Serial Entrepreneur Fern Carty Dawkins Named Pinnacle Award Finalist

The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) has named entrepreneur and philanthropist Fern Carty Dawkins as a finalist for its coveted Pinnacle Award. The finalists were announced at the Pinnacle Awards Nominee VIP Reception on August 31st at Partnership Tower.
Dawkins is the proprietor of JM Carty Holdings, LLC, which currently owns two Smoothie King franchise locations. Three additional locations are forthcoming throughout the greater Houston area.
The GHBC Pinnacle Award recognizes leading African-American entrepreneurs for their success in business and positive impact on the communities and industries they serve. Hundreds of applicants are narrowed down to a select few who exhibit excellence in delivery of products and services and positive impact on the community.
“To be nominated out of so many amazing businesses is truly humbling. The caliber of the applicants and fellow nominees is off the charts. Houston is such a vibrant hub for small and minority business, I am just thankful to be counted as one of the many thriving enterprises in our city,” Dawkins said.
The GHBC will announce Pinnacle and Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Award winners during a ceremony to be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in downtown Houston. In addition, other business luminaries in Houston will be honored including:
- Lifetime Achievement Award — Ebony Magazine — Williard Jackson and Lisa Johnson
- Excellence Award — TBK Foods — Marcus Davis
- Larry V. Green Advocate of the Year Award — Donovan Casanave, Shell
- Mickey Leland Entrepreneur Public Leadership Award — Charlotte Kelly Bryant, Blue Triangle
Dawkins formed JM Carty Holdings, LLC after being inspired by other women and minority entrepreneurs who channeled their passion through franchise and other business opportunities. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Dawkins served as legal counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where she practiced healthcare law.
In addition to her business dealings, Dawkins is committed to being a responsible community partner and remains very active in the community through charitable giving and volunteerism. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
