BlackHawk Data Founders Named EOY Finalists for Tech Innovation

NEW YORK, NY – April 27, 2026 – Maryann Pagano and Jason Caparoso, the co-founders of IT solutions provider BlackHawk Data, have been named finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 New York Award. The recognition by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) places the duo among the region's most ambitious and impactful business leaders, celebrating their rapid ascent from a bootstrapped startup to a key player in the complex world of IT infrastructure.

Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program is a global benchmark for entrepreneurial success, honoring leaders who drive economic growth, disrupt industries, and build transformative companies. An independent panel of judges selected Pagano and Caparoso based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven mission, significant company growth, and the lasting impact of their work.

The Architects of a Trust-Based Vision

Founded in 2018 with what sources describe as "no investors and hardly any money," BlackHawk Data is a testament to the power of experience, relationships, and a clear, unwavering vision. For CEO Maryann Pagano, launching the company represented a significant career pivot after more than two decades in the IT channel. Leveraging an extensive professional network built over years, she and CTO Jason Caparoso, a former colleague with deep network engineering expertise, set out to build a different kind of technology partner.

Their mission was rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: to always do what's right for the client. This ethos has become the bedrock of the company's culture and a key differentiator in a crowded market.

"Being named a finalist for Entrepreneur Of The Year is an incredible honor and a reflection of the journey we've built alongside our team, partners, and clients," said Maryann Pagano, CEO & Co-Founder of BlackHawk Data. "From day one, our mission has been to do what's right—delivering technology solutions that solve real problems and create meaningful outcomes. This recognition validates the work we've put into building a company grounded in trust, integrity, and long-term relationships."

This focus on integrity over quick profits has defined their approach. The company, a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), has carved out a niche by providing direct access to its engineers and avoiding the restrictive "vendor lock-in" that can frustrate clients. This transparent, client-first model has been instrumental in their success, allowing them to build the long-term partnerships Pagano envisioned.

Jason Caparoso, CTO & Co-Founder, added, "We've always believed that the best technology is thoughtful, purposeful, and built to deliver real results. This recognition is a testament to our team's commitment to engineering solutions that cut through complexity and truly support our clients' success. We're grateful to our customers and partners who trust us to help them move forward with confidence."

Engineering Solutions for Critical Infrastructure

While many IT firms operate in the abstract, BlackHawk Data's impact is tangible, woven into the fabric of New York's most critical infrastructure. The company has become a trusted partner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, managing technology for the three major airports in the metropolitan area as well as smaller regional airports. Their work encompasses everything from cybersecurity and network management to the complex back-end systems that power ticketing, concessions, and luggage handling.

Their expertise has been integral to landmark regional projects, including the WTC Transportation Hub, Newark's Terminal-A, and the JFK Air Train. This deep involvement in transportation and logistics highlights the firm's ability to deliver secure, reliable, and customized solutions where failure is not an option.

Beyond these high-profile projects, BlackHawk Data has made a concerted effort to bring enterprise-grade technology to a broader market. They serve clients across healthcare, finance, and the public sector, with a particular focus on making advanced networking and cybersecurity accessible to organizations of all sizes, including non-profits and educational institutions that are often underserved. This commitment to democratizing technology is a core part of their mission to solve complex challenges and deliver outcomes that matter.

A Pattern of Explosive Growth and Accolades

The EOY finalist nomination is the latest in a string of accolades that underscore BlackHawk Data's remarkable growth trajectory. The company's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. After its founding in 2018, the firm reportedly surpassed $1 million in revenue within its first five months. More recently, industry reports from 2024 noted the company was on track to achieve an astounding $100 million in annual revenue, a figure that speaks to their rapid market penetration and the high demand for their services.

This financial success is mirrored by consistent industry recognition. For two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, BlackHawk Data earned the coveted CRN Triple Crown Award, an honor bestowed only on solution providers who appear on CRN's three most prestigious lists—the Solution Provider 500, the Fast Growth 150, and the Tech Elite 250—in a single year. In 2022, the company was ranked #16 on the CRN Fast Growth 150 list, boasting a staggering two-year growth rate of over 200%.

These awards validate the company's business model and technical excellence, confirming their reputation for customer satisfaction and relentless innovation. The consistent recognition from a respected industry voice like CRN paints a clear picture of a company that is not just growing, but leading its field.

The Significance of an Entrepreneurial Benchmark

Being named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® award places Pagano and Caparoso in an elite community of business leaders. The program is widely considered one of the most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. For 41 years, it has celebrated visionaries who are not only successful but are also building a better working world through their ingenuity and courage.

The 33 finalists in the New York region represent a diverse cross-section of industries, from technology and financial services to life sciences and consumer products. Their collective impact on the economies of New York and Connecticut is substantial.

For BlackHawk Data, this nomination serves as powerful external validation of the founders' vision and the team's execution. It elevates their profile beyond the IT industry, positioning them as key figures in the broader regional business ecosystem. Regional award winners will be announced on June 16 during a special celebration in Manhattan. Those winners will then be considered for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, a gathering of the nation's top executives and investors.

By transforming their deep industry experience into a thriving, values-driven enterprise, Pagano and Caparoso have not only built a successful company but have also created a new model for what a trusted technology partner can be in an increasingly complex digital world.