Two Kalamazoo businessmen named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young

By Alex Nixon | Kalamazoo Gazette

KALAMAZOO — Kalexsyn Inc. co-founders David Zimmermann and Robert Gadwood 
have been named 2010 Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young.

Zimmermann and Gadwood, who formed Kalexsyn in 2003 after Pfizer Inc. purchased Pharmacia Corp., received the award in the technology category for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region, according to a press release from the company.

Zimmermann is Kalexsyn’s CEO and Gadwood is the company’s president and chief scientific officer.

The award, “which recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses,” according to the release, was presented at an event in Dearborn on June 10.

Kalamazoo-based Kalexsyn provides medicinal chemistry services to the pharmaceutical industry and has averaged 30 percent growth each year since its founding.

“This award recognizes the quality and value Kalexsyn brings to each of our clients,” Zimmermann said. “Contract research organizations like ours thrive on the skills and qualities found in our exceptional staff and scientific team.”

Gadwood said, “The Kalamazoo community and state of Michigan played important roles in helping us become established as a premier service provider to the pharmaceutical industry.”

According to the release, Kalexsyn’s Zimmermann and Gadwood are now eligible for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 national program.