On April 15th, GG founder Larry O’Toole was selected as an “Emerald Entrepreneur” honoree at the Irish Echo’s inaugural Top 50 Small Business Awards. He was absolutely honored to be among such prestigious members of the Irish business community.

Larry grew up and built a life in Ireland. Even as a child, he quickly immersed himself in the rich, hardworking culture that Ireland breeds. Irish culture was important during the early days of Gentle Giant, when he was still thinking about the potential of the business. All he knew was that he liked working hard and that he was making customers happy, which in turn brought him happiness.

When the company began to grow, Larry made sure he was surrounding himself with good people that cared about Gentle Giant as much as he did. He was smart enough to know that he needed help growing the business. The talented individuals who helped to grow Gentle Giant are still with the company today. To Larry, this loyalty is just as important as any number in a quarterly report.

Larry said it was a true joy to attend the Irish Echo’s Irish Small Business 50. This event honored “entrepreneurs and business leaders who form the backbone of the American economy; the doers and risk-takers who have ensured that, where businesses are being built and wealth created, there you will find the Irish.” Honorees are companies or individuals who have displayed entrepreneurial excellence and traditional Irish-American determination to make their businesses succeed.

Congratulations to Larry and all of the other Irish Small Business 50 honorees!