Leonard Cherry, owner of Houston-based Cherry Cos., received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award in the Construction and Industrial Services category in the Houston and Gulf Coast Area.

The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic growing businesses, according to Ernst & Young LLP. An independent panel of judges selected Cherry for the honor.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

As a Houston and Gulf Coast Area award winner, Cherry is eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be announced at an annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 14.

Cherry Cos. provides services for industrial, commercial, residential, and interior demolitions, asset recovery and waste management.