Please join us in honoring the winners of the 2026 Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners.
2026 Pinnacle Business Award Winners
Small Business Excellence: Real Good Kitchen
Real Good Kitchen is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Small Business Excellence category. Real Good Kitchen is the Knoxville community’s first full-service, shared commercial kitchen and food business incubator. The Small Business Excellence Award, sponsored by WorkSpace Interiors, is presented to an East Tennessee small business, employing 50 or less, that has consistently grown its workforce and revenue. Read the full press release >
Mid-Sized Business Excellence: LDA Engineering
LDA Engineering is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Mid-Sized Business Excellence category. From roads and utilities to water systems and solid waste management, the firm works behind the scenes to make daily life run smoothly while supporting the city’s long-term development. The Mid-Sized Business Excellence Award, sponsored by MP&F Strategic Communications, is given to an East Tennessee company that has scaled their business, shown consistency, and is recognized in their respective business sector. Read the full press release>
Large Business Excellence: BESCO
BESCO is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Large Business Excellence category. BESCO (Broadway Electric Service Company) is a leading regional electrical contractor specializing in electrical construction, utility infrastructure, storm restoration, and service for commercial, industrial, and power distribution projects. With a strong commitment to safety, integrity, and quality craftsmanship, BESCO has built a reputation for delivering reliable electrical solutions and supporting critical infrastructure across the region. The Large Business Excellence Award, sponsored by 21st Mortgage Corporation, is presented to a non-franchisee company with over 200 employees that has shown remarkable profitability, growth, and stability. Read the full press release >
Minority-Owned Business Excellence: Turning Knox Rental
Turning Knox Rental is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Minority-Owned Business Excellence category. Turning Knox Rental is in the business of experiences, not just equipment. From selfie stations to inflatable domes, the company brings events to life across the Knoxville area, helping people celebrate and create lasting memories. The Minority-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Accenture, is presented to an outstanding East Tennessee minority-owned business. Read the full press release >
Woman-Owned Business Excellence: SkyNano
SkyNano is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Woman-Owned Business Excellence category. SkyNano develops advanced nanomaterials and coatings that enhance durability, performance, and sustainability for industrial and consumer products. The Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by KaTom Restaurant Supply, is presented to an outstanding East Tennessee woman-owned business. Read the full press release >
Impact Award: Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Impact category. KCDC is the public housing authority for Knoxville and Knox County and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a high-performing public housing authority. The Impact Award is presented to a non-charitable business that displays a commitment to making East Tennessee a better place to live through the development and support of a community project or program. Read the full press release >
Innovator Award: iO Urology
iO Urology is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Innovator category. From its Knoxville headquarters, iO Urology is changing how patients and physicians understand urologic health by turning everyday biological data into meaningful medical insight. The Innovator Award, sponsored by RevitalyzeMD, is given to an East Tennessee business that has developed a new technology, innovative product or service, or applied a business system or service in an innovative way. Read the full press release >
Young Entrepreneur: Jonathan Halley, Big Slate Media
Jonathan Halley is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Young Entrepreneur category. Halley is the founder of Big Slate Media. Since starting in 2015 with a single drone and a vision, Big Slate Media has expanded to a team of 31, blending production and agency services to serve a broad range of industries, from manufacturing and tourism to technology and economic development. The Young Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Axle Logistics, is presented to a young professional who lives and works in East Tennessee and has achieved success while overcoming obstacles, to become one of tomorrow’s top business leaders. Read the full press release >
James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award: Donde Plowman
Donde Plowman is the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award category. Before becoming chancellor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2019, Plowman served as dean of the College of Business and then executive vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She was previously a department head at UT. Plowman is a globally recognized organizational scientist whose scholarship includes the topics of leadership, change management, and strategic decision-making.
The Haslam Leadership Award, sponsored by Stowers Machinery Corporation, is given to a long-standing business leader that exhibits strength in character, resolve, a commitment to the community, and exemplary success in the regional business community. Read the full press release >
Pinnacle Business Awards
The annual Pinnacle Awards celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy.