#United States #West Palm Beach #American Free Enterprise Day #Thomas Peterffy #Bob Moss

Celebrating Entrepreneurship at Palm Beach Atlantic University

On November 13, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) will continue the rich tradition of American Free Enterprise Day (AFE), an event that has been a cornerstone of Palm Beach County for over 40 years. This year, PBA is set to honor exemplary figures in the business sector who embody the principles of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the spirit of free enterprise. Thomas Peterffy, founder and chairman of Interactive Brokers, will be recognized as the lead medalist, alongside companion medalists Sarah J. Wetenhall, owner and CEO of The Colony Palm Beach and The Hedges Inn, and Bob Moss, chairman and founder of Moss Associates.

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of PBA, emphasized the importance of these leaders, stating, "Business leaders like Mr. Peterffy, Ms. Wetenhall, and Mr. Moss exemplify the vision, innovation, and resilience that define the American free enterprise system." This year's celebration holds particular significance as PBA prepares to open the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, a hub for centers of excellence focusing on business education, including the Titus Center for Franchising and the LeMieux Center for Public Policy. The initiative aims to inspire students and strengthen PBA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Honorees and Their Achievements

Thomas Peterffy has been a trailblazer in the field of digital trading since the 1980s. He made history as the first to create automated systems for the electronic trading of financial assets, revolutionizing how trading is conducted today. Peterffy, originally from Budapest, Hungary, escaped communism in 1965 and immigrated to the United States, where he honed his skills in computer programming. His groundbreaking work contributed to the development of the Black-Scholes model, a fundamental concept in financial mathematics. In 1977, he became a member of the American Stock Exchange and subsequently founded Interactive Brokers, a leading global electronic brokerage firm that now employs over 3,000 individuals and has a market capitalization exceeding $100 billion.

Bob Moss, another strong figure in the industry, has established one of the most respected construction firms in the nation, employing nearly 5,000 individuals. His company has been recognized for delivering cutting-edge projects across various sectors, including luxury housing and renewable energy. In 2024, Moss Associates was named Contractor of the Year in the Southeast by Engineering News-Record, which also recognized the firm as the nation's leading solar contractor. A true philanthropist, Moss is deeply invested in the community through the Moss Foundation, which supports various charitable endeavors.

Sarah J. Wetenhall has made significant contributions to the hospitality industry. A multi-generational resident of Palm Beach, she and her husband transformed The Colony Palm Beach and The Hedges East Hampton into iconic destinations that prioritize design and community engagement. Her approach to hospitality emphasizes guest experiences and collaborations with local brands, which has not gone unnoticed; in 2025, she was awarded the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award and recognized as one of HOTELS magazine's Top Ten Independent Hoteliers.

A Celebration of Free Enterprise

The American Free Enterprise Day event serves not only to honor these remarkable individuals but also to celebrate the values that have shaped American society. The involvement of sponsors like SROA Capital and Storage Rentals of America, along with notable ceremony sponsors, underscores the community's dedication to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.

As the university prepares for the upcoming ceremony, anticipation builds for a celebration that encapsulates the core tenets of free enterprise. With the new business hall set to open its doors and esteemed leaders taking center stage, the 2025 American Free Enterprise Day promises to be an inspiring occasion that highlights the ongoing legacy of entrepreneurship in Palm Beach County.

For additional details or to participate in this momentous event, interested parties can visit PBA’s official AFE page.

Palm Beach Atlantic University continues to affirm its mission of equipping students to grow in wisdom and lead with conviction. This event is a testament to the institution's commitment to empowering future generations for success in the realm of business and beyond.