CEO Business Visits

• Mr. Josh McDermott, Owner (Investor)

CEO Guest Speakers

• Mr. Roger Wigginton, Owner
• Mr. Gary Peck, Owner

Week 33 of CEO featured two guest speakers, one class visit, and one work day. We were spoken to by Roger Wiggington and Gary Peck. Our class visit was to JT McDermott Remodeling Contractors.

Roger Wiggington from Don Rodgers came in to speak on Tuesday. Roger is a man who loves the retail business, and especially the marketing and advertising aspect of it. He opened his business with a partner in 1976 and has been in business ever since. Part of the reason he has been so successful is because he is always working to find new customers. He constantly advertises on KMOX and other radio stations to try to reach a much larger market in St. Louis. He is also extremely involved in the West End of Belleville and works hard to spread the word about what’s going on in the West End. He told us he is involved in 7 committees and 2 boards because he believes you have to give back to the city what it gives to you. He also reminded us that we have to constantly advertise for our businesses because you are always losing customers. Obviously no company gets a 100% customers return rate so I have to make sure I have a way to reach new people and expand my market. The last thing he told us was that running our own businesses is not for the faint of heart. Most people we have spoken to this year have hinted at this but they haven’t been as straightforward. I understand it is hard work but I believe I am strong enough to fail multiple times before I succeed. I recognize it will be hard and I might want to quit, but I just have to keep pushing.

The owner of my favorite restaurant came in on Thursday and talked about his journey to become the owner of 6 different McDonald’s. Gary Peck is a true American hero. He is carrying the tradition of McDonald’s being a great family-friendly fast-food chain. He told us that the cliche saying of the early bird gets the worm is absolutely true in entrepreneurship. If you’re the first business to do something then you will most likely be successful. McDonald’s was the first business to be extremely efficient in how they produced their food, and look at them now. He also said to be successful in our business endeavors we need an accountant, attorney, and a banker. We need an accountant to keep our financials and make sure we aren’t losing money. We need an attorney to keep us out of legal trouble. And finally we need a banker to help us out financially whenever we need money. That is an interesting concept about business and it certainly makes sense.

Michael Lassman
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Michael

On Thursday, McDonalds franchise owner Gary Peck paid a visit to our class and debunked many of our unfounded McDonalds rumors. Personally this was great for me because the only reason I ever stopped eating McDonald’s burgers was because I believed they were unhealthy for me. Besides restoring my faith in the McDonald’s burger, Gary Peck talked to us about the history and legacy of the McDonalds we all know today and how it started out as a simple burger stand. This visit to me opened my eyes to see that something that seems so small can develop into something absolutely huge. That means I have to plan ahead for my business, if my art gets extremely popular I have no way of mass producing it, that is a problem for me and my customers.

Speaking of mass producing, to get to that level I would have to advertise my business effectively. This is something that J.T. McDermott owner Josh McDermott opened our eyes to when he asked us about the latest trends in the advertising world. We all brainstormed different ways to do this and came up with some innovative ideas to reach our target audience. I will apply this to my own business and find more creative ways to advertise as well.

Alayna Wells
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Alayna

Another week of CEO has passed, and we are in the homestretch now. As the year is beginning to close, our personal businesses are beginning to ramp up. Next week is our trade show at Lindenwood University to showcase our personal businesses at our own homemade booths. I am very excited to showcase my business to local leaders and citizens who attend. Earlier this week I purchased my banner, pens, and business cards to help advertise my business at the trade show. I can't wait to see how everyone's booths will turn out, and I hope that we have a large attendance. Furthermore I hope that each of our businesses become successful, and this class will help us start more businesses in the future.

Last week we had Banker Day. I thought banker day was one of the most helpful exercises that we have done this year. We presented our business plans and financials to the bankers, and they looked at our work. They then asked questions, and tried to find holes in our plans. They helped me reach another level of insight on my business. I was able to look into my business plans a little more deeply, and really learn the importance of numbers. Numbers are huge if you want a loan from a bank. Overall, it was a very good experience, but I realized that I was nervous for no reason. They were all very helpful, and helped me grow with more knowledge. I wish that I would have had 15 minutes with each banker. It would give more time for back and forth firing of questions and comments. I liked the conversations with the bankers rather than giving the elevator pitch.

 Last week we also attended a breakfast entitled Eggs and Issues. It was a very interesting event put on by the Chamber. Local business leaders in the area come and network with others, and they had three speakers about cyber security. It was something that I found interesting because I do not know much about it. I was very interested that the government hires hackers to hack the bad people. I thought that was an extremely good idea. Overall it was a very good event, and the good was good too!

Stephen Waltrip
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Stephen

This week in our CEO class we started out by meeting Roger Wigginton, owner of Don Rodgers Clothing. It was quite interesting listening to him talk about the crazy and difficult industry and how to accommodate the customers that shop at his business. He also talked about how much the clothing industry has changed since the advent of online shopping and how he has still achieved a competitive advantage against online shopping. I think it's awesome that this guy is an alderman and gives his time to the community so it can be improved. I agree with him saying the most important part of anything is a strong community.

On Wednesday we met with Josh McDermott and listened to some of the ways he finds himself successful with his business. I thought it was really cool that when he was talking of ways to advertise, he asked us for ways of doing it on social media and how to be most effective and cheap. That was an interesting conversation, as most of the people we meet don't ask for our advice or an opinion on a matter. It felt really awesome that he asked and trusted what we said.

On Thursday we met with Gary Peck who owns a bunch of the McDonalds in the area and I got to give him props for when he is talking about his McDonald's. He was very persuasive about how amazing his McDonalds are... Gary also talked about how important it is for whatever business I would start, I need to have passion about it for my business to be successful.

Joe Beussink
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Joe

In today's society, it's rarely heard of someone coming from the bottom and becoming the boss. This week we meet with several men where this instance occurred. While visiting McDermott, meeting with Wigginton and Peck, new ideas were brought to the table.

Nothing beats old fashioned HARD WORK. Peck and Wigginton were crystal clear examples of this. Both of these men started off at the bottom of their respective businesses and built their way up to where they stand today. Wigginton, a Belleville native, found a need in Belleville and filled it. While having the first women's clothing store on the west end of Belleville, Don Rogers, had a shaky start. The businesses early years suffered from debt and an economic recession and they managed to survive. While speaking with Wigginton, it was crystal clear that he knew his stuff and was on top of his business. What truly accounts for Don Rogers success today may not be its targeted market in Belleville but perhaps the targeted market in St. Louis. Having a friendly atmosphere and good staff, this accounts for a large portion of his business.

Starting at McDonald's while still in High School, Mr. Peck is the true example of the American Dream. Working his way up through the system, he now owns 6 different locations. It wasn't all roses in his line of work either. While saving and working to own his first store, he made many sacrifices for himself and his family. Though at the time they seemed hard, he now has all the freedoms he could want. Passion, if I am as passionate about whatever I decide to do is a fraction as much as Mr. Pecks my business will be a huge success.

Austin Thurman
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Austin

On Thursday we had a presenter come and talk about franchising. Gary Peck is a franchise owner of several local McDonalds. He first began making his connection to the company early. In the 70s he began working in a local McDonald's as a team member. While doing his presentation he stated that starting early and becoming dedicated is important. Also he said that starting from the bottom and moving through ranks you learn your business better and can better defend your business. Mr. Peck talked about his early life and upbringing. He comes from a middle class single parent household. One thing he said that really stood out to me was when he said you can start by creating a profitable business by seeing if the business is either providing food, shelter, and clothing it will have a better chance at being successful.   A business that is necessity centered can be sold better. He made the statement that you should ground yourself in who you are, have value system, work ethic understand independent thinking. Lastly he talked about the history of McDonald's and how it's the largest owner of land in the USA. Before owning a franchise Peck worked for McDonald's for 22 years. Then he talked about don't dummy down what you've done and don't gamble don't skimp and save your money. I liked that he said your success is based on your motivation. Lastly he talked about how more business that are in food service are planning to expand to delivery and he has control over how much they advertise.   Less than 20% are fully employed and 1 out of 8 Americans have worked at a McDonald's.

Epiphany Smith
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Epiphany

This week for CEO we met with Roger Wigginton on Tuesday and with Gary Peck on Thursday. We also spent some time discussing our upcoming trade show on Friday. Overall it was a great week and great way to come back from break!

Roger Wigginton is the owner of Don Rodgers Unlimited which is an adult clothing store. One thing that really caught my attention when Mr. Wigginton was speaking, was how well he knew his customer. We discussed this earlier during our elevator pitches, but I really understood what it meant to know your customer after hearing from Roger. Firstly, he knows exactly what age he is marketing towards. He knows he is not going to sell to teenagers, so he doesn't invest in teenage clothing. He also knows what area his customers are from. He does get a good bit of Belleville business, but he told us his main business comes from Missouri. Because of this, he often goes on KMOX and other radio stations specifically to help gain new customers from these areas. This just proved how important knowing your customer is and how to reach them.

Another thing I learned from Mr. Wigginton was how important community involvement is. I have heard this quite a few times before this year from other business leaders, but Mr. Wigginton is just another great example. He explained how involved he was with West Belleville. He told us all of the committees he was on or the chair of, and he told us about the weekly and quarterly prints he helps draft each year. It just goes to show involvement in your community can really go a long way.

We also met with Gary Peck, who owns 6 different McDonald's restaurants. Right of the bat, Mr. Peck told us dreams need plans. I found this advice interesting, and it makes so much sense if you think about. You can dream all you want, but unless you go to do the work it won't happen. Actions speak louder than words, he said, because it's about what you are actually doing, not what you say you do.

Mr. Peck also explained how franchising works. He also explained how the McDonald's business model worked. He told us McDonald's is actually more in the real estate business than the food business. It is crazy to say that but it kind of makes sense. McDonald's buys the land and builds a building, and then people rent it out to run the McDonald's restaurant. It then becomes the renters store and their job to make it succeed or watch it fail. It was crazy to hear this and confusing at first. This really showed me how innovative Mcdonald's is. Sometimes for a business to succeed, you need to try different business models, which is exactly what McDonald's did.

Tim Donaho
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Tim

Josh McDermott from J.T. McDermott Remodeling Contractors showed us this quote by Charles Swindoll "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes." I feel as this is very true in everyday life. I personally highly enjoyed this quote for the effect it has on people.

Kelly Rowden
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Kelly

On Tuesday, our class met Roger Wigginton from Don Rogers Limited.  Mr. Wigginton taught me that it is important to be persistent.  He has kept his business successful and running through 6 recessions and continues to succeed today.  I also learned a lot about how clothing stores choose their clothes and sizes, too.  Mr. Wigginton’s presentation gave me a whole new perspective about the clothing business and the difficulties of choosing the next season’s clothing styles.

On Wednesday, our class went to J. T. McDermott Remodeling Contractors and met Josh McDermott.  Mr. McDermott focused on stressing the importance of good leadership.  A leader is someone who really cares about their employees and treats people how they would want to be treated.  Great leaders learn qualities that they should encompass to be effective from their employees.  Positive attitude also is an important aspect of business.  Positive attitude can make you more productive and affect your outlook on life.  I believe a positive attitude is even more necessary when you undergo a challenging task.

On Thursday, Gary Peck from McDonald’s visited our CEO class.  Mr. Peck stated, “The road is not paved for you, you create the road.”  I believe that this is a great quote because a business takes extremely hard work to start and maintain.  Mr. Peck also said that people have dreams, but entrepreneurs have a plan on how to achieve them.  This really shocked me because anyone can have a dream, but most people do not have the work ethic and passion to pursue them.

On Friday, our class had a work day to discuss how our booths are going to be set up.  We all listened to each other’s ideas and gave suggestions.  I plan on setting up three tables with tablecloths and displaying about ten books that I have made for the trade show.  One of the books I made is the CEO logo to show that I can make any logo, word, or image people can imagine.  In addition to selling at the trade show, I am going to have forms for anyone that would like to order a book that is not on display.  I will also make a huge sign with my business name and business cards for people to take in case they would like to order a book in the future.

Kaitlynn Borik
Friday, April 21, 2017Learn More About Kaitlynn