CLEVELAND, OH - In an effort to underscore its commitment to entrepreneurship and recognize excellence in business, “Big 4” accounting firm Ernst & Young (E&Y) recently held an awards gala to announce the winners of its Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 Award in the East Central program. The prestigious award – which is in its 32nd year – recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. From an initial slate of 300 nominees, 28 finalists were invited to join the gala on June 28th, where Ernst & Young recognized Brian Yeager and Michelle Yeager-Thornton of Central Ohio’s The Champion Companies as 1 of only 9 winners.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by an organization like Ernst & Young and also incredibly humbling when considering all of the other outstanding nominees,” said Brian, Champion’s President and CEO. “While our names might be on the award, this truly belongs to each and every one of the people who helped us along the way,” Brian continued, “This amazing journey wouldn’t be possible without the world-class team we have at Champion.”
Although founded in just 2010, Brian and Michelle have rapidly scaled The Champion Companies to the point where the business is a leading multi-family investment, management, and development firm, with 5,000 apartment units in Central Ohio’s fast-growing suburbs. “We’re certainly proud of this award and the growth we’ve had, but we’re equally proud of the positive impact we’ve been able to have on our community,” mentioned Michelle. Indeed, philanthropy and volunteerism are ingrained in the company’s culture, with employees and ownership giving back significant hours and resources to the community each year.
From here, Brian and Michelle will move on to compete at the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 National Awards in Palms Springs, California in November. In previous years the program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as Howard Schultz of Starbucks Corporation, Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. of Marriott International, Inc. among others.
About The Champion Companies: Founded in 2010, The Champion Companies is a market-leading multi-family investment, management and development firm. Champion currently owns and manages 5,000 Class A and B+ multi-family units in Central Ohio’s fast-growing suburbs. Champion has been named a Columbus Business First Fast 50 company for six consecutive years. Champion has also been recognized for its philanthropic efforts, receiving a Columbus Business First Corporate Citizenship Award in 2018 and a Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service in 2017.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year: Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy
About EY: EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.