The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Baltimore.
In addition, The Baltimore Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners on April 24 at the Baltimore Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Baltimore business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Mustafa Al-Adhami, Astek Diagnostics. In just three years, Mustafa Al-Adhmi took Astek Diagnostics from concept to alpha prototype, raising $8 million and securing $30 million in commercialization LOIs. The company’s Jiddu system is poised to revolutionize infection diagnostics and help combat global antibiotic resistance. With rapid progress, key partnerships and strong investor backing, Astek is a rising star in medtech innovation. Mustafa’s bold vision is shaping the future of diagnostics and infectious disease treatment.
Victor Brick, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, and Lynne Brick, Co-Founder & VP of Fitness, Ohana Growth Partners. Together, Victor and Lynne Brick built Ohana Growth Partners into one of Planet Fitness’s largest and most successful franchisees. With 34 clubs in Maryland and dozens more across five states and D.C., their leadership helped make fitness more accessible to thousands. Beyond business, their John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation is changing the global conversation around mental health through research and advocacy. That mission is also deeply personal — founded in memory of Victor’s brother and later led by their late daughter, Vicki Brick, whose passion for wellness and service left an enduring legacy. The Bricks have built not just a business empire, but a multigenerational commitment to purpose, resilience and positive change
Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Longevity Health Holdings. Jonathan Cohen led 20/20 BioLabs through a transformative merger with Longevity Health Holdings, creating a combined company poised to redefine the future of diagnostics and healthy aging. The all-stock transaction doubles Longevity’s projected revenue and unlocks powerful synergies. Under Jonathan’s leadership, 20/20 became known for its innovative multi-cancer early detection blood test, OneTest™, which has seen widespread adoption among firefighters and military veterans. With more than 10 consecutive quarters of sales growth, the company was positioned as a national leader in accessible, affordable lab testing — often delivered in nontraditional settings. Following the merger, Jonathan was appointed CEO of the combined company, where he will now lead its expanded platform under the shared vision of “Healthy Aging, Inside and Out.”
Nick Culbertson, Co-Founder & CEO of Protenus. Nick led Protenus from startup to category leader in health care compliance and risk analytics. In 2024, the company was acquired by Bluesight, uniting two market innovators to deliver a comprehensive platform for compliance, medication safety and operational efficiency. With hundreds of health care clients nationwide, Nick’s leadership continues to make a meaningful impact on health care systems across the country. He remains deeply committed to transforming health care through innovation and secure data practices.
Tom Lloyd, General Counsel of Campbell & Company. In 2024, Tom helped lead a landmark internal transaction at Campbell & Company, transitioning 80 percent majority ownership from founder D. Keith Campbell to the firm’s senior executives and employees. The seamless transition preserved operational continuity and positioned the firm for long-term sustainability after 52 years in business. Tom’s legal guidance helped ensure a smooth shift in governance while honoring the legacy of one of Baltimore’s premier investment firms. His work exemplifies how smart, principled legal leadership can preserve company culture while enabling generational transition.
Jeff Ostenso, CEO of Ironmark. As second-generation CEO of Ironmark, Jeff has reshaped the company into a leading omnichannel marketing powerhouse. From commercial printing and digital marketing to e-commerce fulfillment and logistics, Jeff has built a fully integrated model through a series of strategic acquisitions. His growth-focused vision has helped transform Ironmark into a single-source solution for clients across retail, education, health care and hospitality. Jeff’s strategic leadership continues to fuel Ironmark’s evolution as a technology-forward marketing partner.
Katherine Pinkard, Co-Founder of Pinkard Properties. Following the acquisition of Pinkard Properties by MCB Real Estate, Katherine was named Senior Managing Director, Property Management, at the firm. She brings deep expertise managing over 2 million square feet of commercial real estate across the Maryland region. Now part of a platform with over $600 million in recent acquisitions, Katherine is helping scale best-in-class property operations nationwide. Her leadership continues to elevate operational excellence and innovation in real estate management.
Philip Tulkoff, Former President & CEO of Tulkoff Food Products. As the third-generation leader of a company founded in 1926, Phil Tulkoff helped grow Tulkoff Food Products into a national name in sauces and specialty foods. Under his leadership, the company expanded into new markets and product lines — culminating in its acquisition by Graham Partners. Phil continues to lend his expertise in an advisory role, supporting the business through its next chapter. His dedication to maintaining the family legacy while innovating for growth exemplifies long-term leadership in manufacturing.
Social Impact Award Honorees
Marco V. Avila, President & CEO of WSP Mid-Atlantic and Chairman of the Board, Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Under Marco’s leadership, the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has grown from 89 members in 2019 to more than 1,100 today — with a goal of reaching 5,000 by 2028. The organization’s mission is to empower Hispanic business owners across Maryland by building economic opportunity, driving workforce development, and expanding access to B2G and B2B connections. Marco’s work has elevated the voice of Hispanic entrepreneurs in government and commerce, advancing equity and access across the state. He continues to lead by example, using his platform to champion mentorship, legislative advocacy and sustainable economic growth.
Eric Brockman, Founder, Chairman & CEO of FOCUS (Focus on Communities United for Success). For over 30 years, Eric Brockman has combined his expertise in information technology and cybersecurity with a commitment to empowering underserved youth. Through his nonprofit FOCUS, Eric provides job training, mentorship and career pathways for young adults across D.C., Maryland and Virginia — especially those from under-resourced communities. His mission is to transform lives through access to real-world skills in high-demand tech sectors, paving the way to economic mobility and long-term stability. Eric’s own inspiring life story, now archived in the Library of Congress, is a testament to the impact of second chances and purpose-driven leadership.
Lillian Sparks Robinson, Owner and CEO of Wopila Consulting. Through her firm Wopila Consulting, Lillian Sparks Robinson delivers high-impact consulting to tribal, federal and state government clients — rooted in the Lakota virtues of wisdom, bravery, generosity and fortitude. A proud American Indian and woman-owned business, Wopila provides expert services across leadership development, program evaluation, technical assistance and strategic planning. Lillian’s mission is grounded in cultural strength and gratitude, building capacity and empowering the communities she serves. Her work brings innovative, community-centered solutions to some of the nation’s most complex challenges.
Hall of Fame Honorees
Peter Buzy, President & CEO of Paragon Bioservices. With more than 25 years of executive leadership in life sciences, Pete Buzy is an industry veteran who led one of the fastest expanding Mid-Atlantic Biotech companies. Having joined Paragon Bioservices in 2014 as an investor and Chief Operating Officer, he later moved into the role of President, CEO and Board Member. His expertise in building strong and focused leadership teams and growing emerging technology companies was instrumental in the value creation of Paragon, which resulted in its purchase by Catalent (NYSE: CTLT) in 2019 for $1.2 billion, one of the largest PE-backed transactions in the region over the past decade. Prior to joining Paragon, Pete spent more than 13 years as a senior executive at Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK), a leader in the innovation, development, production and sale of high-value products from microbial sources. He played a key role in transforming Martek’s business from an R&D company to a fully integrated and profitable commercial organization, setting the stage for Martek’s sale to Royal DSM NV in 2011 for $1.1 billion. Pete is currently an Advisory Partner with NewSpring Capital and is also on the board of several health care companies.
Veronica Cool, Founder & CEO of Cool & Associates LLC. A powerhouse in both business and advocacy, Veronica Cool has spent her career bridging the gap between mainstream institutions and Hispanic communities. After two decades in banking, she launched Cool & Associates, a firm that delivers workforce solutions, DEI strategies and culturally fluent marketing with a special focus on Latino empowerment. Her work has fueled inclusion and economic development through training, recruiting, influencer campaigns and community engagement. Veronica also founded the Latino Innovators Pitch to help Latino entrepreneurs scale and sustain their businesses — and she curates opportunities through two thriving Facebook communities supporting jobseekers and founders. She previously served as Chair of the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and currently holds board roles at Loyola University, MedStar Hospital, and Maryland Latinos Unidos. As a first-generation Dominican-American and tireless advocate for equity, Veronica has become a voice for inclusive economic growth across the region. Her leadership is equal parts heart, hustle and impact.
Maria Martinez, Special Secretary for the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs. Maria Martinez has dedicated her life to expanding opportunity — first as an entrepreneur, and now as a leading public servant. Appointed by Governor Wes Moore, she serves as Special Secretary of Maryland’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, overseeing the state’s MBE, VSBE, and SBR programs. Maria brings more than 25 years of private-sector experience to her role, including founding and scaling Respira, a multimillion-dollar health care company launched with the support of a women’s entrepreneurship initiative. She currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Project Enhancement Corporation, a national firm supporting environmental, health, and security efforts across federal agencies. A lifelong Marylander and first-generation American, she’s served on over a dozen advisory boards and commissions, championing workforce development, equity in procurement, and Hispanic business growth. Maria’s unique blend of entrepreneurial grit, public policy expertise and community service reflects her lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers. Her work continues to create new pathways for underrepresented business owners across the state.
