Ernst & Young LLP announced that John Merris, CEO, Solo Stove, is the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 Southwest Award* winner.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is a competitive award program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. The award recognizes entrepreneurial leaders who excel in overcoming adversity, financial performance, societal impact, commitment to building value-based companies, innovation, and talent management.
Merris was selected by an independent panel of judges and received the award on October 7 at a virtual gala hosted by Inside Edition’s Deborah Norville.
“It’s an honor to receive such a prestigious award and to be celebrated alongside such notable business leaders. Amidst such an unusual year, Solo Stove has continued to grow, and it’s a testament to the unstoppable spirit of our entire team. On behalf of Solo Stove, we thank Ernst & Young for the recognition,” said Merris.
Solo Stove manufactures outdoor products that include stainless steel fire pits, camp stoves and charcoal grills.
Since 1986, Ernst & Yount has awarded entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation and tenacity have driven their companies’ success, transformed their industries and made a positive impact on their communities.
*As a Southwest award winner, Merris is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 National Awards. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced November 19 during its virtual awards gala. The awards are the culminating event of this year’s virtual Strategic Growth Forum, a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year award in June 2020.
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Kauffman Foundation. Southwest sponsors also include Colliers International, Haynes and Boone, Donnelly Financial, PNC Bank, Marquee Events, RHSB, Smith, Frank & Partners, and D CEO Magazine.
