John Magee of VLS Environmental Solutions named EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Gulf South Award winner.

John Magee serves as Chief Executive Officer of VLS Environmental Solutions, an I Squared Capital portfolio company, and one of North America’s premier providers of industrial waste management, railcar cleaning and repair, and marine services. Since joining VLS in 2020 as CEO and President, he led a period of tremendous transformational growth, expanding the company to more than 50 locations and 1,500 employees across North America. Under his leadership, VLS has completed twelve strategic acquisitions, expanded operations into Mexico, achieved more than 200% growth, and maintained an industry-leading safety record. John continues to drive operational excellence, sustainable growth, and innovation as VLS strengthens its position as a market leader in sustainable solutions.

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About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries and territories globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.