Paul Jones, executive chairman of Milwaukee-based water technology manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp., is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest award.
The EOY is awarded to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and outstanding success in their fields. It is measured by financial performance, innovation and a personal commitment to the business and community.
Jones was selected by an independent panel of judges using a nomination process. The winners will be names at a banquet on June 27 in Chicago.
In his time as CEO, from 2004 to 2013, Jones oversaw the company’s growth to sales of about $2 billion and net earnings of $234 million in 2012.
He also has devoted time to regional workforce and infrastructure development as Wisconsin chair for the Regional Alliance for Economic Development and co-founder of the Milwaukee Water Council.
Hartford-based API Healthcare Corp.’s J.P. Fingado and Plymouth-based Sartori Company’s James Sartori and Jeffrey Schwager were also named finalists.
