David Karandish, CEO, Answers
WINNER – Communications David Karandish CEO Answers The world’s largest provider of questions and answers can trace its origins back to an old computer that was about to be thrown in the trash. David Karandish received the computer that had been discarded from his father’s business and used it to discover the power of computer […]
Ryan J. Blair, CEO, ViSalus Sciences
Winner, Consumer Products Ryan Blair’s life is an open book, literally. His story of graduating from the life of a gang member to that of a millionaire is portrayed in The New York Times best-seller titled, “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I went from Gang Member to Millionaire Entrepreneur.” Blair is the co-founder […]
Don Charlton, Founder and CEO, The Resumator
FINALIST / TECHNOLOGY In 2009, software designer Don Charlton became involved with AlphaLab, a Pittsburgh-based business start-up accelerator program. At AlphaLab, Charlton had an idea for an HR software program, and with a $25,000 investment from the program, The Resumator was born. Shortly thereafter, Charlton was approached by a potential customer who then became The […]
Carol Craig, founder, president, CEO and CFO, Craig Technologies
FINALIST – TECHNOLOGY Carol Craig founder, president, CEO and CFO Craig Technologies Carol Craig has never let anything stand in the way of achieving her goals and leads by example. After graduating from college and despite a fear of flying, Craig joined the U.S. Navy. She flew the P-3 Orion aircraft, which utilized the cockpit […]
Patrick Daly, President and CEO, Cohera Medical Inc.
FINALIST / HEALTH SCIENCES In 2005, Patrick Daly made the decision to leave Ethicon Endo-Surgery and moved his wife and family from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh to accept the position of president and CEO with Cohera Medical Inc. At that time, Cohera was a virtual company that was based on a novel medical device technology developed […]
Xuecang Geng Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Blatek Inc.
WINNER / TECHNOLOGY When Dr. Xuecang Geng took over as the vice president and chief scientific officer at Blatek Inc., the company was in the midst of financial troubles. Shortly after Dr. Geng arrived, the company had to endure a round of layoffs. With Blatek at a low point, Dr. Geng decided to renew his […]
Mike Manclark, CEO, Leading Edge Aviation Services
FINALIST – Business Services Mike Manclark CEO Leading Edge Aviation Services After observing the booming auto detailing industry, Mike Manclark thought if it was a great business for cars, it might be just as popular for aircraft, too. He was right. Manclark founded Leading Edge Aviation Services Inc. in 1989 with a borrowed truck and […]
Steven A. MacDonald, chairman and CEO, myMatrixx
FINALIST – SERVICES Steven A. MacDonald chairman and CEO myMatrixx In the paper-filled industry of worker’s compensation, technology is a slow adaptation. Steven A. MacDonald looked to enhance the customer experience through technology and was a pioneer for his time after co-founding a business to meet those needs. However, after working to build up his […]
Kevin and Carole Chase, Chase Plastic Services Inc.
Winner, Distribution As the head of Chase Plastic Services Inc., Kevin Chase has always been an entrepreneur at heart. The principles and discipline he brings to the office permeate the company’s culture and energize his workforce as they work toward common goals. Together with his wife Carole, they framed their vision in a manner so […]
David Overton, chairman and CEO, The Cheesecake Factory Inc.
Winner – Food Services David Overton co-founded The Cheesecake Factory with his parents, Evelyn and Oscar Overton. The chairman and CEO created the company’s namesake restaurant to showcase his mother’s unique desserts and opened the first The Cheesecake Factory restaurant in 1978 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Overton has grown the company from its mom-andpop roots […]