Once again, the selection of this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year started with hundreds of suggestions, which in turn led to dozens of detailed and formal nominations. After site visits and interviews by the panel of judges, the field was narrowed to 19 finalists representing 18 companies. From this group came this year’s seven award recipients. The competition, as always, was intense—the judges had a challenging time determining this year’s winners.

On the pages below, you’ll meet both the winners and the rest of the finalists. All of these entrepreneurs have successfully built businesses, often overcoming major obstacles. All have displayed the perseverance, vision, drive, and leadership that it takes to build not only a growing business but a lasting one.

Bonnie Baskin


Bonnie Baskin

Life Sciences Category, AppTec

John Olsn


John Olson

Service Category, Olson

Steve Wagenheim


Steve Wagenheim

Emerging Category, Granite City Food & Brewery

Jack Dalrymple


Jack Dalrymple

Master Category, Dakota Growers Pasta Company

Dennis Doyle


Dennies Doyle

Real Estate Category, Welsh Companies

Dennis Lee and Tim Porth


Dennis Lee and Tim Porth

Consumer Produce Category, Octane Fitness

Daniel Murphy

Daniel Murphy

Technology Category, Alliant Techsystems