To describe David Schleider is to describe someone singular focused on a dream. Five years ago, when David told friends and family that he was going to put the fresh taste of lemon in a packet, he was told it was impossible. Three years ago, when he told industry experts that his goal was to take True Lemon® national, he again was told that such a feat would be impossible for a tiny company with one product and almost no resources. Today, True Lemon® and True Lime™ are available in more than 15,000 stores and each day more and more people incorporate David’s dream into their life.

And in recognition of this achievement, Ernst & Young (one of the largest professional services firms in the world, and a “Big 4” accountancy firm) has named David a finalist for their 2006 Maryland Entrepreneur of The Year® award. Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award is one of the country’s most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs. The award honors the most outstanding individuals who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.

“This year’s finalists are true visionaries who have contributed to economic growth, innovation, and cutting-edge products and services,” said William Cole, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year program director for Maryland.

David shares the spotlight along with 24 other successful finalists from Maryland businesses who were chosen in May from over 60 nominations submitted to the program. As an up-and-coming young business leader, David exemplifies Ernst & Young’s entrepreneurial mission by demonstrating excellence and extraordinary success in areas including innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to business and community.

“I’m really humbled by this,” said David. “It’s an honor to be recognized by such a distinguished organization. However, I would never be at this place if it weren’t for the great team we have at Grand Brands. Our core team has been together almost from the very beginning and they have always been committed to our products and our company. And of course, none of us would be here if it wasn’t for our customers.”

With the creation of True Lemon® and True Lime™ David has made a strong impact on the business world by focusing on Grand Brands’ customers while providing a family-friendly environment for employees. David’s own personal commitment to family is extended to the Grand Brands workforce, offering opportunities for flex-time along with possibilities for parents to work out of their homes. (See this month’s Super Fan Barbara Wood, a stay-at-home mom and Grand Brands employee!)

“I feel so fortunate to be at this place in my life,” said David. “It takes tremendous work; trying, failing and then trying again; and being open to all you have to learn, but my advice for anyone who has a dream is to follow it. Whether the dream turns out exactly how you initially envisioned it is really not as important as the fact that you took the journey because that’s where all the rewards are.”

Winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Maryland award are selected by an independent panel of judges. This year’s awardees will be announced in June at a special 20th anniversary event held at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, Maryland.

Maryland awardees are then eligible for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 national program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 18, 2006.