Nominations for 2026 Martin County Business Awards open May 1
Everyone appreciates a well-earned “pat on the back” for work well done. Now this is your chance to provide that shot of encouragement to others and possibly elevate your chosen recipient to one of the most celebrated stages of recognition in our community.
That’s right: Nominations open May 1 for your picks for the Business Development Board’s 2026 Martin County Business Awards, which will take place Oct. 26 at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach.
Know of a new local business that’s pioneering important actions in their industry? Or a leading company that’s made Martin County their headquarters? Or a local entrepreneur who’s creating innovations essential to protecting our country and improving our lives? Or a young person who—through hustle and initiative—is forging a path in business and making a difference in the marketplace? Please tell us all about them.
Categories include:
- Business Excellence Award
- Charlene Hoag Award
- Company to Watch
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Headquarters of the Year
- Innovation in Workforce Development
- Legacy Award
- Newcomer of the Year
- Manufacturer of the Year
- Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
“We love releasing this call out to the community and seeing the companies and entrepreneurs they nominate for recognition at the Martin County Business Awards,” says William Corbin, executive director of the BDBMC.
“This is a wonderful annual tradition that enables us to recognize local industry leaders—many of which operate with a low profile—that are creating and manufacturing amazing innovations,” adds Corbin. “Of course, it’s also a great spotlight for established and emerging entrepreneurs. So, we’re looking forward to another slate of outstanding nominees.”
The inaugural winner of Legacy Award—revealed last year—was Joan Jefferson, a former Stuart city commissioner largely credited with pioneering and presiding over the late 1980s, early 1900s revitalization of downtown Stuart. Recent previous winners include:
Business Excellence Award
- Hinckley Yachts – 2025
- Pursuit Aerospace – 2024
- International Training – (2023)
- Bluestream Fiber – (2022)
- Sunshine Land Design – (2021)
- Cleveland Clinic Martin Health (2020)
Charlene Hoag Award
- Ryan Strom – 2025
- Suzy Hutcheson – 2024
- Tom and Sue Whittington (2023)
- Kelly Johnson (2022)
- Janice Norman (2021)
- Debra Duvall (2020).
Company to Watch
- Daher – 2025
- Grind Hard Ammo (now Iconic) – 2024
- ADDiTEC (2023)
- Willis Custom Yachts (2022).
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Sandy Woods, who heads Toyota of Stuart and Treasure Coast Lexus of Fort Pierce – 2025
- Pete Morello Sr., CIS Security Solutions – 2024
- Eddie Kolos, H20 (2023)
- Jon Justak, AGTI (2022)
- Brian O’Connor, AirBruners (2021)
- Eric Kiehn, C&W Technologies (2020).
Headquarters of the Year
- Revive Health – 2025
- Paradise Air Fresh – 2024
- Awareness Technologies (2023)
- Team IP (2022)
- Seacoast Bank (2021)
- Visiting Nurse Association (2020)
Innovation in Workforce Development (new)
Newcomer of the Year
- East Coast Metal Structures – 2025
- TrenchBadger – 2024
Manufacturer of the Year
- ADDiTEC – 2025
- Value Tool & Engineering – 2024
- Pace Machine and Tool (2023)
- WMR Competitive Products (2022).
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
- Theo Smail, Theo Shot It!
- Parker Smith, Smith Marine Services
- Jaxon McIntyre and Matthew Elder, Bright Delight Windows (2023)
- Keegan Nunes, and KSoap (2022).
