Meet the Honorees

Florida State University graduates are responsible for some of the nation’s most innovative and profitable businesses. The entrepreneurial acumen of this year’s Seminole 100 honorees helps drive economic growth and strengthen communities. We are proud to recognize their achievements.

These honorees represent a wide range of class years, states and industries — and they demonstrate the enduring value of a Florida State degree. Here is a brief look at the makeup of the 2026 Seminole 100 class:

  • Most Recent Graduating Class – 2022
  • Most Represented Graduating Class – 2011
  • Minority-Owned or -Led Businesses – 19
  • Women-Owned or -Led Businesses – 21
  • Veteran-Owned or -Led Businesses – 8
  • Young Alumni-Owned or -Led Businesses (35 or younger) – 8
  • States Represented – 13
  • First-Time Honorees – 44
  • Combined Revenue of All Businesses – $1,580,630,691
BenTek Logo

BenTek LLC

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

  • Kurt Gehring (B.S. ’88)
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BenTek LLC, founded in 2006 as the only benefits administration platform purpose‑built for the public sector, is recognized as a Top Workplace, Bell Seal Platinum employer and HR Tech Awards finalist. The company maintains a 99% client retention rate and 100% implementation success, and holds SOC 2, A+ HIPAA and GovRAMP certifications.

Better Body Fitness Logo

Better Body Fitness of Montana, Inc.

Bozeman, MT

  • Ed Ballanco (B.A. ’96)
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Better Body Fitness of Montana Inc. has provided residential and commercial fitness equipment across the state since 2000, delivering reliable, high-quality fitness equipment backed by exceptional support.

Big Fish Marketing Logo

Big Fish Marketing

Tallahassee, FL

  • Meagan Nixon (B.A. ’11)
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Big Fish Marketing has delivered boutique, white-glove marketing across digital advertising, design and strategy since 2018.

Blue Marlin Insurance Group Logo

Blue Marlin Insurance Group Inc

Tequesta, FL

  • Michael Graybeal (B.S. ‘03)
  • James Desantis (B.S. ‘06)
  • Nevin Miller (B.S. ’05)
  • BJ Ruis (B.S. ’10)
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Blue Marlin Insurance Group Inc. has provided insurance services throughout Florida since 2012. The company’s mission is to offer franchisees and agents a strong platform for success, emphasizing ethical production and excellent customer service.

BNA Wealth Logo

BNA Wealth

Rock Hill, SC

  • Adam E. Ackerman (B.S. ’11)
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Founded in 1994, BNA Wealth specializes in complex financial and tax planning services rooted in a client‑first mission that has guided the firm for more than 30 years. Whether helping high‑net‑worth individuals reach personal goals or guiding business owners through successful exits, the company supports clients at every step.

Canopy Management Consulting Group Logo

Canopy Management Consulting Group, LLC*

Tallahassee, FL

  • William Currie (B.A. ’06, B.S. ’08)
  • Damon Steffens (B.S. ’04)
  • Lemuel Toro (B.S. ’00)
  • Ed Wynn (B.S. ’84)
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Canopy Management Consulting Group LLC has specialized in management consulting, Salesforce implementation and technology-driven strategies for public- and private-sector clients since 2020. The company’s mission is to empower organizations to reach their full potential by delivering tailored solutions that improve efficiency.

Canopy Road Café Logo

Canopy Road Café*

Tallahassee, FL

  • Brad Buckenheimer (B.S. ’03, M.S. ’22)
  • Dave Raney (B.S. ’03)
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Canopy Road Café is a breakfast and lunch restaurant chain known for its welcoming, community‑oriented atmosphere and a diner‑inspired menu with classic and creative twists on traditional fare. Since 2007, the company has been named “Best Breakfast” in Tallahassee for more than eight years and has earned multiple recognitions on the Seminole 100.

Capital Speech and Language Therapy Services Logo

Capital Speech and Language Therapy Services*

Tallahassee, FL

  • Robyn A. Hillison (B.S. ‘03)
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Capital Speech & Language Therapy Services has provided pediatric speech and occupational therapy services since 2015. The company’s mission is to deliver high‑quality, research‑based intervention that helps children reach their full potential. The company was recognized as a Seminole 100 honoree in 2022.

Cayside Partners Logo

Cayside Partners

Jupiter, FL

  • Colin J. Hickey (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’12)
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Cayside Partners has specialized in family office advisory, investment management and client services for families since 2023, aiming to transform the traditional wealth management experience. The firm has been recognized by Family Wealth Report with awards for Top Multi‑Family Office New Entrant, Investment Management Team and Next Generation Wealth Program.

Champions First Credit Union Logo

Champions First Credit Union*

Tallahassee, FL

  • Charles Adcock (B.S. ’97, J.M. ’23)
  • Jennifer Durden (B.S. ’98)
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Champions First Credit Union has been a financial partner to its members since 1954, helping them dream bigger, overcome challenges and make the most of their opportunities. Formerly FSU Credit Union, the organization has earned several accolades, including Credit Union of the Year from the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates.