Small Business Person of the Year!

Greg & Christie Coster of The Big Bean

Years later, after moving away and returning home, Christie resumed her barista role part-time. After countless cups of coffee Greg, a customer, got up the nerve to ask Christie out. Romance brewed and they married in 2012; often remarking how wild it would be to own the coffee shop where they first met. Their dream came true in 2019 when the opportunity to purchase The Big Bean presented itself.


Accountant Advocate Award

Sharif J. Small

Attorney Advocate Award

Jeffry T. Agnor

Entrepreneurial Success Award

Elda Devarie

Financial Services Champion Award

James W. Peterson, Jr.

Insurance Advocate Award

Jack & Doug Kohlenstein

Small Business Person of the Year Award

Greg & Christie Coster of The Big Bean

“Coffee is Love….Coffee is Healing….Coffee is Life.” That informal slogan sums up the Big Bean story. In 2000, Christie was the first barista hired by the original owners of the Big Bean.

Rising Star Student Entrepreneur Award

Rise & Grind

Veteran Owned Small Business Award

Erica Dobbs

Young Entrepreneur Award

Ian Chaput


Woman-Owned Small Business Award

Ann M. Covington

After years of watching women defer to a male partner for financial decisions, Ann started CovingtonAlsina with the express goal of overcoming the “confidence gap” many women experience when it comes to investing and managing their money.

Small Business Exporter Award

Wayne Grube, Jr.

BC3 Technologies has brought to market SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray, a groundbreaking anti-hemorrhagic product designed for medical, military and direct-to-consumer applications.

Family-Owned Small Business Award

Kenneth C. Adams & Family

Ken left a successful career as an IT Tech Leader with IBM to keep his father’s legacy alive and lead the fuel oil company. Ken has expanded their services and territory while staying true to patriarch Jethro’s dedication to customer satisfaction and retention through exceptional and trustworthy service.

Home-Based Small Business Award

Thomas K. Sommers, Sr.

LogoZone is your one-stop shop for promotional products, print services and custom apparel. Tommy has over 35 years of experience in brand-building, sales & marketing and problem solving. His energy is boundless and his enthusiasm contagious.

Minority Owned Small Business Award

Will Holmes

For over 15 years, Will’s counseling and training programs have made an impact on industries ranging from defense and music to logistics and financial services.



© Maryland Small Business Week Awards Program, Inc. All rights reserved.

Back to Top