America’s SBDC Iowa (SBDC) is pleased to announce Brad and Angie Barber of Cabin Coffee, Clear Lake, as the winners of the 2018 Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Brad and Angie Barber worked with the North Iowa Area SBDC and NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center in Mason City.  Brook Boehmler, regional director of the North Iowa Area SBDC in Mason City, nominated Cabin Coffee for the Neal Smith Award, stating, “Brad and Angie Barber are an example of what makes doing business in Iowa so great.  Growing our entrepreneur community is just as important to them as it is to America’s SBDC and the Pappajohn Center.  Brad and Angie put their community and customers first, and growth follows.  We could not be more proud of this North Iowa landmark that is taking these principles nationwide.”

The Neal Smith award recognizes excellence in Iowa entrepreneurship, particularly in entrepreneurs who are dedicated to enriching their community. Tim Putnam, director of the NIACC Pappajohn Center, said, “From the day Brad and Angie opened their first store fifteen years ago in Clear Lake, they wanted to create a business that made a difference not only for the store owners, but for their customers and the community. This recognition truly validates their vision and all the hard work they have put in over the years toward fulfilling their dream.”

Brad Barber said, “We are honored, humbled and grateful! We are thankful for our team members for all their support – we could not have accomplished our success without them; the faith our franchise owners and their team have in us; and furthermore, for the expertise and support the SBDC and NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center have provided for Cabin Coffee to be successful.  We have truly enjoyed the adventure and look forward experiencing many more years growing Cabin Coffee working with businesses in North Iowa and world-wide finding more ways to add value to each and every community.”

The SBDC Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Deb Delziel Woman Entrepreneurial Award will be presented to the winners in a special ceremony on March 8th at the State Capitol in Des Moines.

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu.

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