Winning an award isn't just about the trophy. Honestly, if you’ve lived in the Queen City for more than a minute, you know that the 40 Under 40 Cincinnati list is basically the local business world's version of a "hall of fame" induction. It’s a massive deal.
Every year, the Cincinnati Business Courier picks forty people who are doing things differently. These aren't just folks who are "good at their jobs." We are talking about the disruptors, the nonprofit lifesavers, and the tech founders who are actually making "Silicon Cincy" a real thing.
But let's be real for a second. There is a lot of noise around these types of lists. Is it just a popularity contest? Does it actually help your career, or is it just something you post on LinkedIn once and then forget about while it collects dust in your basement?
I’ve looked into the numbers and the names. The impact is real, but maybe not in the way you’d expect.
The 2025 Class: Who’s Actually Moving the Needle?
The most recent batch of honorees for the 2025 Forty Under 40 class was announced with a lot of fanfare, and for good reason. It wasn't just a list of corporate VPs. It was an incredibly eclectic group.
Take Emma Off, for example. She’s the CEO and President of CincyTech. Her work isn't just "business"—it’s about funneling millions of dollars into the life sciences ecosystem here. Then you have people like Will Sears, the founder of W. Bradford. He’s a transplant who built a global marketing agency right in downtown Cincinnati.
What's cool about the recent lists is the shift toward community impact. It’s no longer enough to just have a high salary or a fancy title. The judges are looking for "civic quotient."
A Few Names You Should Know from the 2025 List:
- Dr. Endia Crabtree: A Principal Product Risk Scientist at Boston Scientific.
- Justin Freeman: VP of Operations at Stanton Millworks.
- Christin Godale: Executive Director at LifeSciKY.
- Ashley Kirklen: A familiar face from WLWT News 5.
- Peter Niehoff: An adjunct professor at UC who is basically a film and media guru.
University of Cincinnati (UC) usually dominates these lists, by the way. In 2025, they had eight alumni on the list; in 2024, they had nine. If you're a Bearcat, the odds are already sorta in your favor.
How the Selection Process Actually Works
I get asked this all the time: "How do I actually get on the 40 Under 40 Cincinnati list?"
It’s not some shadowy cabal in a smoke-filled room. It’s actually pretty straightforward, though it is incredibly competitive. Usually, nominations open early in the year (think December or January), and the winners are announced in late summer, with a big gala in September.
Pro Tip: Don't wait until you're 39 to apply. If you're 35 and you've had a massive year, that is the time to strike.
The judges aren't just some random interns. Often, the Courier brings back alumni from previous 40 Under 40 classes to do the grading. They look at three specific pillars:
- Professional Achievement: Did you grow a company? Did you invent something? Did you lead a major turnaround?
- Community Involvement: Do you sit on boards? Do you volunteer? Are you actually "in" the community, or do you just write a check once a year?
- Future Potential: Is this person going to be a leader in Cincinnati for the next 20 years?
Why Most People Fail the Nomination
Most people treat the nomination like a resume. That’s a mistake. A resume is dry. A nomination needs to be a story.
If you just list that you "increased revenue by 20%," you’re going to get lost in the shuffle. But if you tell the story of how you saved a local nonprofit from bankruptcy during a global pandemic while also launching a new product line... well, now you’ve got their attention.
Also, letters of recommendation matter. A lot. Get someone who actually knows your work and your character—not just the highest-ranking person you know who will copy-paste a template.
The "Silicon Cincy" Effect
There's this idea that Cincinnati is just a "P&G and Kroger town." While those giants definitely cast a long shadow, the 40 Under 40 Cincinnati winners prove that the startup scene is thriving.
We are seeing more and more people from the tech and venture capital space. CincyTech, Cintrifuse, and the various labs at the University of Cincinnati are churning out leaders who are staying here instead of bolting for Austin or San Francisco.
This matters because these are the people hiring. These are the people building the "new" Cincinnati. When you see a name on that list, you're looking at someone who is likely to be a major power player in the region for the next two decades.
Is the Hype Worth It?
Let's talk about the ROI. If you win, what do you actually get?
First, the networking is insane. You are suddenly in a room with 39 other high-achievers. In a city like Cincinnati, which can sometimes feel like a "small big town," those connections are pure gold.
Second, the visibility. Being a 40 Under 40 honoree is a signal to the market. It tells investors, boards, and recruiters that you’ve been vetted.
👉 See also: Jamnagar Refinery: How India Built the World’s Biggest Refining Hub
Third, the ego boost. Hey, we're all human. It feels good to be recognized by your peers.
Actionable Steps for Future Nominees
If you want to see your name on the 40 Under 40 Cincinnati list in 2026 or 2027, you can't just hope for it. You have to build a profile.
- Audit Your Board Presence: If you aren't on a nonprofit board yet, get on one. ArtsWave, the Cincinnati Zoo, or smaller local charities like ArtWorks are great places to start.
- Document Your Wins: Keep a "brag sheet." When you hit a major milestone at work, write down the specific numbers. Quantitative data wins awards.
- Network Outside Your Industry: If you're in finance, go to tech events. If you're in tech, go to arts galas. The judges like to see people who are well-rounded.
- Find a Nominator Early: Don't ask someone the day before the deadline. Start the conversation months in advance so they have time to write something meaningful.
Cincinnati is a city that rewards loyalty and hard work. The 40 Under 40 list is just a reflection of that. Whether you’re a lifelong Cincinnatian or a transplant trying to make your mark, this is one of the few accolades that actually carries weight in every boardroom from Over-the-Rhine to Blue Ash.
Next Steps for You:
Check the Cincinnati Business Courier website regularly starting in December to see when the 2026 nomination portal opens. If you know someone who fits the bill, start gathering their bio and a list of their recent achievements now so you aren't rushing when the deadline hits.