Jordan Mitchell of ENCON Equipment Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 East Central Finalist by EY US

Jordan Mitchell of ENCON Equipment Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 East Central Finalist by EY US

EY US recognizes business leaders driving innovation, growth, and lasting impact

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 1, 2026) – Jordan Mitchell, President and Co-Owner of ENCON Equipment, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 East Central Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).

Now in its 41st year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the nation’s most prestigious business awards programs, recognizing ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders whose innovation, vision, and execution drive economic growth and create long-term value.

An independent panel of judges selected Mitchell among 32 finalists representing 28 companies across Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Candidates were evaluated on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting business impact.

“This recognition is truly an honor, but it’s really a reflection of the people behind ENCON,” said Mitchell. “Our success has always been driven by a team that cares deeply about our customers and our mission of helping keep people safe. I’m grateful to our employees for their dedication and to our customers for the trust they place in us every day. This recognition belongs to all of them.”

Under Mitchell’s leadership, ENCON Equipment has become one of the fastest-growing equipment rental companies in North America. The Kentucky-based company has achieved more than 500% growth over the past three years, expanded to three locations, and earned national recognition as the American Rental Association’s #1 Market Mover for two consecutive years.

Serving contractors, industrial facilities, municipalities, and infrastructure projects throughout the region, ENCON has built its reputation on responsive service, dependable equipment, and a commitment to helping customers keep their people safe and operations running efficiently.

The company has also been recognized by Louisville Business First’s Fast 50, Rental Equipment Register’s list of the largest rental companies in North America, and Rental Management magazine’s “12 to Watch Under 40.”

With continued investments in people, technology, AI, robotics, and operational excellence, ENCON is positioning itself as one of the industry’s most innovative and fastest-growing organizations.

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates founders, transformational CEOs, and multigenerational family business leaders who are redefining industries and shaping the future of business.

This year’s East Central finalists represent companies across technology, manufacturing, consumer products, finance, and other industries throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Regional award winners will be announced June 25 during a special celebration in Pittsburgh. Winners will advance for consideration at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November during the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s premier gatherings of high-growth business leaders, investors, and executives.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In East Central, sponsors also include regional Platinum sponsor VRC (Valuation Research Corporation) and regional Silver sponsor ADP.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year^®

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year^® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum^® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year^® competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

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