Valley Oak System’s Wheeler Wins Award

California-based Valley Oak Systems Inc., a national provider of claims management software, services and support, announced that its founder and CEO, Randy Wheeler, was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004.

This award was in the category Realizing Business Potential. Wheeler was selected from 24 finalists in Northern California by an independent panel of judges comprised of local community and business leaders and announced at an award banquet on June 18, at the Fairmont San Francisco, atop Nob Hill.

“Receiving this Ernst and Young award is not only an honor for me, but it represents the collective teamwork of all the employees at Valley Oak Systems,” said Wheeler. “This year we celebrated our 10th anniversary, representing a culmination of everyone’s determination to drive insurance processes into the twenty-first century with leading-edge technology solutions. As the company moves forward, we will continue to realize our business potential by actively listening to customers and innovating with an ear toward industry trends. Only by doing this can we continue to grow and create solutions to meet our clients’ business objectives.”

Wheeler launched Valley Oak Systems in 1994 to provide the insurance industry with software solutions that offer fully featured claims administration and risk management capabilities. His company mission is to closely align insurance objectives, such as cost-control and risk reduction, with current high-tech solutions.

In addition, he placed a huge emphasis on satisfying customers. Valley Oak Systems dedicates more than half of its staff to client services, and as a result, has reportedly never lost a customer.

Wheeler will be eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 national program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the Overall National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on November 20, 2004.