Mitchell Jacobson, cofounder and co-CEO of MSC Industrial Direct, helped build one of North America’s largest distributors of metalworking and maintenance supplies through disciplined execution, scale logistics, and a relentless focus on customer service. After joining the family-founded business, Jacobson oversaw its expansion from a catalog distributor into a technology-enabled industrial supplier serving manufacturers nationwide. Under his leadership, MSC grew into a multibillion-dollar public company known for operational efficiency, strong margins, and long-term shareholder alignment, while maintaining a conservative balance sheet and founder-led culture.

Frank Laukien, chairman, president, and CEO of Bruker Corporation, has built the scientific instruments maker into a global leader in analytical and diagnostic solutions. Taking the helm of the company founded by his father, Laukien expanded its product portfolio across life sciences, materials research, and industrial applications, serving top research institutions and laboratories worldwide. A physicist by training, he has guided Bruker’s growth through innovation-driven acquisitions and a focus on precision technologies, securing its reputation as a critical partner in advancing scientific discovery.

Eric Smidt is the CEO and co-founder of Harbor Freight Tools, a privately held tool and equipment retailer with over 1,200 locations across the United States. Known for his keen business acumen, Smidt transformed Harbor Freight from a small mail-order business into a retail giant. He is also a notable philanthropist, with significant contributions to education and healthcare.