There was no sibling rivalry for Martino and Kristina Montalto when they attended the recent 2024 Best of MichBusiness celebration at The Gem Theater in downtown Detroit.
There was only family pride and cheering as brother and sister were both named among the dozens of winners at the annual MichBusiness awards program, presented annually to celebrate programs and companies that make Michigan a great place to live and work.
Martino’s business, Lighthouse Exteriors, a Madison Heights-based home improvement company, was named the overall winner among medium-sized businesses.
Martino said the company has recently rebranded and is a faith-based company that “aims at illuminating the path” to superior home exterior solutions.
“It’s not about me any more,” Martino said. “We have to be the light for others. It’s something we talk about that helps deliver our message.”
Kristina Montalto, meanwhile accepted an award as a “Taste Sensation” winner on behalf of her Shelby Township-based catering company, Kristina’s Catering.
It’s a full-service catering company that caters social and corporate events. Kristina’s Catering, with its full-time complement of 18 staffers, has been around for 14 years.
“I’m incredibly grateful (for the award), and for having my team recognized,” Kristina said. “It takes a whole team, and they’re all dedicated to serving our clients. It’s important to surround yourself with people who share your passion.”
Other overall winners in the Best of MichBusiness awards included SFL Companies, a comprehensive supply chain management and logistics firm, honored in the small-business category, and OpTech Cares, a foundation with the mission of providing financial assistance to organizations, charities, groups and individuals who have made an impact on the less fortunate with special emphasis on women and children, which took overall honors among large businesses.
The event also provided a chance for various vendors to network and spread the word about their businesses.
Heather Pizzala, vice president of marketing for Genisys Credit Union, a winner in the Triple-Trusted Advisors category, said events like this one give Genisys a chance to talk to the business community.
“We get to introduce ourselves and show how we can meet their needs,” Pizzala said. “It’s about building communities.”
Angelina Kou is the founder and president of the nonprofit Heart Blossom at Cranbrook High School. Heart Blossom, honored during the ceremony as a Nonprofit Beacon, promotes cultural heritage and fosters an inclusive environment for all.
When Heart Blossom was named a winner, Kou thought presenting a booth at the event would give the group a chance to do outreach and collaborate. “People tend to underestimate teenagers, but (people) have been very wecoming,” said Kou, a 17-year-old senior at Cranbrook. “We feel very encouraged. I’d like to keep doing this throughout college and into my adult life. I’m really feeling encouragement.”
