From left to right: Joni Campidilli, Jake Oakland, and Jamie Jackson

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) came to Perry on Tuesday to recognize the leaders of a business with an award.

The SBA honored Percival Scientific President and Chief Executive Officer Jake Oakland, as well as Vice President of Sales Jamie Jackson and VP of Marketing and Communication Joni Campidilli as the 2025 Iowa Small Business Persons of the Year. SBA Deputy District Director Dawnelle Conley spoke during the ceremony about how Percival Scientific has been a leading manufacturer of innovation and customization for over 135 years.

Following that, SBA Regional Administrator Brad Zaun pointed out that the organization is one of 50 recipients in the United States who are given the award, and is continually impressed with the growth of the company. Oakland was extremely grateful to the SBA, but expressed that it takes a full team effort to bring success to the company.

“First thing I said when I heard about this was ‘Well, there should be 80 names on this award, not just three.’ But the three of us are very grateful and humbled to be able to represent Percival, to be able to represent Perry, (and) be able to represent the state of Iowa. Thanks to the SBA for putting this on, we’re happy to represent you. Appreciate the local Perry representatives, state representatives, and even national (representatives). It’s a wonderful thing.”

Oakland took a moment to honor Percival Scientific’s other senior members including Director of Finance Emily Shields, Senior Vice President of Engineering Henry Imberti, VP of Engineering Daniel Kiekhaefer, Director of Manufacturing Jesse Smith, and Marketing Coordinator Quinn Whitton. The presentation ended with a tour of the facility.