Rollie Stephenson, CEO of Faith Technologies was recently named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Upper Midwest finalist. This is the second time Stephenson has had this honor; he was also nominated in 2009.
In 1972, Stephenson founded the small electrical contracting service that would become Faith Technologies. Thirty-nine years and a few strategic acquisitions later, Faith Technologies is ranked as one of the top electrical contractors in the United States, with nearly 1,500 employees providing design, installation, and maintenance services to the medical, IT, and communications industries throughout the Midwest.
"On behalf of our talented and faithful employees, I’m privileged to be chosen as a finalist for this remarkable award," Stephenson said. "I’m honored that the judges deem me worthy of this prestigious recognition. I’m in very good company with my fellow nominees."
An independent judging panel made up of previous winners of the award, leading CEOs, private capital investors, and other regional business leaders selected the finalists. The winners will be revealed at an award gala on June 15 at the Frontier Center in Milwaukee, Wis. The Upper Midwest region includes companies based in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year program celebrates its 25th anniversary. The program, which originated in Milwaukee, has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities and more than 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. All regional honorees are invited to the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on Nov. 12, 2011, in Palm Springs, Calif.
