Bob Armbruster of Clean Team, Inc. Named Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Finalist by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US)
Toledo, Ohio — April 28, 2026 — Bob Armbruster, Founder and CEO of Clean Team, Inc., has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).
Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates visionary leaders who are transforming industries, accelerating economic growth, and creating lasting impact within their communities. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and sustained company performance.
Armbruster was selected by an independent panel of judges as one of 34 finalists representing 31 companies across the region. Candidates were evaluated based on their entrepreneurial spirit, strategic growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
“Being named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award is an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Clean Team. Since day one, our focus has been on building a culture centered around people, accountability, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. This recognition belongs to every team member who shows up each day committed to excellence.”
Clean Team, Inc., founded in 1996, is a multi-state commercial janitorial and facility services company serving a diverse portfolio of office, industrial, medical, financial, distribution, airports, and higher education clients. What began as a small local operation, has grown into an industry leading provider through a disciplined focus on operational excellence, customer retention, and strategic acquisitions.
Under Bob Armbruster’s leadership, Clean Team has completed 15 strategic acquisitions and earned recognition on the Inc.5000 list for five consecutive years. The company is known for its strong culture, performance-driven leadership team, and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service at scale.
With a long-term vision centered on people, process, and partnership, Clean Team continues to expand its footprint while maintaining a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and operational discipline.
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders across a range of categories, including founders who built their companies from the ground up, CEOs who have transformed existing organizations, and multi-generational leaders redefining legacy businesses for the future.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 17 during a special event in Detroit. Winners will join a global network of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni and advance to consideration for the national awards, to be presented in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth CEOs, executives, and investors.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Regional sponsors for Michigan and Northwest Ohio include Full View Productions (Gold) and KLA Laboratories Inc., P.I.E. Management L.L.C., Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications, Varnum LLP, and ADP (Silver).
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Founded in 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 11,000 business leaders in the United States and expanded to nearly 80 countries worldwide. The program honors entrepreneurs who lead high-growth companies and drive innovation across industries. Learn more at ey.com/us/eoy.
About EY
EY is committed to building a better working world by creating long-term value for clients, people, and society. Through data, AI, and advanced technology, EY helps organizations solve complex challenges and shape the future with confidence. Operating in more than 150 countries, EY provides services across assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions. Visit ey.com for more information.