SMALL BUSINESS
FDU ’ s 2021 Annual NJ Family Business of the Year Awards
The Oct . 27 , 2021 event is being held at the Glen Ridge Country Club .
Compiled by John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
This month , Fairleigh Dickinson University ’ s Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship will mark its 29th year of honoring family businesses in New Jersey . The program , the Annual family Business of the Year Awards , recognizes the significant contributions to the economy and community made by extraordinary family businesses . These firms are recognized for innovative strategies , personal achievements and business practices — all necessary to continue the legacy that can be created within the fabric of a successful family business .
“ The challenges companies are facing this year are unprecedented and COVID‐19 took everyone by surprise ,” says Rothman Institute Executive Director Dr . Dale Caldwell . “ We would like to use this opportunity to highlight the struggles and successes these businesses have experienced and elevate their profile in the business community . Family businesses form the foundation of the New Jersey economy . It is therefore essential that we support these businesses and celebrate their success .”
The 2021 honorees include : Beacon Converter , Inc . ( Saddle Brook ); Braunschweiger Jewelers ( Morristown ); Burke Motors Group ( Cape May ); Cranford Movie Theater and Drive-In ( Cranford ); Diane Turton Realtors ( Point Pleasant Beach ); Estro Digital Communications ( Westwood ); Heritage ’ s Dairy Stores ( Thorofare ); JD Companies
Small businesses drive New Jersey ' s economy forward .
( Hackensack ); McMahon Insurance Agency ( Ocean City ); Ravitz Family Markets ( Cherry Hill ) and Triangle Manufacturing ( Upper Saddle River ).
SobelCo Principal and Chief Growth Strategist Sally Glick , MBA , will team up with Dr . Caldwell as Master of Ceremonies . She has more than 30 years of experience working as a marketing consultant dealing with a wide range of CPA firms nationwide .
“ For several years , SobelCo has been a proud sponsor of the annual Fairleigh Dickinson University Family Business of the Year program ,” says Glick , a member of the board of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey . “ Since our inception more than 60 years ago , our firm has served the middle market , family-held business community . As such , it is an honor to partner with FDU to spotlight some of the best representatives of successful privately held companies across the state .”
“ This is the only event that recognizes New Jersey family businesses , and it is exciting to reward their efforts and celebrate their significant impact on the state ’ s economy and quality of life ,” adds Rothman Institute Program Director Susan Slavin .
Part of Silberman College of Business since 1989 , the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports , promotes and researches entrepreneurship with a special focus on family owned and veteran-owned businesses . For more information on FDU ’ s Rothman Institute programs , visit
www . fdu . edu / rothman .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / dragana991
Rothman Institute Executive Director Dr . Dale Caldwell
SobelCo Principal / Chief Growth Strategist Sally Glick , MBA
Triangle Manufacturing ( Honoree ) President Dax Strohmeyer
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