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Meet Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year Contenders


(Dmagazine.com  - June 09, 2010)

These 38 Dallas innovators are building more than just their companies.

Humble beginnings are no barrier to success. Always do the right thing. Develop a niche. Set goals. Take calculated risks. Communicate - and then communicate some more. Streamline. Be creative and innovative. Trust and empower your employees. Truly serve your customers. Work hard. Follow the Golden Rule. And be persistent.

That's the collective wisdom of the dynamic businesspeople chosen as finalists in Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 competition, which is structured as a regional competition en route to national and international award winners. On the following pages you'll learn why these 38 outstanding leaders have risen to the pinnacle of their professions - and how they're building communities, families, and legacies as well as their companies. Their success stories have the stamp of approval from this year's Ernst & Young judges, who know a thing or two about success in life themselves.

The judges are: M. Jay Allison, president, CEO, and board chairman of energy company Comstock Resources Inc.; David Boone, CEO of American CareSource Holdings Inc., which arranges ancillary medical services for insurance providers; Matrice Ellis-Kirk, managing partner, diversity advisory services, at Heidrick & Struggles, an international recruiting firm; John M. Matheson, managing director of Ikhana Group LLC and former president and CEO of Global Power Equipment Group Inc.; Juli Spottiswood, president and CEO of Parago Inc., a rewards-based incentives company; Stephen Valenta, managing director in NASDAQ's OMX (corporate client) Group; Charles D. Vogt, president and CEO of IP technology firm GENBAND; and Gail Warrior-Lawrence, president and CEO of construction-services company Warrior Group.

We congratulate this year's regional finalists - as well as the big winners - in Ernst & Young's Southwest Area-North (North Texas/Arkansas/Oklahoma), all of whom were scheduled to be honored June 19 at a gala awards ceremony at the Sheraton Dallas.


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