Four Jacksonville entrepreneurs are among the finalists for EY’s Entrepreneur of The Year in Florida and Puerto Rico.
The four entrepreneurs are among 23 people selected by an independent panel of judges. Candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact, among other core contributions and attributes. The finalists include:
Russell Thomas, CEO of Availity. Thomas joined the firm in 2008, becoming its second CEO after founder Julie Klapstein in 2011. The company was founded as a joint venture by Florida Blue and Humana and has grown to be a giant in the health care technology space.
Andy Allen, CEO of Corner Lot. Allen has led the company as it has grown into a range of real estate projects, from single-family homes to multifamily and commercial projects. Project include the Artea project on the Southbank, an apartment project in North Jacksonville and the 1st & Main mixed-use development.
Joshua Hay and Michael White, co-founders of Indelible. The two men founded what has become one of the fastest-growing minority-owned management consulting firms in the country in 2018. The firm helps companies deal with regulatory compliance, transportation planning and management, business process engineering and more.
The 2023 regional award winners will be announced on June 8. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November.