Russell Simmons Receives American Business Award

Russell Simmons, entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist—who has had a sizable impact on the business community, was honored with the first honorary Difference Maker Award.
Russell Simmons Receives American Business Award
DIFFERENCE MAKER: Entrepreneur Russell Simmons gives an interview after winning the honorary Difference Maker, Stevie Award at the American Business Awards on Monday night at the Marriott Marquis near Time Square. (Phoebe Zheng/The Epoch Times)
Zachary Stieber
6/21/2011
Updated:
10/1/2015

<a><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/SIMMONS.jpg" alt="DIFFERENCE MAKER: Entrepreneur Russell Simmons gives an interview after winning the honorary Difference Maker, Stevie Award at the American Business Awards on Monday night at the Marriott Marquis near Time Square.  (Phoebe Zheng/The Epoch Times)" title="DIFFERENCE MAKER: Entrepreneur Russell Simmons gives an interview after winning the honorary Difference Maker, Stevie Award at the American Business Awards on Monday night at the Marriott Marquis near Time Square.  (Phoebe Zheng/The Epoch Times)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1802354"/></a>
DIFFERENCE MAKER: Entrepreneur Russell Simmons gives an interview after winning the honorary Difference Maker, Stevie Award at the American Business Awards on Monday night at the Marriott Marquis near Time Square.  (Phoebe Zheng/The Epoch Times)
NEW YORK—Earning record profits, turning around a faltering company, and creating a positive public relations campaign are some of the things that earned businesses or business executives a Stevie Award, a heavy trophy of a figure with outstretched hands holding a glass diamond, at The American Business Awards held on Monday night.

Russell Simmons, entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist—who has had a sizable impact on the business community, was honored with the first honorary Difference Maker Award.

“It’s important to me that these creative people are recognized, that this creative path is taken, because business as usual will not suffice,” said Simmons in his acceptance speech.

Simmons talked about the need to explore alternative solutions to different problems, using an analogy to highlight his point: “If you’re a vegan, don’t sell steak ... and if you are and you own a steak company, find an alternative form of protein.”

Simmons sat down for an interview with multiple media outlets after he received his award, including The Epoch Times, Huffington Post, and The Examiner. “My book is kind of a road map. It’s ... honest and an assessment of how I got where I am,” he said, referring to the recently published “SUPER RICH: A Guide To Having It All.”

The entrepreneur started his career with Def Jam Records, considered the first serious rap label, that helped propel groups like the Beastie Boys and rappers like LL Cool J to mainstream success. In recent years, he has expanded into multiple fields, such as clothing, and has also started his own prepaid debit card, the Rush Card, which allows users who have been denied bank access to have debit cards.

“I believe that we’re spiritual beings in physical bodies. ... I just think that acknowledging what your going to give, this is a healthy way to wake up. You’re part of something big,” said Simmons, referring to the role spirituality has had in his life. He also discussed his efforts to bring meditation to more people, including an initiative to teach children in schools, which he said has resulted in higher grades and greater focus among students.

Other notable award winners included Whole Foods Market for Business Turnaround of the Year—More than 2,500 Employees,” Apple Inc., for Best Overall Company of the Year—More Than 2,500 Employees, and Executive of the Year – Manufacturing, went to Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company.

Local award winners included Epic Media Group for Marketing Team of the Year, and Executive of the Year – Services – Up to 2,500 Employees, went to Damian McKinney, founder of McKinney Rogers consultancy co.

Recognized as one of the most prominent business awards programs internationally, The American Business Awards are one part of the Stevie Awards, which encompasses The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Over 200 businesses attended the event, which was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.