The Owner and CEO of New Horizons RV in Junction City, Phil Brokenicky has been named the 2015 Kansas Small Business Person of the Year.

When selecting the Small Business Person of the year The US Small Business Administration evaluates each business on sales growth, employment, staying power, response to adversity and contributions to the community.

Wayne Bell, District Director with the US Small Business Administration said that it was Brokenicky’s story that stood out the most and in particular what he did during the recession that hit in 2008.

“To avoid laying off people, he kept his staff busy. What comes across when you learn more of his story, is how he values people. How he values his team,” said Bell. “Certainly during the recession he kept them busy where other employers obviously may have been in the situation where they didn’t keep people around.”

New Horizon’s RV Corporation came out of the recession in good shape while 19 other RV manufacturers ended up closing their operations.

“New Horizons has stayed the course, re-tooled it’s production, to become the most luxurious and best built fifth wheel RV in the world.”

Brokenicky credited his team of employees at New Horizons for the award.

“An award like this doesn’t just involve one person. It involves a team, and without the team awards don’t come,” said Brokenicky. “So I accept this on the behalf of my team, on behalf of my family, and I’m very grateful to have it.”

He was presented the award Tuesday during the Noon Rotary Club meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott Geary County Convention Center.