Chamber bestows Young Entrepreneur award on Hawley businessman

Staff reports
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From left: Joe Regenski, board chair, Chamber of the Northern Poconos; Sen. Lisa Baker; 2023 Young Entrepreneur award recipient Mike Kuzmiak III; and Wayne County Commissioners Jim Shook and Brian Smith.
From left: Joe Regenski, board chair, Chamber of the Northern Poconos; Sen. Lisa Baker; 2023 Young Entrepreneur award recipient Mike Kuzmiak III; and Wayne County Commissioners Jim Shook and Brian Smith.

The Chamber of the Northern Poconos has bestowed the 2023 Young Entrepreneur award to Mike Kuzmiak III, proprietor of Paupack Watering Hole, Route 6, Hawley.

Kuzmiak is a graduate of Wallenpaupack High School and Johnson College. After college, he began working for his father, owner of Mike’s Auto Service & Towing, at which time he started the 24-hour towing portion of the business.

In 2021, Kuzmiak purchased the former Pines Tavern in hopes of turning the former pub into retail space. Instead, renovations began on what is now the Paupack Watering Hole. It features live music, trivia nights and a pub-style menu with a gourmet twist for lunch and dinner, and offer dining on a new patio.

A press release issued by Chamber Chief Operating Officer Debbie Gillette said that the Chamber "is dedicated to seeing our communities prosper whether through helping our member businesses succeed, fostering new business development, or providing educational opportunities that help to groom future leaders."

She added, "Annual recognition of our outstanding business leaders is our way to salute and thank them for enhancing this region as a great place to live and work. We were pleased to offer the Young Entrepreneur award that recognizes the efforts of an individual who is 40 years old or younger and has shown an entrepreneurial spirit in their dedication and commitment to our community through their interest in business, leadership and personal achievement."

The winner was honored at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Ladore Lodge in Waymart.

Chairman’s Circle business sponsors who supported the event were PPL, Honesdale National Bank, Brookfield Renewable, Grimm Construction, The Dime Bank, Wayne Bank and Bold Gold Media Group.

For more information, visit northernpoconos.org or email chamber@northernpoconos.org

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Hawley businessman Mike Kuzmiak III honored as Young Entrepreneur