05/08/2026
I was just awarded 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year from The Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship.
To receive this recognition as a business owner feels surreal, and it says just as much about my mentors, family, community and The Lucas Center, as it does about me.
ETF has seen incredible growth, but like the roots of a tree- the heights are a representation of the work underground: all the unlearning of what I thought I knew, dedication, repetition, discipline, quickly acknowledging my weakness and seeking help, identifying and promoting talent, and remembering what my late parents taught me about character, love and honor.
I run my business with love. Love drives me to serve clients with excellence, to lead my team with intention, to face the hard truths and not accept 'roadblocks'. Growth is often celebrated, but to grow you've got to be willing to grieve a little- the parts of you that kept you safe are also slowing you down, the parts of you that seek comfort also tend to turn away from the light of your purpose, the parts of you that want stability will tempt you to settle. You've got to break and build yourself over and over again, and do it without letting any water get in your boat.
I'm honored every day to be an Entrepreneur, to own a business, to have a vision that can support my family and the families of my team members, and I'm grateful that the partners I work with are aligned in the vision to use our respective talents to give a little hope to the world. I can say, at 37, that I'm where and who I'm meant to be.
Unfortunately I couldn't be there in person, but I hope this message articulates my transformation journey, and expresses my love and appreciation in person.
https://youtu.be/6nR1ZSCoTak
ETF would like to thank the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship for selecting Evie Staples as the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year. Evie graduated from the 6Seed ...
