(PRESS RELEASE) Nulo, one of the fastest-growing super-premium pet foods, announced that its CEO and founder, Michael Landa, has won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2019 Award in Central Texas for the consumer products and retail category. This is Landa’s second nomination and first win.
Now in its 33rd year, the awards program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries, and is considered one of the most prestigious business awards programs in the U.S. It recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Landa was announced the winner in Central Texas after selection by a panel of independent judges at an event on June 27 in Austin, TX.
“I founded Nulo nine years ago on the principle that nutrition is just as important to a dog’s or cat’s well-being as the love we show them as pet parents,” Landa said. “Our rapid growth since then shows that millions of other pet owners around the country share in that belief. The stories I hear about how Nulo has changed pets’ lives are the driving force behind why we do what we do. I’m honored that Ernst & Young chose to recognize our commitment to nutritional excellence, innovation and, ultimately, our pets.”
Landa has been involved in the pet industry in several capacities for nearly 20 years. He launched a pet-sitting and dog-walking company in 2001 in Los Angeles, which grew to become the one of the nation’s largest pet services businesses. Years later, Landa began to notice that an increasing number of dogs and cats under his company’s care required insulin shots to manage their diabetes. His observation — which has since been validated through commissioned food studies and industry research — eventually led to Nulo’s founding. The company’s ongoing commitment to super-premium food recipes for dogs and cats has led to rapid year-over-year growth and drawn the attention of dozens of Olympians, elite athletes, celebrities and global events such as Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards. Award winners will be announced at the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, CA, on Nov. 16.
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
In Central Texas, sponsors also include Broadway Bank, Colliers International, ADP, Bridgepoint Consulting, Watkins Insurance Group, Shearman & Sterling LLP, Pierpont Communications, Austin Business Journal and San Antonio Business Journal.