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2018 C-Suite Awards honorees

Stephen Ball

MB Financial Bank, Chicago

Nominated by Kimberly Brisky, Small Business Advocacy Council

Stephen Ball is senior vice president and head of MB Financial Bank's Business Banking group. He has spent his 23 years of banking experience focused on the small business market. Along with his staff of 35, Ball helps businesses with lending and cash management solutions while providing sound analysis of their financials.

He is a business and community leader who advances an organization's mission while making the people around him better. Ball is a thoughtful leader with a gift for motivating others and providing them an array of tools to succeed. Also a member of the Small Business Advocacy Council's Executive Committee, Ball has put a remarkable amount of time and energy into making Illinois a better place to own and operate a small business. His ability to help the organization formulate and implement strategic decisions has elevated the organization.

Steve Banke

CEO, 3 Points LLC Lombard

Nominated by Kimberly Brisky, Small Business Advocacy Council

Stephen Banke

Building 3-Points, LLC a company that Steve Banke co-founded in 2002, has allowed him to utilize many of his greatest strengths as a business professional. 3 Points mission is to transform small businesses with technology and they deliver comprehensive IT served to small businesses across the Northern Illinois Region and these clients' satellite offices across the United States.

Banke is a tremendous entrepreneur and leader whose passion drives the success of his business and the organizations he believes in. He has remarkable vision and his energy resonates with everyone around him. He motivates others to strive for excellence. Banke's ability to assess, and strategically tackle issues, makes him an incredibly impactful CEO.

Steve Bernas

President & CEO, Better Business Bureau, Chicago

Nominated by Thomas Johnson, Better Business Bureau

Stephen Bernas

For over 30 years, Steve Bernas has earned a reputation as an ethical and principled businessman concerned with the rights of everyday citizens and businesses. He is interested in leveling the playing field for everyone to compete on.

Bernas' work has resulted in a number of national initiatives which have strengthened the BBB's standing within the business community and furthered its mission to advance marketplace trust.

Under his leadership, the Better Business Bureau has worked hard to expand its community outreach and educational efforts, including creating a BBB Educational Foundation offering four scholarships each year to promising high school and college students.

In January of 2018, BBB Chicago and Northern Illinois was named one of the dynamic organizations driving innovation in Illinois by Chicago Innovation/Chicago Innovation Awards. BBB Chicago also launched a major series over a year ago bringing experts together to help businesses fight Cybercrime.

Terence Felton

CIO, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove

Nominated by David Quillen

Terence Felton

In January 1982, Terence Felton enlisted in the United States Air Force and eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in April 1994. As Lieutenant Colonel, Felton managed a team of 50 telecom and network installation personnel. This team installed communication systems and networks on military bases around the world. He most recently served as the Air National Guard as the Installations Officer for the 217th Engineering Installation Squadron in Springfield, IL. During his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Felton shows leadership within his industry by regularly attending CampIT Conferences to enhance his understanding of new technologies. He also enjoy working students on campus through the Student Senate and other organizations.

Tom Gimbel

Founder & CEO, LaSalle Network, Chicago

Nominated by Samantha Rud

Tom Gimbel

Tom Gimbel started his career in an entry-level sales role at a staffing and recruiting firm. His natural charisma and understanding of people allowed him to work his way up and develop a strong understanding of the industry.

When the company was bought out, Gimbel had a choice: Continue to work for "the man" or create his own company and work to solve the problems he'd faced in the workplace. At age 26, he parted ways from his employer and created the first Chicago firm to offer employment solutions to the accounting and finance world: LaSalle Network.

Since day one - when LaSalle opened its doors with 3 employees - appreciation, camaraderie and hard work has been the heart of the operation.

Andrew Hochberg

CEO at Next Realty, Wilmette

Nominated by Michael Millar, Open Slate Communications

Andrew Hochberg

Twenty years ago, after serving as CEO of Sportmart and expanding its presence across the country, Andrew Hochberg was searching for the answer to the career-altering question: "What's next?"

With a strong financial acumen and great experience in the selection of prime retail sites for Sportmart's expansions, Hochberg formed Next Realty, a real estate investment and management firm which focused primarily on retail and parking properties across the country.

Over the last several years, as the retail industry has experienced significant challenges with the growth and acceptance of e-commerce and the need to look outside of traditional solutions for retail investment properties, Hochberg and Next Realty have embarked on a strategic course to minimize the adverse effect to its properties.

Hochberg is an influential leader, taking part in and leading many strategic initiatives in Chicago and other cities across the country.

Philip Hollyer

CEO, HS2 Solutions, Wheaton

Nominated by Jeff Wink

Philip Hollyer

Philip Hollyer has been instrumental in moving HS2 Solutions from a start up to a full-service digital agency, thriving with a 25 percent compounded average growth rate, and has earned a reputation for exceptional client service delivery across the full spectrum of marketing technology platforms.

A natural leader, Hollyer empowers his employees through mentorship, transparency and respect. His leadership style focuses on interpersonal dynamics and team dynamics. His ongoing mission is to help people understand that varying opinions and perspectives will lead to good work, but you need people to work well together.

He believes with conviction, that it's not about what you can do as an individual, it's about what your team can do.

Steve Johnson

President & CEO, Copresco, Carol Stream

Nominated by Lee Strouse, Wordcraft

Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson is the president & CEO of Copresco, a pioneer in digital printing technology and printing on-demand founded in 1987. He is an executive with 40 years of experience in the graphic arts and has extensive skills in business management, marketing and sales, business process development.

Bruce Leon

CEO, Tandem HR, Chicago

Nominated by Kimberly Brisky, Small Business Advocacy Council

Bruce Leon

Bruce Leon, an avid entrepreneur, is the owner of four sister companies headquartered in the Chicago area: Benefits Solutions Group, Tandem HR, Alliance Workplace Solutions and Workplace Solutions.

Leon's experience goes beyond the insurance industry to encompass all areas of human resources. He has a passion for helping businesses grow and firmly believes that a purposeful human resource strategy can lay the groundwork for the success of an organization.

He is famous in the business community for his commitment to philanthropy. His companies boast some of the most robust philanthropy programs out there. In 2018, Bruce challenged TFC employees to submit at least $10,000 in matching donation forms, after which point he would double his match to make a larger impact.

Victor Miceli

Co-Owner, Des Plaines Office Equipment, Elk Grove Village

Nominated by Kimberly Brisky, Small Business Advocacy Council

Victor Miceli

Founded in 1955, Des Plaines Office Equipment (DPOE) is a family-owned office technology company that has been providing the greater Chicago area with everything from printers and copiers to interactive video displays, document management solutions, and Managed IT Services.

In 1988, Victor Miceli and his brother took over the company and in 1989 they moved into the Elk Grove Village location.

Victor Miceli genuinely cares about the connections he has with his customers and wants to see all small businesses succeed in today's society whether it be through his lobbying in D.C. with the National Small Business Association or even just lending a helping hand to a customer in need when tragedy strikes.

Miceli is more than qualified to be recognized for all that he has done, and continues to do for Des Plaines Office Equipment, for the community, and for the future generations to come.

Jim Muckerheide

CFO, Rose Paving, Bridgeview

Nominated by Erin Weber, Yakkity Yak Marketing

Jim Muckerheide

Jim Muckerheide is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Illinois and has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Prior to joining Rose Paving, he served as the CFO for Focus Logistics, Inc., a transportation and supply chain solution's company and DePaulo Inc., a civil construction firm.

At Rose Paving, Muckerheide is responsible for managing business development, expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and the IT department. His ability to analyze company finances and propose clever, forward-thinking strategies has been crucial to Rose Paving's successful expansion across the United States, and recently, Canada.

Muckerheide has been an essential part of the Rose Paving family for over 9 years. His executive leadership experience constantly brings new insights and a fresh perspective to the senior management team.

Additionally, he makes a consistent effort to mentor younger employees and share lessons and best practices he's learned through the course of his career.

John Quigley

President & CEO, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce

Nominated by Ken Bartels, Community Bank of Elmhurst

John Quigley

John Quigley has led the Elmhurst Chamber for nearly two decades. He is a multitalented executive who is able to inspire a board, prod a prospect, captivate a business owner and motivate a staff. He is the primary reason for the Elmhurst Chamber's success as it celebrates its 100th anniversary as the leading business organization in the city of Elmhurst.

Quigley, in addition to leading the Elmhurst Chamber, is involved with many other groups in Elmhurst and in the western suburbs. He is active with his alma maters, Immaculate Conception Grade School and IC Catholic Prep as well as Elmhurst College. He is a former Kiwanis president and Friends of the DuPage County Forest Preserve Foundation board member. He is an ex officio member of the Elmhurst Economic Development Commission, and the City Centre board, a member of the Business Alliance, and active with the West suburban Chambers organization.

Luis Toledo

President & CEO, Midwest Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, Elk Grove Village

Nominated by Kari-Ann Ryan

Luis Toledo

Luis Toledo is a pioneer in the transportation/relocation industry when it comes to customer service and technology in this industry. He has developed himself from a mover over 35 years ago to president and CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, serving the continental United States.

Toledo is a champion when it comes to leadership within the community. Luis and his company are involved in multiple philanthropic initiatives, such as job creation and career development opportunities in the northwest suburbs and Chicago areas; Move for Hunger, which benefits the Illinois Food Bank "Food for the Poor" and District 54 Food Pantry; Special Olympics "Plane Pull" at O'Hare; and so many more great causes.

Toledo continues to expand his company by adding Local 705 Teamsters union to service the Chicago Office Movers brand. He is a top performer in Military Relocation serving our armed services across the country and has received multiple awards.

Gretchen Van Vlymen

Vice president of HR, StratEx, Chicago

Nominated by Anna Tietgen, LaSalle Network

Gretchen Van Vlymen

Gretchen Van Vlymen is the head of HR at StratEx, a national human resources software and consulting firm.

Under her leadership, the company has decreased its employee turnover, grown in head count every year, rebuilt its entire training and onboarding system, built out a dedicated recruiting team, implemented a number of culture initiatives as well as additional benefits for its employees.

Involved with philanthropy herself, Van Vlymen worked with StratEx's CEO to design and implement "StratEx Serves," an employee-led corporate philanthropy initiative, run by a team of StratEx employees. They coordinate one big charitable event per quarter with employees and then also several donations and fundraisers throughout the year.

Lucas VanDeWoestyne

Partner, Apex CPA's & Consultants, ST. Charles

Nominated by Marie Lazzara, JJR Marketing

Lucas VenDeWoestyne

Lucas VanDeWoestyne has been a practicing CPA for 17 years, but in 2008 he left the public sector and pursued private accounting as a controller for an engineering and construction management firm in the city of Chicago.

After two years in Chicago, VanDeWoestyne started to pursue a position closer to home so he could spend more time with his wife and two young children. While interviewing for a controller position that was being coordinated by the managing partner this CPA firm. Though he had not planned on re-entering public accounting, Apex presented a unique approach to client service as compared to other CPA firms.

Named partner this year, VanDeWoestyne also serves on the board of directors for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra as Treasurer. He and Apex's staff volunteer once a year to do food distribution for the Northern Illinois Food.

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