Presented by Bank of America
With nearly 350 in attendance, the 2024 Martin County Business Awards presented by Bank of America celebrated industry leaders, companies, and entrepreneurs for their innovations, investments in the community, and contributory impact on the local economy.
The annual event by the Business Development Board of Martin County culminated in special recognition of a nonprofit leader who has dedicated a half-century to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
“The companies being honored today are key drivers of long-term sustainable economic growth not only in Martin County but the entire Treasure Coast,” said Susan Rabinowitz, BDBMC chair and Treasure Coast market president for Bank of America, presenting sponsor. Addressing the honorees, “You are the partners we are proud to collaborate with to make a real impact in our shared mission to strengthen our local economy. You set the bar high and made us all want to invest in your vision, so thank you for your leadership
Tania Rogers, anchor, and reporter for WTPV and event emcee, shared with the packed audience, “Proudly, some of the services and products represented by the winners secure our skies and defend our country. Their market reach, in many cases, is global. Their capital investment in Martin County is massive, measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. Their role in injecting new revenue into the local economy, which is why they are considered contributory businesses, is vital in fortifying the economic strength of Martin County.”
Informally themed “Made in Martin,” many of the winners and nominees showcased the strength and diversity of the county’s manufacturing sector, right down to the one-of-a-kind table centerpieces. Printera created 3D-printed concrete basket centerpieces in their manufacturing facility and note card sets depicting the six different regions of Martin County painted by local artist and businessman Donald MacIntosh were given to each guest. “It was unique and fun to showcase our work to the business community. We were honored by the BDBMC’s invitation to participate,” said Justin D’Angelo, Printera’s Chief Executive Officer. “At a little over 8 lbs each, I was surprised that everyone wanted to take one home after the event. Not one was left!”
Meet the winners:
Business Excellence: Pursuit Aerospace specializes in conventional and precision forgings—a metalworking technique the industry refined to create aircraft components. Serving a global market, the company has operated in Martin County for 57 years, employing more than 300 people and operating in multiple workshops totaling 200,000 square feet.
Manufacturer of the Year: Value Tool and Engineering manufactures parts for the fixed and rotary wings of nearly every aircraft used by the U.S. military and its NATO partners. U.S. Air Force veteran Steve Hartz founded the company in Indiana before expanding to Palm City. The 100-percent contributory business injects substantial outside revenue into our local economy.
Company to Watch: Grind Hard Ammo, founded by Barry Skolnick, sought to re-shore ammunition manufacturing for U.S. military, law enforcement and private citizens. Since 2017, Skolnick has completely transformed a derelict YMCA skate rink in the City of Stuart into an advanced manufacturing operation that produces copper casting and other components of manufacturing. In 2024, Skolnick embarked on the next phase, building a new manufacturing facility, nearly 100,000 square feet in Indiantown, representing a more than $90 million capital investment in Martin County.
Headquarters of the Year: Paradise Air Fresh, a fragrance manufacturer, creates various scents for automotive, home, or commercial use. Currently occupying approximately 24,000 square feet and soon expanding to 80,000 square feet at Sands Commerce Center in Palm City in 2025, it is building a global market and is on pace to have products sold or available on nearly every continent.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Peter Morello, Sr., of CIS Security Solutions, has armed retailers with the tools to fight theft for over 30 years. He’s secured 12 patents and has several prototypes under development. His innovations include detection devices that identify counterfeit bills, a flashlight whose UV beam registers security images on credit cards, point-of-sale receipt rolls to prevent tampering, and all kinds of electronic alarm tethers.
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Parker Smith of Smith Marine Services washes and details boats, performs mate and captain services for the company—and is earning his Yamaha mechanic certification—all as a 16-year-old high school student!
Charlene Hoag Leadership Award: Suzy Hutcheson, longtime CEO of Helping People Succeed, was the 21st recipient of the Charlene Hoag Leadership Award, a late Martin County commissioner beloved for her inspiring leadership style and dedication to our community.
For over 50 years with Helping People Succeed, Suzy has advocated for children and adults with disabilities and their families. She’s been published in numerous journals as a recognized leader in her field. The US Department of Labor published her business plan for organizational change. She’s served on countless local, state, and regional boards, including Blue Ribbon Task Forces and the Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities.
The event, held at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, had gold and silver sponsors, including Ashley Capital, Adult & Pediatric Institute, BusinessFlare, Cleveland Clinic, EW Environmental Consultants, Adult & Pediatric Institute, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Carr, Riggs and Ingram, Printera, Rehmann, NAI Southcoast, the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce, and many others at the bronze and patron levels.
More in-depth information and profiles about the winners, the event, and sponsors can be found in this digital program book.
Photo gallery will be posted soon!
