Puneet Nanda, founder and president of Dr. Fresh® Inc, Buena Park, Calif, is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2007 awards in the Orange County region, which also includes the Riverside County, Phoenix, and Las Vegas areas. Nanda was selected as a finalist from among 71 nominations by an independent judging panel comprised of area business, academic, and civic leaders. Award winners will be announced at a gala event on June 19, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

Nanda’s company, Dr. Fresh, makes a line of oral and personal care products. In the 7 years since he came to the United States, Nanda has built a successful company known for the FireFly® toothbrush that lights up and flashes to indicate the length of time needed to brush teeth thoroughly. Today, the FireFly is the best-selling oral care product at Target, and it has spawned numerous line extensions featuring Dr. Fresh’s innovative light-up technology to promote good oral and personal hygiene habits. According to the company, Nanda is the owner of more patents than anyone else in the US oral care industry.

“Mr. Nanda and his fellow finalists exemplify the outstanding business talent present in our community,” said Kurt Binder, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program director for Orange County, noting that Dr. Fresh is one of the 100 fastest-growing companies in America and the fastest-growing oral care company in the country. “We are proud to honor them as leaders who nurture economic growth, innovation, and the American dream.” 

Orange County award recipients will be eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 national program. Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif, on November 17, 2007.

For further information, please contact Dr. Fresh.