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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Huizenga Business School Honors Three Outstanding Entrepreneurs
HSBE Dean Preston Jones (Left) and NSU President and CEO George Hanbury II, Ph.D., congratulate the 2015 Hall of Fame honorees (from left to right) Steven M. Mariano, Chairman, President and CEO, Patriot National, Inc.; Romola Motwani, Chairwoman and CEO, Merrimac Ventures; and Joseph Farrell, Jr. President and CEO, RESOLVE Marine Group, Inc.
Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship inducted three South Florida business leaders into its 26th Annual Entrepreneur Hall of Fame on April 22, 2015 at the Signature Grand in Davie, FL. The recognition is the Huizenga Business School’s highest honor.
Joining the distinguished ranks of Hall of Fame members are Steven M. Mariano, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Patriot National, Inc.; Ramola Motwani, chairwoman and chief executive officer, Merrimac Ventures; and Joseph E. Farrell, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Resolve Marine Group, Inc.
More than 550 guests attended the “by invitation only,” program, including honorees’ family, friends, and special guests. The Entrepreneur Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to honor the lifetime achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs who contributed not only to the growth of a phenomenal entrepreneurial business, but have also demonstrated a willingness to contribute time, effort and financial resources to programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in the communities in which we live.
Each of the honorees expressed gratitude and appreciation for this honor.
In his acceptance speech, Steven Mariano thanked Nova Southeastern University’s President Hanbury, Dean Jones, and “Chancellor Ferrero, who brought me in to get to know NSU several years ago.” He also thanked his friends and mentors for their support, many who were Hall of Fame members including Rick Case, Felix S. Sabates, Jr., Terry W. Stiles, and Douglas J. Von Allmen.
During Ramola Motwani’s acceptance speech, she thanked President Hanbury for his longtime business support. She acknowledged Hall of Fame members, Arthur and Marcy Falcone for not only their business partnership but also for their personal friendship, and Joseph Amaturo for his nomination. Motwani said, “Who knew two 16 year old love birds would make their way to this great country, to build their dreams. It is only this great nation that gives unlimited opportunities and embraces hard working people with open arms.”
Along with the other honorees, Joseph E. Farrell, Jr., acknowledged Wayne and Marti Huizenga for their vision. He also stated, “While there was no back up plan, in business you don’t look behind you, you plow ahead.” He made special mention of the man who, “Set me on the right track,” and recognized Walter Hurley. Hurley had travelled from Boston with his wife Joyce to attend the induction ceremony. He operated a boat rental business and hired many youngsters. Farrell worked for Hurley and was mentored during his formative years from 13 to 18.
This year’s presenters, who welcomed the honorees and introduced their videos, included 1995 honoree Jack A. Smith, 2005 honoree Arthur J. Falcone, and 2011 honoree William E. Mahoney, Jr.
For more information on the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, visit: http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/EHoF/HOF.htm
2015 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Honorees:
- Steven M. Mariano, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Patriot National, Inc., (NYSE: PN), an independent national provider of comprehensive, full-service outsourcing solutions for the workers’ compensation area of the insurance industry. Customized programs are marketed through the company’s broad distribution network of more than 1,000 independent retail agencies. Mariano also founded Strategic Outsourcing Inc., a professional staffing company which he grew to more than $1 billion in revenue. The company was sold to Union Planters Bank (Regions Bank, NYSE).
- Ramola Motwani,Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Merrimac Ventures, a real estate management, investment and development company with interests throughout the United States and India. Merrimac Ventures—a family business that was started 30 years ago by the late Ramesh Motwani– has owned several hotels in Ft. Lauderdale Beach since 1986 and is currently a partner in the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale Beach as well as the Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences projects. Today, Motwani manages the family business with her two sons, Dev and Nitin. Currently, Motwani serves on the Broward Workshop and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Board. She was also recently honored by Travelhost Magazine and inducted into its Hospitality Hall of Fame.
- Joseph E. Farrell, Jr.,President and Chief Executive Officer, RESOLVE Marine Group, Inc., a leading, global marine services provider that specializes in vessel emergency response, ship rescue, salvage, maritime training, naval architecture and marine engineering. Farrell, who has more than 45 years of experience in the maritime industry, has led RESOLVE for 35 years. The company maintains an extensive fleet that is strategically positioned with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Gibraltar, China, Ireland, India and New Zealand.
