3 local businessmen named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year

June 30, 2015  |  Bobby Burch

Three Kansas City area businesspeople recently snagged one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs.

trophy-2 (1)EY announced Monday the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 for the central Midwest, which included three businessmen from the Kansas City metro area. Those receiving the commendation included: Jody Brazil, CEO of FireMon; Matthew Perry, President of GENESYS Systems Integrator; and Bill Zahner, President and CEO of A Zahner Company.

“EY has honored outstanding entrepreneurs for the past 29 years,” Mike Hickenbotham, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program Director for the Central Midwest, said in a release. “These winners are accomplished leaders who have contributed a tremendous amount to their communities, and we’re proud to recognize their successes.”

Since 1986, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards recognizes business leaders in more than 145 cities in 60 countries around the world. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year national program, which will be announced Nov. 14.

Tagged , , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]

      2015 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say

        By Tommy Felts | October 22, 2025

        WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement.  “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…

        AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs

        By Tommy Felts | October 21, 2025

        A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said.  AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and…

        Arch Grants taps homegrown founders, Missouri startup recruits for $1.6M in awards

        By Tommy Felts | October 20, 2025

        ST. LOUIS — The Missouri maker behind a keychain designed to save lives from opioid overdoses is among nearly two dozen companies — together awarded $1.6 million — selected for the latest Arch Grants program. The innovation economy nonprofit on Thursday honored 19 startups, alongside three new members of its expanded Arch Grants Fellows Program.…

        LISTEN: Gripp helps farmers get a handle on multiple ag apps with dead-simple record keeping platform

        By Tommy Felts | October 20, 2025

        On this episode of our 12-part Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we explore how agtech startup Gripp is bringing structure and simplicity to farm operations. Its helps farmers connect their teams, track equipment and assets, and turn everyday routines into shared knowledge. Having grown up on a Wisconsin farm, co-founder and CEO Tracey Wiedmeyer…