Sleep Train founder Dale Carlsen named Entrepreneur of Year

Dale Carlsen, founder and chief executive officer of the Sacramento, Calif.-based chain Sleep Train, has received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Retail and Consumer Products category in Northern California.

The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Carlsen was selected by an independent panel of judges and was given the award at a gala on June 2 in San Francisco.

“It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award on behalf of all of our employee-owners and to be recognized among the nation’s top leaders for building a company that demonstrates continued growth and innovation and that fosters strong relationships with our business partners and the greater community,” Carlsen said.

As a regional award winner, Carlsen is eligible for consideration for the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Award winners in several national categories will be announced Nov. 17. Sleep Train has more than 255 stores and 1,250 employees on the West Coast.