Ray Waddell of CEC Facilities Group Named Finalist for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southwest Award

Celebrating Entrepreneurship: Ray Waddell and CEC Facilities Group

In a significant accolade for entrepreneurial spirit, Ray Waddell, CEO of CEC Facilities Group, has been named a finalist for the esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Southwest Award presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). This recognition, now in its 40th year, highlights visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping industries and making a positive impact in their communities.

As a finalist, Waddell represents a group of ambitious leaders transforming markets through innovative approaches. His company, CEC Facilities Group, is one of the swiftest growing industrial services firms in the Southwest, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and excellence. “CEC was born from a desire to build something bigger than myself, a 100-year company that would continue to serve others long after I’m gone,” Ray Waddell expressed.

A Legacy of Innovation

CEC Facilities Group specializes in providing comprehensive electrical, mechanical, and technology services tailored to sectors like semiconductors and commercial facilities. Under Waddell’s leadership, the firm has not only focused on its operational excellence but has also prioritized the development of its workforce through CEC University—an initiative aimed at addressing the skilled labor shortage in the trades.

“In response to the growing skilled labor shortage across the trades, CEC launched CEC University—a hands-on training and development program designed to grow talent from within,” Waddell explained. This is more than just workforce development; it's a strategic investment in the future of the industry, equipping the next generation of skilled professionals with requisite skills for a rapidly evolving market.

Recognition and Community Impact

The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program honors innovators for their creativity and fortitude. Finalists are selected based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and long-term impact on their respective industries. CEC Facilities Group's journey serves as a testament to these values, demonstrating a dedication to quality, innovation, and community service.

The regional winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award will be announced on June 21, 2025, during a celebration in Dallas, after which these winners will contend for national recognition. The final awards will be presented at the prestigious Strategic Growth Forum® in November, where winners will have the opportunity to be considered for national accolades.

Conclusion

Ray Waddell’s recognition as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year highlights not only his individual achievements but also the innovative and purposeful work being done at CEC Facilities Group. As Waddell aims to create a lasting legacy through his business, he reinforces the importance of adaptive leadership and community-oriented entrepreneurship, offering inspiration to future leaders in the industrial services sector and beyond.