RSM Business CEO Named Regional Entrepreneur of the Year

Jerry Paolone, chairman, founder and CEO of Rancho Santa Margarita-based MagnaFlow Exhaust Products, was recognized last week as an Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Award winner. 

The awards were presented by Ernst & Young and chosen by an independent panel of judges to recognize entrepreneurs who are the foundation for high growth and demonstrated excellence and succes in areas of innovation, financial performance and commitment to their business and community. 

According to the article in the Aftermarket News, Paolone built what is now MagnaFlow "from the ground up" 30 years ago after emigrating from Italy.

He was chosen in the category of Family Business.

The ceremony took place at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Niguel.

Other past winners include those who developed Starbucks, AMB Group, Home Depot and LinkedIn. 

As a regional award winner, Paolone is up for the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award to be announced Nov. 16 in Palm Springs. 

The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. 

Other local winners were: 

Financial Services: Anand Nallathambi, CEO

CoreLogic, Inc., Irvine

Business Services: Heidi Golledge, CEO, Founder

CyberCoders & CareerBliss, Irvine

Real Estate & Hospitality: Alan Fuerstman, Founder, CEO

Montage Hotels & Resorts, Laguna Beach

Technology: Joseph Renton, Founder, Chairman

System & Software Enterprises, Brea

Retail & Consumer Products: Hezy Shaked, Founder, Chairman, CSO

Tilly's, Inc., Irvine