Small Business WINNER!

Jeffrey Ross Photography was awarded the 2012 Small Business of the Year in the Professional category! Yeah, I know... I was surprised too! But it was a wonderful surprise, and one that I will cherish for years to come.

My head is still swimming from everything that happened that night. I want to thank Ron Hume from 360 Youth Services for stepping in to take photos during my category. The images I'm sharing with you here are his.

I really couldn't believe it when they called my name. I was so glad that many of my friends were in attendance that night. All I heard was them shouting and yelling before they even finished announcing my name. I honestly didn't have a speech prepared, but I'm usually pretty good with an open mic. I got up there and managed to string together a few coherent sentences. I don't remember what I said, but I was told that it sounded pretty good. 

The greatest part of the whole evening is that my kids were there to watch me win. Just seeing how happy they were when I got back to the table was a moment I don't think I'll ever forget. Here's my group at the end of the evening- My son Taylor, daughter Maya in the back, and my girlfriend Catherine.

I don't know what the future holds for me, but this was a fantastic moment in my life. It's great to know that I wasn't actually selected by the Chamber. I was judged and chosen by an elite group of other business owners that have won this award in years past. That's pretty incredible to think about. And it's a responsibility I will carry forward as I am now given the honor of helping to select the winners in years to come.