Distinction Awards Connects, Empowers and Celebrates Regional Business Leaders

The second annual Distinction Awards, held on October 16,2024, was a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration for hundreds of business leaders from across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s Paulucci Hall, attendees exchanged ideas, forged valuable connections, and honored the visionary entrepreneurs who are driving growth in our region.

“We bring business owners together from across the region, in particular those who are high-achieving, high-striving, and want to learn from others who have been there done that,” said Shawn Wellnitz, Entrepreneur Fund CEO. “We create the environment where people can learn from one another.”

The evening kicked off with “behind-the-business” sessions, where attendees rotated through four interactive discussions led by this year’s honorees, gaining an inside look at the drive and dedication that goes into building a successful business. Afterward, guests enjoyed tastings from over a dozen local food and beverage vendors—small businesses themselves—adding afresh, community-driven twist to the traditional banquet experience.

“This event celebrates the unique attributes of our incredible entrepreneurs – creativity, grit, drive, and an unwavering focus on our communities,” said Martha Bremer, EFund Director of Strategic Partnerships and event organizer. “It reflects the very essence of what makes our region thrive.”

The night culminated with an awards ceremony honoring nine standout businesses for their contributions to the regional economy and two extraordinary leaders who’ve been instrumental in EFund’s journey.

Diane Weber received the Exemplary Board Service Award for her nine years of commitment to EFund’s Board of Directors, which included her leadership in the 2015 capital campaign that helped EFund achieve self-sustaining growth.

“I know the demands on your time, yet you make the time to give back to your communities,” said Weber, accepting her award. “And because you do that, that makes you the successful entrepreneurs that you are.”

EFund founder Mary Mathews was honored with the Trailblazer Award for her vision, leadership and persistence that laid the groundwork for what EFund is today.

“It’s because of Mary’s firsts that have gotten us to where we are today. And we truly stand on the shoulders of one amazing woman,” said Wellnitz.

Reflecting on EFund’s beginnings, Mathews highlighted the organization's incredible evolution - noting that it took 15 years to reach $5million in loans. Today, the EFund team turns that around in a quarter.

“I could not be more proud of the work that the staff does, that Shawn does, and the way they’ve grown,” said Mathews. “It’s a wonderful legacy for this organization.”

Congratulations to this year’s honorees for your outstanding achievements and commitment to growth and resilience in our region. Your impact reaches far beyond your businesses. Your work embodies the spirit of the Distinction Awards, and we look forward to celebrating even more achievements together in the years to come.

2024 Distinction Awards honorees and their areas of business excellence:

• ‍Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions, Jason Wobbema - Transitioning from start-up to growth-stage in a thriving international sector, diversifying industry on the Iron Range with innovative manufacturing and advancements. ‍
• BoomTown Woodfire Bar & Grill, Erik and Jessica Lietz- Scaling a regional brand with strong processes, management growth, and community impact across multiple locations.‍
• Lifestone Health Care, Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh - Excellence in operations and business expansion, empowering entrepreneurs of color through mentorship and enhancing access to quality health care.‍
• Love Creamery, Nicole Wilde - Building a strong,recognizable brand with strategic multi-location growth.‍
• Round Man Brewing Co., Jeff & Sue Churchill -Fostering a vibrant workplace culture and setting the standard for high-quality jobs in the hospitality industry.‍
• Rox Speed FX, Chris Olin - Achieving growth through perseverance, innovation, and strong brand loyalty in the motorsports community.‍
• Trika, Larry Pulkrabek - Innovating and disrupting outdoor categories with companies like Field Logic, Ravin Crossbows, and Trika fishing rods. A serial entrepreneur dedicated to excellence, scaling in the outdoor industry, and giving back to the community.‍
• Ursa Minor Brewing, Benjamin Hugus - Achieving business success through operational excellence, strategic growth, and industry-leading models.‍
• Victual, Paul Kirkman - Demonstrated excellence in retail experience and expansion, with an innovative approach that has sparked a ripple effect benefiting residents and local businesses.

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