Specialty Blades Founder, Martin Lightsey, Wins Award
June 21, 2004
Martin F. Lightsey, Chairman
of Specialty Blades, Inc. was named a winner by professional
services firm Ernst & Young LLP for
the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 Awards for Virginia in the
Business Products category. Lightsey was selected from 32 finalists in the
Virginia regional program by an independent panel of judges comprised of area
community
and business leaders and announced at an awards gala on June 17, 2004 at the
Richmond Marriott Hotel.
Lightsey launched Specialty Blades, Inc. after a 15-year
career as an engineer and director with American Safety Razor (“ASR”).
Lightsey had developed an innovative idea that he thought would add breadth
and revenue to ASR’s
Medical and Industrial blade business. By combining razor blade and computer
technology, Lightsey theorized the company could produce high quality, customized
blade shapes that would allow them to process smaller custom orders. ASR
turned down his idea, but Lightsey was determined it would work. So in 1985,
he left
his corporate position to fulfill his vision. Today, Lightsey’s vision
has resulted in a thriving company of 65 employees and over $10 million in
revenues.
Lightsey will be eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur
Of The Year 2004 national program. Winners in several national categories,
as well as
the Overall National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, will be announced
at the annual awards gala in Palm Spring, CA on November 20, 2004.
About
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program
The Entrepreneur
Of The Year awards program was created and is produced by professional
services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind,
Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are
building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors
entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs
in over 100 cities
and
35 countries.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional
services, is committed to restoring the public’s trust in professional
services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 103,000
people in more than 140 countries
around the globe pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and
professionalism to provide clients with solutions based on financial,
transactional, and risk-management
knowledge in Ernst & Young's core services of audit, tax, and transaction
advisory services. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach
to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives.
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refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization. |
