Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southwest Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities, according to company officials in a press release. The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.
An independent panel of judges selected John Hanighen of Cloyes Gear & Products among the CEOs and founders representing 42 companies for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.
“I’m deeply honored to be selected as a finalist. The success we’ve experienced is a testament to the outstanding team and the unique, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture we’ve fostered at Cloyes,” said Hanighen.
Hanighen’s Impact on Cloyes
Cloyes says that Hanighen’s leadership has propelled the company to new heights, defined by relentless innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to empowering both customers and employees. Under his direction, Cloyes has executed strategic acquisitions—including Rotomaster and ATI—that have fueled sustained growth. Innovation at Cloyes extends beyond product development. The company’s training initiatives—including live webinars and a YouTube training library with over 8 million views—equip customers with the knowledge they need to do the job right.
“This recognition reflects John’s forward-thinking vision and dedication,” said Daniel Lewis, sr. vice president product and marketing. “His people-first approach, deep integrity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire our entire organization.”
Entrepreneur Of The Year Recognizes Bold Business Leaders
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program states that it celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company, transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory, and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 21 during a special celebration in Dallas and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum, a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.