The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Abilene Christian University announced the first winners of the inaugural ACU Founder Awards, a new tradition recognizing exceptional alumni founders and alumni-led businesses.
The awards were presented at a dinner Oct. 29, as part of ACU’s Homecoming. The Founder Awards program is presented by Leadwell Advisory Partners and reviewed by Condley and Company, LLP, ensuring a rigorous and credible selection process.
Wildcat 10
The Wildcat 10 list honors the 10 fastest-growing companies founded or led by ACU alumni. The ranking is based on compound annual revenue growth from 2023-25:
- 7 Brew – John Davidson (’99): Drive-thru beverage brand focused on speed, handcrafted drinks and connection, with more than 900 stands across 38 states.
- Collaborative Technology Solutions – Genise Burnett (’13): Assistive technology and workforce services that help people with disabilities and aging adults live more independently.
- Aspire CRE – Brandon Avedikian (’13): Houston commercial real estate firm offering brokerage and property management services.
- Qualis Roofing and Construction – Kelly Foster (’95): Roofing, storm restoration, remodeling and outdoor living construction across Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.
- Blueprint Expansion – Krissy (Heavin ’09) Manzano: Nashville-based go-to-market recruiting firm that helps growing companies build sales, marketing, customer success and executive teams.
- Canales & Co. – Jose Canales (’04): Austin design studio specializing in hospitality, consumer goods and interior design.
- TaskMaster Pro Technologies – Larry Hill (’84) and Gary West (’92): Software platform for providers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- TimelyCare – Luke Hejl (’01), Chris Clark (’01) and Alan Dennington (’01): Connected virtual care provider built for education, used by more than 800 campuses and learning communities across K-12 and higher education.
- Bunton Roofing Company – John Bunton (’94) and Amber (Gilbert ’99) Bunton: Commercial and residential roofing company serving Abilene and the Big Country.
- Team Financial Strategies – Jody Team (’01): Independent advisory firm in Abilene and Dallas-Fort Worth offering financial planning, investment management, retirement plans and charitable planning.
Emerging Ventures
The Emerging Venture Award recognizes early-stage companies founded or led by alumni and showing significant early traction.
- American Petroleum – Garrett Daley (’19): Boerne, Texas-based company that delivers fuel on-site to Texas businesses around the clock.
- Treaty Oak Financial – Amy Bryant (’14) and Garon Goodspeed (’16): Austin-based financial and accounting services firm serving founders and growth-stage companies.
Rising Founder
The Rising Founder Award recognizes an alumni founder age 40 or under. Isaiah Mendoza (’19) is founder and president of IDM Construction, an Abilene-based commercial general contractor serving West Texas.
At just 28 years old, Isaiah leads a group of five businesses with more than 100 full-time team members and is projected to surpass $30 million in revenue this year. Beyond general contracting, the group has expanded into concrete, earthwork, metal buildings, commercial development and custom homes. IDM manages increasingly complex projects across the education, healthcare, athletics, industrial and commercial sectors, including ACU’s Bullock Brothers Ballpark.
Isaiah also gives back through community involvement and the IDM Scholarship Fund. He and his wife, Devanie (Lail ’20), are both ACU graduates.
About the Awards
The Founder Awards are part of the broader vision of the ACU Entrepreneur Network – a growing ecosystem of alumni founders, operators, mentors, and investors connected through the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.