Salama was selected from a record number of nominations by an independent panel of judges comprised of previous award recipients, prominent CEOs, private capital investors, and other regional business leaders
As the only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
“It is such an honor to be recognized along with so many visionaries, job creators and wealth makers,” said Salama. “We all know that good people make good things happen, and a lot of good people make great things happen. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by great people who have taught me a lot, and for that I am ever thankful.”
Salama founded Sabert 31 years ago, at the age of 32. Against the advice of friends and colleagues, he resigned from a position as vice president of a major global bank and began selling plastic food trays out of his apartment, based on a vision he had that lifestyles would eventually drive food choices just as much as taste. He launched the company with his own modest savings and no investors, and it is now an industry frontrunner, serving multinational clients that range from Wal-Mart to Starbucks. The company’s original mission, to enhance and advance the way people enjoy food, continues to guide the company’s success today.
Over the past decade, Sabert’s annual sales revenue has grown significantly, with a compound annual growth rate of 16%. Along the way, Salama built a new headquarters in Sayreville, and added or expanded facilities in KY, CA, Belgium, and China. Today, Sabert is one of the largest providers of short-life food containers, and unlike its peers, almost all its growth has been organic.
As the New Jersey region award winner, Salama is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 15, 2014.
