Parker Burross
Here they are: the 14 Entrepreneurs of Excellence Award winners. Front row, from left, Courtney Crawford, Jennifer Johns, Ashli Blumenfeld, Sandra McGlothlin, Christie Moore, Vicki Nivens, Alex Klinedinst, Benson Varghese, and Fort Worth Inc. publisher Hal Brown. Back row, from left, Jason Tinley, Robert Johns, Tyson Collins, Bradley Bruce, Ben Rosenthal, Ken Schaefer, John Zimmerman, and Bryan Braswell.
Forty-two fantastic entrepreneurs and their guests were feted Thursday at the ninth Fort Worth Inc. Entrepreneur of Excellence gala, held at the storied Fort Worth Club.
The grilled filet mignon was spot on. The Maker’s Mark indeed made a mark. Thank you to the Fort Worth Club where more memories were made on Seventh Street. The club is celebrating 100 years on Seventh Street.
Of course, our boys from Four Day Weekend didn’t miss a punchline.
Those guys even broke a little news, uncovering a bit of chemistry between an Entrepreneur of Excellence winner and her date. That’s no mere social companion. Christie Moore says that’s her beau. The emcees also made a star out of Debbie, who is in control as controller of Schaefer Advertising Co.
A big thank you to presenting sponsor Whitley Penn. Texas Capital served as the Platinum Sponsor; Phelps was the Gold Sponsor; and Fort Worth icon Justin Boot Co. returned is Boot Sponsor.
Founded in 2017, Fort Worth Inc.’s Entrepreneur of the Year program has celebrated the region’s most visionary business leaders for nine years. The program honors innovators whose ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit have reshaped industries, built community, and strengthened Fort Worth’s economic future.
This year’s entrepreneurs span commercial and residential construction, consumer and durable goods, health care and life sciences, hospitality, private equity, professional services, real estate, and three up-and-coming companies. Ultimately, 14 were presented Entrepreneur of Excellence Awards.
To qualify, the entrepreneur’s company must be located in greater Fort Worth; have been in business for at least two years; have a minimum of $2 million in gross sales. (For Up-and-Coming applications, they must have $1 million in gross sales.) And the applicant must be actively involved in managing the company
On Thursday, we celebrated those founders who bootstrapped their dreams from scratch or raised capital to scale their ideas.
And there simply is no better place to do this than the Fort Worth Club, where the spirit of Fort Worth’s legendary entrepreneur, Amon Carter, still echoes through the halls.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.
Join us next year, why don’t you? It’s a blast.
Parker Burross
David Wilk and Four Day Weekend had us in stitches.
What Was for Dinner
Salad
Artisan Greens, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrot, Red Onion, Herb Balsamic Vinaigrette
Entrée
Grilled Filet Mignon with Rogue River Blue Cheese Crust, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Horseradish Creamed Spinach, Grilled Vegetables, Red Wine Demi
Dessert
Chocolate Mousse Cake with Caramel Center