EY annually recognizes CEOs and regional business leaders for their outstanding entrepreneurial accomplishments and major contributions to their communities.

Eight business innovators from six Minnesota companies were awarded the Entrepreneur Of The Year Heartland Award during a first-ever virtual awards gala on October 8. Seven states in the nation’s midsection make up EY’s Heartland region. Also receiving the regional award were two business leaders from two companies based in Missouri.

Executives from nine other Minnesota companies were finalists for the award, as were leaders from two businesses in Iowa and one in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Twin Cities Business profiles these accomplished business leaders in this issue, including an up-close look at the Minnesota winners, who were interviewed by TCB’s Gene Rebeck.

“There are many successful entrepreneurs in this world, but building something of long-term value that improves the way we live, work, and play takes grit, persistence, and a sense of ambition where nothing is impossible,” says Dominic Iannazzo, EY’s Heartland program co-director.
Nominees were evaluated on the following criteria: overcoming adversity, financial performance, innovation, talent management, and societal impact and commitment to building a values-based company.

Regional Judges

Henry Chang,
3M Connect

Bob Dunn,
Thompson Street Capital Partners

John Howe,
Manna Pro Products LLC

David Johnson,
Maxus Properties, Inc.

Sri Kantamneni,
Cargill Animal Nutrition’s
Digital Insights

Joe Keeley,
College Nannies, Sitters & Tutors

Cindy Koebele,
TitleSmart

Kari Rihm,
Rihm Family Companies

Tom Roos,
UnitedHealth Group

For more information on the Entrepreneur Of The Year program, contact Jim Kowitz, EY program manager: Jim.Kowitz@ey.com, 612-371-8301, or visit the program’s website.