What a great evening to attend and participate in the inaugural Great Oak Awards dinner. I applaud New Jersey Monthly for honoring businesses that are successful, but are also generous and supportive of the many socially driven causes in New Jersey.

I want to congratulate all of the finalists as well as the winners of each major category. Their leadership demonstrates the ability to manage both their financial goals as well as the social needs in their communities. Congrats to all!

I was honored to be selected as a judge along with Hans Dekker and Abby O’Neill by Kate Tomlinson, Publisher and Editor in Chief of New Jersey Monthly. Our challenge was to review in-depth the numerous companies that were nominated and reviewed by the editors of New Jersey Monthly. What impressed me the most was the creativity and commitment that so many businesses of all sizes made to their communities.

Dr. Randal Pinkett gave a phenomenal and highly motivating keynote address about legacy and the difference between being successful and being great. Randal is a very impressive young man with great roots in Jersey.

Again, to all of the finalists and the selected winners, congratulations. You not only demonstrate the ability to play an important successful role in generating jobs and financial success to your owners and investors, but the ability to make a difference in the lives of so many residents. Thank you all!

Click here to read about coverage of this event.