University of Northwestern Ohio

Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards

Calling All Alumni Entrepreneurs!

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Fuel the Future: UNOH Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards + Student Pitch Competition.

This exciting event will celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of our alumni—those who have turned bold ideas into thriving ventures—and inspire today’s students to chase their own dreams of innovation and leadership.

 Enter Nomination

Who Should Be Nominated

UNOH is seeking nominations for alumni who have:

• Launched or managed a successful business or entrepreneurial venture.
• Demonstrated leadership, creativity, and perseverance.
• Made a positive impact in their community or industry.

Eligible nominees must have completed a certificate or degree program from The University of Northwestern Ohio, Northwestern College, NBC-Tech, Northwestern Business College, or Northwestern School of Commerce, and be in good standing with the university.

Nominees must be available to attend the Fuel The Future event on the UNOH campus from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2027. The event will include breakfast, a panel discussion, networking time, a student pitch competition, and an awards luncheon. 

Nominations are open now through Friday, November 13, 2026.

 

2026 Alumni Entrepreneurship Award Recipients

Lenn Isaac
Diesel Technology, Class of 2014
Founder & CEO, Whitestone Fleet Service

Brian Littlefield
Automotive High Performance, Class of 2010
Business – Specialized Studies, Class of 2012
Founding Partner, Co-Owner & Chief Product Officer, JOCKO FUEL

Philip Rickard
Automotive Technology, Class of 1991
Founder & Owner, Lakeland Repair Services

Eddie Saunders Jr.
Marketing, Class of 2013
Founder & Chief Empathy Officer, Speak Friend

Chase Vance
Business Administration (Marketing), Class of 2016
MBA, Class of 2017
Owner, Essential Investment Properties, LLC