Celebrating Carlsbad’s brightest
Carlsbad’s business community continues to thrive thanks to the bold, brilliant leaders who raise the bar every day. At this year’s CBAD Awards, two standout professionals were honored for doing exactly that: Blanca Rincon, named Business Professional of the Year, and Megan Lawley, recognized as Young Professional of the Year. Both women embody the innovation, resilience, and heart that define our city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
As the founder and CEO of Apex 365 Workforce Solutions, Blanca Rincon has built her career around empowering companies to grow with purpose and compliance. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources and workforce development, Blanca is known for her ability to align business operations with people-first strategy. She got her start in leadership early—managing 15 locations for a Fortune 500 company while still in her twenties—and has since become a trusted partner for businesses navigating growth, labor laws, and organizational change. Armed with a business degree and an MBA, she’s also a dedicated mentor and serves on multiple boards, including the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, where we serve together. Blanca’s work continues to strengthen not only the companies she serves but also the broader Carlsbad community.
Leading the charge at Bitchin’ Sauce is Megan Lawley, Director of Sales, whose strategic vision and dynamic approach have made a lasting impact on the brand’s growth and culture. A key force behind the beloved Carlsbad-based company’s national expansion, Megan is recognized for her sharp instincts, strong leadership, and commitment to collaboration. Colleagues praise her ability to foster meaningful relationships—both within the organization and with retail partners across the country. She’s known for driving measurable results while maintaining the authenticity and values that make Bitchin’ Sauce such a unique success story. Whether building teams or navigating new markets, Megan leads with clarity, integrity, and purpose.
Blanca and Megan represent two generations of leadership with one thing in common: an unwavering dedication to their craft and their community. Their stories remind us that excellence comes in many forms—and that Carlsbad is home to some of the best and brightest in business today. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable professionals and all they’ve accomplished. The future is bright, and these two are helping to lead the way.