The Mission of Founders Forum is to Inspire, Educate and Connect Entrepreneurs.
Founders Forum was established in 1985 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the needs of entrepreneurs within Brevard County, Florida. Originally a forum where new businesses could meet with funding sources and potential investors, Founders Forum has evolved into an educational and networking organization where entrepreneurs can learn from and build relationships with many of the regions’ most successful business leaders.
As part of our mission, Founders Forum seeks out and honors business excellence within our community through our Founder of the Year Award, as well as presentations and moderated panel discussions with accomplished local business men and women discussing issues important to today’s entrepreneur.
FOUNDERS OF THE YEAR (FORMERLY KNOWN AS “ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR”)
Throughout the years, we have been privileged to highlight the following entrepreneurs and local
businesses:
2017: Richard’s Paint
2016: Bryan and Donna Scott, Barn Light Electric Company and Playalinda Brewing Company
2015: Carol Craig, Craig Technologies
2014: Mike Shah, Southeast Petro Distributors, Inc.
2013: Scott Sorensen, Sorensen Moving & Storage
2012: Mike Williams, M.H. Williams Construction Group
2011: Mike Means, Health First
2010: Pam Gatto, Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service
2009: Walter Gatti, Tensor Engineering
2008: Bernie Simpkins, S & S Enterprises
2007: Roger Dobson, Ocean Partners Associates Ltd.
2006: Rick McNeight, DRS Tactical Systems
2005: Harry Brandon, Brandon Properties
2004: Moses Harvin, American Services Technology, Incorporated
2003: Tim Reynolds, Soneticom
2002: Scott Moody, Authentec
2001: Joe Baggs, Optical Process Automation
2000: Bruce Deardoff, Continental Motor Cars
1999: Thomas Smaidris, Data Flow Systems
1998: David Poore, DE Restaurants (Durangos)
