EY US Recognizes Brian Mandelbaum of Attain as 2025 Midwest Award Finalist

Brian Mandelbaum of Attain: A Finalist for EY's 2025 Midwest Award

In a significant recognition of entrepreneurial talent, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently revealed the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Midwest Award. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this prestigious program spotlights audacious entrepreneurs who disrupt the market and leave a lasting influence on society. Among the prominent names in this year’s list is Brian Mandelbaum, the co-founder and CEO of Attain.

Attain has emerged as a frontrunner in the live purchase data sector, providing marketers with unparalleled insights and measurement solutions. By harnessing the power of data from over seven million opted-in consumers, Attain revolutionizes how brands connect with audiences through real-time insights and audience targeting.

Mandelbaum’s selection as a finalist is a testament to his commitment to innovation and long-term value creation. Under his leadership, Attain has not only transformed the advertising landscape but has also empowered consumers with modern financial services through its suite of consumer apps. The apps facilitate savings, early wage access, and rewards, turning consumer data into a powerful asset.

In expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Mandelbaum shared, "I'm honored to be recognized by EY alongside such an inspiring group of leaders. At Attain, we set out to build the most trusted and comprehensive consumer data ecosystem — one that empowers consumers and drives real results for brands. This recognition reflects the belief our team, partners, and customers have in our mission to bring transparency, real-time intelligence, and accountability to the advertising industry."

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program is renowned for celebrating business leaders with ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. It honors original founders who bootstrapped their enterprises from the ground up or secured funding to propel growth. Additionally, the program recognizes transformational CEOs who foster innovation within established organizations, as well as multigenerational family business leaders who adapt their legacy business models for future success.

Regional winners will be announced in a special ceremony on June 11 in Chicago, where they will join a distinguished community of past Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni. These winners will subsequently vie for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November, an esteemed gathering for high-growth companies.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, orchestrated by EY, counts several organizations among its sponsors, including PNC Bank and SAP. This year’s Midwest sponsors also feature LaSalle Staffing, Inc. and Becker Professional Education.

Founded in 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has celebrated over 11,000 innovative entrepreneurs leading businesses across the United States and has expanded its reach to nearly 60 countries worldwide. The program operates 17 regional initiatives, from which winners are selected each June and put forward for national criteria recognition in November.

By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, EY supports the development of ideas that will drive economic growth and innovation, ultimately benefiting society at large. Attain's journey is a definitive example of how entrepreneurial ambition can lead to impactful change in various sectors while promoting economic viability.

As the award approaches, the attention surrounding Mandelbaum and Attain serves as an inspiring narrative for future entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark in the rapidly evolving business landscape.