MINNEAPOLIS — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the winners of its Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award, with Tom Barrett and Sarah Barrett Reiner, owners of Barrett Petfood, being recognized. The Heartland program celebrates entrepreneurs from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas. 

Regional winners were selected by an independent panel of past winners, top chief executive officers and business leaders. Judges evaluated candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, and significant growth and impact.

The program celebrates original founders who grew their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company, transformational CEOs that innovated their company to catapult its trajectory, and multigenerational family business leaders who stood the test of time.

“The Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award winners are true pioneers, pushing the boundaries of excellence and establishing new standards within their fields,” said Erin Donovan, EY partner and Heartland program director. “These remarkable leaders exemplify what it means to grow a business while placing a strong emphasis on their employees, customers and the communities they serve.”

Based in Brainerd, Minn., Barrett Petfood is a super-premium pet food co-manufacturer that also has packaging and distribution capabilities. Originally launched in 2006 by Mike Barrett, Mike’s children, Tom and Sarah, soon gained ownership of the company, building it to what it is today.

Regional award winners will now move on to be considered for the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum® in Palm Springs, Calif. The Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner will then represent the United States as they compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award in June 2026.

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