WBJ’s oldest award, started in 1982, continues the tradition this year with winners from places like Table Talk Pies, Abby’s House, 1854 Cycling Co., Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, and Little Leaf Farms.
When Ed Hyder died unexpectedly in 2018, it could have meant a rough road ahead for the iconic Worcester grocery bearing his name. Fortunately, it didn’t, as Ed’s daughter and son, who were already in the business, and his wife stepped up to make the transition easier. Today, Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace is thriving as Miriam, Gregory and Edna have found a way to keep its longtime charm while adapting to customers’ new needs in an increasingly competitive market.
Likewise, all of the winners of WBJ’s 2020 Business Leader of the Year awards faced a similar inflection point, where they pivoted and found new heights. Brandale D. Randolph has brought his mission-driven startup to a new precipice as it has adapted its business model. Harry Kokkinis’ company has changed hands multiple times, but he has been a steady force and more than doubled its revenues. Stephanie Page funded and executed an organization-defining project for Abby’s House. Paul Sellew has revolutionized the way lettuce is grown and reaches the market.
Read about all of the 2020 Business Leaders of the Year using the links below. Follow this link to see the new members of the WBJ Hall of Fame, which was also announced Monday.
– Brad Kane, editor
2020 Business Leaders of the Year
Small Business Leader of the Year: Brandale D. Randolph, founder & CEO, 1854 Cycling Co.
Large Business Leader of the Year:Â Harry Kokkinis, president, Table Talk Pies, Inc.
Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year:Â Stephanie Page, executive director, Abby's House
Innovative Business Leader of the Year: Paul Sellew, CEO, Little Leaf Farms
Family Business Leaders of the Year: Edna, Gregory & Miriam Hyder, co-owners, Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace
