The end of the year is a festive time. Most of us are planning to spend time with family and friends, celebrating the holidays and the approach of a new year. This time of year is also an occasion to take stock – personally and professionally.

While many businesses have fiscal years that differ from the calendar year, December still offers a chance to reflect on what has happened over the last 12 months and how the next year can be better, more prosperous and less chaotic.

Now, a lot of factors will dictate how successful we are at improving our lots in 2026, many of which are not under our control. If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to be prepared for everything. And that even the most careful preparation can still produce less than ideal outcomes.

This power list, our last of the year, can be a tool for that kind of introspection. The companies we highlight in these pages are successful in a lot of ways. Financially, yes. But also in what they are adding to New Jersey’s rich economic tapestry.

Within this list, you’ll find companies everyone will recognize – household names like Johnson & Johnson, Verizon and Mars Wrigley. These businesses are large, in fact, some are global in scope. And their very size and revenue generation contribute mightily to the Garden State’s economic growth.

But you’ll also find companies that you might not have heard about before you read about them in NJBIZ. Companies like SpotItEarly, which has developed technology to harness the power of the canine sense of smell to detect cancers. And Orcosa, a life sciences startup that developed an easy-to-take pill for patients with difficulty swallowing – or pets.

NJBIZ staff members delight in finding out about such companies. For one thing, they make good stories. But we also know as well as anyone that the state’s economic resilience depends not only on large, established icons, but also startups that are pushing boundaries, expanding our collective knowledge, and making our lives easier and more fulfilling.

So, this list is appropriate for this season. It celebrates the accomplishments of the familiar names and gives us cause to believe that 2026 will be even better.

Certainly, there are other companies that should be recognized along these lines – so please let us know about them. And tell us what you think about the choices reflected here.

– Jeffrey Kanige
Email: [email protected]

Methodology

The Power and In the Lead lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.

Meet the 2025 honorees below: