While we await our 2026 winners, celebrate our 2025 Winners!
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The Winners
The Winners
Congratulate our 2025 Award Winners
Elsie & Stephen Siegel
Freeway Logistics Inc.
Region VI Exporter of the Year
Region VI Exporter of the Year
Elsie and Stephen Siegel are co-founders of Freeway Logistics, a third-party logistics (3PL) operating company. Elsie is the Chief Executive Officer and leads with a focus on strategic growth, client service, and operational excellence. Stephen is the President and a second-generation warehouseman who grew up in third-party logistics. With over 20 years of expertise, the Siegel’s have grown Freeway Logistics into a thriving enterprise.
Since 2018, Freeway Logistics has actively utilized resources through the Small Business Administration. The Siegel’s have received ongoing mentorship from SBA’s resource partner SCORE Houston – meeting weekly to refine strategies for business growth and development. In addition to business counseling, Freeway Logistics also received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding which was critical in maintaining operations and also secured traditional SBA loans for both their Puerto Rico and Houston locations. In 2021, Elsie was selected to participate in the SBA Emerging Leaders Program, a highly competitive program that further enhanced her leadership skills and supported continued business expansion. While the use of SBA programs has focused on a few key resources, Freeway Logistics has fully maximized the benefits – driving sustained growth and success.
Freeway Logistics has consistently adapted to resolve export-related challenges, demonstrating resilience and innovation. In 2017, after Hurricane Maria disrupted operations in Puerto Rico, the business expanded to Houston, establishing a 30,000 sq. ft. facility to support clients in maintaining their global export supply chains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they faced intense staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions. To address these issues, the Siegel’s implemented advanced inventory tracking systems and just-in-time logistics, ensuring uninterrupted exports to regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Additionally, they leveraged technology like Zoom for efficient client communication and streamlined operations to maintain compliance with international shipping regulations. By strengthening relationships with key clients and aligning with their needs, they overcame logistical bottlenecks and fluctuating demand. These proactive solutions have solidified Freeway Logistics as a trusted partner for exporters worldwide.
Exporting is a critical driver of Freeway Logistics’ growth and success as a third-party logistics provider in the global supply chain. By supporting U.S.-based suppliers, they are able to facilitate seamless delivery of inventory parts to global manufacturers. Export-related activities represent 46.24% of their overall revenue. These exports have fueled job creation, expanding their Houston workforce from 3 to 17 full-time employees and increasing their Puerto Rico team to 27 employees. Exporting has strengthened operations, solidified partnerships, and reinforced their reputation as a reliable logistics partner. By embracing cutting-edge technology and delivering tailored solutions, Freeway Logistics empowers clients to focus on the core of their business while powering global exports and meeting the most demanding supply chain needs.
Marcia Faschingbauer
Excargo Services Inc.
Houston District Small Business Person of the Year
Houston District Small Business Person of the Year
In 1979, Marcia H. Faschingbauer started Excargo Services Inc. to provide reliable transport of export containers after seeing the need in her family’s food business. The young company did so well that she acquired Excargo Services just four years later. Excargo started in half of a 10'x10' office and has since grown into a 195,000 square foot leased warehouse near the Port of Houston. Under Faschingbauer's leadership, Excargo grew with a strong focus on safety, communication, sustainability and customer service excellence.
In 2002, Faschingbauer sought out the services of the Houston Center SBDC to help solidify the sustainability and trajectory of Excargo Services Inc. The SBDC initially assisted with defining target markets, messaging and sales strategies but have since been used for many additional facets. An SBDC business advisor showed Excargo how to create a successful cash management plan when the business started short on cash and with debt. As the business expanded, they turned to the SBDC to assist with a new mortgage lender when they turned their "world headquarters" into a Commercial Parking Business and had to find another location. Excargo, along with the assistance of a few SBDC advisors worked to set up the fundamentals of the business by vetting contracts and setting parameters around a pricing strategy and marketing campaigns. The SBDC also assisted with modeling out the operations, staffing, and acquiring of equipment and vehicles for the business.
Within the last five years, Excargo has grown exponentially in terms of sales revenue, job creation, and operations, leveraging the resources of the Small Business Administration as a conduit. In fact, Excargo has hit more milestones including securing lines of credit from local commercial lenders, obtaining funding through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that retained 75 jobs, and obtain a commercial property – all with the assistance from counseling through SBA resource partner, the Houston Center SBDC. Excargo is continuing to expand their business operations and increase revenue.
Stephanie Nicole Murphy
Aegis Aerospace Inc.
Houston District Woman Business Owner of the Year
Houston District Woman Business Owner of the Year
Stephanie Murphy is the principal owner, CEO and Executive Chairman of the Board of Aegis Aerospace, Inc., an advanced space and technology company that is headquartered in Houston. Aegis Aerospace, founded in 2021, was created by combining MEI Technologies Inc. (MEIT) and Alpha Space Test & Research Alliance (Alpha Space) – bringing together a company with nearly thirty years of space and defense experience and one of the world’s leading commercial space companies. Alpha Space is known for developing, owning, and operating the first private woman-owned facility on the International Space Station and for lunar systems that expand its Space Testing as a Service (STaaS™) services to the moon.
Stephanie Murphy worked and then purchased the company from her parents. MEIT (formerly Muñiz Engineering) received significant assistance from the Small Business Administration via the 8(a) Business Development Program, training through the local SBA District Office, courses and advisement through the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and guidance/networking through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Murphy also received assistance from SBA’s GCBD Prime Contracting Prime Manager who provided information, support and advice on an on-going basis for over 25 years. When Stephanie founded Alpha Space, she and staff returned to the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (now known as APEX Accelerator) for accounting, marketing, and contracting courses.
Aegis Aerospace is poised for additional growth in the space industry. Since the first full year operating as Aegis Aerospace in 2022, employee count has grown over 16%. In that same time, top line revenues have grown over 18%. Operating income has significantly increased as well, almost tripling at 275% growth. In the last year, Aegis has enhanced their leadership team, positioned for additional growth, and created deeper company alignment.
Dr. Dedra Frazier
Psychology Works
Houston District Rural Business Owner of the Year
Houston District Rural Business Owner of the Year
Dr. Dedra Frazier is a Licensed Psychologist and is the owner of Psychology Works private practice. After establishing herself as a psychologist, she returned to southern Brazoria county and opened a private practice where she and her staff provide testing and therapy services for children, teenagers, and adults. Dr. Frazier's genuine desire to help others resonates through her warm interactions and ability to connect with her clients. She has a special interest in working with youth as well as those in service professions such as law enforcement. She also evaluates troubled youth for Brazoria County and Galveston County Juvenile Detention Centers.
Dr. Frazier has received assistance from the Brazosport College Small Business Development Center and SCORE (through their collaboration with Capital One Getting Down to Business Program) – all which have assisted with her business growth. Psychology Works has been able to grow to $790k in projected sales with 20 employees. The business has also been able to overcome economic and physical disasters - when disaster struck, Dr. Frazier received assistance via a COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan and a Hurricane Beryl Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the Small Business Administration.
Over the years, Psychology Works has continued to build a reputation for quality services and genuine care for their clients. Even during times of economic stress and COVID restrictions when many businesses suffered and unfortunately shut down, Psychology Works continued to thrive. Because Brazoria County has limited mental health resources, Psychology Works is a valuable asset in the community providing a needed local service for those who may not otherwise have access to getting their needs met.
Corine Short
That Stuff Nutrition
Houston District Veteran Business Owner of the Year
Houston District Veteran Business Owner of the Year
Corine Short is a health and wellness professional with over two decades of experience dedicated to helping others achieve optimal well-being. Short is a certified personal trainer since 2003 with a passion for helping fitness minded individuals maximize performance with proper nutrition. Short began her professional journey in fitness and nutrition while serving in the United States Air Force. Short left the United States Air Force and joined corporate America where, after being laid off, she utilized her severance to open her own business starting with nutritional supplementation and later leading to a smoothie bar. Starting in October 2019 with a mission to serve the athletic community, That Stuff Nutrition started the first location in downtown Houston.
Short designs smoothies and products tailored to individual nutritional needs, integrating superfoods like sea moss and detox blends that support long-term health goals. Her expertise, rooted in her Ph.D. in Health and Human Development, allows her to develop products backed by research, ensuring that customers receive high-quality, beneficial ingredients in every order. In addition to her product innovation, Short is deeply committed to her community, frequently educating customers on the importance of nutrition and offering programs designed to boost wellness.
With the assistance of SCORE Houston along with attending workshops hosted by the Small Business Administration, Corine has turned her smoothie bar into a hub for healthy living, empowering others to make informed choices about their well-being. With a total of 14 employees, three locations, and one food truck – That Stuff Nutrition is primed to continue the growth.
BakerRipley
BakerRipley – Entrepreneur Connection Program
Houston District Community Partner of the Year (1 of 2)
Houston District Community Partner of the Year (1 of 2)
BakerRipley launched the Entrepreneur Connection Program in 2015 with business education and quickly expanded to include one-on-one coaching to help businesses grow. With support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Harris County, and financial institutions – the program gained traction. Since 2023, the Entrepreneur Connection program has delivered over 1,500 hours of technical assistance with 2,668 entrepreneurs benefitting from the small business education programs and clients securing more than $793,000 in capital to grow their businesses.
In collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Entrepreneur Connection program has been able to host several Small Business Resource Fairs with over 400 attendees, offering business owners access to vital resources and expert guidance through workshops, resource panels, and networking opportunities. In 2023, BakerRipley was awarded a contract with Harris County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide FREE technical assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, enabling the Entrepreneur Connection Program to offer qualifying businesses targeted support along with the opportunity to be eligible for a $5,000 recovery grant.
In 2017, in partnership with the City of Houston, BakerRipley launched Lánzate Houston – the first Spanish-language pitch competition in the city – awarding over $100,000 in prizes to local entrepreneurs. In 2019, the program introduced Kauffman FastTrac, expanding its reach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BakerRipley shifted to virtual services and launched the Food Industry Resiliency Program to support businesses impacted by the crisis. In 2022, the English Pitch Competition, now IgniteHTX, was created for FastTrac graduates building on the success of Lánzate Houston. Today, BakerRipley continues to evolve, helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive.
Charles Dain Becker
UH SURE Program
Houston District Community Partner of the Year (2 of 2)
Houston District Community Partner of the Year (2 of 2)
Charlie Becker serves as a pivotal leader in the SURE℠ Program (Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship) at the Center for Economic Inclusion at the University of Houston. Under Charlie’s guidance, SURE℠ has supported the growth of over 2,000 entrepreneurs in Houston helping entrepreneurs transform their visions into thriving enterprises. Each semester, Charlie trains approximately 50 University of Houston students, equipping them with real-world consulting skills to mentor local entrepreneurs during a rigorous 10-week business training program. This initiative culminates in Houston’s largest pitch day event, where participants present investor-ready business plans to industry experts and financial leaders. Becker’s influence extends beyond Houston, as he collaborates with academic institutions nationwide to replicate the SURE℠ model and foster similar programs at other universities – notably, SURE℠ launched a satellite program at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2023.
The SURE Program is a long-time partner of SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration – both of whom actively participate in the programs. Every semester, the District Director or Deputy District Director of the SBA speaks to the SURE Program course, and Houston SCORE mentors log between 120 and 350 hours training SURE entrepreneurs – it is through this partnership that all organizations have become more impactful.
The SURE℠ Program is a testament to Becker’s deep commitment to the Houston community, embodying a contribution of time, passion, education, and tools to the local economy and small business ecosystem. Through SURE℠, Professor Charlie Becker has dedicated countless hours to training both University of Houston students and aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering economic mobility and empowering under-resourced communities.
Ted Irving
Houston Television (HTV)
Houston District Media Advocate of the Year
Houston District Media Advocate of the Year
Ted Irving is the Director of Houston Television (HTV) – the cable communications division of the Houston Mayor's office which began operations in 1986. Watched by all Houstonians, Houston Television (HTV) was initially charged with covering Houston City Council meetings via closed circuit television. They have grown significantly, and now provide LIVE coverage of Houston City Council, Council Committees, Planning Department meetings and more to keep citizens informed, and have become an education channel where Houstonians and small business entrepreneurs can gain access to content and resources to help grow their businesses.
In fact, Houston Television (HTV) partnered with SCORE Houston – a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration – to produce a new series called “Entrepreneurs’ Journey with SCORE”. This program is focused on small business needs with topics ranging from 'How to Get Started' to business success examples and more.
Via Ted Irving's leadership, Houston Television (HTV) has willingly embraced the idea of producing a season of shows to educate Houston's citizens on small business issues. Each issue covers a different aspect of starting/running a small business, with the ultimate goal of empowering Houstonians to take their economic destiny into their own hands, and to start or grow their businesses with the assistance of Houston Television (HTV) and SCORE.
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