Celebrating Entrepreneurship: Charlie Tetrick's Remarkable Achievement
In a remarkable recognition of entrepreneurship,
Charlie Tetrick, President and CEO of
Walz Tetrick Advertising, has been honored with the
Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Heartland Award. This prestigious accolade, presented by
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement for entrepreneurs leading high-growth companies in the competitive landscape of today's business world.
For 40 years, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has acknowledged dynamic individuals who are not only revolutionizing their respective industries but also contributing positively to the communities around them. Tetrick's selection stands out not just because of his success with Walz Tetrick Advertising but because of the rigorous standards employed by an independent panel of judges who evaluated his leadership. The criteria included factors such as
long-term value creation,
entrepreneurial spirit,
purpose-driven commitment, and
significant growth impact.
It's worth noting that advertising agencies rarely receive such distinguishable accolades, highlighting the exceptional work being carried out by Tetrick and his team. In his statements,
Tetrick expressed gratitude, stating, "Our company has been blessed with some wonderful national clients and a truly amazing team to make the magic happen every day. We've taken a few risks along the way, and our growth has been such a great reward."
Being a recipient of this award means Tetrick is now eligible for the
Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards, where winners across various regions will be recognized at the
Strategic Growth Forum® in November. This is one of the nation's most esteemed gatherings of market-leading companies. The National Award winners will then compete for the
EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2026, allowing them to showcase their achievements on a global stage.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program encompasses a wide array of business leaders from various sectors, including transformative CEOs who elevate established companies through innovation, and visionary founders who bootstrap their ventures from inception. Notable past winners underscore the program’s prestige, including
Richard Schulze of Best Buy,
Maxine Clark of Build-A-Bear Workshop, and
Sally J. Smith of Buffalo Wild Wings, among others.
The support for this initiative extends beyond EY, with backing from esteemed sponsors like
PNC Bank,
Cresa, LLC, and
SAP, signifying a robust network of industry leaders advocating for entrepreneurship.
Founded in 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has celebrated over 11,000 innovative leaders, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit prevailing in the United States today. As it continues to thrive, nearly 60 countries worldwide now participate in this influential program, promoting
economic growth,
community improvement, and
global innovation.
EY emphasizes the importance of building a better working world, merging tradition with innovation to provide solutions for complex challenges facing today’s businesses. With a commitment to trust and value creation, EY helps clients navigate the evolving marketplace armed with technology, data, and forward-thinking strategies.
As we recognize Tetrick's achievement, it serves as an inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, encouraging all to pursue innovation, take risks, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
For more information, visit
ey.com/us/eoy to explore the Entrepreneur Of The Year program further and understand how it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the globe.