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Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon, president and managing director of Restoration By Simons, were two of several honorees honored during the Daily Herald Suburban Business’ 23rd annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, in partnership with NAWBO Chicago. The awards were presented during a virtual ceremony on Sept. 22. 

The awards recognize and build entrepreneurship in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County. Honorees demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship, including willingness to take risks, drive, perseverance, and business creativity. Mabwa and Simon oversee Restoration By Simons, an MBE/WBE certified firm and family-run company that provides disaster restoration services to residential and commercial customers residing in the North Shore, Chicago, and the Oak Park-River Forest area.

The publication recognized the Evanston couple in the category of Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs. Honorees were also chosen for their active participation in local and regional business growth, their promotion of charitable and civic causes, and their work to build the region’s workforce and enhance its quality of life. 

Mabwa and Simon demonstrate their service by finding solutions to help residential and commercial clients, researching industry trends, and offering expertise to audiences. They are also known for their extensive volunteer work with North Shore-based nonprofits serving communities such as Evanston and Skokie.

Additionally, the couple became authors with their new book called ‘’RESTORE.” Written as a guide with homeowners in mind, they give readers access to tips and strategies to help them resolve their vexing disaster restoration problems.

“It is truly an honor for our company to be selected as a 2022 Entrepreneurial Excellence award winner!,” says Mabwa. “Each and every day, our team works hard to deliver attentive customer service and caring support as we provide responsive emergency restoration and specialty cleaning services to our customers in need."

Simon added: “Entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses are the lifeblood of this nation's economy, so it's important that we as entrepreneurs strive to deliver a product to our consumers with high quality and workmanship. It is a distinct honor to receive this award. We look forward to continuing to provide great service to our consumers."