The Small Business Alliance of Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Presents the 27th Annual Superstars in Business Awards

On November 6, that spirit was celebrated as more than 500 business and civic leaders gathered for the 27th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Alliance.

2025 Superstars in Business Award winners include Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, JLAM, Boulden Brothers, and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County 

Wilmington, Del. — Small businesses are the backbone of Delaware’s economy — employing over half of all working Delawareans, serving as community anchors, and driving innovation across industries. On November 6, that spirit was celebrated as more than 500 business and civic leaders gathered for the 27th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Alliance.

The awards program honors outstanding small businesses and nonprofits for their achievements in growth, community service, and leadership excellence. Named after renowned Delaware entrepreneur Marvin S. Gilman, the program has recognized more than 100 organizations since its launch in 1998.

Michael Quaranta, President of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, shared why this event is so important to the Chamber and the State of Delaware as a whole:

“The Superstars in Business Awards remind us that small businesses are the backbone of not just the US economy, but of Delaware’s, too. Small business owners don’t always have the time or resources to make their voices heard. Being that voice is one of the pillars of what we do at the Delaware State Chamber. This event is really about celebrating that community by highlighting some of the best, and that’s why it’s so popular and so important to our mission and community.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Robert L. Siegfried Jr., CPA, CEO & Founder of The Siegfried Group, spoke to the importance of personal growth, character-based leadership, and making space for entrepreneurial thinking.

“I’ve got to keep challenging myself and keep asking myself the question of how I get better. Better questions lead to better thinking. Better thinking leads to better actions. It leads to success. This character thing, I realized, it’s not just going to elevate your company, it will elevate your life.”

Siegfried encouraged leaders to embrace reflection as part of their decision making:

“You’ve got to find the time to be thoughtful. So, it’s like, hey, what advice do you have for people? What I wanted to talk about today is find quiet time, spacious time, rhythmic time to be more thoughtful about the why in your life. And listen to your gut feel. Listen to your head and your heart about what you should be doing. And then answer these questions about it: What, why, how, when, how often, and with whom should I best be doing this?”

A Celebration of Small Business Excellence

This year’s honorees represent diverse industries — finance, real estate development, home services, and nonprofit community development — but share a common purpose: creating a stronger Delaware.

Below are the 2025 award recipients:

• **Grey Fox Wealth Advisors** — Winner, 1–24 employees category
• **Jack Lingo Asset Management (JLAM)** — Winner, 25–150 employees category
• **Boulden Brothers** — Award of Excellence recipient
• **Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County** — Nonprofit Award winner

Each organization demonstrated impressive leadership, growth strategy, and community commitment through their applications and interviews.

Grey Fox Wealth Advisors: A Mission Rooted in Trust

Founded with the goal of bringing personal, relationship-driven financial guidance to Delaware families and businesses, Grey Fox Wealth Advisors has experienced rapid growth in both clients served and community visibility. The team emphasizes education and transparency — qualities that led them to top honors in the small employer category.

Co-Founder and Partner Ted Lauzen said the recognition represents a milestone in a long-term mission:

“This award acts as an inspiration to the future. Our team is excited to earn the opportunity to serve more friends, more families and more communities in our great state.”

Their growing involvement in nonprofit partnerships and community events helped distinguish their nomination as a business dedicated to lifting others with them.

Jack Lingo Asset Management: Development with Staying Power

As a full-service real estate investment and development firm, JLAM focuses on projects that support economic growth while enriching the fabric of Delaware’s communities — from multifamily and mixed-use developments to commercial assets that bring new opportunity to the region.

Managing Principal and Co-Founder Doug Motley described the meaning behind the achievement:

“One thing about the business that we’re in is that what we’re creating is enduring. This is going to be a part of the community for the long term. So winning this award and being able to put our stamp on it is really satisfying.”

JLAM’s team was praised for leveraging industry expertise to create lasting impact across Sussex County and beyond.

Boulden Brothers: A Family Legacy of Service

Boulden Brothers, a beloved home services company providing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical solutions, is no stranger to the Superstars in Business spotlight — having previously won 18 years ago. Their ability to evolve with changing technology and customer expectations while maintaining a people-first culture made them a standout Award of Excellence recipient this year.

President Tim Boulden credited the company’s continued success to its team:

“There’s been a lot of changes in the world, in the business industry since we won 18 years ago. What I will tell you, what hasn’t changed is you can’t do this alone. It’s the reason why we continue to be successful and it’s because we have a very talented dedicated team that always puts our clients first. If you put your team first, and they put the clients first, you’re going to be successful.”

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County: Building More Than Homes

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has built more than 300 homes in partnership with local families and transformed entire neighborhoods through community investment. In addition to construction initiatives, Habitat programs provide financial education, home repair assistance, and youth engagement — expanding their mission beyond housing access to long-term empowerment.

CEO Kevin L. Smith said the Chamber’s recognition reinforces the leadership role nonprofits play in the economic ecosystem:

“I think most people recognize us as a home builder. It’s a great honor to see that the chamber recognizes non-profits as businesses, as entrepreneur, as leaders in our communities.”

A Program That Continues to Inspire

The Superstars in Business Awards has become one of the Delaware business community’s most anticipated annual events — not just for the celebration itself, but for the inspiration it sparks.

This year’s winners exemplify what’s possible when organizations — large or small, for-profit or nonprofit — pursue innovation while investing in the people and places they serve.

As the program moves toward its 30th anniversary, the Small Business Alliance continues to champion the entrepreneurs who drive Delaware forward — with determination, creativity, and deep community roots.

And if the success stories recognized this year are any indication, the First State’s future remains bright — powered by those who are willing to lead, build, and believe in what comes next.

Staff Writer

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