McLean resident Mark Richardson, president of Case Design/Remodeling, was recently named Ernst & Young's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year in Construction Services for the Maryland region. Richardson was one of 25 finalists, and was selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of local business, academic and community leaders.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards program is in its 20th year. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The judges select the honorees based on a number of factors, including financial growth, risks taken by the individual, the story behind their success, community involvement and characteristics that set them apart from the competition.
Number of years in the community. 11 years.
Family. Wife, Margie and children, Jessica, 17, Jamie, 14, and Brett, 7.
Education. Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech.
Current job/primary occupation. President of Case Design/Remodeling Inc.
Achievements. Sits on the Remodeling Futures Board of Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies; author of a monthly column on industry topics for Remodeling Magazine; created “At Home with Mark Richardson,” a weekly radio Webcast featuring consumer education on home care and maintenance topics; recipient of the 2000 Harold Hammerman "Spirit of Education" Award for excellence in remodeling industry education and training; currently one of six remodelers nationwide invited to sit on Andersen Window's Remodeler Partnership Council; active board member of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Washington; winner of more than 15 national and regional design awards; named Ernst & Young's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year in Construction Services for the Maryland region.
Activities/interests/hobbies. Cycling, woodworking, wine.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community. Café Taj and J. Gilberts
What are your community concerns? Traffic and making the Washington area a conducive area to live. McLean is not a very pedestrian-friendly environment.
What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? Underground utilities, pedestrian friendly bike paths and lanes to commute via cycling.
What brought you here? Primarily the school system and a beautiful lot.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? Pimmit Run, the McLean Community Center.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" I am fortunate that my passion in architecture and construction began at an early age — and that is what I continue to love.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Getting more involved in causes that I may make a difference — bike paths, the McLean community, the remodeling industry, continued growth of Case.
Personal goals? To live to 100, cycle across the U.S., travel around the world, keep personal, professional, family in balance.