Previous honorees are not eligible for nomination.
Separate company and individual awards were discontinued beginning in 1995.
| Individuals | Companies |
|---|---|
| 2000: Albert Chen | 2008: Mike’s Carwash |
| 1999: Scott Jones | 2007: ExactTarget |
| 1998:Don Brown | 2006: Cummins Inc. |
| 1997: Charlotte Fischer | 2005: Steak n Shake Inc. |
| 1996: Bob Laikin | 2004: Republic Airways |
| 1994:Tony George | 2003: Hat World |
| 1993: Sallie Rowland | 2002: HH Gregg |
| 1992:William G. Mays | 2001: Kite Cos. |
| 1991: Frank Walker | 1995: Wild Birds Unlimited |
| 1990:George Mikelsons | 1994: IWC Resources Corp. |
| 1989: Gerald D. Mann | 1993: The Finish Line Inc. |
| 1988: Michael G. Browning | 1992: Associated Insurance Cos. Inc. |
| 1987:Phillip R. Duke | 1991: Heartland Capital Management Inc. |
| 1986: Jeffrey Smulyan | 1990: Wholesale Club Inc. |
| 1985: Richard B. DeMars | 1989: Hurco Cos. |
| 1984:William B. Stokely III | 1988: Conseco Inc. |
| 1983: Robert A. Borns | 1987: Baldwin Lyons |
| 1982: Ronald D. Palamara | 1986: Endless Vacation Systems Inc. |
| 1985: Mayflower Corp. | |
| 1984: Paul Harris Stores Inc. | |
| 1983: Melvin Simon & Associates Inc. | |
| 1982: Blue Lustre Products Inc. |