2026 Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards

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Here are your nominees for the Non Profit Organization Category *

Angel Foundation - "The Angels who serve through the Angel Foundation FL do not do this work for accolades or attention. We serve quietly, honoring the dignity and privacy of the families we walk alongside. We provide HELP and HOPE because we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Every day, families face some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Through the Foundation Angel program, we provide practical solutions, compassion, love, and support during their darkest days. Since 2006, we have served thousands of families. For those who do not qualify for our program, we connect them with trusted community resources to meet their specific needs. We are currently serving 23 households, some of whom have been part of our program for more than a year. We share our work through our Angel Foundation Podcast, giving Angel Families, volunteers, and generous sponsors an opportunity to share their stories and the impact of this work. Receiving this award would help raise awareness of the Angel Foundation FL so that when someone receives that dreaded call—“You have cancer” or experiences a crisis, our community knows where to turn. We want to help more families because, at its heart, this is simply neighbors helping neighbors. And that is always a blessing." IMPACT Program - "The Impact Program has a passion for educating teenagers in the benefits of choosing healthy lifestyles and relationships and encouraging them to avoid high risk behaviors such as drugs and alcohol and sexual risk avoidance. As a 501 c3, we have been serving Hillsborough County for over 20 years, speaking with teenagers in both the public and private high schools, local churches, and community organizations. At a time when drug abuse and sexually transmitted diseases are escalating, it is our vision and passion to educate, equip and empower students to avoid high risk behaviors and establish strong, healthy relationships." Women of God Tampa Bay- "Our commitment to community extends deeply into our involvement with the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. We believe Chamber membership means more than simply belonging—it means showing up and serving. We have regularly served through the Chamber Ambassador program, led the Annual Dinner décor committee, supported multiple Honorary Mayor’s Race campaigns, sponsored a table honoring local teachers at the Back-to-School event, and proudly walked alongside our Women of God Tampa Bay family and Noah’s Ark float in the Brandon Parade of Lights. These opportunities allow us to build relationships beyond the walls of our ministry and reflect what we believe at our core: communities are stronger when we serve one another. Being named Non-Profit of the Year would not simply recognize what Women of God Tampa Bay has accomplished; it would honor every volunteer, partner, donor, church, and woman who has said “yes” to serving alongside us. Most importantly, it would provide a greater platform to continue our mission—loving God, loving people, and serving Tampa Bay with love."

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Here are your nominees for the Large Business Category *

Edge Pools - "Being named Business of the Year last year was an incredible honor, and being nominated again means just as much. Winning pushed us to continue earning the recognition our community gave us. This past year, we continued to grow while also making some difficult changes. We strengthened our leadership, invested in our team and training, improved our systems, and continued working to become better for both our employees and customers. Through all of that, we have stayed true to who we are. Eddie and I are still involved every day, we continue supporting our community, and we never take our growth or success for granted. We would be honored to receive this award again, not because we are perfect, but because we continue to learn, improve, and work hard to be better than we were the year before. " Citizens Bank and Trust - "For me, giving back has always been about more than making a donation. It’s about showing up, giving your time, volunteering, and being involved in the community we serve. At Citizens Bank & Trust, giving back is a big part of who we are. We support so many local causes and organizations, and we give a lot of our time volunteering and helping make a difference right here in our community. I’m proud to work for a bank that truly believes in giving back, and I try to carry that same passion into everything I do with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce and our community. If you believe in supporting a business that gives its time and heart to the community, please consider Citizens Bank & Trust when you cast your vote. Sorry everyone, you must be a chamber member to vote "

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Here are your nominees for the Medium Business Category *

Professional Pets - "Professional Pets Florida sets the gold standard for pet care, combining clinical expertise with heartfelt community devotion. We elevate local standards for pet care through Fear Free care, hurricane disaster relief, and adoption initiatives like Pizza for Pets. We proudly lead with compassion, excellence, and Valrico Fishhawk pride." Law Offices of Steve Glaros - "Raised 122k for charity while running a successful law practice" Walk the Walk - "Because we’ve spent a decade proving that pet care deserves to be treated as a real profession and that decision has changed what our clients, our employees, and our community can expect from a business like ours. While much of our industry runs on independent contractors and informal arrangements, we built W-2 careers, documented training, and systems of accountability from the ground up. We did this because we believe the families who trust us with their pets often during medical emergencies, deployments, or the hardest weeks of their lives deserve more than good intentions. They deserve a company built to hold up under pressure. That decision hasn’t just made us a stronger business. It’s raised the bar for what pet care can look like in this region, and it’s made us a genuine part of our community’s support system, not just a service people hire. We didn’t chase growth. We chased trust and a decade in, that trust is the reason our business exists at all. Naming Walk the Walk Business of the Year wouldn’t just recognize a successful company. It would recognize a company that changed what a pet care business can be."

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Here are your nominees for the Solo Entrepreneur Business Category *

That Party Mom - "I believe That Party Mom deserves recognition not because I have built the largest business in the room, but because I am proof of what can happen when someone decides to start before they feel ready, refuses to stop growing, and understands that financial success follows when you build something people believe in. I am still at the beginning of my story, and I absolutely have goals of growing That Party Mom into a highly successful and profitable company. I want the warehouse, the employees, the event space, the larger contracts, and the financial freedom that comes with building a thriving business. But I don't believe money can be the only reason you build one. I have always admired the principle behind companies like Disney: build something centered around experiences and memories people value, and the financial success follows. That is how I approach That Party Mom. When you consistently do what is right, provide exceptional service, invest back into your business, build relationships, and give people more than they expected, you create something people want to support, recommend, and return to. At That Party Mom, we are about the more and extra mile while proving you can turn your hardest times into your biggest story." Dream Vacations - Jenifer Breaux - "I believe my business should be named Business of the Year because our success is more than what we do as a company. It's how we contribute to the Chamber and to the community that we are fortunate to serve. I have been consistently active in the Chamber, not just this year, but over the decade that I have been a member. However, speaking specifically this year, I led one month for midday, I was on the Annual Dinner Committee, was the Host of the Annual Dinner, have consistently attended Midday, and other events such as GA and have tried to start attending After Hours. I truly believe in it's mission and want to help other local businesses. I was also on one of the mayor's race committees. This was several months and numerous events. This helped our community non-profits. Throughout this year I have also supported numerous business partners this year. I've attended the events such as music bingos, supported events with gift baskets for clay shoots and more. I've held my own community event supporting the local veterans home. I have worked hard to represent the values that make a strong community possible - integrity, service, collaboration, leadership, and a willingness to invest in others. Being named Business of the Year would be a meaningful recognition of not only my business accomplishments, but also our commitment to the Chamber and to the community. I believe the award should celebrate a business that demonstrates that success and service can go hand in hand, and i am proud to say that those principles are at the heart of what we do."

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Here are your nominees for the Minority Owned Business Category *

Professional Pets - "As a Latina business owner, being a minority leader means honoring my heritage through resilience, representation, and a commitment to opening doors for others. In industries where minority representation (especially at the ownership level) can be limited, leading with cultural pride and clinical excellence allows me to challenge stereotypes and prove that background is a powerful driver of success. I drive change by combining professional standard-setting with grassroots community impact. I built Professional Pets Florida to elevate industry standards through Fear Free care and USDA-certified transport. Beyond providing top-tier service, I use my platform to create tangible community solutions. Through my leadership roles, including serving as Regional Director for the Florida Pet Services Association, I actively advocate for workforce development, mentor emerging professionals, and champion inclusive economic growth. To me, leadership is not just about growing a thriving business; it is about uplifting our Tampa Bay community and inspiring the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs to lead with confidence and purpose." Yellowfin Realty - Karyn Scech - "Being a woman business owner means more to me than simply owning a company. It represents independence, perseverance, leadership, and the opportunity to build something that reflects my values while creating a positive impact on the community around me. As the owner of Turning the Key to the American Dream, I have built my business around relationships, integrity, and service. I have learned that being a successful business leader isn't just about what happens within your own company. It is also about how you use your relationships, experience, and resources to help others succeed. I have dedicated significant time to the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses, events, and community initiatives. I also volunteer with Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary, where I have used my personal and professional network to help raise significant funds for the shelter and the animals in its care. I am proud to be a woman who has built a business while also making community involvement a priority. I believe women business owners bring a unique perspective to leadership, one that can combine determination and business sense with collaboration, relationship-building, and a commitment to helping others. For me, leadership is measured by the people and organizations I am able to positively impact. I want my business to be successful, but I also want that success to extend beyond my own bottom line and contribute to a stronger, more connected community." Carrion Health - "As three women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, we know what it means to work hard, push forward, and create our own opportunities. Our team also brings different cultural backgrounds and languages to the table, including Spanish and Arabic, allowing us to connect with and serve people from many different communities. We’re proud of where we come from, proud to be women in this industry, and proud of the different perspectives we bring to our work. Rather than seeing those differences as limitations, we’ve used them as motivation to work harder, stand out, and earn our place among the people on the front lines of the insurance industry. We’re hustlers, we’re community-minded, and we’re determined to show that women from diverse backgrounds can build successful businesses, serve their communities, support one another, and compete at the highest level. For us, being a minority-owned business isn’t just a title—it’s part of our story and something we’re proud to represent." Walk the Walk - "Walk the Walk Professional Pet Care is a woman-owned business built from the ground up with determination, resilience, and a commitment to doing things differently. What began in 2016 as a one-woman operation has grown into a thriving company serving hundreds of local families and creating meaningful employment opportunities within our community. As a female entrepreneur, I’m especially proud that our growth has created opportunities for other women to step into leadership, develop professional skills, and build careers in an industry that is often overlooked as a profession. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t simply about building a successful business. It’s about creating something that provides opportunities for others, contributes to the local economy, and continues to grow beyond the person who started it. I believe our company deserves consideration not simply because it is woman-owned, but because of what we’ve accomplished through that ownership: building a sustainable business, investing in our employees, and demonstrating that women-led businesses can be powerful contributors to their communities." A Caring Touch Skin Therapy - "Being a minority business leader means embracing the responsibility of breaking barriers and creating opportunities where they may not have existed before. It is about leading with resilience, authenticity, and vision while representing a voice and perspective that brings diversity and innovation to the business world. It means paving the way for others, using my platform to inspire, mentor, and proving that success is possible despite challenges. Most importantly, it’s about building a legacy that uplifts my community and open doors for future generations. One thing I have learned in my years of business as well as my personal life is that, it is difficult to picture yourself in a role when you do not see yourself represented in that role. Representation provides a vision to future and current generations that allows them to see themselves in new avenues. It empowers people to think differently about there passions and using those passions to grow business. By showing up authentically as myself no matter the audience, it allows other minorities in business to know they can be authentically themselves." PattiCakes Custom Cakes - "PattiCakes Custom Cakes started as a way for me to do something I loved while still being there for my family. As a woman-owned small business, I’m proud to be part of a group of entrepreneurs that has historically been underrepresented in business ownership and leadership. Over the past eight years, I’ve worked hard to grow PattiCakes from a small home bakery into a full time business serving families, corporations, weddings, and large events throughout our community-including the Governor’s Luncheon at the Florida State Fairgrounds. I’m proud of how far my business has come, the relationships I’ve built through my customers and the chamber, and hopefully being an example to other women that you can build something successful from the ground up while also raising a family. Being named Minority Business of the Year would be an incredible honor and recognition of that journey." Viralytics Marketing - "Being a minority business leader means recognizing both the opportunities I have been given and the responsibility I have to create opportunities for others. As an Indian-American entrepreneur, I understand the value of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. My career has taken me from more than 16 years in corporate marketing to entrepreneurship and ultimately to building Viralytics Marketing. That journey has taught me that innovation often comes from being willing to see a problem differently and challenge the way things have traditionally been done. Today, I am trying to create impact by helping small and mid-sized businesses navigate one of the biggest technological shifts of our generation: artificial intelligence. Many local business owners know AI is important but don't have the resources, technical knowledge, or time that larger corporations have to determine how to use it effectively. I want to help close that gap through practical solutions and education. I also believe impact extends beyond my own company's success. Through my involvement in the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber, I share what I am learning, educate fellow business owners, make connections, provide referrals, and look for opportunities to help others succeed. Being a minority business leader, to me, isn't simply about building a successful minority-owned company. It's about using my experiences, knowledge, and opportunities to open doors, challenge assumptions, and create value for others. My philosophy remains simple: When I win, we win." Dream Vacations - Jenifer Breaux - "My business deserves to be recognized as Minority Business of the Year because it represents resilience, determination, and the power of perseverance. As a female business owner who is 100% disabled, I have faced unique challenges that have strengthened my commitment to building a successful business and making a meaningful impact in my community. I am proud to demonstrate that disability does not define a person's abilities, potential, or capacity to lead. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for serving others, I strive to contribute to our local economy, build lasting relationships, and inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face. This award would recognize not only my business accomplishments, but also the courage, commitment, and perseverance it takes to overcome adversity while continuing to grow, serve, and make a difference. I hope my journey inspires other women, individuals with disabilities, and aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and know that their circumstances do not limit their possibilities."

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Here are your nominees for the Veteran Owned Business Category *

Insured American Family - "As a veteran-owned business, my military experience is at the heart of how I lead InsuredAF every single day. I was recently promoted to First Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and I continue to carry the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment with me into my business and every interaction I have with a client, partner, or member of my community. The Marine Corps taught me that leadership is about more than giving direction—it is about setting the example, taking responsibility, and putting the people you serve first. That mindset directly shapes how I run InsuredAF. We approach insurance with integrity and transparency, work hard to do what is right for our clients, and hold ourselves accountable to the promises we make. Military service also taught me resilience and discipline. Entrepreneurship comes with its own challenges and setbacks, but I’ve learned to stay focused on the mission, adapt when necessary, and keep moving forward. Those lessons have been critical in building InsuredAF and continuing to grow it with purpose. We believe our contribution to the insurance industry and our community goes beyond providing coverage. We strive to educate people, simplify an industry that can often feel overwhelming, and make sure individuals and families have someone in their corner. We also believe strongly in being involved in and supporting the local business community. At InsuredAF, our mission is simple: serve people, do what’s right, and never lose sight of the values that brought us here. I carry the lessons of the Marine Corps into this business every day, and I intend to keep doing so as we grow."

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Here are your nominees for the Emerging Business Category *

55 Rides - "We are a local, family based business that focuses on customer experience while giving back to the community as much as possible." Edge CoSpace - "As a Puerto Rican woman and small business owner, I am proud of what we have built with Edge Co.Space and what it represents within our community. Edge Co.Space was created to give entrepreneurs and small business owners a professional, affordable, and welcoming place where they can grow. I understand firsthand the work, uncertainty, and persistence that come with building a business, which is why creating opportunities and connections for other business owners is so important to me. Being considered for the Minority-Owned Business Award is an honor. I hope our story shows that diverse businesses do more than succeed individually. We can create spaces, opportunities, and relationships that help other businesses succeed alongside us. " DML Property Services - "DML Property Solutions represents the values that define a strong local business: integrity, hard work, innovation, and community commitment. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, we have built a respected, woman-owned company by focusing on quality service, strong relationships, and continuous improvement. Our growth has been driven by investing in our people, expanding our services to better meet customer needs, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. We believe success is measured not only by business growth but by the trust we've earned from our customers and the positive impact we've made in our community. Being recognized as VFCC Business of the Year would honor the dedication of our entire team and reinforce our mission to demonstrate that leadership, excellence, and service have no limits. We are proud of what we've built and excited for the future as we continue serving our community with integrity and purpose." Avenue 360 Digital Marketing - "Avenue 360 Digital Marketing should be named VFCC Business of the Year because we lead with integrity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to the people and businesses we serve. In a relatively short time, we have built a strong foundation in the Tampa Bay community, earned trust through meaningful relationships, and delivered work that helps local businesses grow in a measurable way. What sets us apart is not just the services we provide, but the way we provide them. We take a hands-on, thoughtful approach, stay closely connected to our clients, and focus on doing the work well rather than simply doing more. We also believe in collaboration, community, and continued growth, which shapes the way we show up both in business and in the local market. This recognition would reflect not only our growth, but the values behind it. We are proud of what we have built, proud of the clients we support, and proud to contribute to a business community that values leadership, service, and impact." Swim Life - "Swim Life should be named VFCC Business of the Year because it represents what a small, community-based business can accomplish when it is built around a genuine purpose. For me, Swim Life is about much more than teaching children how to swim—it is about giving children confidence, teaching skills that can save their lives, and giving parents greater peace of mind around the water. I have built Swim Life through personal relationships, trust, referrals, and a commitment to treating every swimmer as an individual. I am incredibly proud that families recommend Swim Life to their friends and return year after year, because that tells me the impact extends beyond the lessons themselves. As a local small-business owner, I am also proud to serve the community where I live and raise my own family. Being named VFCC Business of the Year would be an incredible honor and recognition of not only the growth of Swim Life, but also its mission: creating safer, more confident swimmers, supporting local families, and making a meaningful difference in our community—one child at a time." Viralytics Marketing - "Viralytics Marketing should be considered for Business of the Year not simply because of what our company is building, but because of what we are trying to help other businesses build. Artificial intelligence represents one of the largest technological changes businesses have faced in decades. Large corporations have teams, budgets, and consultants dedicated to figuring it out. Most local businesses do not. I created Viralytics to help bridge that gap. I combine more than 20 years of marketing experience with emerging AI and automation technology to help business owners solve practical problems: generating and converting leads, responding to customers faster, improving retention, reducing repetitive work, and ultimately building stronger businesses. Through my involvement with the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber, I also try to make AI less intimidating and more useful through education, demonstrations, referrals, and collaboration. My philosophy is “When I win, we win.” To me, Business of the Year represents not only individual company success, but also contributing to a stronger local business community." That Party Mom - "I believe That Party Mom deserves recognition not because I have built the largest business in the room, but because I am proof of what can happen when someone decides to start before they feel ready, refuses to stop growing, and understands that financial success follows when you build something people believe in. I am still at the beginning of my story, and I absolutely have goals of growing That Party Mom into a highly successful and profitable company. I want the warehouse, the employees, the event space, the larger contracts, and the financial freedom that comes with building a thriving business. But I don't believe money can be the only reason you build one. I have always admired the principle behind companies like Disney: build something centered around experiences and memories people value, and the financial success follows. That is how I approach That Party Mom. When you consistently do what is right, provide exceptional service, invest back into your business, build relationships, and give people more than they expected, you create something people want to support, recommend, and return to. At That Party Mom, we are about the more and extra mile while proving you can turn your hardest times into your biggest story." Grease Monkey - Valrico - "Grease Monkey Valrico has only been open for a short time and we have made tremendous strides within our community. More than just a place to get your oil changed, we have received over 100 - 5 star reviews for our customer service. Many people in the local community are familiar with our location due to the fire that burned down the previous building. We have poured our heart into this brand new structure that not only looks amazing, but also provides a valuable and necessary service to our community. Although we have other locations, this is our first time building a location from dirt. We started out on June 10, 2026 with NO customers, now we are lucky enough to have over 400 customers, which include both individuals and fleets accounts of commercial trucks. We have grown slow and steady, focusing on best serving our customers. We are excited to have our Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting scheduled for October 16th at 2pm, so we can share our excitement with our community! Being self employed is not for the weak of heart, but for those of us who intend to stick it out, its the best job in the world. But more than just working hard and taking car of our customers, we care about our community and how we can help, therefore, we feel we should be named VFCC 2026 Business of the Year!"

You can only choose one per category

2026 Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards - All Categories

Building Business. Building Community.

Valrico / FishHawk Chamber of Commerce

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