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Each year, the South Florida Business Journal profiles and celebrates some of the region’s leading employers as part of our Business of the Year Awards. And each year, new names emerge as organizations have elevated their approach to thoughtful and deliberate practices that recognize employees, clients, customers and the community.
This year’s list of honorees is no different. Whether in technology, development, banking, professional services, manufacturing, environmental innovations, health care or even pet care, their sectors are as varied as the approaches they bring to world-class business.
They reveal how delivery of the latest solutions, a commitment to customers and fostering a family atmosphere drives outcomes. As a result, organizations can become a successful enterprise, an employer of choice and an example of a Business of the Year.
The Business of the Year Awards was held April 18 at the Sport of Kings Theater at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. The event was presented by Comcast Business, with corporate sponsors BankUnited and Commute Broward, Out of the Box sponsor Amazon and Travel sponsor Delta Air Lines.
Click here to read about the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
Click here to read more about the honorees and the winners in the revenue categories.
Family-Owned Business
Honoree
World Emblem
www.worldemblem.com | 4601 Sheridan St., Suite 300, Hollywood 33021 | 800-766-0448
President and CEO: Randy Carr
COO: Jim Kozel
CIO: Phil Jarvis
Global marketing director: Carolina Rodriguez
World Emblem is a leading emblem and patch manufacturer. The company produces 250 million products a year for headwear, footwear, sports garments, uniforms and other apparel. It uses the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to quickly deliver large-scale projects to clients including New Era, Aramark, Cintas and Levi’s.
Trait that collectively describes our C-suite team: Being an intense, focused, collaborative team.
If we could ask one person one question, we’d ask: Nick Saban how he was able to stay on top for so long.
The C-suite team celebrates success by: Working toward our next accomplishment.
What drives us: Not wanting to lose. That’s our competitive nature as individuals and professionals.
Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Focus on your customers while running a profitable business with a great culture. Everything else takes care of itself.
Fun Facts
Randy loves the outdoors and recently went heliskiing.
Jim is an oenophile.
In 2000, Phil worked for a company that hosted World Emblem’s e-commerce servers. Eighteen years later, he joined World Emblem to lead the IT department.
In her 20s, Carolina traveled solo through Spain, France, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, the Caribbean and parts of the U.S.
Minority-Owned Business
Honoree
Pacifica Engineering Services
www.pacificaes.com | 601 N. Congress Ave., Suite 303, Delray Beach 33445 | 561-419-8460
President and CEO: Wesley Foster
Director: Javier Perez
Director:Erick Medina
Director: Reinaldo Villa
Pacifica Engineering Services is a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, construction material testing, threshold/special inspections, private provider services, permit expediting, building envelope consulting, pavement evaluations and roof consulting services.
Trait that collectively describes our C-suite team: Outcast and misfits. Embracing this unique perspective has been instrumental in navigating through numerous challenges.
If we could ask one person one question, we’d ask Stephen Ross: “How can we get some front-row tickets for the FIFA 2026 World Cup for the team when it’s played in Miami?”
The C-suite team celebrates achievements: By organizing an annual company retreat, designed not just as a getaway, but as a strategic initiative to strengthen team bonds.
We are a BOTY candidate because of: Our unwavering commitment to innovation, community engagement and sustainable practices.
Fun Facts
Wesley started his first business in elementary school as a farmer, baker and a butcher.
Javier came to the U.S. from Cuba on a two-month journey with nothing but a backpack.
Erick is the father of two and likes to fish and golf.
Reinaldo, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, competed in Junior Olympics.
H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award
Honoree
Kind Designs
www.kinddesigns.com | 3007 N.W. South River Drive, Miami 33142 | 305-851-1133
CEO: Anya Freeman
COO: Jeremy Morris
Kind Designs is a climate-tech startup that’s revolutionizing the outdated and traditionally toxic coastal construction industry. Its 3D-printed “living seawalls” protect coastal communities from rising sea-levels, while creating marine habitats that mimic coral reefs and mangroves, sequestering carbon and collecting essential water quality data.
Trait that collectively describes our C-suite team: We’re just crazy enough to pull off the impossible.
The C-suite team celebrates success by: Fishing off our dock on the Miami River.
What drives us: Transforming our precious coasts into artificial reefs, foot by foot.
Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Burn the ships.
Fun Facts
Anya used to be a snowboard instructor at Heavenly, and once snowboarded with Shaun White.
Jeremy once made the U.S. men’s team for Australian rules football.
Nonprofit
Honoree
The Miami Foundation
www.miamifoundation.org | 40 N.W. Third St., Suite 305, Miami 33128 | 305-371-2711
President and CEO: Rebecca Fishman Lipsey
VP for finance/CFO: Toby Douthwright
VP of philanthropy: Janell Kaplan
VP of community investments: Lindsey Linzer
The Miami Foundation builds the philanthropic, civic and leadership backbone for greater Miami, having invested over $651 million to strengthen the community since 1967. It mobilizes donors, nonprofits, leaders and locals to set a bold vision for our community's future and to invest in a stronger, more equitable, more resilient greater Miami.
Trait that collectively describes our C-suite team: We choose to lead with joy. That allows us to think big, be bold and hold an unwavering belief in the power, beauty and magic of greater Miami.
The C-suite team celebrates success by: Reflecting on all of the incredible leaders across greater Miami who helped make each of our successes possible.
We are a BOTY candidate because: We are the philanthropic engine of greater Miami. We know firsthand the boundless generosity and leadership that exists in this region, and we are harnessing that to build a stronger, more equitable, more resilient greater Miami.
Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Relationships create outcomes.
Fun Facts
Rebecca started her career as a public school teacher.
Toby likes cruises, going to the beach, and taking cruises to even more exotic beaches.
Janell has completed two marathons and three half-marathons.
Lindsey can’t start books during the work week because she will stay up all night reading.
Woman-Owned Business
Honoree
Ilumed
www.ilumed.com | 775 W. Indiantown Road, Suite 4, Jupiter 33458 | 800-481-8745
CEO: Debbie Finnel
COO: Brent Hood
Chief medical officer: David Priscal, M.D.
CFO: Frank Richter
Ilumed seeks to reduce health care challenges and find solutions through data-driven approaches in Florida and 13 other states. It works with 144 providers across South Florida and in 2023, successfully scheduled follow-up appointments for over 5,500 beneficiaries within 72 hours of their discharge.
Trait that collectively describes our C-suite team: We are passionate.
If we could ask one person one question, we’d ask Liz Fowler, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation: “What do you see for the future of the ACO Reach model?
The C-suite team celebrates success by: Bringing everybody together for recognition and acknowledgement.
We are a BOTY candidate because: We live our mission every day, and we are all in alignment with what we are here to do and uphold what our purpose is.
What drives us: The aim to help people improve their quality of life and provide better resources.
Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Don’t give up. As long as you continue to move forward, you’re making progress.
Fun Facts
Debbie is a phenomenal chef and loves to entertain family and friends.
Frank likes to make pottery.
David loves to travel.
Brent enjoys the outdoors and wildlife.
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