Tupelo Honey owner Steve Frabitore hornored as Small Business Leader of the Year, 16 or more employees

At the 116th Annual Meeting in June, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding companies and individuals. 

Every year, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce honors two individuals as Small Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by HomeTrust Bank. One award is given to an individual from a company with under 16 employees, and the other is given to an individual at a company with 16 or more employees. 

Selected from community nominations, winners clearly reflect quality and dedication in the operation of business in the Asheville area and exhibit leadership accomplishments including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness.

Steve Frabitore of Tupelo Honey Cafe was chosen as 2013 Small Business Leader of the year in the category of 16 or more employees.

Steve purchased Tupelo Honey Cafe about six years ago and has since transformed the popular restaurant into an empire. Sales at the original downtown store have grown by over 200%, a second Asheville store was opened and by the end of 2013 there will be six Tupelo Honey Cafes throughout the Southeast. His success has garnered him recognition as the 2012 North Carolina Restaurateur of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.  

"His passion for offering our guests flavorful food that is well thought out, tested and implemented allows us the good fortune of remaining a leader in southern cuisine after 12 years in business," said Alan Wolf, Vice President of Operations at Tupelo Honey Cafe. "Steve's passion for perfection is amazing and his ability to drive every decision by a guest-first focus makes him an excellent leader."

While growing the business, Steve has also kept an eye out for supporting the community. Tupelo Honey Cafe sponsors Go Kitchens, a job rehabilitation outfit for restaurant workers in Asheville, has provided food for families in need from local elementary schools and donated funds for building the Estes learning garden. Tupelo Honey Cafe teaches children's food nutrition to 2-4th graders in Buncombe County, NC, Knox County, TN and Greenville County, SC.

"Steve, as many Asheville leaders, embodies the spirit of our city, our region and of our best leaders," Wolf said. "His selflessness is genuine, his gratitude of guests and employees is inspirational and his drive and vision to create opportunity for those around him is truly unique."

Ed Sullivan honored as Small Business Leader of the Year

At the 116th Annual Meeting in June, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding companies and individuals. 

Every year, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce honors two individuals as Small Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by HomeTrust Bank. One award is given to an individual from a company with under 16 employees, and the other is given to an individual at a company with 16 or more employees. 

Selected from community nominations, winners clearly reflect quality and dedication in the operation of business in the Asheville area and exhibit leadership accomplishments including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness.

Ed Sullivan with wife Arlene and daughter

Ed Sullivan of Sign-a-rama of Asheville was selected in the category of under 16 employees. Ed and his wife Arlene started Sign-a-rama of Asheville in 2011. In just two short years, Ed has become an active member of the community. He contributes time, effort and resources to many community activities. He is a member of the Council of Independent Business Owners and Asheville Rotary as well as a Chamber ambassador. An avid musician, Ed has also volunteered and supported numerous music festivals in the region.

"Ed responds to the challenges of running a successful business with innovative approaches and solutions," said Sign-a-rama sales representative Dari Mullins. "When given an unusual project, Ed throws all his creativity and managerial skills toward the task to ensure it is accomplished."



Congratulations, Ed!

Dr. Larry Golson of Envision Eyecare recognized as Small Business Leader of the Year

At the 115th Annual Meeting, the Chamber honored nine community members with our annual leadership awards. This is the third installment in our series profiling the award winners.

Dr. Larry Golson of Envision Eyecare received the Small Business Leader of the Year in the category of 15 or less employees. The Small Business Leader of the Year Awards (sponsored by HomeTrust Bank) are presented each year to two individuals who reflect quality and dedication in their business operations and who have exhibited leadership accomplishments in the areas of innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness.  

In the four years since Dr. Golson started Envision Eyecare, the practice has experienced growth each year and received recognition including growth awards from Cleinman Performance Partners (a national network of optometrists), a 2011 Optometric Business Innocator by Vision Monday magazine and Best of WNC in category of eyecare from Mountain Xpress.

Tony VunCannon of HomeTrust Bank
presents award to Dr. Larry Golson

Dr. Golson is active in the community, donating time, money and services to various community causes.  Envision Eyecare participated in MAHEC's Minority Mentoring program, donated exams for low-income patients through Prevent Blindness America and the Lion's Club. Golson is also a former board member of the Asheville Area Arts Council and a current member of the Executive Associates of Greater Asheville board.

Dr. Golson is noted as a thoughtful and innovative leader who has created an inviting and engaging medical office with a dedication to top-level service.

"It is obvious that it is his goal to provide patients with the best quality service, products and eye health care available," said office manager Jessica Thompson. "He strives to provide an extremely positive work environment and office culture. He inspires his team with weekly meetings to maintain active communication and by providing frequent training sessions on topics within the industry."

"My main objective as a leader is to be a servant leader by developing and coaching each team member to reach his/her fullest potential both professionally and personally," said Golson. 

John Miles recognized as Small Business Leader of the Year, 16+ employees

At the 115th Annual Meeting, the Chamber honored nine community members with our annual leadership awards. This is the second installment in our series profiling the award winners.

John Miles of integritive, Inc. received the Small Business Leader of the Year in the category of 16 or more employees. The Small Business Leader of the Year Awards (sponsored by HomeTrust Bank) are presented each year to two individuals who reflect quality and dedication in their business operations and who have exhibited leadership accomplishments in the areas of innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness. 

"John is a true renaissance man and has become a leader in the community, setting the bar for others to follow," said Andrew Nagle.

John launched integritive in 2001 as an Asheville firm specializing in integrated online strategies,which includes web design and development, strategic planning, social media and e-marketing. 

As CEO and "Chief of What's Next" at integritive, John routinely practices innovation and creativity and is driven by values in all he does.

John mindfully cultivates democracy in the workplace, encouraging collaboration. For the second year in a row, integritive has been recognized on the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces alongside Zappos.com, New Belgium Brewing and WD-40. 

"I'm always interested in how sharing professionally and personally with those around me can be of benefit to us all," John said.

Being involved in the community is important to John. He serves on the Board of the Asheville Chamber and the Executive Association of Greater Asheville as well as being involved in TEDx and other leadership and charitable programs. In addition, integritive donates 10 percent of net profits to community non-profits.

John said, "As a small business owner, I believe collaborating with other leaders in the community and supporting each other is critical for success." 


John and integritive, Inc. previously appeared on our blog as Entrepreneur of the Month in April.