Godwin’s Paz Receives Ernst & Young Award
John Michael Paz, president of Bridgeport, N.J.-based Godwin Pumps, wasawarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Lifetime AchievementAward by the professional services firm of Ernst & Young LLP at an awardsbanquet on June 16 in Philadelphia. Paz was selected from 20 finalists in thegreater Philadelphia and central-eastern Pennsylvania region by an independentpanel of judges comprised of local business, academic and community leaders.
A 1978 graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., Paz began his career inthe construction industry at an early age, working summers as an equipmentoperator and estimator. After earning a bachelor of arts degree with a focus ineconomics, John joined Godwin Pumps. The company, founded in 1976 by PazBrothers Construction, Bridgeport, N.J., rented portable dewatering pumps to theconstruction market and held the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell theGodwin Dri-Prime pump in North America. In 1985, Paz assumed the role ofpresident. He opened the first Godwin Pumps rental office in 1990 in UpperMarlboro, Md. Today, Godwin Pumps maintains a fleet of more than 5,000 portablerental pumps and related accessories. With home offices on two continents,branch offices across the United States and distributor locations worldwide,Godwin employs more than 500 people and realizes sales in excess of $130million.
“I am honored to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the Godwin team,”Paz said. “Special thanks to my parents for their support over the years and tomy employees for their tremendous dedication to the business and faith in me asa leader. These folks are the true entrepreneurs.”
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program was created and isproduced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first awardof its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes outstandingentrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. Theprogram honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global awardprograms in more than 100 cities and 35 countries.
