JOHN RIVERS

FOUNDER & CEO, 4R RESTAURANT GROUP AND 4ROOTS FARM CAMPUS, ORLANDO

After retiring as president of a billion-dollar health care company, Rivers started selling barbecue out of his garage. In 2009, he opened his first 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park. It now has 15 Florida locations ranging from Tallahassee to Coral Springs. At the heart of the company’s culture is its “BBQ Ministry” — its nonprofit 4R Foundation helps fund charities and scholarships. 4R is launching the 4Roots Farm Campus, a 40-acre urban farm and education center in Orlando, which will teach students about responsible, sustainable farming practices. A Florida State University alum, Rivers is in FSU’s business college hall of fame. His many other honors include being named Restaurateur of the Year by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.