Tampa, Fla., September 18, 2025 — Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine recognized Robert Hessel, CEO of Source 1 Solutions last night as the Winner of the 2025 Founder Category for medium-sized business. The annual program celebrates the region’s most accomplished C-Suite leaders, honoring excellence in leadership, innovation, and community impact across Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
Hessel, a U.S. Navy veteran and fourth-generation military service member, has led Source 1 Solutions through extraordinary growth while cultivating a people-first culture that extends from Clearwater to the company’s operations in more than 118 countries worldwide. Source 1 Solutions has earned distinction as a Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™ (VBE™) and built a reputation for world-class IT solutions, global reach, and community service.
“Being recognized alongside so many accomplished leaders is a reminder that leadership is measured by the success of the people around you. I must credit the strength of the Source 1 Solutions team and the culture we’ve built together across 118 countries for this award. Their resilience, innovation, and loyalty make our world-class service possible. I also want to thank my wife, Tajila, and our daughters, who are my purpose. Through the Hessel Family Foundation, we’ve been fortunate to support causes close to our hearts, from autism awareness to veterans and pediatric cancer. This recognition validates that when you lead with people and purpose, the impact reaches far beyond the boardroom.”
The Apogee recognition not only reflects Source 1 Solutions’ impressive business trajectory but also highlights Hessel’s personal commitment to giving back. From veteran advocacy to philanthropic initiatives like the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Hessel has demonstrated that leadership extends far beyond the corporate world.
About the Apogee Awards
The Apogee Awards, created by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine, honor distinguished C-Suite leaders whose vision and dedication elevate their industries and communities. Each year, executives across multiple sectors are recognized for their impact and leadership throughout the Tampa Bay region.
About Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (TBBW) is the region’s leading business publication, offering in-depth reporting and profiles of influential leaders shaping Tampa Bay’s economic, cultural, and philanthropic landscape. TBBW provides trusted insight for business executives and wealth leaders while spotlighting the region’s growing innovation and investment ecosystem.
About Source 1 Solutions
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Source 1 Solutions is a global managed IT services provider delivering network infrastructure, managed support, asset procurement, RF services, and testing and distribution across 118 countries. As a Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™, Source 1 Solutions empowers clients with scalable, secure, and forward-thinking technology strategies while fostering a culture grounded in service, loyalty, and community impact.
