Industry Leaders: Top 10 Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025

Industry Leaders: Top 10 Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025

Innovation, resilience, and vision define the entrepreneurs shaping the business world today. These trailblazers are not only driving growth in their industries but also redefining what it means to be a leader in an ever-changing global market. From tech disruptors to game-changing strategists, these top 10 entrepreneurs are making a lasting impact through their groundbreaking ideas, strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Brett Bowman

Brett Bowman is the driving force behind Suncrest Capital, a company dedicated to addressing the affordable housing crisis. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Brett isn’t just discussing the need for better living spaces—he’s actively creating them. His mission is both straightforward and transformative: to build safe, welcoming communities where residents feel a true sense of belonging and pride.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Brett Bowman

Suncrest Capital was founded on Brett’s commitment to making a tangible impact. What started with single-family rentals evolved into a thriving business specializing in mobile home communities. Recognizing the urgent need for quality, affordable housing, he co-founded Suncrest Capital in 2020. Today, the company manages over $70 million in assets and provides homes for more than 1,600 families, balancing both social impact and strong investment returns.

Brett’s background in finance is a cornerstone of his success. With a Finance degree from the University of Utah and an MBA from Duke University, he possesses the expertise to manage large-scale investments effectively. His experience in the high-tech industry, where he oversaw substantial budgets, adds a strategic edge to his leadership at Suncrest Capital.

By combining financial acumen with a deep commitment to social impact, Brett has positioned Suncrest Capital as a leader in the affordable housing space. His vision is to expand operations across more states, particularly in the Central U.S., while ensuring that both residents and investors benefit from the company’s growth.

Brett Bowman’s journey proves that with purpose-driven leadership and unwavering dedication, real estate can be a powerful force for positive change.

Barak Zilberberg

Barak Zilberberg is a dynamic force in real estate, business, and philanthropy. As the founder of Zilberberg International and Zilberberg Worldwide, he has built a thriving real estate empire specializing in development, design, and property management. His expertise goes beyond just making deals—he focuses on optimizing every aspect of a project to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Barak Zilberberg

For Barak, success isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s about impact, innovation, and leaving a lasting legacy. His journey into real estate wasn’t just about business—it was driven by a genuine passion for the industry. He sees real estate as a real-life game of Monopoly, where strategy, vision, and smart decision-making lead to big wins.

His achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. He has been featured in Forbes 400 and Forbes Israel, earning recognition for his business acumen and leadership. In 2022, he took his drive for change beyond real estate, running for governor of Nevada. But his ambitions extend even further—his next goal is to run for President of the United States, bringing his entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving approach to a national stage.

Beyond business and politics, Barak is deeply committed to giving back. Through the Zilberberg Foundation, a nonprofit he founded, he supports various charitable initiatives under the motto “Good Deed is in Need!” His philanthropy focuses on providing resources and opportunities to those who need them most, ensuring that his success benefits others.

He is also the author of Resilience, a book where he shares his insights on overcoming adversity and pushing forward no matter the obstacles. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, vision, and unwavering determination.

Diana Nedkova

Noise isn’t just background chaos—it affects how we live, work, and experience the world. Diana Nedkova has made it her mission to redefine sound control. As the co-founder and managing partner of DECIBEL PLC, she has helped turn the company into one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of noise control and acoustic systems, shaping environments where sound works for people, not against them.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Diana Nedkova

Armed with a degree in International Business from Regent’s University London, Diana returned to Bulgaria to join her family’s thermal insulation company. There, she met Tsvetan Nedkov, a civil engineer with PhD in Acoustics. Together, Diana and Tsvetan spotted a market gap and created soundproofing solutions that were effective and adaptable. This insight led to the founding of DECIBEL in 2012. Just three years later, they introduced MUTE SYSTEM, an industry-leading noise isolation technology with no European counterpart.

With a strong foothold in acoustic engineering, DECIBEL continues to innovate with patented solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial use. From soundproof barriers to expertly tuned acoustic panels, their innovations enhance auditory experiences while meeting strict global noise regulations. Their newest innovation—a fully biodegradable, non-combustible insulation material is paving the way for greener, more sustainable architecture.

As a firm believer in eco-conscious production, efficient resource management, and workplace inclusivity, Diana also fosters workplace diversity as a pillar of her leadership. With 5,000 projects completed across 43 countries, she now pushes boundaries with automation, digital marketing, and an ambitious expansion into the U.S. market.

Through expertise, vision, and relentless innovation, Diana Nedkova is happy to witness more and more spaces worldwide where sound isn’t just controlled—it’s perfected through DECIBEL’s acoustic products.

Christopher Dixon

Christopher Dixon, co-founder of Oxford Advisory Group, has dedicated his career to helping retirees navigate the complexities of taxation and financial security. As a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Total Tax-Free Investing, Christopher has become a trusted name in retirement planning—one that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Christopher Dixon

Oxford Advisory Group, recently recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private businesses, was founded with a mission to protect retirees from costly tax mistakes. Inspired by a personal experience that revealed how improper financial planning can erode retirement savings, Christopher and his brother Sam established Oxford Advisory Group to provide strategic tax reduction and income security solutions—a pivotal move that has since transformed the financial futures of countless retirees.

Beyond financial advising, Christopher is deeply committed to financial education. His firm conducts complimentary educational courses for over 3,000 families annually, covering topics like estate planning and tax-efficient retirement strategies. His dedication to financial literacy aims to have a powerful impact on the community.

Looking ahead, Christopher is expanding his reach through a series of books aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve financial success. His long-term vision includes growing Oxford Advisory Group throughout the Southeastern United States, ensuring that more retirees can experience a confident and secure retirement.

With a passion for empowering individuals and a track record of striving for excellence, Christopher Dixon continues to shape the future of retirement planning.

Dee Armstrong

When it comes to transforming healthcare, Dee Armstrong is a true game-changer. As the Senior Director of Project Management and Operations at ECHO Project Management Group Inc., Dee is on a mission to bridge the gap between patients, physicians, and organizations—improving treatments for rare diseases, chronic conditions, and mental health disorders.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Dee Armstrong

Her journey into healthcare is a blend of talent, vision, and entrepreneurial drive. Before joining ECHO, she built a strong foundation in market research and communications, even running her own design company. But it was the opportunity to make a real difference in patient care that ignited her passion and led her to the impactful work she does today.

At ECHO, Dee spearheads innovative research initiatives, including nationwide interviews and ethnographic studies, ensuring that patient voices are at the forefront of healthcare conversations. Her leadership has propelled the company to industry recognition, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and features in top publications like The Enterprise World and Woman’s World, CIO Times and many more.

Her influence extends beyond ECHO. Named one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs of 2021 through Era Magazine and a guest on The Balancing Act, Dee continues to shape the future of healthcare. Beyond business, Dee’s commitment to giving back is evident through her work with charitable organizations. With her relentless dedication to innovation and patient advocacy, Dee Armstrong is redefining healthcare—one breakthrough at a time.

Michelle Simmons

What started as a personal quest for healthier, eco-friendly living became a thriving brand redefining mindful consumerism. Michelle Simmons set out to create products with purpose and, in the process, built a brand that prioritizes sustainability. As the founder of Slow North, she transformed a homegrown idea into a recognized brand known for its commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. With a mission to create non-toxic, beautifully designed lifestyle products, she proves that business success and ethical responsibility can go hand in hand.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Michelle Simmons

The journey began in 2015, a time when environmental consciousness was gaining momentum worldwide. Michelle saw an opportunity to create non-toxic, sustainable alternatives to everyday home goods. What started as a personal mission for cleaner-burning candles soon transformed into a natural living brand. She carefully developed products that aligned with her vision of healthier living, free from harmful chemicals and unnecessary waste. Over time, her dedication turned Slow North from a small home-based venture into a respected name in the sustainable lifestyle market.

Beyond offering high-quality products, Michelle has built a brand rooted in community, collaboration, and conscious living. Slow North regularly hosts local events, partners with small businesses, and fosters connections among artisans and eco-conscious consumers. Her dedication extends beyond retail—she is committed to educating and empowering others to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.

With her sights set on the future, Michelle is committed to growing Slow North while staying rooted in its core values. She is dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through coaching, crafting forward-thinking wellness solutions, and deepening her engagement with local creatives.

Michelle Simmons proves that success is about planting seeds of change, nurturing integrity, and inspiring others to live with purpose.

Mahsam Raza

Mahsam Raza never set out to follow the crowd—he set out to change the game. As the visionary behind The Dua Brand and Glamora Entertainment, he is redefining both the fragrance and entertainment industries. His journey began with a frustration: luxury perfumes were overpriced, forcing fragrance lovers to choose between quality and affordability. Instead of settling, he created a revolutionary solution.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Mahsam Raza

Determined to break barriers, Mahsam introduced handcrafted, high-quality perfumes at prices that everyone could enjoy. He took innovation further by pioneering AI-driven fragrances, an industry first that personalizes scents. By building a loyal community centered on customer feedback, The Dua Brand skyrocketed in popularity. It even earned a place among Similarweb’s Digital 100 fastest-growing beauty companies for 2025.

Beyond fragrance, Mahsam’s passion for storytelling led him to establish Glamora Entertainment. As a producer and actor, he made waves with Leech, a thought-provoking film tackling deep societal issues. His ability to craft immersive experiences, whether through scent or cinema, sets him apart as a true disruptor. He continues to push creative boundaries across industries.

His achievements have been recognized in Haute Living, Variety, Maxim, and Flaunt Magazine. Yet, success for Mahsam isn’t just about business—it’s about giving back. Through his brand, he supports orphans and the elderly, proving that true luxury lies in making a difference. As he expands into new markets and AI-optimized experiences, one thing is clear—he isn’t following trends; he’s creating them.

If you’re looking for his latest fragrances, they just dropped—shop now at www.theduabrand.com before they sell out.

William Pawson

Travel should be effortless, but outdated brochures and new reception staff often leave holiday makers missing out on the best parts. William Pawson identified the problem caused by new or transient reception staff, and built a solution—Touch-It. Australia’s first interactive digital concierge system.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - William Pawson

With just a tap, travelers can access real-time information on where to eat, what to do, and what’s happening around them. “We essentially compiled everything travelers need into one convenient location.”

Co-founded by William Pawson and Sean Savage, Touch-It is a 55-inch digital kiosk designed to simplify travel. Whether visitors are searching for the best local restaurants, hidden gems, or last-minute event bookings, Touch-It provides instant recommendations without the hassle of endless searching. Unlike traditional methods, this interactive system connects travelers directly to businesses, making tourism more seamless and engaging.

With over 12 million people visiting the Gold Coast annually, William saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between tourists and the local economy. Today, Touch-It is rapidly growing and has already received significant interest from major hotel chains, and other holiday accommodation venues.

Touch-It has been featured in countless publications including the Queensland Hotel Association (QHA) Magazine, and is looking to expand into every hotel and backpacker nationwide. With the support of their mobile application Touch-It is redefining how travelers explore new destinations.

Beyond enhancing tourism, William’s innovation is also helping the environment. By eliminating the need for paper brochures, Touch-It reduces waste while ensuring that travelers get the most up-to-date information at their fingertips. William Pawson is not just improving the way people navigate cities—he’s transforming the future of travel. With Touch-It, discovering the best local experiences has never been easier.

Sheldon Woodson

Sheldon Woodson is the visionary behind Woodson’s World Studios, proving that lacking money is no barrier to creativity. His motto? “Money, Low money, or No money, we’re a team of artists helping artists bring your creative work to the screen.” With a bold vision and an unshakable will, he’s redefining independent filmmaking by championing original stories and giving underrepresented talent a platform.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Sheldon Woodson

Sheldon’s impact is already undeniable. His feature films, COME OUTSIDE and VESSEL 2024, have found homes on major streaming platforms like TubiTV, Amazon Prime Video, TCL, and PLEX, proving that true artistry doesn’t need a Hollywood budget to shine. His film, THE MODEL, THE MANNEQUIN, AND ME is currently in post-production and is sure to make waves in the film industry.

With an impressive list of accolades, Sheldon’s work speaks for itself. Recognized at top festivals worldwide, he has earned titles like Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Indie Feature. His wins at the Red Movie Awards out of Reims, France, Accolades Global Film Competition out of La Jolla, CA, Redwood Film Festival, Milan Gold, and the New York Movie Awards solidify his place among independent cinema’s most promising voices.

For Sheldon, it’s about more than just awards. Woodson’s World Studios was founded on the belief that filmmaking should be about storytelling, not financial gatekeeping. He’s not just creating films; he’s building a movement, one where filmmakers and audiences alike can embrace originality. His ultimate goal? Partnering with creatives, investors, and performers who believe in the power of independent cinema to shake up the industry.

Beyond entertainment, Sheldon’s work carries a purpose. His films aim to “edutain”—to inspire, inform, and leave audiences reflecting on their lives, families, and communities. In an industry obsessed with reboots and remakes, Sheldon Woodson is a refreshing force, proving that where there’s a will, there’s always a way.

Stephanie Kae Cunningham

Finding the perfect outfit shouldn’t be a struggle, but for Stephanie Kae Cunningham, shopping often felt frustrating. As the visionary behind MySizeology, she’s changing the way women experience fashion. Tired of ill-fitting clothes and the stress of traditional shopping, she set out to create a brand where confidence meets custom fit.

Industry Leaders: Top Entrepreneurs - Stephanie Kae Cunningham

Stephanie’s journey started in 2019 with “Stephanie Kae Creations,” later rebranding to MySizeology in 2023. With a passion for design, she creates bold, colorful patterns that reflect individuality and confidence. By offering sizes up to 7XL, she ensures every woman has access to fashion that fits and flatters.

MySizeology isn’t just another clothing brand—it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and personal style. With customizable options like adjustable necklines, skirt lengths, and mix-and-match patterns, Stephanie gives women the freedom to express themselves while ensuring a flawless fit.

She takes sizing to the next level with TrueToForm.fit, a cutting-edge app that scans the body with 99% accuracy or allows manual measurements. This means women can shop with confidence, knowing exactly how an item will fit—no more guesswork or frustrating returns.

Beyond fashion, Stephanie is an award-winning insurance agent with 18 years of experience at Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance. She was featured in the 2024 Top 10 Magazines, Innovators and Entrepreneurs issue, proving she’s a force in both industries.

With a boutique at the Painted Tree in Cincinnati, Stephanie Kae Cunningham is making waves in fashion, one customized piece at a time. Her mission is clear: to revolutionize outdated sizing systems and empower women with fashion that truly fits.

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