Ernst & Young recently announced Robert Low, president and founder of Prime Inc., as its Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 in the Central Midwest at a gala at The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel in Kansas City, Kan. The award is given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Low founded Prime Inc. in 1970 as a 19-year-old engineering student at the University of Missouri. With nearly 30 years of experience, Low’s instincts and managerial style have propelled Prime to the forefront of the transportation industry. Today, the company has grown to more than 4,300 trucks and more than 7,500 trailers.

Now in its 26th year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Regional award winners, including Low, continue to the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Program.

Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 17.