Meet the 2024 Midwest finalists

Sean Riley is CEO and Founder of DUDE Products Inc.

You see we started From The BOTTOM and are STILL here. Launched back In 2012 Just a group of DUDES with ZERO experience, a dream and some stinky asses. We hated using toilet paper and knew there had to be a better way. So with $30k in cash we decided to launch DUDE Wipes out of an apartment in Chicago. A few years later we even snagged a Shark Tank deal and Mark Cuban joined the DUDE revolution. Today we wipe billions of butts per year and you can find us at Walmart, Target, Kroger, Amazon - pretty much anywhere stuff is sold. Butt stay tuned, cause we're just getting started.

Maneesh Arora is Founder & CEO of Elephas Biosciences Corporation.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with the number of patients projected to triple by 2060. Despite a significant increase in the number of available immunotherapies, only 1 in 3 patients receiving immunotherapy frontline obtain a response and many who may respond are not eligible for therapy due to lack of accurate predictive biomarkers. With the mission to tackle the massive oncology dilemma, Elephas is developing an ex-vivo platform to assess how live patient biopsies respond to immunotherapies. Our unique approach maintains the native 3-dimensional cellular architecture and micro-environment of the tumor, enabling rapid real-time characterization of live tumor response to immunotherapies using the latest advances in metabolic imaging. 

Jeff VonDeylen is CEO of Ensono.

As an expert technology adviser, innovation partner and managed service provider, Ensono serves as a relentless ally to organizations across industries and geographies who are looking to optimize, evolve and innovate their businesses to secure ongoing success no matter what the future may hold. From consulting to managed hybrid cloud to mainframe, we collaborate with our clients to create outcomes that work for their present state and stand the test of time.

Jennifer Sherman is President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Signal Corporation.

Manufacturer of safety and security and infrastructure maintenance equipment. 

Katie Seymour is President & CEO of First Supply.

First Supply has a rich history of service to the building community. Originally incorporated in 1897 as a family owned supplier of pumps and windmills, this growing company has evolved into the single source supplier that most Midwestern contractors rely on for plumbing, HVAC, municipal, waterworks, well & septic, builder PVF and industrial supplies as well as award winning kitchen, bath, and lighting stores serving the design and remodel communities as well as their homeowners. Recognized nationally as a leader in the industry, we’re focused on maintaining the best support staff and most reliable products available to contractors today.

Recognized nationally as a leader in the industry, First Supply is focused on maintaining the best support staff and most reliable products available to contractors today. 

We provide creative solutions to customer needs by employing skilled, motivated, and conscientious people and remain committed to continuous improvement. We develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.

First Supply strives to meet the ever-growing needs of building contractors and industrial customers with our unmatched coverage of the Upper Midwest including twenty-eight First Supply distribution locations.

Alex Tyink is CEO & President of Fork Farms.

Fork Farms is a progressive, mission-first company designed to help feed the world and change the way people think about and grow food. The company is creating a better, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable food system for our communities by making more fresh food accessible to more people through its product called the Flex Farm. The Flex Farm is the most efficient indoor, mobile hydroponic farm on the planet and can grow 20 pounds of leafy greens in less than a month and in just nine square feet of space. Compared to traditional agriculture, the Flex Farm requires zero food miles and creates no waste, provides 45 times more food production, and uses 98 percent less water and land to grow.

Fork Farms has installed more than 2,750 Flex Farms in 46 states and 12 countries in health care, school, food service, com­munity service, hospitality and home settings to name a few.

More than 1,000 Flex Farms are growing in K-12 schools and Fork Farms was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s 5,000 Fastest growing companies. The company recently introduced the Flex Acre, a revolutionary hydroponic solution that leverages ground-breaking controlled agriculture technology to enable communities to grow fresh produce at scale.

Nick Fink is CEO of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

Fortune Brands (NYSE: FBIN) is a brand, innovation and channel leader focused on exciting, supercharged categories in the home products, security and commercial building markets. 

With approximately $4.6 billion in 2023 sales and more than 11,000 associates world-wide, Fortune Brands operates in three large, high-growth categories: Water, Outdoors and Security. These growth categories are driven by strong secular tailwinds in connected products, luxury, outdoor living & material conversion, safety and wellness, and sustainability.  

Fortune Brands is underpinned by leading brands with #1 positions across its portfolio. Its leading Water brands Include: Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, and Emtek. Its Outdoors brands include Therma-Tru Doors, Larson and Fiberon. Its Security brands include Master Lock, SentrySafe, Yale residential and August. Behind these leading brands is the Fortune Brands Advantage, our unique capabilities that empower us to execute in any environment.

Fortune Brands is committed to ensuring a sustainable future by focusing on those opportunities which are good for business, good for people, and good for the planet. 

Matt Murphy is Founder and Owner of Fusion92.

Founded in 1999, Fusion92 is a Marketing Transformation Partner that helps innovatively solve business challenges, delivering exponential returns for brands. The firm fuels business transformation in today's digital economy by imagining unexpected solutions and seamlessly integrating across its end-to-end marketing products and services. Services span consulting, data and analytics, strategy, creative, content and digital studio, patented technology, media activation and an innovation incubator to ensure a tenacious focus on helping partners achieve extraordinary business results. Major proprietary products they’ve developed include Core 2.0 enterprise CMS; ShopLocal digital circular platform, NoMi, a data-driven, insight-rich solution empowering conversion rates; TRAK Data, a world-class AI data and custom modeling solution allowing companies to build high-performance audiences in moments, not months; and DAXAI, a central nerve center of media operations. The independent, Chicago-based firm has been granted 15 patents and is committed to a diverse, equitable, inclusive workplace that drives positive impact in our global community.

Benjamin Bachman is CEO North America of Gerflor USA.

Gerflor Group, a global leader in resilient flooring solutions, boasts a rich history of innovation since its inception in the late 1930s. Specializing in a range of sectors including healthcare, education, and sports, Gerflor's commitment to quality, sustainability, and design excellence sets it apart. Gerflor North America, led by CEO Benjamin Bachman, exemplifies this legacy with its impressive growth, representing 20% of the Group's revenue and EBITA. The division's infrastructure includes seven companies, four manufacturing sites, and three distribution hubs, employing 500 people. It's a key driver in the sports flooring sector, contributing to 80% of the Group's sports revenue globally and leading in basketball and volleyball segments. Gerflor North America is the official surface for the NCAA Final Four, underscoring its market leadership and commitment to excellence under Bachman's visionary leadership.

Jacob Houk is President of Hays + Sons.

Hays + Sons is a full service property restoration company remediating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Brian Helm is CEO of Helm Group.

From construction of the largest new hospitals in the Midwest to the smallest industrial processes, Helm Group focuses on safety, quality, productivity and efficiency. Our project teams’ engineering, planning and construction innovation and our exemplary safety record allow us to excel while providing fair costs to our customers. Our commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of owners and project partners is unmatched. We design, build, operate, and maintain structures of all types - commercial buildings, highway, bridge, marine, manufacturing, and more. 

Jimmy Samartzis is CEO of LanzaJet, Inc.

LanzaJet is a leading sustainable fuels technology company dedicated to accelerating the energy transition by embracing the circular economy. As a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology provider and producer with patented alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is creating an opportunity for future generations by accelerating the deployment of SAF and other clean technologies critical to addressing the climate crisis and transforming the global economy. LanzaJet launched the world's first ethanol to sustainable fuels commercial production plant, transforming low carbon, sustainable ethanol into energy dense renewable liquid fuels.

Vadim Vladimirskiy is CEO of Nerdio, Inc.

Nerdio is a premier software solution provider, supporting organizations of all sizes looking to deploy, manage, and cost-optimize native Microsoft cloud technologies. Nerdio partners with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and enterprise organizations all over the world to add value on top of their existing Microsoft investments like Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Intune.

Emily Hikade is Founder & CEO of Petite Plume.

Petite Plume is a luxury sleepwear company known for its timeless designs & quality fabrics across sleepwear, loungewear, home goods, and bedding. Petite Plume was founded on innovation and growth. In 2015, their very first children’s pajamas were crafted using an inherently flame retardant fabric to avoid the use of chemicals and pass strict CPSC regulations. Within a year, they were being sold in over 200 boutique stores across America. Following the success in the children's category, Petite Plume expanded to include adults, creating a brand that spans generations and that is there for all of life’s moments, big and small. In 2024, now an eight figure revenue business, Petite Plume is focused on expanding their lifestyle offering even further to tap into new consumer bases and become an even more integral part of life’s most memorable moments.

Michael Osanloo is President and CEO of Portillo's.

In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 in a small trailer to open the first Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, called "The Dog House." Six decades later, Portillo's has transformed into a rapidly expanding, fast-casual restaurant concept with more than 80 locations across 10 states. It has redefined the fast-casual value proposition by combining high-quality, craveable food served at incredible speed with multichannel convenience inside of a memorable, energy-filled atmosphere. Portillo's offers all-American favorites such as Chicago-style hot dogs and sausages, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, chopped salads, crinkle-cut French fries, homemade chocolate cake and more.

Bob Carzoli is Chairman of the Board of Program Productions, Inc.

Program Productions, and all its sister companies, provide technology and human capital management services to the sports broadcasting and live event industries.  

Brad Benbow is Chairman and CEO of Prolific.

Prolific is the growth firm. We maximize growth for emerging brands by combining the capabilities of a consulting firm, a marketing agency, and a capital provider into one cohesive partnership. Prolific is the parent company to JDA Worldwide, Conquer, Chernoff Newman, and Prolific Capital with nearly 150 employees, in 10 offices, across 7 states.

John Redmond is CEO of Redmond.

Redmond is a Chicago-headquartered commercial general contractor specializing in tenant improvement and landlord redevelopment projects. With offices in Chicago and Denver, Redmond partners with leading corporations in the tech, finance, legal, manufacturing, retail, higher education, and lab and life science industries to build inspiring spaces in these markets and across the U.S. 

In 2023, Redmond celebrated its 10th year in business while embracing stable and consistent growth despite facing a real estate market that continues to recover from the pandemic. Redmond surpassed $100 million in work completed, which is more than quadruple what the firm earned before the pandemic ($23.6 million in 2019). Redmond grew headcount by 25%, with 66% of new hires being female–reflecting the firm’s commitment to diversifying the construction industry. Redmond continues to build its positive reputation for workplace culture while displaying an unparalleled level of leadership and service to clients.

Mark Yeager is CEO of Redwood Logistics.

Redwood Logistics, a leading logistics platform company and modern 4PL headquartered in Chicago, has provided solutions for moving and managing freight for more than 21 years. The company’s diverse portfolio includes digital freight brokerage and flexible freight management all wrapped into a revolutionary logistics and technology delivery model, known as a modern 4PL. Redwood utilizes an open platform for digital logistics that empowers shippers to seamlessly mix-and-match partners, technologies and solutions into their own unique digital supply chain fingerprint. Redwood connects a wide range of customers to the power of supply chain management, technology and the industry’s brightest minds. 

Jed Richard is CEO and President of Richard Group.

At Richard Group, we’re “building to solve the world’s greatest challenges,” trusted by clients like the U.S. Department of Defense, public and private healthcare organizations, office, and energy owners from Arizona to Massachusetts to bring their complex construction projects to life and their local communities. Our projects include critical patient care facilities, mission-critical data centers, electronic healthcare upgrades, governmental rehab projects, building energy enhancements, utility correction, and water treatment projects. 

Richard Group values company culture and improving the lives of each employee and their family. Being a successful employee starts with the strength and success of being the best family member first. Richard Group emphasizes going out and exploring the world to its employees. Going on adventures and self-improvement are vital to being a successful team member of the Richard Group.

Tony Mirchandani is CEO of RTM Engineering Consultants.

Established in 1981 as a boutique mechanical engineering firm in the Midwest, RTM has grown into a leading consulting firm in MEP, Civil, and Structural engineering on a national scale. With a presence in 20+ offices across the country, our focus is on expansion through strategic collaborations with innovative firms. We now boast a team of over 400 professionals working across the nation, serving a diverse clientele of building and landowners. Our engineering services are dedicated to enhancing sustainability, value, and efficiency in projects.

Jay Laabs is CEO of Spaulding Ridge.

Spaulding Ridge builds and customizes cloud solutions that give the offices of the CFO, CRO, and CIO a competitive advantage through data. Spaulding Ridge partners with specifically selected tech vendors such as Anaplan, Salesforce, DocuSign, OneStream, and Snowflake to build profitability and operational efficiency for our clients. 

With a focus on relationships, Spaulding Ridge gives businesses a true partner through the complexities of digital transformation. Spaulding Ridge serves a diverse range of industries, such as healthcare & life sciences, high tech, manufacturing, and energy. Our experts can provide customizable and personalized services that deliver true business value.  

Mark Lawrence is CEO of SpotHero, Inc.

SpotHero is the leading parking reservation marketplace in North America with over $1 billion in parking reservations sold. Millions of drivers use SpotHero’s mobile apps and website to find, book and access off-street parking in more than 8,000 locations in over 300 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Sharad Chadha is CEO of Sprecher Brewing Company.

Established in 1985 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sprecher Brewery blends tradition with innovation to craft exceptional beverages. With a commitment to quality and community, Sprecher is a leader in the craft beer and soda industry.

Root Beer Excellence: Sprecher's root beer has garnered widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious title of the number one root beer in America by The New York Times. This recognition highlights Sprecher's dedication to crafting exceptional beverages that captivate the taste buds.

Fire Brewed with honey, craft Sodas: What sets Sprecher apart is its unique method of fire-brewing soda with honey, a practice not commonly found elsewhere in the industry. This distinctive approach infuses each soda with a rich, complex flavor profile that sets Sprecher's craft beverages apart from the rest.

Community Engagement: Beyond crafting exceptional beverages, Sprecher Brewery actively engages with its community through brewery tours, tastings, and events. 

In essence, Sprecher Brewery embodies the essence of craft brewing, seamlessly blending tradition, innovation, and community to deliver unparalleled beverages that delight the senses. With its award-winning root beer and unique honey-fire brewed sodas

Dave Kievet is President of The Boldt Company.

The Boldt Company is a fourth-generation family and employee-owned firm Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin with 18 offices throughout the United States serving healthcare, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial customers nationwide. We develop and build the extraordinary. From straightforward to complex, our focus goes beyond building great things. It’s bringing together extraordinary people, places, and ideas to blaze new trails and improve tomorrow’s landscape. It’s helping the world build boldly while staying true to our legacy of honesty, fairness, and hard work. Learn more at boldt.com.

Nick Reasoner is Founder and CEO of TransLoop.

TransLoop is a modern freight brokerage revolutionizing logistics for shippers and carriers. We bring cutting-edge technology together with elite customer service levels to deliver unprecedented transparency, industry-leading reliability, constant innovation and real-time collaboration with every shipment.

Our mission is to be a true partner for the road ahead, and our battle-tested team has experience working with companies of all sizes, from small shippers moving one load a day to Fortune 500 brands shipping thousands.

Jonathan Treble is CEO and Founder of WithMe, Inc.

WithMe, Inc. makes people's lives better every day through convenient, technology-powered amenities for the multifamily industry and beyond. WithMe’s PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions make resident printing and coffee simple, helping property management leaders deliver an elevated living experience and meet evolving resident needs for remote/hybrid work spaces, while simultaneously decreasing spend, controlling costs and saving time for staff. PrintWithMe powers printer amenities and staff solutions at thousands of multifamily, cafe and co-working locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, which is now available in 20+ major markets, is disrupting the coffee amenity category. WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company, appearing on the list for three consecutive years. 

Phil Penton is CEO of Xcite Automotive.

Xcite specializes in comprehensive vehicle lifecycle services, offering everything from pre-sale preparations like photography, reconditioning, 360 spins, and videos, to advanced digital marketing and innovative software solutions. Our platform is designed for scalability, providing a one-stop-shop experience that merges photography and recon services under a unified, mobile-first user interface, complete with full inventory management capabilities. Catering to a diverse client base that includes franchise dealers, dealer groups, and OEMs, Xcite is poised for both national and international market expansion. Our operation, supported by over 1200 dedicated employees, is rooted in a data-driven approach that prioritizes efficiency and client success, ensuring top-notch service delivery across the board. Our ambition is clear: to secure a position as a vertically integrated market leader with a vision of reaching $1B in revenue. This commitment to innovation, coupled with a passion for driving industry standards forward, positions Xcite at the forefront of the automotive retail experience, making it more streamlined, efficient, and customer-focused than ever before.