2019 E-Week Award Winners

Mike Dragoo, Entrepreneur of the Year 2019

Mike Dragoo founded Dragoo Metal Works with his wife, Lori, in 1991. Working out of his garage, it was two years before he hired his first employee, and the expansions continued from there. Today, the company operates out of a 30,000 sq. ft. building with 25 employees. Dragoo Metal Works serves the bioprocessing equipment industry, building and installing state-of-the-art equipment to their customers’ specifications. Mike also co-owns Spanky & Buckwheat’s Catering & Rental Hall and Ultra Clean.

“Mike truly thinks like an entrepreneur and finds ways to develop ideas with others so everyone can succeed,” his nomination read.

He is currently serving as president of the Southside Sertoma Club and volunteers for several other local organizations. He serves on the Sheet Metal Workers Local #2 Apprentice Board, and was Chair of the Board for four years for Hillcrest Transitional Housing (now Pivotal Point).

Alyson Fisher, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

In 2017, Alyson Fisher bought a successful pet-grooming business, Fantastic Fido’s, and by the second year, had increased the gross income by more than 38 percent. That success led to the purchase of Garden Gate Flowers & Gifts in 2018. She also owns and operates AT Productions, where she works with businesses to help them succeed. Fantastic Fido’s staff grew from four employees to 14, and Garden Gate has grown from two full-time and four part-time to three full-time and five part-time. She is very active in the local entrepreneurial group, Cup of Joe, and recently founded the Cup of Joe Book Club.

“Alyson is an extremely motivated individual. She provides a level of management that gives her employees a feeling of worth, giving her the opportunity to own more than one business and help others,” her nomination read.