Local Companies, CEO Earn Leading Edge Titles
Business leaders in Southern Maryland were showcased during the 15th annual Leading Edge Awards on June 10 in Waldorf.
 Representing businesses who earned 2015 Leading Edge Awards were, from left, Connie Fuksa, president and CEO of Blink Systems LLC, as Charles County Technology Company of the Year; Don Smolinski, president and CEO of All American Harley-Davidson, as CEO of the Year; Josie Cazares, president/operations of the Aeolus Business Group for Aeolus Energy Systems, Inc., as Small Business of the Year; and Mike Morgan, chief technologist for Booz Allen Hamilton, as CSM Partnership in Education. |
“A common theme running through all of these award presentations for these busy, prosperous businesses is a commitment to our community. These award winners have been role models and mentors and, after tonight, their advice will be sought even more,” said Dr. Daniel Mosser, College of Southern Maryland’s vice president of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
Recognized this year are Blink Systems, LLC as Charles County Technology Company of the Year; Booz Allen Hamilton as CSM Partnership in Education; Aeolus Energy Servicing, Inc. as Small Business of theYear; and Don Smolinski, president and CEO of All American Harley-Davidson, as CEO of the Year.
Blink Systems, LLC as Charles County Technology Company of the Year
Blink Systems, LLC is a startup software company founded in 2012 by Connie Fuksa, president and CEO of Foote Title Group. A customer marketing system, Blink very simply reminds its users to stay in touch with their contacts throughout the year. Users are able to send information to their customers and personalize messages based on specific notes they’ve previously populated. Blink portal is a web-based software that’s accessible from anywhere the user has an Internet connection or can be accessed through the iPhone and/or Android apps. Ms. Fuksa, who designed the concept for Blink and supervised its programming, runs the sales and editing of Blink’s programming updates while also managing Foote Title Group’s two offices in Waldorf and King George, Va. Among its clients are Charles County Department of Economic Development and several small businesses around the Beltway.
For remarks by Blink Systems, LLC, click here.
Booz Allen Hamilton as CSM Partnership in Education
With a strong emphasis on challenging work, rewards for excellence, professional growth opportunities, a commitment to community activism and cutting-edge innovation and technology, Booz Allen Hamilton not only provides an ideal work culture for its employees but it has served as an essential partner for its Southern Maryland clients for more than 30 years. Booz Allen’s commitment to use the CSM Corporate Center for training and to participate in the college’s Cyber Advisory Council has resulted in growth opportunities for their employees, while also assisting CSM in providing the training programs to serve new graduates and transform the local workforce to meet the IT and Cybersecurity demands of our community and Department of Defense sponsors. As a longtime community partner with the CSM Foundation, Booz Allen has been generous in providing resources, volunteers and sponsorships to support the college’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) K-12 outreach activities such as Youth in Technology, Women + Math, LEGO Robotics and Vex Robotics.
For remarks by Booz Allen Hamilton, click here.
Aeolus Energy Servicing, Inc. as Small Business of the Year
Dedicated to the principle of maintaining the highest levels of quality and integrity in communicating with people inside and outside of its business operations, Aeolus was founded in 2012 to provide excellent technical services to the wind industry. In a few short years, Aeolus has grown from start-up to a multi-million-dollar operation with locations across the country. AES has been a client of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) throughout this entire time. President/Operations of the Aeolus Business Group Josie Cazares has worked in the wind industry since 2008. With more than 20 years of success, she has led projects, programs and training in the wireline/wireless telecommunications and wind turbine industry, both nationally and internationally. Her mission at Aeolus is to build a culture of customer-focused, quality-minded, safely acting technical professionals to support all facets of the wind industry. Aeolus Energy Servicing was the first company in the business group, and due to its success Ms. Cazares has launched two additional companies, Aeolus Energy Systems and Aeolus Energy Sea.
For remarks by Aeolus Energy Servicing, Inc.,click here.
CEO/President Don Smolinski, All American Harley-Davidson as CEO of the Year
All American Harley-Davidson’s CEO Don Smolinski is respected as a dedicated and successful chief executive officer within the Southern Maryland community. In the early 1960s, Mr. Smolinski balanced the roles of father to his two children and being a college student. Soon after that he became an electrician in the local union. As the young Mr. Smolinski observed the D.C. Stadium and Dulles Airport being erected, he saw an opportunity and seized it, buying and selling scrap metal while finishing his apprenticeship. In 1965 he built and moved into Clinton Metal and in 1968 he built and moved into Waldorf Metal, both of which remain in operation. From those successful enterprises, Smolinski purchased more commercial property in Camp Springs, the location of Clinton Cycles. In 1987 he purchased Harley-Davidson of Washington located in Fort Washington and soon acquired the adjoining businesses. In 2006 he opened the All American Harley-Davidson dealership in Hughesville. He is CEO of a diverse combination of companies, which also include two Guy Motors Auto Service Centers, Henson Creek Assisted Living complex, D&M Rental Company, along with numerous real estate holdings. His newest endeavor is a Mobil 1 Quick Lube center in Mechanicsville, slated to open in July. He co-owns three FM radio stations, 98.3 Star FM, 102.9 WKIK Country and 97.7 The Rocket.
For remarks by Mr. Smolinski, click here.
The Leading Edge Awards are presented annually by the College of Southern Maryland in partnership with the Charles County Technology Council, the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, The Corporate Center at the College of Southern Maryland, the Small Business Development Center and the CSM Foundation.
Platinum sponsors for this year’s program include CSM, Greater Waldorf Jaycees, Marrick Homes, SmartSite LLC and Southern Maryland Newspapers. For photos from the event, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/15lea.
