David Jacobs, founder and president of Spyder Active Sports, Inc., was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Rocky Mountain Region at a June 24 ceremony in Denver, Colorado. Jacobs was a finalist in the same competition in 1990, 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2001.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. According to the Ernst & Young website, this award is recognized globally and honors the most outstanding entrepreneurs who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. On average, over 3000 nominations are received annually in the U.S. From these, approximately 350 winners are chosen in 35 regions by independent panels of judges. All of the regional winners are eligible for the national honor, announced at an awards ceremony held in November. The 2003 national winner is John Mackey, chairman, CEO, and president of Whole Foods Market.
“To be chosen for this award, especially in the Rocky Mountain region, a hotbed of talent and entrepreneurial accomplishment, is truly an honor for me,” said Jacobs. Jacobs started Spyder in his home kitchen in 1978. The company has grown to a worldwide brand with products sold in over 50 countries.
This is the second business award for Jacobs this year; he is a 2004 inductee into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame. He also has the distinction of being named to the Honor Role of Canadian Skiing, and is a past recipient of the John Semmelink Award, an honor given to those skiers whose sportsmanship, conduct, and ability best represent Canada in international competition. Jacobs is a 1987 inductee into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame in Quebec, Canada, and a 2001 inductee into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame.
