The dictionary defines an entrepreneur as one who assumes risk. Yet, we’ve thrived on creating a business and culture that removes risks for customers and employees. An innovative approach to navigate through economic turbulence has fostered long-term stability and trust – from the customers we serve (more than 90 percent return for future business) and the employees who benefit from the company being profitable every year since our start almost 30 years ago.

Chief Executive Officers Laura Helms Reece and Russ Helms were tapped as regional finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The internationally recognized award program is one of the world’s most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs. The award recognizes those who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success based on innovation, financial performance of the business and personal commitment to their business and communities.

“We’re proud of our team’s commitment to our clients and excellent service, enabling us to create a company that fosters stability and planned growth,” Laura said. “This focus has enabled us to provide our clients with the experience, capacities, and capabilities of a larger organization – all without losing touch with our entrepreneurial passion.”

In an industry in which the goal is speed and efficiency to get products to market as rapidly as possible, consistent growth and stability is a winning formula that shapes us and that our customers can trust.

“We are focused on continued organic growth at a pace that guarantees maintaining our great culture, which is valued by our clients,” Russ said. “Our focus will never be driven by short-term results and quarterly earnings reports to investors.”