Harvest Group's Ross Cully Receives EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southwest Award
In an impressive turn of events, Ross Cully, the Founder and CEO of Harvest Group, has been honored with the EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southwest Award. This recognition comes after competitive evaluation among nearly 1,000 participants, including 592 finalists spanning 17 regions. The award is a testament to Cully's entrepreneurial spirit and the significant impact of his leadership since founding Harvest Group in 2006.
Harvest Group has emerged as a leading integrated commerce agency, specifically designed for high-growth consumer brands navigating the complexities of today's retail landscape. Cully's vision and guidance have allowed the agency to grow into a powerhouse, employing a global team of over 500 dedicated professionals. As a critical player in the market, Harvest Group supports brands that operate across major retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, Target, Kroger, Costco, and Sam's Club. The firm has a proven track record, with one in five brands listed on Bain & Company's Insurgent Brands 2026 list opting for their expertise to reach their growth ambitions.
The company offers a comprehensive range of services, encompassing account management, digital commerce, and retail media, strengthening its role in the realm of shopper marketing, insights, analytics, consulting, and supply chain management. In an impressive show of growth, Harvest Group has acquired five companies over the past five years, including their latest addition, Cartograph, which bolsters their abilities in digital marketplace and retail media sectors.
Expressing his gratitude, Cully stated, "Receiving this award is a profound honor, especially given the rigorous selection process employed by EY and the caliber of companies recognized through this program. The journey of Harvest Group spans nearly two decades and is far from a solo achievement. This honor is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It also signifies the immense support I have received throughout my career, including from my wife, Kate, and my mentors and business partners."
Now in its 41st year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on exceptional business leaders known for their ingenious ideas, courage in their endeavors, and steadfast entrepreneurial spirit. This annual celebration focuses on original founders who have either bootstrapped their businesses from the ground up or raised capital to foster growth, along with transformative CEOs who have brought innovation to existing companies, and multigenerational family business leaders revitalizing their legacies for continued success.
The selection of regional winners is carried out by an esteemed panel of past winners, leading CEOs, and respected business leaders. Candidates are evaluated based on criteria such as long-term value creation, commitment to purpose-driven goals, entrepreneurial spirit, and the substantial growth and influence of their ventures.
As the Southwest award winner, Cully will advance to the national level of consideration by a different panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 National Awards. This prestigious ceremony will take place in November during the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, a gathering of high-growth CEOs, Fortune 1000 executives, and influential investors dedicated to shaping the future of business. The overall winner is set to represent the U.S. in the global EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award competition in May 2027.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has a legacy of honoring remarkable entrepreneurs, including notable names like Howard Schultz of Starbucks, Jason McGowan of Crumbl Cookies, and Shelly Ibach of Sleep Number. Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the program acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of innovative leaders who are steering dynamic businesses across the globe.
With sponsors including PNC Bank, Marsh Risk, SAP, and more, the program not only recognizes individual achievements but also emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration within the business sector.
Harvest Group has established itself as an integrated commerce agency that empowers high-growth consumer brands to navigate today's intricate retail landscape, offering a suite of solutions that aligns strategy across in-store and digital platforms. The firm's proprietary technology platform enhances its ability to deliver unparalleled services, ultimately driving growth and success for the brands it partners with. For further details about Harvest Group, visit www.harvestgroup.com.