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2018 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS
Winner Large Business of The Year 2018
J2 Solutions specializes in project performance within complex, densely occupied facilities that require the highest level of precision and professionalism. These unique projects alone set them apart from many others in their industry and, unlike most of their competitors, J2 opts to self-perform much of their work, rather than subcontracting such functions. This strategic combination resonates with their clients as roughly 80% of J2’s business comes from repeat customers: a very high figure for a construction firm! In the end, J2’s focus is to provide peace of mind in dealing with the many headaches that accompany the construction process. Much of J2’s success has been driven by the clear vision, concise goals, and central values set by the organization’s leaders. J2 sincerely values all employees while holding everyone accountable to high performance standards. The company’s leadership team recognizes that some employees may become “rockstars” – highly proficient at their specific job duties – while others may become “superstars” who look to climb the leadership ladder. Communication with employees is paramount to J2’s culture and the onboarding process for new team members includes various required reading meant to reinforce the company’s values. J2’s growing construction team is headquartered here in Venice, enabling the company to employ team members locally and give back to our community. In fact, J2 often donates their skills, talent, and knowledge in a silent fashion through their “Fixing Broken Promises” program, which is designed to help at-need community residents finish construction projects where the contractor walked away. The company’s commitment to superior performance, community service, operational efficiency, and the betterment of all employees undoubtedly distinguishes J2 Solutions as a Business of the Year recipient!
Winner Medium Business of The Year 2018
SUNCOAST BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES/RING AUTHORITY
Owners: Chuck Walker, Kevin Baylor
This year’s winner for Medium Business of the Year was selected for the following reasons (and beat out several other close candidates): The judges felt that this business is a true leader in their field. In an industry that faces incredible challenges in this day and age, this particular organization has found ways to set themselves apart from the others and lead their industry in new directions. This organization works with their clients to assist them with today’s problems, tomorrow’s challenges and whatever the future may hold. Not only are they helping their customers solve problems, but they are providing a great work environment for their employees and as they grow and expand, they continue to employ more and more individuals. The owners provide a great work environment for their employees including regular professional development, annual bonuses and flexibility so employees can manage their family priorities. This company contributes money, time and their services to many local charities and community organizations. They were extremely proactive during last year’s Hurricane Irma in making sure their clients and their families received the support they needed to get through the aftermath of the storm. This year’s Medium Business of the Year state that they “serve our community and the friends we call clients with pride and dedication to excellence.”
Winner Small Business of The Year 2018
The small business category, this year, highlighted the caliber of owner-lead businesses serving our community. Although each of the 6 nominees demonstrated passion for their field, endurance through the ups and downs, and involvement in our community, one company stood apart. It is common to see a small business incorporate family; it is far less common to see a small business truly embody family. Fully understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This pair works impressively well, together. They each pull on knowledge from their past work and family endeavors to build on their current task at hand. Even in the difficult undertaking of adding employees, this business searches for that particular person ready to treat clients like their own family! Impressively, this team didn’t just pull out their business plan to complete their application for this award, they live and breathe it! They actively work with accountability coaches to set goals, short and long term, and they achieve them! Even putting all this thought and effort into their business, this humble team still finds the time to chair chamber committees, organize fundraisers and expos, work with Venice High School Booster clubs and be recognized as Business of the Month and Woman of the Year!! Enhancing their client’s quality of life while providing the best possible in home care, Sisters for Seniors is a small business that truly touches the soul!
Winner New Business of The Year 2018
Although in the category of “new” business, this new business is one that has been years in the making with a business plan that began over a decade ago as a “pastime”. This plan, polished through experience and the influence of family and friends, became a reality in October of 2015, when the owner was able to acquire business from another local company who had become overwhelmed. In an industry that has unfortunately been viewed with negativity in the past, this company is determined to stand out for their “positive perspective.” With education, experience, and some of the most innovative software available, they are accomplishing this goal. Providing high quality property management services for annual and seasonal short-term rentals in the greater Venice Area, your 2018 Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award in the New Business category goes to Compass Property Management.
Not-For-Profit/Non-Profit of The Year 2018
The small business category, this year, highlighted the caliber of owner-lead businesses serving our community. Although each of the 6 nominees demonstrated passion for their field, endurance through the ups and downs, and involvement in our community, one company stood apart. It is common to see a small business incorporate family; it is far less common to see a small business truly embody family. Fully understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This pair works impressively well, together. They each pull on knowledge from their past work and family endeavors to build on their current task at hand. Even in the difficult undertaking of adding employees, this business searches for that particular person ready to treat clients like their own family! Impressively, this team didn’t just pull out their business plan to complete their application for this award, they live and breathe it! They actively work with accountability coaches to set goals, short and long term, and they achieve them! Even putting all this thought and effort into their business, this humble team still finds the time to chair chamber committees, organize fundraisers and expos, work with Venice High School Booster clubs and be recognized as Business of the Month and Woman of the Year!! Enhancing their client’s quality of life while providing the best possible in home care, Sisters for Seniors is a small business that truly touches the soul!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS
