Innovations in Business
Innovation is defined as a new idea, method, or device. This years finalists for W’s Innovations in Business Award bring innovation to life by re-imagining how people connect with each other and by introducing our community to traditional indigenous recipes with a modern touch.
W’s Innovations in Business Award is presented to a W member who has demonstrated innovation in their industry, company, or organization by: making a unique or especially noteworthy contribution to their business or profession; reinvigorating or modernizing a business; or successfully starting their own business.
Learn more about our finalists below:
Eddie Sandoval, CEO/Founder of Pinole Blue
What was your first job as a kid?
I was 8 years old when one of our neighbors would hire me to help with the vending machine business they owned. I would get boxes ready with candy and snacks that would go to each machine to restock.
If you had to choose an Olympic sport to compete in what would it be?
Basketball. Not only is basketball my favorite sport but I would be able to meet all the top NBA players.
Ryan Revard, Owner of Headshots Bar & Grill LLC
What was your first job as a kid?
My first job was at the Westlink Street Dairy Queen when I was fifteen. Charles and Margie gave me my first restaurant experiences which I carry everyday. My current kitchen is setup like the DQ kitchen to excel at creating consistent, fast, & tasty food. I probably wouldn’t be doing anything that I am now without having first worked at the DQ. I became the night manager after my first year.
Who is the person you would most like to go to lunch with and why?
I would have liked the opportunity to eat lunch with my late-grandfather. I was a pallbearer twenty years ago and never had the opportunity to connect with him as an adult. He was Michigan Chess Champion with an 8th grade education from Detroit. Very smart guy and very hard worker; worked in the pottery factory before his heart gave out. I would have loved to show him all that I have done and to show him the Chess Club that I started at the restaurant.
Join us virtually for Founders’ Week, September 8 through 11, to find out who is named the winner of the Innovations in Business Award.
