Company: The Remi Group, Charlotte, NC
Company Description: Since 1998, The Remi Group has successfully provided comprehensive Equipment Maintenance Management Programs (EMMP) for hospitals and healthcare organizations, research laboratories, large government entities including cities, counties, and entire states, major colleges and universities, large grocery store chains, banks, and credit unions.
Nomination Category: Management Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Executive of the Year - Business Services

Nomination Title: Brent Howison, President

Tell the story about what this nominee achieved since January 1 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

There is a quote by John Quincy Adams that best describes Brent Howison, President of Remi, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Brent helped pioneer the equipment maintenance management industry; a business model that puts organizations back in control of their maintenance and saves them significant expenditures in the process. Working in a niche industry with a very unique business model has allowed this business to remain current and even thrive in a down economy. Remi is the only company that’s been underwritten by five ‘A’ rated insurance companies. Remi has become the largest company in its peer group, offers the most robust on-line customer web portal, and has won more government and higher education Requests for Proposals than its competition. The team has experience and expertise that few, if anyone, can rival.

Under Brent’s leadership, the company applied for and was awarded for the first time two of the most prestigious awards for a private company: 2012 Inc. 5000 Award and 2012 Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 Award. Both awards recognized Remi for being one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the country and in Charlotte, respectively, during one of the worst economic environments in recent US history. Brent was also awarded with Business Leader’s Mover & Shaker award in 2012, which recognized his entrepreneurial success during this time.

As a testament to Brent’s perseverance during a tumultuous economy, Remi experienced three years of significant growth and is determined to achieve future unprecedented growth. Brent’s vision is to nearly triple revenue over the next five to seven years. In 2012, Brent initiated conversations with a private equity company and subsequently ran a six month process that resulted in a minority partnership deal consummated 12/31/12. This gives Remi additional capital and a solid business partner to help grow the business at a level never seen before in the industry. This investment will support Brent’s plan to increase overall staffing by 25% in 2013, as well as fund significant new marketing and sales initiatives nationwide.

Civically, Brent donates much of his personal time to charity including being a board member of Autism Services of Mecklenburg County. But perhaps more importantly, he has truly driven philanthropy into the Remi culture. Remi now administers a number of charity drives during the year and Brent’s push for employee participation is impressive. Brent has headed charity events for organizations such as Charlotte Rescue Mission, Dove’s Nest, Ballantyne’s Color the Park, Friendship Trays, and more. Brent conceived the charity ‘Benevolent Beards’ and led the effort that transformed this charity event into a permanent special needs fund at Levine Children’s Hospital.

Brent has demonstrated leadership by creating a cohesive focus among a very diverse group of people with varying business dynamics at play. With such diverse operations, Brent focuses on teambuilding, communication, and leading by example as a means to bring the whole company together with a common goal. By emphasizing teamwork, integrity, and excellence in the company culture, Brent has created an environment where people want join the team and remain a part of it.

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Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the nominee:

Brent Howison, President, is a principal founder of Remi. He currently resides as a Director on both the Autism Service of Mecklenburg County and Remi Holdings LLC board of directors.
Brent received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of NC at Charlotte.
Brent holds a Property & Casualty Agent License from the NC Department of Insurance and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Risk Manager. Brent was also featured in Today in America with Terry Bradshaw – Solutions to the Rising Costs in Healthcare.