empact 100: Young entrepreneurs from 100 companies contribute over 2,500 jobs and $374 million to the U.S. economy

Contact: Sheena Lindahl
Telephone: (800) 930-8021 x703
Cell Phone: (917) 569-2996
Email: sheena@iempact.com

Contact: Zach Vruwink
Cell Phone: (715) 204-9299
Email: zach@gozaxx.com

Young Entrepreneurs, Aged 30 and Under, Named to Empact100 List to be Honored at the White House

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WIS. (November 15, 2011) – Zach Vruwink of ZAXX Technology Specialists based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI has been named to the Empact100 list of the country’s top young entrepreneurs and will be recognized at the White House in Washington, D.C. on November 17. He will be honored for his accomplishments and positive influence on the American economy. The Empact100 list has been created by Empact, in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, Opportunity International, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the Startup America Partnership.


The list was announced on November 3rd and candidates were judged based solely on reported revenue. Nominations were open to U.S. based individuals or companies that fulfilled the requirements of having all founders 30 years or younger as of December 30, 2011, and reported revenue over $100,000 in 2010, or 2011 to date.


ZAXX Technology Specialists was founded in 2003 by Zach Vruwink at the age of 15 with $500 of startup capital. Today ZAXX has locations in Wisconsin Rapids, Plover, and Wrightstown, Wisconsin. ZAXX provides innovative IT consulting solutions to businesses and consumers. It was upon the belief that anyone, regardless of age, can start a business and positively impact one’s community and the economy as a whole.

“While I am incredibly honored by this award, I also feel it is a great privilege to represent entrepreneurship at the White House and our nation’s Capital. Vruwink said. For it was entrepreneurs that our nation’s economy got its roots and it will be entrepreneurs that rebuild our economy for the future!”

Both the success of ZAXX Technology Specialists and the Empact100 list are testament to the impact young entrepreneurs have on the American economy. The 100 companies on the list are responsible for contributing over 2,500 jobs and over $374 million in revenue. More information about the demographics of the awardees can be seen on these infographics.

The event will provide each Empact100 list member the opportunity to pledge their mentorship and wealth to the field of entrepreneurship, which will support Empact & Opportunity International’s Future of Entrepreneurship Pledge movement. Also, they will be challenged to fund one loan for an entrepreneur in a developing country through Opportunity International, the second largest microfinance bank in the world.

A live broadcast can be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live between 2:30pm and 5:00pm EST on Thursday, November 17.

Vruwink added: “This recognition of my fellow young entrepreneurs from all parts of the country is a true testament that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in our economy today!”

The full list of Empact100 companies can be found here: http://empact100.com/list.php