Another week of CEO has passed. This week was the thirty-fifth week of class. This week consisted of one workday, two business visits, and one presentation. After this week there is only one more week left of class. This has been a long school year with a lot of trials, and difficulties. Going into senior year based off of peers who have graduated I expected my senior year to be quick, and easy. But this year has been anything but easy to say the least. Although this year wasn't “easy”, I can't complain because in the things that I have failed to do I have learned from those mishaps, and decisions. In the end I am glad I took this class but, I wish I would have been more dedicated the whole way through.

Tuesday, our presenter was Brent Emmerich. Brent Emmerich is a part of Midland Institute. He taught the class about practical everyday things a modern day entrepreneur has to do for themselves, and maintaining a business website. He talked about the different types of websites, as well as explaining ways to increase your internet exposure.

On Wednesday we met with Terry Beach, Executive Director, St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Dept. at the St. Clair County Courthouse.  I really liked meeting in the county boardroom. It was pretty cool seeing another part of the court I haven't seen before. It's not often that I have to go the courthouse so it was nice to take a short visit.  One thing that he said that stood out to me was that growth follows infrastructure.

On Friday, we met at Gas Light Vinyl Tour with Greg Bach. He talked about how he used to work for AT&T in marketing and how when he first started his business he had to do without a lot of things.  I would say this is one of my favorite business visits. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Mr. Bach’s business and how real he was with our class about the ups and downs of having your own business. I liked that he didn't sugar coat anything. He stressed saving your money, and understanding that you will have to sacrifice to grow.

05/07/2017

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.

04/21/2017

Before we were presented with the challenge of creating and presenting an elevator pitch, I was very cautious, and anxious about how I would be perceived. I know from previous experiences that I am not good at public speaking. Standing in front of the class by myself and speaking in front of people alone was a challenge. I don't feel comfortable with public speaking. I don't feel as though I did well in the elevator pitch because I remember stumbling over a lot of my words, and I was really nervous. This week we had just one business visit, and the rest of the week were workdays, and practicing for the elevator pitch.

Monday our class went to Padgett Construction to meet with Dave Padgett. Padgett construction is a family business where Dave Padgett is currently the third generation partner/owner. The business is financially operated using cruel accounting. The business was originally opened in 1978 by twin brothers Ron & Don Padgett. Although opening in 1978 they closed and later reopened in 1992. Padgett building and remodeling co. takes pride in making sure the customer knows what they are buying, and understanding how to financially plan for construction. They specialize in custom homes, commercial work, and residential remodeling. David Padgett is the president of home builder association. Much like our class their business does at journal every week. They keep the technique of replicate and duplicate, but prefer to make unique built home/structures. Dave Padgett is coming into more leadership positions, and ownership through buying shares or the company instead of having the company be gifted to him. He stated that the best way to keep a healthy business is to have common goals between employees to make sure company success is achieved, attempt to make services affordable, and remove potential conflicts. He stressed being forward thinking, and willing to change. Lastly he talked about the businesses marketing; he explained that 85% of business comes from referrals, word of mouth, and Facebook ads.

04/07/2017

This week of CEO went by fast. This was the 30th week of class. This week we had two business visits, and on presenter. Also we had two work days. In class we worked on our business plan and financials. This week we worked a lot on your business plans. So far I've learned a lot more about how many different types of legal works, and licenses you have to have to operate a business. Before this I was under the impression that most businesses just sold their inventory and had to pay different taxes. But businesses have a lot of expenses that are unrelated to just simply choosing what to sell and how much to it sell for.

This week began with a business visit to Lindenwood University to meet Dr. Barger. When I first arrived to campus it was nice to have someone direct me where to go. I was appreciative of Dr. Barger’s assistant for directing or class where to go. Dr. Barger is the president of Lindenwood. Dr. Barger talked about the elevator pitch, and public speaking. He explained that many people fear public speaking, and everyone has their own way of reaching people, and getting their point across. He also explained that you can be effective by finding your style of speaking, and that will make you feel more confident. He also talked about how the media and public speaking are a big part of his job. Lastly he stressed you cannot take back what you have say and you have to keep calm so you don't say anything out of terms. After the presentation we went on a short tor of the campus news room used by communication students.

On Thursday we went to Sips n Splatters downtown Belleville. We met with the Brandt’s. They talked about how successful businesses are ran using multiple systems. They also spoke about their business ventures and opportunities to expanding sell franchises. One thing that stood out to me was the flywheel example. They explained that to get the flywheel to move you have to get the wheel to turn by momentum, and a lot of time and once it's off the ground it will have its own power to keep the wheel spinning.

03/31/2017

This week was the twenty-ninth week of class. This week we had one business visit and two presentation days. Our class had a lot time this week dedicated to business plans. Although this week was only four days every day was very productive.

On Monday the class went to Trinity Financial group to see Mike and Verna Dunnigan. Mike and Verna Dunnigan are big supporters of CEO. Mrs. Dunnigan helped out with the Around the Fountain trade show. Verna Dunnigan is the administration part of Trinity Financial group. She is registered with FINRA as a Broker (sometimes referred to as a broker-dealer registered rep, or RR). Brokers are the sales personnel who work for larger brokerage firms. These firms (also known as broker-dealers) are in the business of buying and selling securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investment-related products. Mike Dunnigan has twenty seven years of experience as a registered Financial Advisor. He is the Branch Manager and designated Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction with Trinity Financial Group. He graduated from McKendree University in 1982. Mike is a recipient of: McKendree University Baseball Academic All- American, and McKendree Baseball Hall of Fame. He has also received several honors and awards throughout his tenure as a Financial Advisor. In addition, Mike has been an Elder at First Christian Church located in Belleville, Illinois for the fourteen years. His securities registrations include; Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Principal Series 26; Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Series 6; Uniform Securities Agent Series 63; and Uniform Investment Advisor Series 65. He is a licensed Life and Health Insurance Producer.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we had presentations from Mike Wenzel, and the US bankers. Mike Wenzel is a CPA of a small family owned business and his specialty is Tax litigation, auditing, and zero base budgeting. He explained contingency expenses and how to start at the end and fill in the middle. He talked about the history of Belleville and how it was stove capital in the 20s and 30s.

The thing that stood out the most this week was what the bankers said about being enthusiastic and reflecting how you feel about your business to others.

03/24/2017

This week was the 28th week of class. This week in CEO we had a lot of presentations. Also during the week we had time to work on our individual business. This week we only visited only one business.

On Tuesday we had a presentation by Joe Wiley. Joe Wiley specializes in human resources management. He graduated from Belleville West ,and went to Saint Louis University. He played basketball and was All American. He has a degree in sociology. He also led Missouri Valley Conference in scoring. He was convinced by a friend to go into human resources at Monsanto. He left corporate to start his own business. He helps recruit for SLU basketball. He started his business Quest in 2003 and has had business from multiple places. Quest hires vendors to do processes. Originally he sourced 180 people and later narrowed it down to 18 people. Mr. Wiley also helps with various fundraising and gives back. He was named one of Saint Louis most influential people. Lastly he made the statement that you build a career and a reputation and always network.

Wednesday we met with Philip Hickman at Associated Bank in Fairview Heights. Phillip Hickman is president of the branch. Also we met Amy Kempfer the branch manager who has been in banking for 19 years. Associated Bank primarily operates in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He talked about the two F's friends and family . He stressed having skin in the game, and getting your foot in the door. He also explained that banks do risk management and that they don't compete or help shadow banking system and predatory lenders.

Lastly we had a presentation from Patrick McKeehan. He talked about the elevator pitch. He went around the room and asked everyone logical and financial questions about our personal businesses. He stressed it's all about the customer. And that there is a difference between your customer and your consumer. He told us figure out who your customer is and find your unique selling proposition.

03/17/2017

This week was slow. This week was our first full week at Artigem. This week we only had one business visit. During the week our rough drafts of our business plans were due. The hardest part of the business plan I'd getting accurate information and placing it in the right place/section. Also this week David Rauckman from a previous CEO class stopped by and spoke with our class. He talked about his current college life, academics, and his business from CEO.

This week had one business visit, and we went to the Country Club. We met with Thad Payne. Thad Payne was once in the military the Air Force to be specific. His presentation was mostly about etiquette, and planning events. One thing he said that stood out to me was when planning an event be early with invites and start with save the date letters so people can expect when your event is and make it a priority to go. He spoke about rsvp, and placement forks and spoons. A lot of the etiquette things he talked about I had already seen and heard because of Senior Pearls, and all the different banquets I attended with my father, and grandmother. I learned a lot about etiquette when I would be a hostess for NAACP banquet. Thad also talked about his time spent out of the country. He also talked about the military, and his military experience prepped him for his job.

Lastly this week we talked about our business plans, and how we plan to do our elevator pitches. Then we talked about the trade show for all of our businesses. This week we had a lot of work days. Last week I wished we would've had more or at least had our business visits after our rough drafts were due. Overall this week was okay, the workload, visits, and the presentations from our one business person was nice. As the end of the year come we are starting to have more due dates, and deadlines. Hopefully I can keep up with them all between my school classes, clubs, organizations, training and sports.

03/10/2017

This week in CEO was nice. This week was our last day at Precision Practice Management. This week was short, and we only had one business visit. Most of our week was consisted of working on our business plans. Throughout most of the week Ms. DiMaggio was there to help assist, inform, and guide our class in the preparation of starting our business plans. Even though we have began working on our business plan last week or so it's still a very short time to have our rough drafts completed so soon. But on the brighter side it pushes us to move faster.

This week Royce and I had a business meeting at Project Compassion regarding the NFP part of our business. Although I plan to work with Royce on the non profit business, I may possibly still do something on my own. I like the fact that we have a template to go by when working on our business plans because it's really helpful to have an example, and have someone explain why there are so many tedious, descriptive details of information that have to go into our business plans. I like that we have more workdays, than presentations, and visits, because it gives me a chance to focus my own thing, and not worry about traveling somewhere every day.

Lastly this week I took on Thank you note. Honestly I still haven't figured out how the class activity spreadsheet works, and Thursday I already lost track of who was doing who. Hopefully I can do a decent job at it, and won't regret volunteering myself for it.

This week on Wednesday we went to Leisure TIme Pools for our one business visit for the week. This visit was nice. Also it was pretty cool to meet another person who has ties to Althoff. Mr. DeRousse really had a great personality. I really like the fact that even though he had a lot of setbacks, and failures he never quit. During his presentation he explained how he would continue to invest in other business, and start new projects. Lastly one thing he said that stood out to me was “Cash flow is blood flow if you not moving you're dying”.

03/03/2017

On Thursday our class went Gateway Classic Cars and met Sal Akbani, and his PR person Bronica Richardson. Sal Akbani started Gateway Classic Cars in 1999. The business is consignment, and was a single operation until 2011. People sell their cars to Mr. Akbani and he sells them for a higher price at 15-16% more. 11% of sales are exports, and has projected about 5000 new inventory. He made a point that we should learn to be a living businessman not a dead one at the bottom of the parabolic because it's going to be hard. Lastly he stressed that you should sell yourself then your company, next your product, and lastly sell your price. He stressed that you sell yourself because if you sell your product and price first then you will either lower your value or you will be in constant competition with others. Also that you get more loyal customers by selling your personality and ability to be dependable.

Friday we had a presentation by Jason Eding.  Jason Eding is the Director of IT at Precision Practice Management (PPM). He stated that his career began in music. He stressed that our knowledge are the dots, and experience connects the dots. During his presentation he talked about how he hires people and his experiences in the workforce. He talked a lot about the importance of education, first impressions and being professional. He also gave many tips on how to prepare for job interviews, and what he personally looks for in new employees. Lastly he said that you should always have a resume that is current on hand, and that you should so research on the company you are being interviewed for, and to make a lasting impression so you are remembered, and make a list of company specific canned questions.

02/24/2017

This week in class seemed to be very haste.... This week also seemed short in duration. We had three work days and one business visit. On Tuesday and Wednesday we had work days.

On Wednesday we had a visit from JoAnn DiMaggio-May and a SCORE member. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. The students had an opportunity to meet with a SCORE member to talk about their personal businesses. During her visit she talked about virtual businesses, video coaching for people who are unemployment and underemployed. Also she helped our class with the business plan. The business plan included many different points of information. The business plan includes different stats, and census reports and records such as income of average groupings of people in the last 12 months, population, average age of people in certain areas, and regions. Before the class I knew very little about business plans. I didn't expect the business plan to have so much tedious information.

On Thursday we had a presentation and tour of The Edge by the owners Keith and Mary Dahm-Schell. The Edge Began at the old Olympia. Before the visit I didn't know that First Baptist church on main downtown was the Ritz Theater. One thing that I took away from the presentation was that “know everything you talk about but don't talk about everything you know”. The owners followed the Sports pub movement because there weren't any in Belleville that were effectively being competitive. The new edge used to be a Wessels grocery store. The owners also stressed not letting anybody put you in a box and to always continue to develop.

Lastly on Friday after a workday we went and helped out at the Scottish Rite for their fish fry. The fish fry was fun and the people were very nice and welcoming.

01/20/2017

This week in CEO was somewhat decent. Although this week was short, consisting of only four days because of the snow day Friday. There were a decent amount of decisions made. This week we had two presentations and one visit.

Tuesday we met at Precision Practice Management for a presentation by Renae Eichholz. Renae Eichholz is the owner and a partner of PPM. Mrs. Eichholz started as a file clerk for an ophthalmologist, and later learned that she liked numbers, and billing. In her presentation she stated that she often started a lot of things that she'd never finish as a teen. This stood out to me because I feel like I have a lot of ideas, and projects that I start but never finish and it makes me worrisome about starting new things. Because, she said that she never finish things she didn't feel like she couldn't be dedicated to a loan for a business. She also said that she attributes her success to being very optimistic, and enthusiastic. Lastly she made the point that you should always strive to keep raising the bar higher because you support everyone who works for you, and they depend on you, so they can make a living.

Wednesday the class met at the new Belleville Police Station to talk to Mayor Eckert. The new police station is where the bank of Belleville owned by Kevin Pesko, used is located.

Thursday, the class had a presentation by Joe Riley of Joe Riley Irrigation at Precision Practice Management. Joe Riley spoke about achieving goals, being dedicated, enthusiastic, and working hard. Joe Riley began his career selling windows. Explained that windows and glass are very expensive and that how you treat a person when you're serving them often determines if the decide to buy at that time according to need. Although Mr. Riley did not start out in irrigation or have any family connections to the business, he began to be interested in irrigation because he found someone who knew about irrigation. He stressed that whatever you do put a passion to it and work hard.

01/13/2017

This week in CEO was somewhat reasonable. Although this week was short, consisting of only three days there were a decent amount of decisions made. This week was the first week back from winter break. The almost two week break from school and CEO was well needed, and personally gave me more time to myself.

With the New Year we are no longer at Barcom. I'm going to miss going to Barcom simply because it was closer to school and home although on Thursdays we’d have to walk through wet grass. The new location is Precision practice management. PPM is a very appealing business on the inside. For years I went to school across the street but never knew what inside the building.

We were given a tour of the business by Angela Willis the Human Resources director. Though there are some parts that are under construction, the rooms look like they will turn out nicely. Hopefully our class will get a tour when it's finished. What I liked most about the business is that the employees dress comfortably and seem to be satisfied with what they do. I like the concept of business like PPM who outsource what they do to other businesses, to help them complete tasks more efficiently and effectively. Another thing I liked is that they don't have to do much marketing of themselves to be successful. From looking at the size of the building and the amount of people who work on the building I wouldn't have thought that they would have as many clients as they do.

In the presentation from Mark Barnell one thing that stood out to me was when he said, “You can do it with a shovel or you can do it with a backhoe”. That statement means a lot in terms of getting tasks completed efficiently because oh can do things small bits at a time but it take a lot less stress and time to do it with help or in one big setting. Allen talked about how the biggest competitor for their business is the company they are trying to represent because what they can offer them they can do themselves and that it is easier to get clients out of state rather than locally because most people's perspective of a local business and businesses far away are different. 

01/06/2017

This week in CEO was a nice way to end the semester. On Monday we had a presentation from Thomas Farquhar, and a day of meditation with Geri Boyer, and her husband Doug Boyer.

The presentation from Thomas Farquhar was very informative, and consisted of a lot of information about life, and managing yourself. Thomas Farquhar is a manufacturer’s representative for companies that sell metal moldings. He talked about how your connections help Start Your Career and keep you growing in the field you work in. He emphasized being organized, and having self-control.

Tuesday we had meditation with Geri Boyer and was very relaxing, it helped start my week of finals. The day of meditation was a great way to begin my tests. This week of class was short but nice.

12/16/2016

This week in CEO was somewhat reasonable. We had a presentation by John Perles, a meeting/tour at FKG Oil with Todd Badgley, and we traveled to different businesses. On Monday we had a presentation from John Perles from Midland Institute. John Perles talked about the what, the why, and the how of business and how the mind works. He also talked about how to believe in yourself, explain yourself and your mission to make connections and how to move from where you are to where you want to be. He stressed that you need to have clarity if you have a vision and that you have work to improve yourself for your. This presentation resonated with me because, sometimes you need to motivate yourself, to help others around you feel encouraged.

 On Wednesday we went to FKG Oil to meet Todd Badgley. Before Wednesday I never paid any attention to the building next door to the MotoMart on main. I would have never thought that, FKG oil owned MotoMart. FKG are the owners of Moto Mart, Moto, Orange Leaf frozen yogurt, Magic wand, and Moe Joe coffee. They have 1110 employees, annual revenue 300 million, 60 million in lottery sales, and 7 million cups fountain soda sales. The business has a personal culture of creating a comfortable work environment, leading by example, being organized, competitive, flexible, not getting caught up in titles, logic and common sense, respect, No I in team, and the goal of get the job done. He stressed that networking makes opportunities that open doors. He also said to ask questions, save time and don't reinvent the wheel, use others experience, build confidence, and make connections.

 Thursday we split up in groups and went to different business to promote the class business, and get sponsors…

12/09/2016

…Wendy Witte from Greater St. Louis Community Foundation was the speaker on Wednesday. She talked about tax deductibility, and planning a charitable event. Ms. Witte manages donor services. She explained that to be eligible to be a charitable organization means that an organization has been determined by the IRS to meet criteria that allow it to receive tax deductible contributions. Belleville CEO is a 501 c(3), comparable to churches and schools that are also tax deductible. She also explained fair market value. Fair market value is the value of benefit the donor or attendee receives such as, Food, beverage, gifts, and entertainment. Basically anything that is tangible. …

12/02/2016

This week in CEO our class we visited two businesses, and the rest of week were work days. This week we went to Governor French academy, and TWM. This week was a decent week. On Monday we went to Governor French Academy for a presentation from the CFO and a Tour. The CEO of Governor French is Phillip Paeltz. The CFO talked about payroll, Human Resources work,and insurance. She explained that insurance is categorized by risks for jobs, property insurance etc. She also stressed that everything has a form. Like many other businesses OSHA has regulations that are very particular for specific types for businesses. It was also explained that the school had to change from profit to non for profit so they can be accredited. It was refreshing to go back to my old school, and see my teachers, friends, and classmates. Going to GFA for a presentation, and tour was a great start to my day. I really miss some of my closest friends who go there. While going touring I saw how some of the school had been redecorated. Also it was great moment to see some third and fourth form students who I remembered from when they were in first form and K1.

Thursday our class Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc. also known as TWM where Mr. Roland Thouvenot is the CEO. TWM does commercial, and subdivision engineering. They are responsible for products such as the Chain of Rocks bypass channel in Madison, engineering on St. Elizabeth hospital, and. barge conveyors. Before the presentation I didn't know that grain barges cost millions and were funded by government. The company utilizes Geospatial land surveyors and is the largest geospatial surveyor in Mid East with thirteen people. They have become the largest division in area because of market diversity, and boundary graphing for property lines for construction layouts. Mr. Thouvenot made the statement that Bill Gates’, and Paul Allen’s companies were worth nothing until people believed and invested in them. He also said that A small piece is more than a large piece of a company, when it comes to employee ownership.

11/18/2016

This week in CEO was nice and short. This week we had presentation from Cheryl Mitchell, and visited Fletchers Kitchen & Tap. This week was very short. On Monday we had a work day. On our work day Michael Crotty presented his concept model for the centerpiece for the tables, for the trade show/ banquet. Mr. Crotty from Althoff presented to our class a prototype of the mini fountain. I thought the idea of the fountain was creative, initially. Although, realistically I think it will become somewhat expensive in the long run. On Tuesday our class went to Fletchers Kitchen & Tap, where we had a presentation from Derek Betz. Derek Betz is one of two owners of the business. Originally there were three partners. He explains what it means to be pig dedicated, and chicken invested. I thought that, that analogy made a lot of sense because it separates responsibilities. He talked about how his business started, what it takes for someone to run a successful business, and his other entrepreneurial ventures. His other ventures include helping other business open by investing in them. Mr. Betz also talked about “worker bees”. He said that worker bees are people that rather have a set of directions, tangible work to do, constant productivity, and achievable goals. Wednesday we had a presentation by Cheryl Mitchell. Cheryl Mitchell is the interim executive director of Midland Institute. The first executive director was Craig Lindvahl. Midland began in 2008-2009. Craig Lindvahl was an independent film, music teacher before Midland. In 2010 the institute was founded with the help of midland bank in Effingham. Cheryl talked about brand recognition, her life before Midland, and the prospective growth of the CEO program. CEO is currently in 28 communities, and has 30 classes. She also talked about how it takes 9 months to get a CEO program started. Cheryl Mitchell was very upbeat and energetic presenter. I think it's always nice to have a presenter who is excited to present, and has interesting information to give such as Ms. Mitchell.

11/11/2016

This week in CEO we visited one business and had one presenter. Also this week was a short week consisting of a day off and two work days. The presenter was Neal Eilers of Super Bit Kicks, and the business we visited was Rauckman Utility Products.

Monday we went to Rauckman Utility Products where we met Jim and Shirley Rauckman. Jim, and Shirley gave our class a tour of their business. Rauckman Utilities makes parts, gloves, and sells products for large distributors/companies. The main buyer of the utilities products are power companies, and city public works departments. The tour included the two showing us the meeting area, 3D printers, and molds. I was surprised that this business includes a lot of work with 3D printing, and how expensive it is to have a 3D printer. Dave Rauckman explained that the maintenance, and the cost to produce 3D products is time effective, efficient and expensive. I was also surprised that many of the products are made for keeping wildlife away from power lines, electric currents, or building nests in bad places. I liked that this business has an aspect of recycling, and being environmentally aware. I liked that the business provided more than one service, sold more than one product. The presentation from Mr. Rauckman was intuitive, and entertaining. He had a really great sense of humor, and made our class feel very comfortable in his business.

Wednesday we had a presentation at Barcom from Neal Eilers. Neal Eilers is the owner of Super Bit Kicks. Mr. Eilers is the sole owner of his business, he prides himself on his technique, business ethics, and product sustainability. His business is primarily custom sneakers. He designs, and customizes canvas sneakers. He explains how he sets his price margins based off of his labor, and materials. His technique is very unique and specific to his brand. He began his business in high school, and continues it to this day. I liked his presentation because it was very relatable because I am interested in what his business is about, because his business has an art aspect, and is very hands on. It was refreshing to have a small business owner who is relatively, young, and who sells a product rather than a service. I liked that his presentation, and his business isn't really cut, and dry.

10/28/2016

This week in CEO we visited Peer 151, The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, and had a presentation by Brian Mentzer. This week was relatively short; also this week was the last week at Allsup. Although this was a short week it was kind of busy, and not as enjoyable as previous weeks. I enjoyed our class meeting at Allsup, because of the atmosphere. I will miss meeting at Allsup.

Tuesday we had a presentation by Brian Mentzer. Brian Mentzer is the Assistant Superintendent of 201 District. He and his family own multiple businesses. He talked about him and his family businesses, and how they manage them. He talked about how they keep the businesses afloat, and thriving.

Wednesday we went to the Chamber of Commerce. We had presentations by Executive Director Wendy J. Pfeil, office manager Beth Tucker Landon Brooks the Marketing & Communications Manager, and Peggy Schifferdecker Membership/Event Manager. They spoke about events, marketing, and membership. The Commerce consists of 12 committees. The executive director Wendy Pfeil explained that change is inevitable, and to do things that attract people time wise.

Thursday our class visited Peer 151 to meet with Chris Oswald & Kurt Artinger. Chris Oswald is the executive director of Peer 151. Peer 151 is the first co working space in metro east. Kurt Artinger is the creator of the downtown entrepreneurship training center. We were able to have presentations by both Mr. Oswald and Mr. Artinger. They both were very friendly and informative. Chris Oswald took the class on a tour of the business and explained each set up. The interior of the business is very professional and serene, but also feels very homelike and comfortable. Both Mr. Oswald, and Mr. Artinger expressed how important it is to overcome adversity, be persistent, and work had. Mr. Oswald taught the class a valuable lesson about how to stay consistent in our efforts to keep improving, and never giving up. Mr. Artinger stressed that change is constant, and how to always find a way to make your ideal business a reality.

10/14/2016

This week in CEO was relatively short. We went on a field trip to Saint Louis University for TrepStart. Then we had a presentation from Ms. Jo Ann DiMaggio-May from SIUE. The rest of week we worked on class business, and had a meet and greet with our potential mentors.

On Monday our class went to TrepStart. The campus of Saint Louis University was very welcoming. Our conference took place in the Busch student Center. Before going to TrepStart, I had never been inside of the student center. The conference was high energy, and rejuvenating. The key note speaker for the event was Maxine Clark. Maxine Clark is the founder of Build a Bear Workshop. Mrs. Clark spoke about overcoming adversity, her previous career, family life, and how she came up with her idea for her business. She also answered questions from the audience. Along with a keynote speaker, the conference consisted of breakaway sessions. Each person was able to attend two break away sessions. My first break away session was the CEO of a children's theater workshop. She talked about she started her business, how to balance your business, and school. My second breakout session was with Asya Gonzalez the founder of Stinky Feet Gurlz. Asya donates a portion of all her sales to charity. She explained that the hardest part of owning a business is marketing yourself. Asya’s presentation was entertaining, and inclusive. She had a series of icebreakers, and social media activities for our group to participate in. This activity was a great opportunity to learn many things.

Tuesday we had a presentation from Ms. Jo Ann DiMaggio-May. Ms. DiMaggio is a representative of SIUE. She is the Metro East Small Business Development Center, Director. Ms. DiMaggio talked about business plan development, crowd funding, cost analysis, and creating a concept.

Lastly we discussed class business, and had a meet and greet. After the first meet and greet, I am slightly more comfortable talking to the investors, than before. Overall I really enjoyed this week.

10/07/2016

This week in CEO was most definitely a learning experience. Our class visited Auffenberg, for a presentation with the owner. During the week we worked on our class project, and talked about our shirts. At the end of the week, at Allsup our class had a chance to meet with our potential mentors. Although our class week went well, there was a bump in the road at the end of the week.

Our meeting with Mr. Auffenberg was very informative. He talked about the values of his business, and how the market for his business has changed over the years. Auffenberg is a retail, franchise, family owned car dealership business. The car dealership has multiple locations through the general metro east area. During the presentation he talked about how the internet has expanded the car buying market, and how car companies that his business sales cars through micro manages the car dealerships. He explained that when large car producers make changes they ultimately trickle down to the small dealerships. Over the years the car buying market has changed. In previous years you had to go to the dealership to see a new vehicle, or travel to find the car you wanted. Now you can see, and purchase your car online then have it shipped. Not only can you purchase from dealers online you can buy from individuals on sites like Craigslist. The Auffenberg brand is well known and trusted. 

Friday our class met our potential mentors. At first it was really hard to mingle with the sponsors/investors because we only had a small amount of time to talk to all of them and ask questions. Personally going up to strangers and talking to them is very uncomfortable for me to do. Fortunately all of the potential mentors were very nice, and personable. 

09/30/2016

This week in CEO was eventful. We went to three different business. During this week went to Holland Construction Services, Belleville Township High School District 201, and Bank of Belleville.  Of the businesses we visited this week  I liked the visit to Holland construction.      

The presenter for Holland Construction was the president of the company, Michael Marchal. Mr. Marchal began his career as an estimator, and from there he continued to progress in the company. I personally like the company's montra  on their business card “Built on integrity”. During Mr. Marchal emphasized mutual respect, having a good reputation, being dependable and of course integrity.  He also talked about the characteristics that make for good fit for the position of construction manager, such as being good at public speaking, organization, teamwork, and time management.

At District 201 we met Dr. Jeff Dosier. Dr. Dosier was very nice, and generously let our class look at all the yearbooks from Belleville East and West. Much like the visit to Althoff, district 201 is ran like a business. The district budgets money for the schools, and makes decisions on what the schools will spend,and what rules that will be enforced, among other decisions. The district has committee members who vote and work alongside school board members. The responsibilities of the district are to meet deadlines, and make sure the two schools have the appropriate funds to run the schools. Unlike my school who has the diocese and the school administrators to make decisions under the thumb of the bishop.

Friday we went to the Bank of Belleville. The presenter was Mr. Kevin Pesko. Kevin Pesko is the owner of the bank, he originally began as a lender. The bank opened in 2005. The interior of the bank was very nice. The bank is a small business, and retail bank.  I did not know that credit unions are considered the enemies of banks, because they don't have to pay federal income tax. Some of his points from his presentation to our class were to be active, networking, and to take the  opportunity to be in leadership positions

09/16/2016

This week we went to Northwestern Mutual, and had presentations from Reva Faber, Dave Zura, Jim Schneider , and Lynn Clapp. At Northwestern Mutual we met Roger Lowery who is the CEO of Lowery Benefits Services and a financial representative for Northwestern mutual. Like most people he did not know what he wanted to do in college, and began working for a pharmaceutical company. Lowery emphasized the importance of taking risks, being discipline, having self-development, and being driven. He also made about including the three “I’s” in to our decisions and work life. The three I’s are Independent, Income opportunity, and impact. He described being independent as doing what you want and  living the life you want to with no ceilings but, he also expressed that a life or career with no ceilings is also a career with no floor.

Reva Faber was the presenter about PDP which spoke about personality types. My personality type was pace and conformity. I was not surprised at my results from the evaluation, although some of the attributes of my results were not accurate in my opinion such as the characteristic of being organized. During her visit we did a team building exercise that caused everyone to problem solve.  Other team building exercises included the carpet square bridge with Jim Schneider and Lynn Clapp that forced the class to care about the success of our peers by ensuring that the person behind us would be able to make it to the other side.

Dave Zura is the COO of Allsup who spoke about his success story including his failures also. His key points were that when being the owner of a company that all the value you make you keep, and to not be afraid of failure.

08/26/2016