PBC Business Leaders of the Year Announced

2025 Business of the Year Award recipients for Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
(Photo: Capehart Photography)

(Press Release) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 29, 2026) – The Chamber’s 2026 Business Awards brought together more than 500 influential business, civic, and community leaders for a morning spotlighting the entrepreneurs, nonprofits and companies helping shape one of Florida’s fastest-growing business communities. The event was held at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
 
Streamed across the  Palm Beach Post’s digital platforms to an audience of more than half a million followers, the program reflected both the growing influence of The Chamber and the evolving strength of Palm Beach County’s business community with key leaders across industries who are continuing to shape the region’s economic and civic future.
 
Award recipients were recognized in the following categories:

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Non-Profit of the Year:  Forum Club of the Palm Beaches
The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches is Florida’s premier destination for thought leadership and the state’s largest nonpartisan political and public affairs organization. For 50 years, it has served as a trusted civic institution, convening a diverse cross section of South Florida business, political, and community leaders for meaningful dialogue on the issues shaping our nation and world. Deeply committed to education, the Forum Club invites students to attend programs at no cost and provides teachers with access to a searchable digital archive of past discussions — removing barriers to civic learning and inspiring the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.
 
Health & Human Services Organization of the Year: Quantum House
For 25 years, Quantum House has been a home for families whose children are navigating serious medical conditions, with comfort, stability and a sense of home during some of life’s most difficult moments. Founded on the belief that no family should face childhood illness alone, Quantum House serves as a welcoming refuge where families can remain together and focus on healing. With 30 private suites, homecooked meals and thoughtfully designed spaces, the organization helps create moments of normalcy amid medical uncertainty. Through the support of volunteers, donors and the broader community, Quantum House also fosters meaningful connections and lasting support systems for families navigating serious childhood medical conditions,
 
Young Professional of the Year, awarded to Taylor Matchton, Tact Tech Security Solutions
Taylor Matchton is the President and CEO of Tact Tech Security Solutions, a statewide firm with a vision to raise the standard of private security through structure, professionalism and service. His leadership foundation began in high school through JROTC, where he developed the discipline, accountability and commitment to service that continue to shape his professional philosophy today.
He launched Tact Tech in 2018, and since then the company has grown significantly, recognized for delivering VIP level security services. Since its founding, Matchton has employed and mentored more than 500 professionals, many who have built long-term careers through the company.  Beyond Tact Tech, Matchton also owns and operates a used car dealership, which has expanded his experience in building and managing scalable business operations. At his core, he is driven by a commitment to lead with integrity, build systems that create consistency, and make a lasting impact through service-driven leadership.
 
Small Businessperson of the Year: Scott Lewis, Scott Lewis’ Gardening and Trimming, Inc.
Founded initially as a one man, summer, tree trimming company in 1976, Scott Lewis’ Gardening and Trimming (SLGT) has evolved into a premier, full-service landscaping company based in West Palm Beach, Florida whose work shapes the visual identity of some of Palm Beach County’s most iconic public spaces and private estates. SLGT specializes in high-end residential landscape maintenance, tree trimming, and landscape enhancement for discerning clients in the Town of Palm Beach and surrounding communities. Approximately 75% of SLGT’s work serves prestigious residential properties on Palm Beach, where the company has earned a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and exceptional horticultural expertise. The rest of the company’s portfolio is dedicated to West Palm Beach homes, not for profits, and the City of West Palm Beach. Beyond routine maintenance, SLGT has served as the installation and maintenance contractor for several transformative civic improvement projects, including Streetscape projects on Clematis, Banyan, and Tamarind in West Palm Beach. The company also installed and maintains the NORA private development and serves high-profile, institutional clients such as the Norton Museum of Art and the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden.
 
Hospitality and Tourism Organization of the Year, awarded to The Breakers Palm Beach
An icon of American luxury, The Breakers Palm Beach is a grand Italian Renaissance–style resort set on 140 acres of pristine oceanfront on the island of Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1896 by visionary industrialist Henry M. Flagler, the legendary property proudly remains under original family ownership and independent of chain affiliation.
For more than 130 years, The Breakers has distinguished itself through gracious service, timeless seaside elegance, and an expansive selection of world-class amenities. A sustained investment averaging $30 million annually reflects the organization’s commitment to thoughtful revitalization, balancing historic preservation with ongoing modernization to ensure lasting relevance across generations.
Central to the company’s enduring success is a deeply rooted Culture of Care and Well-being, which prioritizes the enrichment and fulfillment of its team. Recognized for meaningful social impact, The Breakers has earned numerous accolades for leadership in employee well-being, community engagement, and environmental stewardship—setting a standard of excellence within the hospitality and tourism industry.
 
Business of the Year, awarded to Naztec International Group, LLC
Naztec International Group LLC is a 100% Made in America, "Palm Beach County Built" manufacturing company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 2003, Naztec is a nationally recognized leader in election equipment manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and advanced technology solutions.  Naztec serves federal, state, and local clients across five integrated divisions: election solutions, aerospace and defense manufacturing, AI/AR/VR and robotics, IT technology solutions, and industrial staffing. With 20 granted U.S. patents and 80+ innovations in progress, Naztec proudly delivers American-made solutions with speed, precision, and reliability.
 
“The Business Awards continues to be one of The Chamber’s most important traditions,” said Michael Zeff, President & CEO. “It’s our opportunity to shine a light on the businesses and individuals who are driving Palm Beach County forward. Each of this year’s finalists and winners exemplifies excellence, leadership, and a true commitment to our community.”
 
Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to Jeffrey A. Stoops
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by BillBone Law Group, was presented to Jeffrey A. Stoops.
Jeff is the Chairman of the Board of SBA Communications Corporation, a position he assumed on January 1, 2024 after serving as the CEO for 22 years. He joined the company in March 1997, initially as General Counsel but with the primary focus of moving SBA into the business of tower ownership. Mr. Stoops served as Chief Financial Officer from December 1998 to April 2000, including during SBA’s initial public offering in June 1999. He has been a member of SBA’s Board of Directors since August 1999. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Stoops was a partner with Gunster, a Florida-based law firm, where he practiced for thirteen years in the corporate, securities and mergers & acquisitions areas. SBA owns and operates over 46,000 wireless communications sites in 13 countries around the globe. SBA employs over 1,800 people and in 2025 generated $2.8 billion of revenue. SBA is one of Florida’s largest public companies by market capitalization and a member of the S&P 500. During Mr. Stoops 22-year tenure as CEO, SBA produced compound annualized shareholder returns of 16% and enterprise value growth of 22%. In recognition of SBA’s success, Mr. Stoops has accepted a number of awards, including Florida Atlantic University’s Business Leader of the Year, the Sun-Sentinel’s Excalibur Award and the South Florida Business Journal’s CEO of the Year Award.
 
Mr. Stoops is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors (and current Board member) of The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, Florida; a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Andrew’s School, Boca Raton, Florida, and has served on a number of other boards and advisory councils of non-profit organizations over the years. He is a current member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. In 2013, to better organize their charitable activities and get their four children involved, Jeff and Aggie formed the Stoops Family Foundation. Through the Foundation, Jeff, Aggie and now their four children support a variety of causes, including the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties; Els for Autism Foundation; The Lord’s Place; Feed the Hungry Pantry; Cros Ministries; Project Lift; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Farmworker’s Coordinating Council; Palm Beach County Food Bank; Place of Hope; HomeSafe; Quantum House; Boca Raton Regional Hospital; the Hanley Foundation; the Kravis Center; Boca Helping Hands; Florida Atlantic University and a number of endeavors at Florida State University, including the Agnes F. Stoops Professorship and the Stoops Center Communities, Families and Children at the College of Social Work, the Jeffrey A. Stoops Professorship, Stoops Scholarships and Stoops Center for Law and Business at the College of Law, and the Seminole Boosters. Since it was formed, the Stoops Family Foundation has granted approximately $20 million to non-profit organizations, mostly to address needs in Palm Beach County.
In recognition of his business and philanthropic achievements, Mr. Stoops was named in each of 2018 - 2023 to the Florida 500, Florida Trend’s annual list of Florida’s 500 most influential businesspeople.
 
For more information about the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, including membership and programs, visit palmbeaches.org.