Crains New York - June 3, 2013 - (Page 15)
CHARLIE MERRITT of Merritt Engineering Page 16
JAKE BARTON of Local Projects Page 18
CHRISTOPHER KELLY AND RYAN SIMONETTI of Convene Page 18
GREAT ENTREPRENEURS NEVER STOP innovating and growing, even when facing an unpredictable
economy or a challenge as tough as Hurricane Sandy. This year’s Crain’s Top Entrepreneurs, chosen
from a record 119 entrants across New York City, impressed our judges because they embody that
type of can-do spirit and determination—and a commitment to give back to the city.
Consider Raj Thakkar, founder of Charter School Business Management. Noticing that charter
schools often struggle because their founders don’t have the experience to manage their finances
well, Mr. Thakkar, formerly a charter-school CFO himself, opened a firm to guide them in 2006. He now
serves about 100 clients, mostly in New York City.
Sniffing out a growing demand for her home fragrances and personal-care products, veteran scent
maker Laura Slatkin almost doubled revenue at Nest Fragrances—to $37.4 million last year from
$19.6 million in 2011—as she found ways to bring her products to a wider array of retailers.
Meanwhile, she has played an active role in initiatives to help those with autism and their families.
These are just a couple of the visionary leaders you’ll meet in the pages to come. Even if you never
intend to start a business yourself, these inspiring stories will leave you excited about the future of
New York.
Read more about our winners on Pages 16 to 19.
LISTEN to a discussion at CrainsNewYork.com/podcasts
LAURA SLATKIN of Nest Fragrances Page 16
SU HWEI LIN of Portage Worldwide Page 19
RAJ THAKKAR of Charter School Business Management Page 19
photos by buck ennis
ONLINE In a series of video interviews, our top entrepreneurs tell how they keep their
companies thriving, at www.crainsnewyork.com/topentrepreneurs
http://www.CrainsNewYork.com/podcasts
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/topentrepreneurs
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crains New York - June 3, 2013
Crains New York - June 3, 2013
IN THE BOROUGHS
IN THE MARKETS
THE INSIDER
BUSINESS PEOPLE
REAL ESTATE DEALS
OPINION
GREG DAVID
FOR THE RECORD
TOP ENTREPRENEURS
CLASSIFIEDS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
SOURCE COFFEE
OUT AND ABOUT
SNAPS
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