The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Central Florida.
In addition, The Central Florida 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 May 7 at the Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Central Florida business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Crandall Deery and Bruce Eatroff, Managing Directors at Star Mountain Capital. In early 2025, Bruce and Crandall led Star Mountain Capital’s acquisition of Already Autism Health, creating a leading platform delivering in-home, center-based, and school-based ABA therapy services. With $81.25 million of capital funded at close, it marks the firm's largest platform investment of the year and highlights Star Mountain’s strong commitment to meaningful, community-focused investments. Their vision is making a real difference for families and children impacted by autism across the country.
Shane Donaldson, founder of Pinnacle Home Care, and Mike Froning, Former President of Pinnacle Home Care. Shane and Mike helped grow Pinnacle from a Tampa startup in 2003 into Florida’s largest provider of home health care services. Their vision and leadership culminated in Pinnacle’s acquisition by HCS-Girling in 2024, expanding access to skilled nursing, therapy, and home health care across the state. Their incredible journey shows how passion, care, and perseverance can create a lasting legacy in health care.
Alan Harvill, CEO of EMI Industries. Alan led EMI Industries, a top manufacturer of fixtures and displays, through a highly successful acquisition by LSI Industries in 2024. This $50 million all-cash deal not only delivered strong financial outcomes but created a dynamic growth platform, blending EMI’s interior fabrication expertise with LSI’s leadership in lighting and exterior solutions. Alan’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has positioned EMI for even greater future success.
Christian Malek, Group CEO, Novastone. Christian is an extraordinary entrepreneur who has scaled Novastone into a global private equity leader, with a portfolio of over 23 companies and more than $400 million deployed. Through a proprietary platform that recruits top entrepreneurs to lead portfolio companies, Novastone is pioneering a bold and innovative model for growth and success. His forward-thinking approach is reshaping how the next generation of business leaders drive value and growth.
Chris Sullins, CEO of CentralReach. Under Chris’s leadership, CentralReach became a premier provider of practice management and clinical software for behavioral health organizations. In 2025, CentralReach reached a major milestone with its $1.85 billion acquisition agreement with Roper Technologies, marking a remarkable journey of innovation, growth, and impact. Chris’s leadership has helped CentralReach empower thousands of behavioral health providers to deliver better outcomes for patients nationwide.
Social Impact Honorees
Christine Craven of PS27 Ventures. Christine plays a vital role in building partnerships across venture capital, entrepreneurship organizations, and universities, using her voice to champion innovation and inclusion. Beyond her work growing early-stage technology companies through her board work at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship, she drives impact through initiatives like the Female Founders Forum and Battle of the Bands, blending entrepreneurship with philanthropy. Christine’s commitment to empowering women, veterans, people of color, and underrepresented founders shines through her leadership at PS27 Ventures, and in the community. She has raised significant funds for causes like St. Vincent’s Hospitals and continues to serve nonprofits advancing innovation and equity across Florida. Christine’s dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem truly exemplifies social impact in action.
Raymont Harris, Founder and CEO of Elite Mindset & Performance. Raymont Harris is a powerhouse of purpose. A former NFL running back turned performance coach, Raymont founded Elite Mindset & Performance to help athletes and executives reach their highest potential. With a mindset rooted in resilience, discipline, and his “Control the Controllables” philosophy, Raymont has become a trusted coach, speaker, and consultant to high performers across the country. Through his foundation, he champions mental health, wellness, and maternal health equity — especially for former athletes and underserved families. At Ohio State, he helped raise over $100 million to support student-athletes and leadership programs. His impact spans sports, business, and community, and his passion continues to inspire the next generation.
Johnny Townsend — professional athlete, foundation leader, and founder of The Void Agency. Johnny’s journey spans elite athletics, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. A two-time All-American and Florida Gators Hall of Fame captain, Johnny played five seasons in the NFL and now competes with Team USA Bobsled on the path to the 2026 Olympics. Off the field, he leads the Johnny Townsend Foundation, helping renovate pediatric oncology facilities to improve the lives of young patients and their families. He also founded The Void Agency, representing top NFL, NBA, and NIL talent. With an MBA, a master’s in management, and a heart for service, Johnny blends business savvy with a relentless drive to uplift others. His story is one of excellence, grit, and impact.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame Honorees
Jamie Elias, Managing Partner at Trivest Partners. For more than two decades, Jamie has played a pivotal role in shaping Trivest into one of the most respected private equity firms in the country, managing over $2 billion in assets. His leadership spans deal origination, acquisitions, portfolio strategy, and firmwide management — and he also leads the Trivest Growth Investment Fund, focused on founder-led businesses. Jamie’s approach is hands-on, values-driven, and dedicated to preserving founder legacies while fueling long-term growth. Outside the office, he’s just as committed to making a difference — serving on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and previously with Make-A-Wish South Florida. With deep experience, steady leadership, and a passion for people, Jamie exemplifies the best of the dealmaking world.
Glenn Oken, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mangrove Equity Partners. Glenn is a true statesman of the private equity world, known for his integrity, candor, and long track record of success. With decades of experience — including 18 transformative years at Florida Capital Partners — Glenn helped build one of the nation’s most respected small deal funds before launching Mangrove Equity Partners. His relationship-first philosophy, paired with deep industry insight, has made him a go-to partner for company owners and advisors alike. Glenn is known for his unique ability to blend proactive strategy with authentic connection — and for building businesses with heart, not just numbers. He represents everything this Hall of Fame stands for: trust, excellence, and a legacy of impact.
Richard Sweat, founder and CEO of .decimal. Richard is well-known throughout Central Florida for his entrepreneurship and community service. He launched .decimal 39 years ago with just $1,500 and a dream, growing it into a leading medical device company serving over 130,000 cancer patients with custom radiation therapy devices. From a third-story apartment to a state-of-the-art facility with 35 CNC milling machines, his vision and grit revolutionized personalized cancer care. Beyond the company, Richard’s impact includes co-founding ProKnow, supporting breakthrough cancer research, and driving local workforce education initiatives for high schoolers. He’s also served on numerous community boards, including CareerSource Central Florida and the Sanford Airport Authority. Richard’s legacy is not just one of business success — it’s of compassion, innovation, and lives changed.
