Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1533364
Business Leader of the Year (Family business) Dirk Koopman, Denise Brookhouse, Tony Brookhouse, Executive Team, Koopman Lumber Family Centered: As a family-owned business, we value forming and nurturing meaningful relationships and strive to ensure that customers and employees feel valued, supported, and included as if part of our extended family. Customer Focused: We are committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers by listening to their needs and delivering quality products and services with reliability and excellence. We aim to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual success. Unwavering Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty and transparency, building and maintaining trust in every relationship. Succeeding Together: Through teamwork, training and mutual respect, we create an environment where everyone contributes to shared success and continuous improvement. Living Faithfully: Rooted in Christian values, we strive to care for our resources, relationships, and community in a way that honors Jesus. We act with accountability to God, while reflecting love and promoting sustainability for future generations. Business Leader of the Year (Small business) Tim Quinn, Owner, Quinn's Irish Pub & Quinn's Blue Plate 1. Family first. The day starts and ends with them, they are who and what I work for. 2. Build a strong team, promote from within. Employees are your number one asset, Invest in the next generation. 3. Be present and be involved. Leadership is the key to success in a small business. 4. A good, consistent product goes a long way. If the quality is there, the customers will be. 5. Support the community that supports you. Donate time, not just money. 6. Never stop learning, I still learn something new every day. 7. Check in with your mentors, a little advice can go a long way. 8. Don't lose track of your friends, a work-to-life balance will help with stress, unless it's golfing! 9. Set goals, go from where you are to where you want to be. 10. "Don't give up, don't ever give up!" - Jim Valvano Business Leader of the Year (Innovative) Jean Qiu Founder & CEO, Conigen Bioscience I apply key philosophies to both work and life: 1. Take actions to create value for someone else. 2. I am passionate about learning, from observing nature, from reading books and from social interactions. 3. I practice effective communication through story telling.