MEET YOUR 2025 VALLEY BUSINESS AWARDS AWARD RECIPIENTS!
2025 LEON S. PETERS AWARD RECIPIENT,GORDIE WEBSTER JR.
Gordon M. Webster, Jr. is the publisher and president of The Business Journal, serving Fresno and the Central San Joaquin Valley. A fourth-generation publisher, he has been involved with the paper since graduating from Oregon State University in 1974, where he played four years of football for the Beavers. In 1981, he took the helm as publisher when the paper was still the Fresno Daily Report, later rebranding it as The Business Journal and expanding its coverage of the region’s business landscape. Under his leadership, the publication’s circulation grew more than tenfold, and advertising sales increased by over 1,000%, solidifying The Business Journal as a leading resource for business professionals in the Central Valley. A Fresno native and graduate of Bullard High School, Webster has been deeply involved in the community, serving as past president of several organizations, including the American Court and Commercial Newspaper Association, Community Hospitals Foundation, Bullard Boosters, Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame, Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Fresno. Over the past three decades, he has remained committed to fostering local economic growth through The Business Journal, while balancing his professional achievements with a strong dedication to family and civic engagement. He is married with three grown children and four grandchildren.
HAROLD ZINKIN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR-BILL CUMMINGS, LEGACY CONSTRUCTION
William “Bill” Cummings is a visionary entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to commercial real estate and dedication to underserved communities. After graduating from Virginia Tech and moving to California in 2006, he founded Legacy Construction, a healthcare-focused firm that grew from five employees in 2016 to over 50 by 2024, with projects exceeding $140 million. Expanding his impact, Bill launched ventures like Legacy Realty & Development, Legacy Commercial Real Estate, First Resource Consulting, and community-driven initiatives such as Soccer City 1852 Visalia and High-Performance Academy. His businesses have provided medical homes to over 200,000 patients and earned industry recognition. A strong advocate for youth development in the Central Valley, Bill prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and diversity in his leadership, striving to create opportunities that inspire future generations.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR- ED DUNKEL, PRECISION ENGINEERING
Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. (PCE), founded by Ed Dunkel Jr., is a full-service civil engineering and consulting firm based in Fresno, California. With over 20 years of experience, PCE offers comprehensive services, including planning, land surveying, civil engineering, landscape architecture, and construction management. The firm has been involved in notable projects such as the California High-Speed Rail, Fresno State Football Field, and the Riverstone Veterans Home. PCE is committed to community involvement, supporting organizations like Fresno’s Career Technical Education Charter (CTEC) High School, which builds connections between students and their potential for positive influence on the world.Ed Dunkel Jr. has led PCE in providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions across a wide range of complex projects, reflecting a commitment to excellence and dedication to the community.PCE’s community involvement includes affiliations and memberships with various organizations, such as the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, California State University, Fresno, and the U.S. Green Building Council.
CHILD-FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR-PRESENTED BY FIRST5 FRESNO COUNTY- CENCAL SERVICES
CENCAL Services, Inc. is a Union public works contractor Specializing in Abatement , Demolition, Earthwork, Structural & Site Concrete trades. Established in 2011 to service the Educational, Medical & Industrial sectors. Clients include Fresno State, SCCCD, Fresno Unified, Clovis Unified, Fresno Chaffe Zoo, Valley Children’s & Community Hospitals. The Entire CENCAL Services, Inc team is extremely proud to receive this award.
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR AWARD-MEGA TEXAS BBQ
Growing up in Caruthers, CA, BBQ was a way of life, especially during summer. After moving to Texas in 2007, I discovered smoked BBQ—mainly brisket and pulled pork. Returning to the Central Valley in 2013, I couldn’t find anything comparable, so I learned to make it myself. What started as a side hustle became MEGA Texas Barbeque, which my wife, Tasha, and I opened in 2018. In 2023, we moved into our first brick-and-mortar location in southeast Fresno. Recognized by Texas Monthly and praised by comedian Bill Burr, we became a BBQ destination. In January 2025, we are honored to receive the Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Star Business Award.
STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR ISAAK THAMMAVONG
Isaak Kham Thammavong, a senior at Sanger West High School (Class of 2025), is a dynamic entrepreneur transforming digital marketing. Born in Tennessee and overcoming early financial challenges, he founded MarketRaze in Fresno, a leading web design and social media agency serving businesses from California to Miami. He expanded with ClickWave, an email marketing firm, and a User-Generated Content (UGC) agency in Los Angeles. Leading a remote team of 14, Isaak has built a multi-million dollar business network. With plans to expand into new industries, he continues to drive innovation and economic growth. His visionary leadership and cutting-edge strategies are reshaping the business landscape across the U.S.
