• by Tom Siebert , December 27, 2006

New Jersey marketing agency Brushfire, best-known for its work with client New Jersey Tourism and the New Jersey Lottery, has been named New Jersey's Business of the Year.

Brushfire beat out approximately 150 entries across all-industry lines, including manufacturing, banking, pharmaceutical, technology, staffing and more. Six finalists were chosen, based upon criteria that included the company's history, growth, leadership, innovation, accomplishments, challenges and community involvement.

The decision was made through a panel convened annually by NJ Biz magazine, which included New Jersey business executives, members of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Rutgers School of Business.

The judges said Brushfire's entry told a "compelling" story that "personified the strength of New Jersey's workforce." The firm rose above adversity in the past year--including the untimely death of one of its presidents, Dennis Zolnierzak, coupled with a financial setback when one of the firm's biggest clients, national brand ConTact Paper (parent company Docera Industries), filed for Chapter 11, leaving thousands in unpaid media bills.

"We thank our clients for giving us the opportunity to partner with them to do great marketing and to successfully help them grow their businesses," said Brushfire President and CEO John Leonardi. "It is an honor and a privilege for the team at Brushfire to be recognized in this fashion by our peers in the business community."

Other Brushfire clients include Velcro Brand Fasteners, Minwax and Thompson's WaterSeal.