Learn About The 2025 Laureates: Susan Lacz

Image caption: Suan Lacz, CEO of Ridgewells Catering

The Greater Washington region has a long history of influential business leaders powering the growth of our region and the strength of their communities. On November 18, the Washington Business Hall of Fame will welcome four such leaders to receive our region’s signature lifetime business achievement award. The Hall of Fame brings these visionaries (the best in business) to the table with the next generation of leaders (the next in business), through an experience that connects and inspires us all.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Laureates are names you’ve likely seen in headlines for years. But this series offers something different: a rare, personal look at their journeys—told in their own words. Through candid reflections, hard-earned lessons, and timeless advice, these leaders share what it truly means to lead with purpose and leave a lasting mark.

WASHINGTON’S BEST IN BUSINESS: SUSAN LACZ

An innovative leader and community advocate, Susan Lacz has redefined excellence in the catering industry while uplifting causes close to home.

Read how the CEO of Ridgewells Catering continues to make her mark—and why she’s one of this year’s distinguished Laureates.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

Susan Lacz: I owe so much of my inspiration to my father, John Lacz. He ran a thriving planning, architectural, and engineering firm in New Jersey, and watching his dedication and business savvy left a lasting impression on me. But it wasn’t just his success that motivated me—it was how he worked with purpose. That drive, combined with my own love for entertaining and cooking, inspired by my Babcia (grandmother) led me to the catering world. When I found Ridgewells Catering, it felt like the perfect place to blend those passions into a career I truly adore.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement, and why?

Susan Lacz: My greatest professional achievement was buying Ridgewells Catering in 1997 and transforming it from a struggling, however iconic, operation into a successful, thriving business. That year marked a turning point—not just for the company, but for me personally. It wasn’t just about acquiring a business; it was about taking on a challenge that tested every ounce of my determination, creativity, and grit. Looking back, the journey of overcoming those early hurdles and building something lasting is what makes it so meaningful.

 Growth didn’t happen overnight. It took years of small wins—hiring the right people, tightening operations, and learning from every mistake. My father’s advice echoed through it all: “Lead with heart, but don’t skip the homework.” Slowly, Ridgewells, once again, became a name people trusted. We went from barely breaking even to catering high-profile events across the region. Seeing that turnaround—knowing we had taken a sinking ship and steered it to solid ground—that’s why this is my proudest achievement. It’s not just about the success; it’s about the fight to get there, the team that stuck with me, and the belief that kept me going when quitting would’ve been easier.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a failure or setback?

Susan Lacz: The COVID-19 pandemic hit Ridgewells hard, like it did the entire hospitality industry. It was a real gut punch, but it taught me something invaluable: supporting my team through tough times is what keeps us strong. I learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about holding each other up. That lesson has stuck with me and drives how I lead every day. I am forever grateful to those who stuck by me with an “all hands on deck” attitude.

What skills do you believe are essential for students to develop to succeed in the future workforce?

Susan Lacz: From where I sit, resilience, adaptability, and strong people skills are non-negotiable. Life throws curveballs—look at what we’ve been through lately—and being able to roll with it while connecting with others is what sets you apart. Those are the tools that have carried me through, and I think they’re must-haves for anyone starting out. Learn the art of a handwritten note and put down those devices!

What advice would you give to students about managing stress and maintaining mental health while preparing for their careers?

Susan Lacz: Take care of yourself—it’s that simple, but it’s so important. I tell students to build a support network they can lean on and not be afraid to ask for help. For me, finding little ways to stay grounded, like being mindful or just taking a breather, has made all the difference. Balance is important.

What impact do you hope to leave on your industry and the broader community?

Susan Lacz: I want Ridgewells to be remembered for more than just great catering—I want us to be known for lifting up our community. Through my work with groups like Junior Achievement and the Greater Washington Board of Trade, I hope to inspire the next generation to care as much about giving back as they do about getting ahead. That’s the legacy I’m aiming for.

Invest in the Future — Honor Susan Lacz

Support Susan Lacz’s induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame and help advance the mission of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. Your contribution directly fuels experiences that equip local students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a competitive world. 

Make a gift or reserve your table today!