JA Hall of Fame honorees share lessons, growth paths

Four entrepreneurs from different industries shared similar themes of resilience, growth and adaptability as they accepted Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame awards March 24 at Naples Grande Beach Resort. 

Ryan Carter, David and Jerri Hoffmann and Rebecca Maddox were honored during the event, which raised more than $230,000 for Junior Achievement. The nonprofit helps prepare young people to succeed by teaching financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The ceremony came as the Naples Grande Beach Resort prepares to close next month for renovations through the remainder of the year. 

Carter is president of Scotlynn, a transportation company headquartered off Interstate 75 just north of Alico Road, specializing in time-sensitive, temperature-controlled goods. He said the business gained momentum in 2022. 

“We had doubled our revenue from 2021 with only 10% more staff,” Carter said. “While everyone at Scotlynn worked harder than ever, we figured out what true operational efficiency is for both our sales staff and our logistics support staff.” 

The company recently launched Scotlynn Managed Transportation Services, a division focused on handling logistics operations for mid- to large-sized businesses. 

“We handle their logistics operations for them,” Carter said, explaining that many companies excel at producing and selling products but lack the capacity or interest to manage transportation. He said the service combines experienced personnel with advanced technology and is positioned for growth that will support additional hiring. 

David and Jerri Hoffmann, married for more than 50 years, founded Hoffmann Family of Companies, a global enterprise with more than 200 brands and properties across 30 countries. Their portfolio includes Augusta Clothing Co., the Florida Everblades and Hertz Arena, dozens of newspapers and extensive real estate holdings. The companies employ more than 22,000 people. 

David Hoffmann, who has appeared on Forbes’ list of billionaires, reflected on both success and failure. He recounted a venture with automotive executive Lee Iacocca to launch an electric bicycle company that failed in less than three years, costing him $1 million. Despite that setback, his estimated net worth is now $2.5 billion, and he and his sons are awaiting approval to take ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins by the start of the 2026-27 season. 

“We’ll continue to build a professional sports portfolio while also expanding into new areas of auto parts, ice cream and hospitality companies, as well,” David Hoffmann said 

Asked how he maintains humility, Hoffmann pointed to a personal philosophy. “I go by the Tim McGraw song, ‘Humble and Kind.’ Google and listen to the song — inspirational,” he said. 

Rebecca Maddox, owner of Rebecca’s wine bar and restaurant, The Maddox social club and Celebration Park in East Naples, emphasized the importance of adapting to change, using the word “pivot” repeatedly in her remarks. 

“My biggest pivot was on Bayshore Drive,” Maddox said, recalling how she owned Three60 Market, a small cafe that relied heavily on visitors from the nearby botanical garden. When the garden opened its own restaurant, she anticipated a drop in business. 

She spent the summer searching for a way to replace that revenue and ultimately shifted to a wine-focused model, pricing bottles at $3.60 over cost. 

“I remember saying this is either the smartest thing I’ve ever done or the dumbest,” she said. 

The move paid off. 

“I just had the idea and went with it,” Maddox said. “We now have five stores. We’re a known brand, and we are looking at our sixth and seventh locations right now. I would say it was one of my best pivots ever.”