34 years, Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, PA has provided first class, client-centered legal services in every area of complex family law. With a team of fourteen, they provide concierge-type legal services specializing in complex family law issues, including divorce litigation and collaborative processes, premarital and post-marital agreements, cohabitation agreements, paternity, custody and parental responsibility, alimony, child support, and post-judgment modifications.
21–50 Employees: Davis Industrial
Davis Industrial, formerly BMG Conveyor Services of Florida, is an industrial services company that specializes in conveyor maintenance, metal fabrication, and power transmission. Acquired in 2008 with three employees, they now have two facilities located in the Palm River area that house their operations with 32 full time employees. On February 2, 2017, they re-branded as Davis Industrial to fully encompass their ever-growing product offering and service capabilities.
51–250 Employees: NewSouth Window Solutions
NewSouth Window Solutions custom manufactures, sells and installs high performance, energy efficient windows and doors with hurricane impact options. NewSouth has grown to be a force in the Florida window and door market. There are two divisions in which their factory brings products to the consumer. The retail division is factory direct to homeowners for replacement projects. The commercial division, Doers Window, manufactures and installs windows and doors to the multi-family market: apartments, hotels, assisted living facilities and student housing.
Due to the expected impact of Hurricane Irma on our region, we are postponing our 2017 Small Business of the Year Awards scheduled for Friday, September 8th at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. We apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause, but community safety is our priority.
With the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County declaring states of emergencies, we further believe it is critical to allow time for you, your employees, event sponsors and chamber staff to take the level of action they feel appropriate to protect their families.
Please visit http://flvbeoc.org/index.php for business preparation resources. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit https://www.volunteerflorida.org/. Follow @AlertTampa on Twitter for real time updates on Hurricane Irma.
SBOY is now scheduled for October 18th. All registrations will be honored for the new date.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating our small businesses on October 18th!
Hannah’s Shoebox
Hannah’s Shoebox is an online company that sells age-appropriate shoes to girls who wear women’s sizes. The company has donated hundreds of shoes to local charities and sells shoes to non-profits at a reduced rate to assist with providing shoes for girls in our local communities.
Sharpline Investigations, LLC
Sharpline Investigations, LLC provides professional investigative services to small businesses and personal injury attorneys throughout the state of Florida. They believe in giving back to our veterans and do so by volunteering and supporting Operation Helping Hands, K9 Partners for Patriots, and Mission BBQ.
Stravino Penrod Search Partners
Stravino Penrod Search Partners is a boutique recruiting firm focused on finding top tier accounting and finance talent for companies primarily in the Tampa Bay area. They stay involved in the community by supporting causes important to their clients and candidates. In May, they are supporting a candidate who lost her mother to Cancer by participating in Miles for Moffitt.
Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services
In less than one year, Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services has grown from launching the business to being in the top 5% of producing brokers in Hillsborough County. The owners and employees believe they have a social responsibility to benefit society at large in Tampa Bay, and their contributions include Meals on Wheels, Boys and Girls Club, Junior Achievement, and more.
VetCor LLC
Vetcor Services is a restoration company that solves water and mold damage problems in commercial and residential properties. They differentiate themselves by primarily employing former members of the U.S. military as their service technicians.
Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation
Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation is a studio offering about 100 classes and workshops a week ranging from beginners to advanced hot yoga. They host the largest annual free yoga class in Central Florida, Rock Asana. Approximately 1,000 students joined them in Curtis Hixon Park for the event this year.
C&K Architects | Interiors, Inc.
C&K Architects | Interiors, Inc. is a Tampa-based firm with over 55 years of providing services in Commercial Architecture. Interior Design, and Client Services both within the Tampa Bay area and nationwide. C&K is a founding member of the Tampa Branch of the US Green Building Council
Loupin Construction
Loupin Construction was founded in 2010 with the goal to become the preferred builder of choice in the Tampa Bay community. Their vision is to build on integrity, honesty, professionalism, cutting-edge project management, technology, and the highest quality workmanship.
Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, PA
For over 34 years, Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta has provided first class, client-centered legal services in every area of complex family law. They volunteer firm resources, people, and time to various pro bono clients and volunteer projects.
StillPoint Capital LLC
StillPoint Capital is the largest and strongest independent investment bank where securities-registered representatives conduct middle-market transactions in M&A and capital raises of debt and equity. Since inception, the company has grown by reputation only and has over 150 registered reps worldwide.
Coppertail Brewing Co
Coppertail Brewing Co is a packaging brewery and tasting room located in Ybor City. Their main charitable partner is Tampa Bay Watch. Making beer requires a lot of water, so they want to responsibly use this resource. Each year, Coppertail Brewing Co donates thousands of dollars in cash and free products to help support the mission of improving water quality and restoring the natural habitat in Tampa Bay.
Davis Industrial
Davis Industrial is an industrial services company that specializes in conveyor maintenance, metal fabrication, and power transmission. They have an in-house Community Service Task Force, and each quarter, the task force members (employees) pick out certain community service and sponsorship projects that are near and dear to their hearts.
Dobler Consulting Services
Dobler Consulting is a database and IT solutions company whose specialty is helping clients maintain business and mission-critical databases. Their team is passionate about causes that include education, the elderly, animals, and technical events. The company actively participates in hosting sponsoring, and volunteering at approximately 20 events per year.
Haneke Design
Haneke Design is a custom software development company focused on delivering user-centered solutions for connected devices. The common thread in all their community involvement is cultivating new tech projects in the start-up space and helping foster young talent to stay in Tampa to pursue their careers in tech.
Sparxoo
Sparxoo is an integrated digital marketing agency and minority-owned business. They led the rebrand for Tampa Theatre as a pro bono initiative and are proud the theatre experienced a 57% year over year (YOY) increase in attendance following the rebranding project.
Boring Business Systems, Inc.
Boring Business Systems enables organizations to better manage the flow of information and ideas by providing superior technology and processes that increase efficiency and reduce costs. They are expanding their community reach in Tampa Bay by developing further initiatives with several nonprofit community enrichment organizations, including Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Lowry Park Endowment Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, and R.I.C.H. House.
Health Insurance Innovations
Health Insurance Innovations is a leading developer and administrator of affordable, web-based individual health insurance plans and ancillary products. They have been involved in raising money and donating to multiple local charities over the years, including Starting Right Now, AMI/Kids Tampa, Sydney’s School for Autism, and Joshua House.
IT Authorities
IT Authorities is a Tampa-based Infrastructure Management & Support Organization (IMSO) serving clients throughout the United States. They host events to collect donations for Eckerd Kids and provide kids with the supplies they need to start the school year. During the holiday season each year, IT Authorities “adopts” a family from the Children’s Cancer Center. Money and toy donations are accepted to help families have the Christmas they deserve.
NewSouth Window Solutions
NewSouth Window Solutions custom manufactures, sells, and installs high performance, energy efficient windows and doors with hurricane impact options. NewSouth won a “Green Award” for their work in the state of Florida for energy efficiencies. They also offer a scholarship for college students who are committed to energy efficient ideals and practices.
Tampa Fitness Partners/Orangetheory Fitness
Tampa Fitness Partners is a franchise and franchise management company specializing in “helping people achieve their personal greatness” business. They currently “wear the disguise” of boutique style fitness studios called Orangetheory Fitness. The company’s biggest community service involvement comes from their extraordinary partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay.
Vincent J. Cassidy, President & CEO, Majesty Title Services, LLC.
Over the last 10.5 years, Vincent Cassidy has built his company from the ground up. He is unwavering in his determination to execute his vision and grow the firm. Vincent is the backbone of the organization and selflessly gives of himself to his team and community.
Topher Morrison, Managing Director, Key Person of Influence
Topher Morrison knows that a true leader creates more leaders. He proves that both internally by providing massive leadership development opportunities to his staff and by pushing clients to achieve greater levels of success every day. Topher applauds internal failures, as it is a sign that his staff is taking risks in order to innovate.
Kim O’Brien, Principal, AccountAbility Staffing
One of Kim O’Brien’s team members commented, “Kim is a fireball of energy and passionate about what she does. She pays attention and knows what’s going on with people, what they care about, and what makes them tick. That creates an environment where people trust and rely of her and also motivates them to strive to do the same themselves.”
Yesterday, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2017 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T & Frazier & Deeter CPAs and Advisors to be held on Friday, September 8 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. These awards highlight the impact of small business on the community and celebrate the achievements of the best of the best in Tampa Bay.
Small business awards will be presented in three categories based on the number of employees, with a fourth category specifically for startup companies. Companies are evaluated on operational management, community involvement and ethical business practices. The finalists for the four company awards and the Outstanding Leader award include:
| Outstanding Leader
Vincent Cassidy, Majesty Title Services, LLC Topher Morrison, Key Person of Influence Kim O’Brien, AccountAbility Staffing Startup Hannah’s Shoebox Sharpline Investigations, LLC Stravino Penrod Search Partners Tomlin St. Cyr Real Estate Services VetCor LLC 5-20 Employees Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation C&K Architects/Interiors Inc. Loupin Construction Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, PA StillPoint Capital LLC |
21-50 Employees
Coppertail Brewing Co. Davis Industrial Dobler Consulting Services Haneke Design Sparxoo 51-250 Employees Boring Business Systems, Inc. Health Insurance Innovations IT Authorities NewSouth Window Solutions Tampa Fitness Partners/Orangetheory Fitness
|
The winners will be announced at the event on September 8. For more details on the Small Business of the Year Awards, please visit www.tampachamber.com.
Earlier this week, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the semifinalists for the 2017 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T & Frazier & Deeter CPAs and Advisors to be held on Friday, September 8 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. These awards highlight the impact of small business on the community and celebrate the achievements of the best of the best in Tampa Bay.
Small business awards will be presented in three categories based on the number of employees, with a fourth category specifically for startup companies. Companies are evaluated on operational management, community involvement and ethical business practices. The semifinalists for the four company awards and finalists for the Outstanding Leader award include:
| Startup
Clearly Agile, Inc. Electus Global Education Co., Inc. Hannah’s Shoebox Mini Doughnut Factory Sharpline Investigations, LLC Stravino Penrod Search Partners Tampa Music School The Marketing Posse Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services VetCor LLC 5-20 Employees: Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation C&K Architects/Interiors, Inc. Dalton Dental Geyen Group South Inc. Key Person of Influence Loupin Construction Preschool Readers Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, PA StillPoint Capital LLC Vein911 |
21-50 Employees:
Coppertail Brewing Co. Davis Industrial Dobler Consulting Services Haneke Design NorthStar Bank Sparxoo 51-250 Employees: Boring Business Systems, Inc. College Hunks Hauling Junk Forcon International Health Insurance Innovations IT Authorities Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice NewSouth Window Solutions Nicopure Labs Quiet Professionals, LLC Tampa Fitness Partners/Orangetheory Fitness Outstanding Leader Finalists: Vincent J. Cassidy, Majesty Title Services, LLC Topher Morrison, Key Person of Influence Kim O’Brien, AccountAbility Staffing |
The winners will be announced at the event on September 8. For more details on the Small Business of the Year Awards, please visit www.tampachamber.com.
Tampa, Fla. – The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2016 Small Business of the Year Awards at a ceremony on Friday, September 16, at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. More than 550 attendees celebrated the accomplishments of Tampa Bay’s small business community and toasted the evening’s big winners.
This year’s event was presented by BB&T and Frazier & Deeter and represents the 36th year the Chamber has recognized this key segment of the region’s economy. Small business awards were presented in three categories based on the number of employees and a fourth business category honoring a startup company. Companies are evaluated on financial success, community involvement and ethical business practices. An award was also presented to the Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year.
The 2016 Small Business of the Year Award winners are:
Outstanding Leader: Maryann Ferenc, Mise en Place Hospitality
Maryann is the President & CEO of Mise en Place Hospitality Group. Over the past 30 years, Mise en Place has grown from a small catering business and gourmet carryout shop into an internationally recognized fine dining establishment and hospitality group in Tampa. Maryann leads by example. She sets high standards for the organization, and she lives and breathes those standards every day. On any given night at Mise en Place Maryann can be seen welcoming customers and if necessary, running trays of food to help the servers. She inspires the Mise Hospitality Team on a daily basis with her respect, passion, wisdom and unparalleled energy.
Startup Company: 3 Daughters Brewing
Family owned and locally operated, 3 Daughters Brewing is one of the fastest growing breweries in the state of Florida. 3 Daughters Brewing offers an interactive tasting room experience for beer lovers to try one of 60 hand crafted recipes on tap, listen to live music, enjoy family friendly games and learn about craft beer. 3 Daughters Brewing beers are sold in notable retailers such as Walt Disney World, Amalie Arena, Tropicana Field, Publix, Winn Dixie, Sam’s Club, Target, Outback Steakhouse, Hooters, Total Wine and ABC Fine Wine & Liquor.
5 – 20 Employees: Laser Locators
Laser Locators is a $7M global company that buys, sells and services new and used ophthalmic equipment, including surgical lasers, refractive lasers as well as diagnostic and surgical equipment. Located in Tampa, the staff consists of laser engineers and technicians that service the equipment at the facility or in the field. Laser Locators ships to every corner of the U.S. and has done business in over 100 countries around the world with a tremendous amount across Europe, Asia and South America.
21 – 50 Employees: Vistra Communications, LLC
Founded in 2007 as a strategic public relations and management consulting agency, Vistra Communications (Vistra) has successfully developed into a full-service communications strategy and professional solutions agency focused on providing services to corporate, government and nonprofit clients both locally and nationwide. Vistra has grown to nearly 50 team members working in the Tampa Bay area at both the North Tampa headquarters and at CENTCOM as well as in Orlando, Miami and Virginia, and is an SBA 8(a) Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
51 – 250 Employees: Yacht Starship Dining Cruises, LLC
Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises, LLC operates a fleet of 3 of the finest dining yachts in America and provides customers with an unforgettable experience that includes spectacular views, fine dining, dancing, and award winning service. Yacht StarShip operates the largest fleet of Dining Yachts in Florida and offers public and private charters, featuring weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, convention groups and social occasions. The company recently opened Pirate Water Taxi, which provides 7 days a week scheduled water taxi service to 13 locations in Downtown Tampa.
Tampa Bay Chamber 