Maverick entrepreneurial spirit grows
Lionel and Tamiko Bailey of Bailey's Premier Services, and Nancy Galvan and Eric Marceleno of Unica Enterprises LLC.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business honored 88 businesses started by entrepreneurs with UTA ties at the second annual MAVS 100 Awards & Gala on May 8 at Live! By Loew’s in Arlington.
The annual event, established by the College of Business, recognizes the fastest-growing Maverick-owned or -run businesses and highlights the significant impact of UTA entrepreneurship on the region and state economies. The top 30 firms alone represent $181 million in annual revenue. About 300 people attended this year’s gala.
Edmund Prater, professor of business and coordinator of MAVS 100, said the program illustrates the culture of Maverick entrepreneurs and the ecosystem that supports their goals. He said he hopes the next generation of students are inspired by seeing what alumni have accomplished because of their UTA educations.
“These individuals understand the truth that everything we teach in business is theory—until you have to make payroll,” Prater said. “Congratulations to all of them and this year's winner, Veryable.”
Veryable received the top honor of the night, ranking as the No. 1 fastest-growing Maverick business. Veryable offers on-demand labor for manufacturing and distribution, providing businesses with higher productivity and fewer administrative burdens and workers with flexible work arrangements. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Noah Labhart ’12 is leading the company’s growth.
The genesis for the event originated with alumni Connie McCarty ’97 and Drew Madsen ’06, who encouraged the college to create a program that would celebrate Maverick entrepreneurship by recognizing the fastest-growing Maverick-owned business and providing a venue for these entrepreneurs to network.
“The MAVS 100 is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that exists at UTA and that resides in our many alumni,” said Harry Dombroski, dean of the College of Business. “It’s an opportunity for us to recognize these individuals, their accomplishments and their contributions to the community.”
-- Written by Jillian McFarland, College of Business