Founders Friday Shortlisted for Social Impact Award

Founders Friday is in collaboration with Tullamore & District Rotary Club.

An event founded in the midlands has been shortlisted for the Social Impact Award at the Workplace Excellence Awards 2026.

Founders Friday is an opportunity for local businesses owners and leaders to meet, learn and share their experiences.

The series was originally started by Caroline Spollen through her work with The Junction Business Innovation Centre in Tullamore, but it ceased in 2019. 

David Gleeson from AllPro Recruitment revived the event last year and introduce candid conversations with prominent founders, entrepreneurs, broadcasters and industry leaders.

Founders Friday is in collaboration with Tullamore & District Rotary Club.

The conversations are led by MC Ronan Berry, a Midlands 103 presenter and business broadcaster.

The Tullamore events have featured an exceptional line-up of founders, entrepreneurs and senior industry figures, including Gareth Sheridan, founder of Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical company Nutriband and former Irish Presidential hopeful.

Mr. Sheridan founded Nutriband from an idea developed during his student years and went on to build it into an Irish-founded, US-based company specialising in transdermal drug-delivery technologies. His appearance at Founders Friday in Eugene’s Bar attracted a packed audience as he spoke openly about entrepreneurship, resilience and the determination required to take a business from an early-stage concept to the Nasdaq stock market.

Previous speakers include Dominic Doheny, Past President of the Construction Industry Federation, Joint Managing Director of John Flanagan Developments and Chairperson of the Construction Workers’ Pension Scheme.

Entrepreneur Tom Doyle has also shared his experience as Founder, Director and Shareholder of Promise Gluten Free and Choose Plastic Free Wipes, as well as his role as a Non-Executive Director of Sailor’s Home Irish Whiskey Company.

Dr Anne Cusack brought extensive experience in entrepreneurship, healthcare, governance and regional development to the Founders Friday stage. She previously co-founded and led Tullamore-based Critical Healthcare and now holds a number of senior board and leadership roles, including with Enterprise Ireland, Bord na Móna, the Technological University of the Shannon and the Midlands Regional Skills Forum.

Paul Mahon, an Offaly entrepreneur and founder of Mullingar-based Watt Footprint, has also contributed to the series, sharing insights from his journey in energy efficiency, sustainability and business growth.

Other speakers have included Midlands 103 Managing Director and broadcaster Will Faulkner, alongside a range of founders and business leaders who have spoken candidly about the realities behind their success.

David Gleeson, founder of AllPro Recruitment and Chairperson of the AllPro People Group, said: “Since reviving the series, we have blown away by the feedback and the conversations that are happening in the room. To see it grow into such a strong business community and now receive national recognition is incredibly special. To see an initiative that began here in Offaly recognised nationally is a very proud moment. The strength of Founders Friday comes from the calibre and openness of the speakers, the support of local partners such as Tullamore & District Rotary Club, the welcome provided by Eugene’s Bar and the community of business owners who attend.

“It has never been about presenting a polished version of success. It is about people sharing what they have learned and reminding other founders that they are not facing the journey alone.”

The Social Impact Award shortlisting recognises the role Founders Friday has played in building connection, encouraging openness and supporting founders and business leaders across the Midlands.