Gator100 celebrates the world’s “Fastest Growing Gator Companies” and honors UF Engineering Alumnus Scott Pressly with the Pinnacle Award.

Recognized as one of the country’s leading franchise investors, Pressly’s career includes over 25 years of venture capital, brand management and franchise expertise. Using his signature Franchise Accelerator Model, he has helped entrepreneurs create dominant franchise brands such as Schlotzsky’s Deli, Fastsigns, and Cinnabon. Most recently, he led the transformation of Tropical Smoothie Café from a small, regional concept to one of the nation’s hottest franchise brands with over 850 locations.

Pressly is currently the founder of 10 Point Capital, a private equity firm supporting entrepreneurs to expand their concepts. Previously, he was the co-founder of BIP Capital, one of the most active venture capital firms in the Southeast, and a partner at Roark Capital Group; he also held leadership roles with The Walt Disney Company and Dow Chemical.

Pressly received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1990 from the University of Florida, graduating with high honors, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1995. “Throughout my career, I have drawn on the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills developed in my chemical engineering classes,” Pressly said. “Whether contemplating a new investment or developing a competitive strategy to dominate the market, I will be forever grateful for my experience and education from the University of Florida.”

The S. Clark Butler Pinnacle Award recognizes an established business leader who has demonstrated success in his/her industry. The recipient is an entrepreneur who has shown sustained excellence and leadership. He/she is, or has recently been, a significant company leader, entrepreneurial and innovative in spirit, and has matriculated at the University of Florida. The vision for the S. Clark Butler Pinnacle Award was inspired by Roy H. Lambert Sr. to honor his friend S. Clark Butler, a leading entrepreneur in Gainesville. The award embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and reinforces the vitality of the contributions of S. Clark Butler in the life of the local community and the University of Florida.

See all the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Awardees