Cecilia Ekholm – founder of Särnmark Group and Magnus Wilhelmsson – founder of Nordic Wellness received the Growth Rings in Gold, and Johan Waller, Kristian Liljefors and Fredrik Palmgren – founders of Business Wellness Group received the Growth Rings in Silver for the Founder of the Year 2021 award.
The prizes were awarded by H.R.H. Prince Daniel at the Founders´ Gala held at Stockholm City Hall on September 16. Winning founders received the Founder of the Year award in category 4 for their successful company building.
In the 4th category of Founder of the Year, active main founders participate with at least a 20% ownership interest in a Swedish company with more than SEK 10 million in profit for the year and more than SEK 500 million in turnover based on financial results in 2020.
During the day the finalists had introduced themselves and their companies to a jury of qualified founders.The Founder of the Year award is part of the Founders Awards by Founders Alliance.
Founder of the Year Gold was awarded to Magnus Wilhelmsson – Nordic Wellness
Nordic Wellness is Sweden’s largest gym chain in terms of numbers of gyms. By December 2023, they aim to have 300 gyms around Sweden. Fun, movement, strong and together summarize Nordic Wellness as an organization that is constantly at the forefront, challenging and taking on new ground, working to develop and become a larger part of Swedish public health. Together with world-leading suppliers, licensed and well-qualified staff they want to create the best conditions within the training industry. At Nordic Wellness, you should always be met by a genuine commitment, a high level of service and an environment that is charged with positive energy.
The jury’s motivation for Magnus Wilhelmsson
“This has been the most difficult choice at all times for this jury. We have two fantastic winners – one classic entrepreneur and one who stands for something radically different in organizational thinking. Our gold winner has, without external capital, fought against private equity backed competitors and taken a leading position in the Swedish market. He started on his own and has a billion crowns business that he still owns 100 % of, He is living his company, takes massive risks and has done so for nearly 25 years.”
Founder of the Year Gold was awarded to Cecilia Ekholm – Särnmark Group
Särnmark Group was founded with a mission to empower people with disabilities through entrepreneurship. Over 3000 employees work as personal assistants all over Sweden, and in Spain, Särnmark has a rehabilitation center targeting patients from Scandinavia. After doing some extra work as a personal assistant Cecilia was actively engaged working for civil rights for people with disabilities in the early 80’s. She then met Mikael Särnmark who after a severe accident regained power over his own life, despite disabilities. Since 1992 Särnmark Group has been on a groundbreaking mission to offer everyday independence to people with ordinary needs that require special solutions. The guiding principle remains the same, promoting everyone’s right to self-determination and participation based on a strong set of values.
The jury’s motivation for Cecilia Ekholm
“The female winner of this category with the largest companies, is a true golf winner of having built a large company in a politically complicated line of business, driven by her passion, determination and resilience. The common theme in her life, since she was 7 years old, and her entrepreneurship is self empowerment. She has built her company helping others to decide for themselves. And she has done this with great clarity and passion for 30 years. Besides her current company, she has a new idea on how to help people take control of their lives and feel better.”
Founder of the Year Silver was awarded to Johan Waller, Kristian Liljefors and Fredrik Palmgren – Business Wellness Group
Business Wellness Group is a platform for a growing number of talents and leaders who want to contribute to the creation of a new generation of organizations. Within the group the two main operating businesses are consultant firms Centigo and Accigo. Business Wellness Group are convinced that companies and entrepreneurs hold the keys to a sustainable world. With an entrepreneurial spirit and flair the group adds value to stakeholders by constantly seeking new ways of operating. The vision, Sensible Growth Everywhere, manifests its commitment by contributing not only to clients, owners and co-workers, but to society at large. By promoting Business Wellness, and helping the clients to build resilient and healthier businesses, the company aims to make a significant impact, both now and in the long-term.
The jury of Founder of the Year’s 4th Category is comprised of the following founders: Chairman of the jury – Helena Casserlöv Kvist – Meritmind; Shori Zand – Avesina Group; Sven Hagströmer – Creades; Johan Ihrfelt – OX2 Group and Martin Gren – Axis.
The Growth Rings
What all founders have in common is that they themselves are a seed that grows into a successful company. Just like trees in a forest, founders are the most important organism in the ecosystem that creates growth in the world.
The symbol that pays tribute to these successful founders we call The Growth Rings.
“It starts as a seed in the founder’s mind. For it to grow strong, patience is required and real perseverance. During a company’s development, strong years with good conditions alternate with meagre and tough years without development. The Founders Awards annual growth rings symbolize this story”
Learn more about Founders Alliance here
Before using the pictures, please contact Nina Hahn at Founders Alliance, nina.hahn@foundersalliance.com
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