Washington Business Journal 2025 Hall of Fame: Congratulations Susan!
- May 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12, 2025
We are thrilled to congratulate our incredible Principal & CEO, Susan Lacz, on her induction into the Washington Business Journal Hall of Fame, Class of 2025!
We couldn't be prouder to be led by such an unstoppable force in the hospitality industry! Susan's unmatched creativity, fierce ambition, and relentless drive to break the mold inspires our team every single day. We feel so lucky to call Susan our leader and role model, and we're beyond excited to join her in celebrating this well-deserved lifetime achievement!
Susan joined Ridgewells Catering in 1986 as a sales representative, and purchased it with her business partners in 1997. Over the past decades, Susan has been instrumental in the expansion and growth of the Ridgewells portfolio. Among her many achievements was the creation of Ridgewells' Major Events division, Haute Catering, and Purple Tie by Ridgewells. What can't she do?
For over 35 years, the Washington Business Hall of Fame has honored the achievements and lasting impact of our regions most accomplished business leaders. On November 18th, Susan will be inducted alongside three other laureates, receiving this prestigious lifetime achievement award. This recognition is reserved for individuals who embody leadership, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future generation of business leaders. Susan is all of that and more!
From the Washington Business Journal: "Susan Lacz is an innovative leader, celebrated entrepreneur, and highly sought-after speaker in the catering and special events industry. As Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Ridgewells Catering, a premier catering company based in Bethesda, Maryland, Susan has redefined excellence in the business, setting a gold standard for creativity and service in the region."
In addition to this latest award, Susan has also been honored with the Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business award and named to their Power 100 list for two consecutive years.
We are deeply grateful for Susan's fearless leadership and we can't wait to cheer her on as she accepts this extraordinary honor in November!
Congratulations, Susan! 🥂👏
Huge congratulations to Susan Lacz on such a prestigious achievement! Being inducted into the Washington Business Journal Hall of Fame is a true testament to her decades of leadership and her role in redefining excellence in the catering industry. Her journey from sales representative to Principal & CEO is incredibly inspiring and shows what can be achieved through a commitment to innovation and service.
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What a fantastic milestone for Susan Lacz and the entire Ridgewells team! Her journey from a sales representative to a CEO and Hall of Fame inductee is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated leadership and innovation in the hospitality industry. It is inspiring to see such commitment to excellence recognized on a regional stage. Supporting local leaders and diverse entrepreneurship is vital for a thriving economy; for those looking to discover more local excellence, utilizing a free business listing for black owned business or completing a Business directory submission for black owned business can help showcase even more talented professionals making their mark. Huge congratulations on this prestigious achievement!
It is wonderful to see such well-deserved recognition for leadership and excellence within the business community. Success at this level often highlights the importance of strong professional networks and the right support systems. For entrepreneurs aiming to build their own legacy and increase their visibility, securing a free business listing for black owned business is a powerful step toward connecting with a broader audience. Furthermore, a Business directory submission for black owned business helps ensure that growing ventures receive the attention they deserve while contributing to a thriving local economy. Congratulations to Susan and the entire team on this impressive achievement!