JULY 29TH 2026
Welcome
• Brett Davidsen, News10NBC Anchor/Reporter
Remarks
• Jordan Daniels, President, Small Business Council
• Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber
Community Partnership Awards Presentation
• Community Place of Rochester/ Charles Settlement House
• The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Special Guest Speaker
• Lauren Dixon, Chair, Dixon Schwabl + Company
2026 Business Person of the Year Award Presentation
• Under 40 Employees Finalists Showcase
• Over 40 Employees Finalists Showcase
Business Person of the Year Award Winners
• Under 40 Employees Winner Remarks
• Over 40 Employees Winner Remarks
Closing Remarks
• Jordan Daniels, President, Small Business Council
Lindsay Connelly, Linden Digital Marketing
Krystle Ellis, Ellis K Consulting
Scott Miller, Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store
Greater Rochester Chamber and its Small Business Council affiliate are pleased to present the 2026 Business Person of the Year Awards. Today, we’re proud to gather alongside so many of Greater Rochester’s business and community leaders to celebrate the small business leaders who are meeting the moment and making a true impact in our region.
Our region would not be the vibrant, diverse, thriving community it is without its small businesses. Our small businesses invest in the long-term vitality of our community. From sponsoring youth sports teams to prototyping innovative technologies of the future, these are the organizations that are truly integral to Greater Rochester’s DNA. Alongside its affiliates, Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to support these organizations through access, opportunity, and acceleration – work made possible by our members and supporters. Over 85% of our members are small businesses, with more joining our growing community every day.
This year’s Business Person of the Year Finalists exemplify the very best of business here. They go above and beyond to build a strong future, create jobs, and change lives for their employees and their customers. In this publication, you can learn more about each of them, their organizations, and their impact – and we know you will be inspired by their stories if you do.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners who helped make this event possible. Additional thanks to our community for rallying behind this annual event to make it the resounding success it is. Your attendance today is an important part of the success of all small businesses - the backbone of our Greater Rochester economy. We are honored to spend this time with you and recognize such a distinguished group of business leaders.
Best of luck to all!
BOB DUFFY President and CEO Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
• Brighton Securites
• Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C.
• ESL Federal Credit Union
• Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
• HR Works, Inc.
• JPMorganChase
• M&T Bank, Rochester Division
• The Rochester Business Journal
Linden Digital Marketing
SFG Wealth Management
Greater Rochester Chamber and its Small Business Council affiliate gratefully acknowledges the generous support for this event from its partners and sponsors. To sponsor this event next year, contact Becca DePrez at Becca.DePrez@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Lauren Dixon is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and community leader, as well as a devoted grandmother— her favorite title. As the founder of Dixon Schwabl, Lauren has built a thriving, woman-owned marketing communications firm in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She served as CEO for 34 years and currently chairs the firm, which is majority woman-led and employs 80 professionals. Under her leadership, Dixon Schwabl has consistently nurtured talent, earning a place on the National Great Place to Work ® list for 15 consecutive years and being named the #1 Small Company to Work For in America in 2008 and 2010.
Lauren’s commitment to giving back is equally remarkable. She has led fundraising campaigns for organizations including United Way, the American Heart Association, Monroe Community College Foundation, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Salvation Army. She is particularly proud of Horses On Parade, a local initiative that raised over $1 million for area charities.
Despite her professional and philanthropic achievements, Lauren finds her greatest joy in family. Sunday dinners with loved ones are her anchor, fueling her energy to continue growing her business, supporting her community, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Lauren serves on numerous boards, including:
• United Way of Greater Rochester, (2009-present)
• United Way of Greater Rochester, Board Chair (2019–2022); Campaign Co-Chair (2015)
• United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Chair (2015–2016)
• Thompson Health Foundation, Board Member (2004–present)
• CMAC, Board Member (2007–present)
• Monroe Community College Foundation, (2009-present)
• Monroe Community College Foundation, Board Chair (2019–2022)
• Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, (2010-present)
• Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Board Member (2012–present)
• Golisano Children’s Hospital, Board of Directors (2023–present)
• Seventh Judicial Attorney Grievance Board (2024–present)
• Finger Lakes Community College Advisory Board (2024–present)
Lauren Dixon’s enduring impact—both professionally and philanthropically—reflects her unwavering dedication to building strong teams, fostering community, and inspiring those around her.
2025 over 25 • Scott Miller, Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store
2025 under 25 • Lindsay Connelly, Linden Digital Marketing
2024 over 25 • Alex Whitaker, Tri Tower Telecom Corporation
2024 under 25 • Paul Guglielmo, Craft Cannery
2023 over 50 • Anthony DiTucci, Livingston Associates
2023 under 50 • Phil Yawman, Cooley Group Inc
2022 over 50 • Kevin Schulte, GreenSpark Solar
2022 under 50 • Keith Williams, Consiliarium Group, LLC
2020/21 over 50 • Jay McHarg, AeroSafe Global
2020/21 under 50 • Jill Knittel, JK Executive Strategies, LLC
2019 over 50 • Greg Vangellow, RW Dake Construction
2019 under 50 • Nicole Mahoney, Break The Ice Media
2018 over 50 • Timothy Fournier, Conifer Realty, LLC
2018 under 50 • Abby Reinhard, GP Flooring Solutions
2017 over 50 • Steve Carl, Operation Brain Freeze
2017 under 50 • Traci Adolph, Samson Fuel
2016 over 50 • Cyndi Weis, Breathe Yoga & Juice Bar, Inc.
2016 under 50 • Michael Pavia, Sydor Technologies LLC
2015 over 50 • Ken Rosenfeld, eHealth Technologies
2015 under 50 • Mike & Sitima Fowler, Capstone Information Technologies, Inc.
2014 over 50 • Robert Healy, LaBella Associates, DPC
2014 under 50 • Michelle Ashby, Tipping Point Communications
2013 over 50 • Mark E. Davitt, ConServe
2013 under 50 • Amy Castronova, Novatek Communications, Inc.
2012 over 50 • Ray Isaac, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
2012 under 50 • John Ford Nichols, The Nichols Team
2011 over 50 • Sharon Napier, Partners & Napier
2011 under 50 • Mark Gentile, Odyssey Software
2010 • Eli Futerman, Dan Chessin, Hahn Automotive
2009 • Tom Bonadio, The Bonadio Group
2008
• Kenton Fiske, SenDEC Corporation
2007
• Richard Kaplan, Pictometry International Corp.
2006
• Joe Klein, Klein Steel
2005 • Jim Hammer, Hammer Packaging
2004 • Linda Yaniszewski, ExecuScribe
2003
• Chris S. McVicker, The Flanders Group
2002 • Steven B. Sauer, Business Methods, Inc.
2001 • Lauren Dixon, Dixon Schwabl Advertising, Inc.
2000 • Kenneth McAlpin, McAlpin Industries, Inc.
1999 • Sarah Jane Clifford, The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, Inc.
1998 • Nicholas Juskiw, Trident Precision Manufacturing, Inc.
1997 • Robert T. Tobin, Tobin & Associates
1996 • David Christa, Christa Construction
1995 • James Isaac, Isaac Heating and Cooling
1994 • Richard J. Dorschel, The Dorschel Automotive Group
1993 • I.C. Shah, ICS Telecom Inc.
1992 • Robert “Bud” Frame, Trillium Group
1991 • John (Dutch) Summers, Jasco Tools
1990 • Betty Perkins Carpenter
1989 • C. S. “Chic” Lewis
1988 • Robert Sperandio, Sporting Dog Specialties
1987 • Wayne Scheible, Flower City Printing
1986 • Jane Pitt, JP Associates
1985 • Matthew Augustine, Eltrex Industries
1984 • Charlotte Hegedus
1983 • Robert Hall
GINO BROCCOLO
ninety two CEO
NAT HARRINGTON
Nat’s Nuts
Founder & Owner
GLENN JACKLING
Applied Image, Inc. CEO & President
BRIAN O’SULLIVAN
Frontier Abstract President
SUSAN REUTER
Flight Wine Bar Owner
Gino Broccolo is the founder and CEO of ninety two, a Rochester-based branding agency helping businesses build stronger identities through strategy, design, creative direction, and production. Since launching in 2019, ninety two has grown from an independent creative venture into a recognized agency serving organizations across Western New York and beyond. The agency partners with businesses across a wide range of industries, helping them clarify their message, elevate their presence, and bring their brands to life through thoughtful, high-impact creative work.
Raised in Henrietta, New York, Gino’s entrepreneurial mindset was shaped by a family rooted in business, hard work, and community. After studying Graphic Design at Monroe Community College and gaining experience in New York City’s corporate creative world, he returned home determined to build something meaningful in the region that shaped him.
Today, Gino is focused on growing ninety two’s reach throughout Greater Rochester and beyond while continuing to raise the standard for creative work in the region. His leadership is rooted in innovation, quality, and client success, with a belief that strong branding can help businesses move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Nat Harrington is the founder and owner of Nat’s Nuts, a gourmet nut-roasting company he has grown from the ground up over the past decade. For Nat, business is more than a profession... it’s a calling. His Christian faith shapes every aspect of the company, guiding a commitment to stewardship, integrity, and service. This conviction is reflected in his decision to keep manufacturing, sales, and distribution in-house, ensuring exceptional quality while creating meaningful opportunities for his team.
Outside of work, Nat has a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. An avid outdoorsman and naturalist, he enjoys birdwatching, fishing, and spending time in nature throughout the changing seasons. He is also a passionate home cook who views hospitality as a ministry, finding joy in bringing people together around a thoughtfully prepared meal.
Nat lives in Fairport, with his wife, Giselle, and their son, Robin. Whether leading a business, exploring the outdoors, or investing in his family and community, he seeks to live with a servant’s heart and a steadfast commitment to loving God and serving others.
Glenn Jackling is a proud Rochester business leader recognized for building highperforming organizations through strategic vision, operational excellence, and a focus on building trusted relationships with all its stakeholders.
Trained as a mechanical engineer and quality manager, with an MBA from the University of Rochester, Glenn began his career at Eastman Kodak, where he developed a reputation for tackling problems head-on, balancing analytical skills with practical leadership. He later transitioned into senior leadership positions in various organizations, successfully leading turnarounds, driving new business development, improving operational performance, and employee engagement.
Throughout his career, Glenn has embraced the belief that sustainable success starts with people. Since joining Applied Image in 2014, Glenn has been a strong proponent of workforce development, actively recruiting from East High, MCC, RIT and other institutions, as well as sponsoring a unique apprenticeship program. He is known for building strong teams, creating cultures of accountability and continuous improvement.
Glenn is passionate about growth, innovation, and strong customer & supplier relationships. His leadership philosophy combines strategic thinking with a blue-collar work ethic rooted in his upbringing on a family farm in Hilton, NY and is tempered by his Christian faith.
Brian founded Frontier in 1999 with a vision of building a statewide title search company serving clients throughout New York. Today, Frontier is a full-service abstract and title company supporting attorneys, lenders, developers, and real estate professionals across all 62 counties of New York State.
Grounded in expertise, trust, and strong relationships, Frontier has grown under Brian’s leadership into one of New York’s premier providers of residential and commercial title services, supporting thousands of transactions annually and contributing to major projects in affordable housing, energy, manufacturing, retail, and industrial development.
Brian believes leadership starts with creating an environment where people feel valued, informed, and empowered to contribute. He has built a culture centered on trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement, resulting in long employee tenure and recognition as a Top Workplace for ten consecutive years.
Frontier also emphasizes community involvement through charitable giving, support for domestic abuse survivors and local nonprofits, employee-directed donations, and paid volunteer time.
While proud of Frontier’s growth and reputation, Brian believes the company’s greatest success is measured by the relationships built with employees, clients, and the broader community.
Susan Reuter has spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry, building a career centered on customer service, community engagement, and creating memorable experiences. Each role she held provided valuable lessons and inspired her dream of owning her own business. In December 2022, that dream became a reality when she purchased Flight Wine Bar and immediately began putting her vision into action.
As a hands-on owner, Susan enjoys meeting new people, creating unique events, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. She is passionate about supporting local businesses and has made it a priority to feature as many locally sourced products as possible on the Flight Wine Bar menu.
As Rochester’s oldest wine bar, Flight Wine Bar has long been known for its exceptional wine selection. Under Susan’s leadership, it has evolved into a vibrant gathering place for wine enthusiasts, jazz lovers, hobby groups, first dates, family celebrations, private events, educational classes, and community fundraisers. Her commitment to hospitality and inclusivity has helped transform Flight into a destination where people come together to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
While you can often find Susan at Flight Wine Bar, she also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, attending local events with her supportive husband, and championing small businesses throughout the Rochester community.
CINDY SHUMAN
Lattimore Physical Therapy
Founder, Owner & COO
NAOMI SILVER
Rochester Red Wings
President, CEO & COO
MARK A. TOLBERT
TOPTICA Photonics Inc
President & CEO
ANTHONY VALERIO
Four Winds Chimney
Founder & Owner
ALEX VIGNERI
DeCocoa Chocolate Crafters
CEO
Cindy Shuman and her husband, John Shuman, founded Lattimore Physical Therapy with a vision of creating a patient-centered practice built on clinical excellence, compassion, and community. Cindy and John met while attending Graduate and Physical Therapy school at the University of Buffalo. Shortly after graduation, they took a leap of faith and purchased the clinic where Cindy was working. What began as a single clinic has grown into one of the region’s most respected healthcare organizations, serving thousands of patients annually across more than 35 locations throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
A physical therapist by training and a leader by nature, Cindy has dedicated her career to helping people regain mobility, restore confidence, and improve their quality of life. Her commitment to exceptional care, professional development, and organizational growth has helped establish Lattimore as a trusted leader in outpatient rehabilitation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cindy is known for her unwavering commitment to family, community, and service. She co-created the Lattimore Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised thousands of dollars each year to support local children and families facing medical challenges.
Together, Cindy and John built more than a successful business; they created a lasting legacy of care, leadership, and impact that continues to touch lives throughout the Rochester community.
Naomi has been involved with the Red Wings her entire life. The Silver family’s involvement is in it’s 69th year, and Naomi has taken an active role over three decades, working her way up the corporate ladder. She is the daughter of Morrie and Anna Silver. Morrie saved baseball in Rochester, and it is because of the Silver’s devotion to the community that Rochester’s franchise is among the most respected, and continuously operating franchise in baseball. Naomi honed her business skills, assuming more responsibility and taking over different aspects of the business, becoming the country’s only female at the helm in professional Minor League baseball, a distinction she still holds. As CEO, she has overseen the team’s most successful period in its history.
Naomi believes strongly in giving back to her community, serving many local not for profit boards like Strong Memorial Hospital, Boys and Girls Club, Monroe Community College, Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation, and Major League Baseball’s Player Development League DEI and Facilities Compliance committees, to name a few. Among her awards are the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden in 2024, Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year, Baseball’s Minor League Executive of the Year, and the Rochester’s 2026 Athena Award.
Mark is a collaborative technology leader who has grown TOPTICA Photonics Inc.’s North American presence over two decades, emphasizing people, local talent, and high skill job creation. Rooted in Rochester, he blends physics and business expertise to connect entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and industry partners with opportunities in advanced technology. His leadership at TOPTICA centers on teamwork driven innovation and a culture where scientists and engineers can do meaningful work together.
Nationally, Mark plays an active role in shaping the quantum ecosystem—advising the Department of Commerce, advocating on Capitol Hill, and serving on multiple industry panels. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he mentors startups, supports STEM education, participates in community planning, and serves on multiple boards. Across all of his work, he champions the belief that technological progress accelerates when people are connected, supported, and inspired.
As the Founder and President of Four Winds Chimney, Anthony has grown a small operation into one of the largest independently owned chimney and fireplace companies in the country, employing over 80 team members. A fourth generation mason, he built his company on craftsmanship, integrity, accountability, and service.
Four WInds Chimney’s greatest accomplishment is creating a culture where people build meaningful careers. They are proud to invest heavily in our team through leadership development, training, competitive wages, and retirement programs. Watching team members achieve personal milestones is considered the ultimate reward.
Anthony’s commitment to service extends into the Rochester community through support of CURE Childhood Cancer, board service for Margaret Home, and contributions to the Rotary Sunshine Camp, Habitat for Humanity, and youth sports. He believes that local businesses must make their communities stronger.
Nationally, he serves in leadership with the Chimney Safety Institute of America, speaking at conferences to elevate industry standards.
Anthony’s driving philosophy is simple: people over profit. Financial success matters because it allows us to invest in our team, serve customers, and support our community. The true measure of success is leaving things better than we found them.
Alex Vigneri is an entrepreneur and manufacturing leader whose passion for people, innovation, and community impact is helping shape the future of Rochester’s business landscape.
As Founder and Chief Experience Officer of DeCocoa Chocolate Crafters, he is building a company founded on the belief that exceptional businesses are created by investing in people, fostering a strong culture, and pursuing continuous innovation.
Alex has focused on developing world-class manufacturing operations that combine craftsmanship, operational excellence, and innovative processes to create award-winning products. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering employees, building high-performing teams, and creating opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Beyond business success, Alex is committed to making a lasting impact across Greater Rochester. Through workforce development initiatives, educational partnerships, and community-focused programs, he strives to create pathways for individuals and families to succeed. He believes businesses have a responsibility not only to drive economic growth but also to strengthen the communities they serve.
Alex’s entrepreneurial vision, commitment to leadership, and dedication to community investment reflect the innovation, resilience, and service that continue to move Greater Rochester forward.
Congratulations to all the Business Person of the Year finalists!
We are honored to recognize these individuals who showcase business excellence right here in the Greater Rochester region. Their outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to our community have truly set them apart.
At Paychex, supporting and uplifting remarkable business leaders like these is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to helping businesses think bigger and aim higher through our unique blend of HR technology and advisory solutions. From streamlining daily functions to boosting engagement and productivity, we help businesses succeed.
Congratulations once again to the exceptional finalists! It’s an honor to share our community with these influential leaders who are building a brighter future. Your success and achievements remind us of what’s possible when vision, determination, and community-focused values come together.
We’re proud to support the Business Person of the Year Awards
At Paychex, our expert-enabled technology helps over 800,000 businesses succeed at every stage of growth, with everything you need to confidently recruit and hire, pay and develop, and manage and grow your team.
The Small Business Council is excited to present its Community Partnership awards to two organizations in Greater Rochester that will use this donation in an impactful way to help small businesses thrive in our community.
To be considered, organizations must work with small businesses in the Greater Rochester nine-county region, have demonstrated success in assisting small businesses by delivering premier programs that promote business growth in the Greater Rochester region, align with the SBC guiding principles of connecting, caring, celebrating, coaching, and community. Organizations focusing on supporting MWBEs or other disenfranchised small business owners are preferred for this award. We are excited to announce our two 2026 Community Partnership award recipients who will be presented with an $8,000 donation from the SBC Cares program and the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.
Charles Settlement House and The Community Place of Greater Rochester have served the Rochester community for more than a century through a shared commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and improving lives. Rooted in the settlement house tradition, the organizations work together to provide programs and services that help children, families, older adults, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive. Together, they provide nearly 40,000 services to the Rochester community each year, addressing essential needs while creating opportunities for education, recreation, personal growth, and community connection. From food assistance and youth programs to senior services and family support,
the organizations are dedicated to building stronger, healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By combining a rich history of neighborhood-based service with a forward-looking approach, Charles Settlement House and The Community Place continue to make a lasting impact throughout the Greater Rochester community.
Since 1997, The Enterprise Center at PathStone has been opening doors for small business owners across Rochester and Puerto Rico who might not get a fair shot anywhere else. Our mission is to enhance the economic self-sufficiency and quality of life of individuals and communities through entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, access to financing for new and expanding businesses, and consumer products for underserved borrowers. As a CDFI, we pair small business loans with hands-on coaching, pairing access to capital with the support to use it well. We’ve put $47 million to work for local entrepreneurs through nearly 1,900 loans, helping create or protect more than 3,300 jobs along the way. The Enterprise Center is proud to of our 25 years of showing up for the small business owners who are building this region’s future.
To learn more about the Community Partnership Awards and submit your organization for consideration in 2027, please contact Cassidy Pendell at Cassidy.Pendell@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com.
Linden Digital Marketing 2025 Award Winner
How do you and your organization embody the Small Business Council’s pillars of coaching, connecting, celebrating, and caring in your work in the Greater Rochester region?
Both I and Linden Digital Marketing embody these four pillars by championing this region far and wide: to our clients locally, nationally, and abroad. We’re proud to be from Greater Rochester and to be building talent here. We coach students from local universities, and we hire and retain talent locally whenever possible. We connect the businesses we work with to one another so they can grow together, not just through their relationship with Linden. And above all, we genuinely care about this region and about taking care of the place we all live and love.
SFG Wealth Management 2022 Award Finalist
AQWhat is the greatest leadership trait or number one superpower a leader should possess to be successful?
The best piece of advice I ever received was to surround yourself with smart, driven people and give them opportunities to grow and lead. Great leadership is not about having all the answers—it is about building strong teams, empowering others, and helping people reach their full potential.
When we invest in people, everyone succeeds.
