SBA Winners Include Local Nominees

In recognition of the Maryland small business community’s contributions to the American economy and society, one week each year is designated as National Small Business Week. This year, National Small Business Week was May 3 through May 9.

This year, the U.S. Small Business Administration accepted nominations for 15 categories. Three of this year’s Small Business Awards nominees have ties to the greater Severna Park area.

John Graham III, Sullivan Cove Consultants
Award: Entrepreneurial Success

John Graham is an experienced lawyer and businessman who has practiced law and alternative dispute resolution in Maryland, Virginia, New York, and the District of Columbia for more than 40 years.

As an equity partner in small and large national law firms, including two American Lawyers 100 firms, Graham has represented governmental bodies, as well as large, publicly held entities and has extensive experience with entrepreneurial enterprises, particularly in the technology sector. He has also been an officer and director of business firms in the United States and abroad, including service as managing director and general counsel of an international telecommunications company. A Hispanic American, he is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, and a service-disabled veteran. In addition, Graham serves as a senior attorney or project manager for select federal contracts and commercial services.

Anna and Charles Radle, Fieldstone Animal Inn
Family Owned Small Business of the Year

Fieldstone Animal Inn in Millersville is owned and operated by the Radle family, which has been part of the community for over 45 years. Owner Anna Torres-Radle was recognized as Maryland's Small Business Person of the Year in 2012. She is an active member of the industry's leading organizations and a founding board member of the Pet Care Certification Council (PACCC), the first independent organization in the pet care industry to offer a certification for pet care professionals.

Anna serves as the current chair of PACCC and is certified in all three PACCC levels: certified professional animal care provider (CPACP), manager (CPACM) and operator (CPACO). In addition, she has led her local chamber’s Successful Women in Business group and has taught marketing, incorporating technology, and entrepreneurship. Members of the Radle family are puppy raisers for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and are active volunteers in the Chesapeake chapter.

Veteran Owned Small Business
Carl Neimeyer, Bernward Mechanical & Construction Services

Bernward Consulting Associates LLC provides general and mechanical contracting services for the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business (SDVOSB) founded in 2016, Bernward built its reputation on integrity, quality, safety and value.

The Bernward team brings with it a history of over $170 million of projects under management as construction managers and owner’s representatives during the last 12 years.