Last Thursday night, amid the dressed up and glamorous setting of the Salt Palace Convention Center, members of the Salt Lake City business community singled out Backcountry.com co-founders Jim Holland and John Bresee as Ernst & Youngs Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Utah region in the consumer products category.
The pair was recognized for their efforts in taking Backcountry.com from a two-person basement operation in 1998 to one of the largest specialty outdoor retailers on the Web. The company has enjoyed seven consecutive years of triple digit growth on the strength an initial $2,000 investment, savvy Web marketing and award-winning customer service.
“Obviously, were pleasantly surprised by the recognition. In view of the caliber of our competition in the category, we were definitely the underdogs,” said Jim Holland. “I take a bow to all the talented people at Backcountry.com for their incredible contributions and dedication to the Backcountry.com vision. John and I would still be slinging grub in Park City without their efforts.”
Other finalists in the consumer products category were K-Tec, the inventor of industrial blenders such as the ones you see at Jamba Juice and Starbucks, and Back to Basics, a kitchen appliances manufacturer focused on “fun with food and family”.
Entrepreneur of the Year finalists were judged on their innovative approaches, future plans, people philosophy and management team they develop in achieving their success. The panel of judges consisted of area business leaders. Backcountry.com now qualifies as a finalist in the national Entrepreneur of the Year award program. Winners will be announced at the ceremony November 18-20, 2004 in Palm Springs, California.
The Entrepreneur of the Year awards program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in more than 100 cities and 35 countries.
