RevUnit’s Michael Paladino named entrepreneur of the year by UA’s Walton College

Michael Paladino, co-founder and chief technology officer of Bentonville software company RevUnit, was named entrepreneur of the year at the annual awards banquet held Thursday (April 19) by the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Paladino, who graduated with a degree in information systems in 2001, was one of three UA alumni recognized at the college’s annual awards banquet for their accomplishments and service to the Walton College. The business school recognizes up to three alumni each year in the categories of service, entrepreneurship and lifetime achievement. Nominations for each category are submitted from faculty, staff and the alumni community at-large. Final approval of the awards rests with Dean Matt Waller, with input from faculty and staff.

The entrepreneur of the year award recognizes a Walton College graduate who has proven innovative and successful in a business venture of his or her own creation or reinvention. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least five years. Consideration is also given to emerging entrepreneurs who exhibit the business acumen, drive and dedication essential to long-term success.

Paladino is a member of the Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class. RevUnit, formed in 2012, was named a few months ago to Entrepreneur magazine’s third-annual 360 list for 2017, representing the magazine’s choices for “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America.“

Mary Harmon, managing director/tax counsel at Goldman Sachs in New York City, who graduated from the Walton College in 1976 with a degree in accounting, received the lifetime achievement award.

Michael A. Brown, vice president and economist at Wells Fargo Securities LLC in Charlotte, N.C., who earned a bachelor’s degree in 2006 and a master’s degree in 2007, both in economics, was honored with the outstanding service award.

In addition to the alumni awards, more than 60 students were honored at the banquet for outstanding academic achievement.