2026 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Carson Barnes
CEO
Family First Homecare
Carson Barnes, CEO of Family First Home Care, earns recognition as the 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Deal Maker of the Year for his leadership in executing strategic acquisitions and building one of the nation’s leading pediatric in-home care platforms. Over the past several years, Barnes led the acquisition and integration of multiple pediatric home care providers, expanding Family First’s footprint across seven states while increasing access to specialized nursing care for medically complex children and their families. Under his leadership, Family First evolved from a growing regional provider into a scaled, multi-state organization known for operational excellence, clinical quality, and a mission-driven culture.
Barnes also led the successful partnership and sale of Family First Home Care to Aveanna Health Care in a landmark transaction valued at approximately $175 million — one of the most significant pediatric home care transactions in the sector in recent years. The transaction represented the culmination of years of disciplined growth strategy, acquisition execution, and organizational development. Throughout his tenure, Barnes built a reputation for combining entrepreneurial vision with strong operational execution, helping position Family First as a premier platform in pediatric healthcare services.
Scott Dols
Founder
VTE (Vocational Trucks & Equipment)
Scott Dols, Founder of Vocational Trucks & Equipment (VTE), stands out as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his proven track record of building and scaling successful businesses through strategic partnerships. In 2025, Dols led the growth and successful transaction of VTE, marking another milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. This deal builds on his prior success with Big Truck Rental, where he partnered with Trivest to create and exit a leading platform serving municipalities and waste haulers. His ability to execute, partner effectively and create value continues to distinguish him as a repeat, high-impact dealmaker.
Kadi Findling
Principal
Stony Lonesome Group
Kadi Findling, recently promoted to Principal at Stony Lonesome Group, stands out as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for her leadership in venture capital fundraising and investment strategy. Findling played a key role in closing the firm’s $25 million fifth fund and is a key proponent for the current fundraise of their $150M sixth fund, supporting continued investment in high-growth companies across the dual-use technology space. With a track record of 75 investments and multiple successful exits, Stony Lonesome continues to scale its impact in the venture ecosystem. Through her work in both capital raising and community building, Findling is helping drive innovation and long-term value creation in central and along the west coast of Florida.
Ashby Green
Founder
Gazelle Ventures
Ashby Green, Founder of Gazelle Ventures, stands out as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his leadership in launching a community-focused venture fund designed to transform the regional startup ecosystem. In 2025, Green led the formation of a $10 million fund aimed at supporting high-growth Tampa Bay companies while keeping jobs, capital and innovation local. By introducing an accessible investment structure and embedding operational support into portfolio companies, he has created a model that aligns financial returns with community impact. His vision is helping strengthen Tampa Bay’s position as a rising technology hub.
Chitra Kanagaraj
Founder & COO
Pikmykid
Chitra Kanagaraj, Founder and COO of Pikmykid, earns recognition as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year for her role in building and successfully exiting a mission-driven technology platform. Since co-founding the company, Kanagaraj helped develop a solution that enhances student safety and streamlines school dismissal processes for families and educators. In 2026, she played a key role in Pikmykid’s acquisition by Centegix, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Her leadership, combined with a focus on innovation and impact, has positioned the platform to expand its reach and continue improving safety outcomes in schools nationwide.
Brian McCarthy
CEO
eMaxx
Brian McCarthy, CEO of eMaxx, is a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his leadership in scaling a tech-enabled Commercial Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Group. Under his direction, eMaxx has grown into a provider of innovative property and casualty solutions, combining technology with underwriting expertise. In 2024 & 2025, eMaxx experienced a $26.25 million growth investment led by EJF Capital, followed by $25M Surplus Note from First Citizens for the formation of a Reciprocal Insurance Exchange. This brings total funding to more than $80 million that has supported continued expansion. The companies vision continues to position eMaxx as a forward-thinking player in the insurance industry, driving value through innovation, disciplined growth and enhanced customer solutions.
Dr. Srdjan Prodanovich
Co-Founder & Visionary
EZDERM
Dr. Srdjan Prodanovich, Co-Founder and Visionary Behind EZDERM, stands out as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers - Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his role in building and scaling a leading specialty healthcare technology platform. In 2024, he helped lead EZDERM through a strategic partnership with Serent Capital, positioning the company for accelerated growth and continued product innovation. Founded in 2009, EZDERM has become a trusted provider of cloud-based electronic health record and practice management solutions tailored specifically to dermatology practices. Throughout the company’s growth and evolution, Dr. Prodanovich continued to practice dermatology full-time and care for an active patient base, bringing a uniquely physician-driven perspective to healthcare technology innovation. His vision and leadership have helped drive the company’s success, creating long-term value while advancing innovation in specialty healthcare technology. Accepting on Dr. Prodanovich’s behalf is Stephanie Ball Acheson, VP of Customer Success.
Bo Starr
Co-founder & CEO
Grifin
Bo Starr, Co founder and CEO of Grifin, was recognized as a 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year for building a new category of behavior driven investing technology. Since launching the company, Starr has helped transform everyday spending into stock ownership, making investing more accessible and intuitive for first time investors and families across the country. In 2025, he led Grifin’s $11.75 million Series A funding round, accelerating the company’s growth and product expansion. Under Starr's leadership, Grifin has grown into one of the fastest growing consumer investing platforms in its category, with over 1.5M downloads, helping a new generation build wealth through the brands and businesses already part of their daily lives.
Social Impact Investing
Celina Berglund
Founder & CEO
BROGAV Solutions
Celina Berglund, Founder and CEO of BROGAV Solutions, is being recognized as the 2026 Central Florida Smart Business Dealmakers Social Impact Investing honoree for her leadership in building both a high-growth company and a platform for meaningful change. Since founding BROGAV in 2022, Celina has grown the business into a nationally recognized, certified women-owned firm operating in the highly competitive mission-critical infrastructure and data center sector.
Her impact extends well beyond business success. Celina has been named to the iMasons Top 100 Influencers list and recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Technology, reflecting her influence in shaping a more inclusive industry. Through her visibility and leadership, she is helping open doors for future entrepreneurs while strengthening the Central Florida dealmaking community.