Kaitlynn Borik
About Me
Hello, I am a senior at Althoff Catholic High School. I am an aspiring entrepreneur, and hope to gain more knowledge about starting a business. I applied to the CEO program to get real world experience in the world of business and establish connections with other local businesses.
I am very involved inside and outside of my school. I have participated in Tennis, Crusaders Against Alcohol and Drugs, National Honor Society, Science Club, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, Yearbook, Student Ambassadors, Drama Club, Rotary Interact Club, volleyball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Film Club, and Bowling. I have also held leadership positions as junior delegate for Network Against Malaria and co-captain of Math Team, and team manager for the boys Volleyball Team. I have worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Hideg Pharmacy for the past year and a half.
I strive to do my best in everything I do. I hope to start my own business in the future. After I graduate high school, I would like to go to college to become a physical therapist. Eventually, I would like to use what I have learned from this CEO class to start my own physical therapy clinic. I am planning on attending college and am currently deciding between Saint Louis University, Creighton University, Maryville University, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
About My Business
My Featured Journal Entries
On Monday, our class had a work day. We received guidelines for our final class project, and I reflected on what I learned this year. I also thought about goals I accomplished through this class and how it has affected me in other aspects of my life. It just hit me today how much this class has impacted me. It has shown me how to start my own successful business and has given me the tools to do it. CEO class has also provided me with an extensive network of people who are willing to give me advice on how to improve my business. CEO has also showed me how to be able to approach business people in a manner that makes them forget my young age. Instead, they respect and listen to my ideas, which is an experience that is usually rare for high school students.
On Wednesday, our class met Terry Beach at the St. Clair County Courthouse. I learned a lot of new things about economic development. I discovered that the most successful type of economy has businesses of several varying sizes. The varying factors allow the economy to remain stable, even through tough recessions. I also learned more about what an economic developer does. Mr. Beach talked about his numerous responsibilities. One of his jobs is to ensure quality of life. He understands that people want to see parks and new projects underway in their community. Having a reputation for having good quality of life also increases population, which, in turn, provides businesses with more customers. More potential customers also betters the area’s economic development.
On Friday, our class went to Gas Light Vinyl to meet Greg Bach. Mr. Bach taught me that to own a business, you have to have “skin in the game”. Mr. Bach and his brother have made huge sacrifices to keep their business running, and their hard work pays off. At first, owners may not see how effective their work ethic is, but if business owners are truly committed, they will start seeing results. I also learned that it is important to know who your competition is and how you can make your business model unique to bring in customers. In the business world, being different is a good thing and gives your business one step up from your competition.
05/07/2017
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.
04/21/2017
On Monday, our class went to Lindenwood University. There, we met Dr. Barger and Dr. Trice. They gave us very helpful tips about public speaking. I learned that public speaking comes easier as you do it more and more. This was interesting to me because I have not had to public speak that often, but if I become a CEO, I will have to learn effective ways to speak to a crowd. We also got the opportunity to practice speaking and experience what it would be like in a television studio. I observed several of my classmates in a mock interview where they were the CEO. This really reiterated that the way you deliver your answers has a powerful impact. I learned a lot more about speaking styles and techniques to prepare for a public speech through this experience.
On Tuesday, our class was visited by Joe Mayoral. Mr. Mayoral gave me helpful tips and explained some new business terms to me. I learned the difference between gross profit, gross sales, and margins. I also improved my business plan financials by integrating these terms into my spreadsheet. After Mr. Mayoral helped me, I worked on folding a book for the trade show. A lot of my classmates did not know how I folded the books, and it was very fun to show them the method I use. As I am folding more books in preparation for the trade show, my passion for Turn the Page Art is growing.
On Wednesday, we had a work day. I finished the book I folded on Tuesday and started folding a book with a heart. Some students also practiced their elevator pitches to prepare for the Elevator Pitch competition on April 6. From observing the different styles my classmates used, I learned that the most effective way to perform an elevator pitch is by starting off with a story. This gives a smoother way to fit in other facts about your business like why you started, which shows your passion; how you realized the community has a need for your business, and some of your cost and financial statistics.
03/31/2017
On Monday, our class went to Trinity Financial Group to meet Mike and Verna Dunnigan. Mr. and Mrs. Dunnigan are very close to their faith and it shows in their hard work and dedication. After hearing their story of starting a business, I was inspired to dedicate more time to my business. I learned that business is built on hard work, and it is crucial to be educated about the best ways to save money. I discovered tactics to pick and choose stocks to invest in as well as how to estimate when to sell them. Mr. and Mrs. Dunnigan taught me that anything is possible with hard work and to set high goals.
On Tuesday, our class was visited by Mike Wenzel from Wenzel and Associates, LTD. Mr. Wenzel taught me to always be prepared. I learned that it is important to think ahead in order to make a business successful. Being prepared allows you to be ready for any obstacle that might occur in the beginning of starting your business.
On Wednesday, our class was visited by some US bankers to help us review our business plan financials. I received positive feedback about my financials. I learned that it is important to also try to predict any costs or additional expenses to keep up your business for the next three years. I also learned that it is important to get your financials right and work really hard on them because the amount of loans banks are willing to give you for your business. I also learned that presentation is key and to be passionate about your business. Passion is noticeable to bankers, and they will be more willing to give you a loan if you appear very passionate about what you are doing.
On Thursday, our class had a work day to work on our personal balance sheets. Before doing the balance sheet, I did not know the difference between liabilities. Now, I know that assets are what you own and liabilities are what you owe. I discovered that I have a lot more assets than I originally thought. I also learned how to calculate net worth and how to do a personal property sheet.
03/24/2017
On Monday, Mrs. DiMaggio-May came to our class to help proofread our business plans. The written portion of my business plan is officially done, but I still need to work on my financials. Mrs. DiMaggio-May made me realize that I have more cost than I originally thought. I did not think about my advertising cost, but I will be factoring that in soon. I have learned that writing a business plan takes a lot of time and should be carefully reviewed before it is fully finished.
On Tuesday, our class was visited by Joe Wiley from Quest Management Consultants. Mr. Wiley is truly an inspiration. He has been named one of the most influential men in the St. Louis area and was invited to play in the NBA while he was in college. Mr. Wiley chose to pursue his education instead of starting a professional basketball career. This is really inspiring because some people underestimate education. Mr. Wiley stressed the importance of getting involved in and outside of school and making connections. As I am starting my own persona business, it will be important for me to make connections, so this lesson was very valuable for me. I also learned that to make the connections and networking last, it is important to keep in touch with the people you meet.
On Wednesday, our class visited Associated Bank and met Phillip Hickman and Amy Kempfer. I learned a lot about how banks work and how they are placed into categories. It was interesting to learn what a bank does more in depth. I also learned that Associated Bank tries to mainly rely on contacting people face to face. This method is more personal and is more likely to make a lasting impression, so I think it was very smart of the bank to choose to operate in that way.
On Thursday, our class was visited by Patrick McKeehan. Mr. McKeehan talked to us about our upcoming Elevator Pitch on April 6. He gave a lot of great tips on how to be a better speaker and told us what to include in our speeches. I learned that it is important to know your market. This means really getting specific about who is going to buy your product or use your service. I also learned that in a pitch like this, it is a good idea to tell a story about why you chose to make your business how it is now.
On Friday, our class had a work day and finished reviewing our business plans with Mrs. DiMaggio-May. I had already reviewed my business plan with Mrs. DiMaggio-May, so I finished up my biography. It was hard to encompass all that CEO has taught me in a single quote, so I focused on thanking these that helped me in starting my own business. I also learned that it is important to remember how far you have come from the beginning, like how much I have learned from this year in CEO.
03/17/2017
On Monday, our class met Kurt Artinger at our new home base, Artigem Replacement Services. Mr. Artinger gave our class a tour of the building that displayed numerous historic art pieces from the original building. Mr. Artinger taught me that it is important to have a good circle of friends. I learned that your family and good friends will be the ones to support you through the rough patches of starting your business. I also discovered that persistence is crucial. Mr. Artinger was turned down several times before he succeeded and founded Artigem Replacement Services. I learned that I should be prepared for several setbacks when I start my business and to learn from my failures.
On Wednesday, our class worked on finishing our rough draft for our business plans. The part that I struggled with the most was the industry section. My business, Turn the Page Art, has no precedent. There is no collected data to project percentages. With the help of Mrs. DiMaggio-May, I filled out this section by stating that I am relying on my strong sales and enthusiasm for the business. I learned that making a business plan for a business that has never been created before is very difficult. There are no statistics to go off of to know how successful your business is compared to others.
On Thursday, our class had another work day. I worked on my personal biography and the financial spreadsheet that will be used in my business plan. My financials are pretty easy to calculate for the most part, but the other sections made me realize that my business requires a lot less cost than other businesses. I also finished my resume for the business plan. I learned that my resume can tell people more things about me than I thought. For example, Mrs. Siebers said that someone would see all the activities I did and not only think that I am involved, but also see that I am a hard worker.
On Friday, our class was visited by a former student, David Rauckman. David gave our class advice on presenting for upcoming Elevator Pitch and Banker Day events. I learned that it is important to have all of my financials memorized and to be prepare to answer difficult questions.
03/10/2017
On Monday, Mrs. DiMaggio-May came to help us with our personal business plans. I found that it is hard for me to write about any information I have about businesses like mine because there are no official businesses that do book folding. There is only one other person in the local area that folds books. I am trying to make my business larger by appealing to more people through social media. It is also hard for me to limit my market because the products are customizable and can be personalized for each individual customer. Mrs. DiMaggio-May has done a wonderful job helping me narrow down what I need to talk about in my business plan.
On Tuesday, Mrs. DiMaggio-May visited our class again. I learned how to make a financial statement by using a template she gave our class. It is interesting to see how your financials add up over the next six months and year. My costs for inventory are very minimal, so it was interesting to find out any additional costs I had not even thought of. I also got to look at some industry reports. It was interesting to find out about the different industries in business. I did not know that these reports could be so detailed, and they really helped me write the industry portion of my business plan.
On Wednesday, our class went to Leisure Time Pools and met Bob DeRousse. Mr. DeRousse taught me what it truly means to be persistent. He has battled cancer three times and still managed to take care of his business and continue to grow it. Mr. DeRousse shaped his personal experience in buying and selling businesses he created and told us what he has learned outside of college. I also learned that it is important to be involved in your community and church. This is how you can meet more good people and become a better person yourself.
On Thursday, our class continued to work on our business plans individually. Working on this business plan has been difficult for me. I have never done anything this detailed like this before, so I need to think through several scenarios to be able to write down all the information needed.
03/03/2017
On Tuesday, our class was visited by Mike Riley from Professional Therapy Services, Inc. Mr. Riley talked about his background at Saint Louis University. I think it is incredible that Mr. Riley has never taken a business course through school and how he has become so successful. Mr. Riley has become a professional in his field and holds positions on several physical therapy and school boards. I love how Mr. Riley is adamant about giving back. Not only does his profession reflect his giving attitude, but Mr. Riley continues to donate his time and money to several organizations. I am going into the field of physical therapy, and I believe that this attitude is crucial for excelling in this career. Physical therapists focus on helping others adapt, recover from, and prevent injuries. I have also shadowed at one of Mr. Riley’s clinics and have been blown away by his employees’ level of compassion. These are characteristics I hope to display as I become a physical therapist.
On Wednesday, our class worked on our personal businesses. I started working on my personal business plan. Before I learned how to write a business plan, I did not know that you had to look up so many statistics. I knew research was required, but I was unaware that so many charts and predictions were necessary to prove that your business could be successful.
On Thursday, our class went to Gateway Classic Cars to visit Sal Akbani. Mr. Akbani’s story was really fascinating. His family moved to the United States from Pakistan. He talked about what it was like moving to a new country and all the hardships he has overcome. Mr. Akbani taught me that persistence and faith in your idea are very important in starting a business. Mr. Akbani was told that he did not know what he was doing repeatedly, but he continued to power through to pursue his goals. Now, he owns the world’s largest classic cars company and has started to sell internationally. Mr. Akbani has inspired me to stick with my business even when sales slow down.
On Friday, our class met with Jason Eding from Precision Practice Management. Mr. Eding is the IT Director for the company. Mr. Eding not only taught me about business, but he taught me that our future is subject to change and can change unexpectedly. He was a music major, but decided he wanted to change his career. Mr. Eding also shared interviewing tips from his personal experiences. I learned that dressing to impress is crucial because it is the first thing the interviewer notices about you. I also learned that it is important to research background information about the job you are applying for. Mr. Eding is a major advocate of the importance of education, too. This is important for me because I want to choose the right college for me that provides a great education for my career choice.
02/24/2017
On Monday, our class went back to Scottish Rites to finish cleaning up from our event. I learned that teamwork gets everything done faster. We were done in almost no time and were praised by the staff at the Scottish Rites. They were very generous and even offered to lower the price of the facility for next year’s CEO class.
On Tuesday, our class met at Precision Practice Management to discuss what we could have improved about our event to make it more successful. I thought that the event should have been shorter. It took up everyone’s entire evening and it was difficult to have time to catch up on homework for school the next day. This probably also made it hard for those who had to make up the work they missed that day. I also thought that we should have catered the event. A lot of people that I talked to became disinterested in the event when they found out that the food served was going to be samples. I also heard comments that people were still hungry even after going to booths several times.
On Thursday, our class went and visited Belleville News Democrat. We got a tour of their printing press and storage rooms. It was really cool! I thought it was very exciting to learn about how newspapers are printed and how they have changed over the years. I discovered that technology has been integrated into the business in more ways than I thought. Ads are a major part of profit for electronic newspapers. Other than subscribers, ads are the only source of income.
I also learned that Belleville News Democrat prints several other papers for local areas around Belleville. It is amazing how efficient they have made the printing machines and learn how they modified the machines to include colored ink. Belleville News Democrat continues to modify their business to adapt to modern standards of having news as fast as possible. I am really proud that we have such a great source of news in our area.
02/17/2017
On Monday, our class had an all day class day to begin setting up for our class event at the Scottish Rites. We had a long list of preparations to finish with some people still running around town completing errands. I stayed at the Scottish Rites and helped arrange the tables and chairs. I was also in charge of placing signs at all of the booths. There was a lot of debate about where to put the vendors that purchased multiple booths for their display, but we eventually worked it out. We also scattered the tables to allow for more people to be able to see the speakers when the event took place the next day.
On Tuesday, we had another all day class day to finish setting up for the event. We decorated the hall and made sure small details were worked out. Our class also ran through the itinerary for the event and helped vendors set up as they showed up to decorate their booth table. I learned that working as a team can create extraordinary results. More people showed up than we predicted, and we had a fantastic turnout! I also learned that events like this are useful when trying to network and connect with other people. It was interesting to see that all the adults did not treat us as inferior because of our age. They treated us with the same respect as another adult. I really appreciated this because during the start of planning this event, many people turned us down because of our age and inexperience. It was amazing to see all the people who supported us and what the CEO class is about.
On Thursday, our class met Bill Hughes at Precision Practice Management. Mr. Hughes had interesting things to say.. I have never known much about agriculture, but in a short hour and a half I felt as though I learned quite a bit. One aspect Mr. Hughes covered very well was the business side of agriculture. I did not know that some people buy up land for farms and depend on people like Mr. Hughes to find the land for them. Mr. Hughes has an excellent business, and his story was very inspiring. He pursued his passions and created a successful business about it. Mr. Hughes also taught me never to keep a client waiting. It is okay if I do not know all the information a client is asking about, but it is important to find out that information as quickly as possible and get back to them. I also loved that Mr. Hughes has a strong faith. I am also very close to my faith, and I enjoyed hearing how starting a business does not hinder practicing his faith but rather has deepened his faith.
02/10/2017
On Monday, our class worked on planning for our all day work day on Wednesday. I have reflected on how far we have come as a class, and it is astounding. We work much more effectively as a team. We can accomplish many more tasks at once all while setting goals for ourselves every day.
On Tuesday, our class went to Bank of America. We met Pat Mathis, Kevin Richter, and Collin Clark. I learned a lot of useful information and tips about starting a business. I learned the biggest issue in owning a business is spotting a problem before it becomes too big. I also discovered that some businesses have new employees sign a non-competition agreement, meaning that once the employee leaves the business, they can not start a new competing business in an area that the original business markets to for a certain amount of time. I also learned that it is important to have everything regarding rules or regulations is needed in writing.
On Wednesday, our class had an all class day. A lot of people went out in pairs to talk to businesses that we had not contacted yet, but I stayed at Precision Practice and helped build mini fountains for our table decorations. It was a lot of fun because everyone that stayed had a positive attitude and was motivated to work. I also went to the Scottish Rites to finalize details for the floor plan and discussed decoration ideas. I learned that collaboration makes ideas better and more creative.
On Thursday, our class had another work day. Now, we are starting to pose questions we have never asked before about tasks we need to accomplish before the event. For example, we are considering writing contracts for the booths to sign.
On Friday, our class met Erica Barnell at Precision Practice Management. She started a business called Geneoscopy which works to help identify early stages of colon cancer. Ms. Barnell hopes to expand the uses of her new technology to be able to diagnose other intestinal problems like other forms of cancer, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and other things. She also hopes that her company will be able to customize advice for medicine for patients to use if they do have cancer or another problem.
01/27/2017
On Tuesday, our class had another work day to focus on our class business. We continued to work on the details of the event. We also decided on a day that would work as an all day work day for us to accomplish much more at once
On Wednesday, our class met Mrs. DiMaggio-May and a member of SCORE to finalize our business plan. Mrs. DiMaggio-May taught me that business plans are more detailed than they appear. It is important to include statistics of possible customers, competition, and many other things. Mrs. DiMaggio-May’s associate gave individual assistance as our class continued to edit the business plan. I hope to create a business plan for my business that is as detailed as our class business.
On Thursday, our class went to The Edge and visited Keith and Mary Dahm-Schell. They were very kind and gave us a tour focusing on added details to the Edge. We also learned about a few additions that Mr. and Mrs. Dahm-Schell are planning. Mr. and Mrs. Dahm-Schell are extremely motivated and emphasize the use of new technology. They demonstrated how investing in new technology can make a business unique and also be a cheaper option. One of their mottos is “If we’re not growing, we’re dying.” This quote was very motivating me and has made me contemplate how I could make my business more impactful and larger. I also learned that business is all about balancing. Keeping track of finances and profit is important to know what you need to improve.
On Friday, our class had another work day. This may have been our most effective work day yet. We followed an itinerary and really worked well as a team. We sectioned off into groups to accomplish several tasks at once. My group made a list of places to go and ask for booths and sponsorships. I feel like we are going to be more successful than we believe on our all day work day.
01/20/2017
On Monday, our class discussed our progress for our event. We realized that we are behind schedule. I discovered that deadlines come up sooner than people realize, so it is important to avoid procrastinating. I also learned that it is important for everyone to do their jobs in a timely manner to succeed. Teamwork is crucial.
On Tuesday, Renae Eichholz visited our class. She told us more about her background and what led her into the business world. Her story was very personal and taught me a lot about both life and business. I learned that it is important to never give up, even when others tear you down. It is important to be your own person and stand out- this is what brings success. Renae’s incredible discipline and hard work helped her become more successful than she ever imagined. I learned that determination and hard work allow people to rise above difficult obstacles. Renae is truly an inspiration and has motivated me to work hard at anything I desire to accomplish.
On Wednesday, our class met Mayor Eckert. Mayor Eckert is very passionate about his job and extremely committed. Mayor Eckert is proud of Belleville and continues to make ambitious plans for Belleville’s future. He also cares deeply about nearby cities’ success. I learned that I need to be happy in the career I choose. Life is too short to not love anything you do. Mayor Eckert taught me that it is important to build relationships and surround yourself with good people. Surrounding yourself with good people builds you up and makes you a better person, too.
On Thursday, our class met Joe Riley. Mr. Riley taught me that passion is what makes a person unique. Mr. Riley also taught me that everyone needs a dream and imagination. Dreams allow people to make bigger goals for themselves to work for. Drive and ambition can let people accomplish their dreams. All of these qualities are important in forming a business, and I am doing my best to apply these traits to starting my own business.
01/13/2017
On Wednesday, our class went to our new home base, Precision Practice Management. We met Mike Barnell and Alan Pulliam, co-owners of Precision Practice Management along with Angela Willis. Mr. Barnell told the class of the business’s background and beginning. When Ms. Eichholz joined forces with Mr. Barnell and Mr. Pulliam, the business grew fifteen times its original size. We also got a tour of the building, seeing recent additions to the original building. The background of the beginning of Precision Practice Management was inspiring. Ms. Eichholz’s hard work ethic was strongly shown in the genuine determination of the employees to continue to grow the business and themselves as well as the successful growth of the business from its startup. I think it is amazing to see that businesses can grow beyond original goals. Ms. Eichholz’s business shows that hard work really does pay off.
On Thursday, our class met a few former students of the CEO class. The former students gave great advice for our upcoming class event. I learned that we need to be persistent in getting sponsors for our events. We need to continue to ask different businesses for sponsorships or booths. We also realized that our booth price was too large for small businesses to be able to participate in the event. We are going to lower our booth price and try to include smaller businesses that make Belleville unique. I learned a lot about new ideas for starting my personal business as well. I learned that not all ideas will work and business is about trial and error. Even if some of my ideas fail, I should continue to try new ideas to improve my business. I am hoping to put some of the previous class’s advice to use in both the class event and my personal business.
On Friday, our class was assisted in our business plan by JoAnn DiMaggio May. Mrs. DiMaggio May helped us expand our business plan to be more detailed and gave advice on sections to add. Mrs. DiMaggio May was extremely helpful and critical in the planning of our class event.
01/06/2017
On Monday, Thomas Farquhar visited our CEO class at Barcom. Mr. Farquhar told us a lot of tips about business and what it is like being a manufacturer representative. I learned that in business, you should take some risks, but it should also be fun. The most successful and happiest people are passionate about what they do. I also learned that when starting a business, you may not get paid the first few weeks or months, depending on how your business starts out. It is important to spread risk to avoid bankruptcy as well as preparing ahead for the future.
Owning your own business can provide flexibility. Mr. Farquhar had the option of working at home. Mr. Farquhar talked about how important family is to him. He also advised that we keep our family in mind when starting a business. We want them to support us through our journey and be there to celebrate success with us. Mr. Farquhar manipulated his schedule to be able to go to his children’s sports games and activities. I believe that family is very important in life. Family is there for your lowest lows and your highest highs. It is crucial to continue spending time with family and avoid getting too absorbed into your business.
On Tuesday, our class went to the King’s House where we met Geri Boyer and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are adamant about the importance of taking time to relax. In today’s world, many people work too hard for too long and it impacts their health. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer suggest taking a weekend to go somewhere to relax.
The King’s House was very beautiful and had an amazing church. The goal of King’s House is to give clients a relaxing retreat to meditate and relax. We got to experience meditation, and it was very calming. We discussed stress and how to handle it, which was very helpful with exams coming up. As I start my own business, I think meditation will help me clarify my goals. I also learned that stress can impact your health, so it is important to step back sometimes and practice time management.
12/16/2016
On Tuesday and Friday, our class had work days. We finished our fliers and went over the floor plan. We also read two more chapters of Craig Lindvahl’s book. “Boomslam!” was an incredible story about how a high school band accomplished amazing feats. Their story taught me that nothing is too big to accomplish. If you put your mind to it, you really can do anything. The next chapter, “The Toolbox of Life”, discussed America’s education system. This chapter taught me that creativity is my best asset. Mr. Lindvahl used an example of the people who invented the smart phone. I discovered that creativity can change the world and impact a great deal of people.
On Monday, John Perles from Midland Institute visited our CEO class at Barcom. Mr. Perles had many valuable lessons to teach and got us entangled in a few activities that could relate back to the business world. I learned that all people are more capable than they realize. Sometimes we set limits for ourselves, and once we reach that limit we lose motivation to continue on to bigger things.
Mr. Perles also talked about Simon Sinek, a person who hosted TED talks. Mr. Sinek lectured about “the golden circle”, which is a series of three concentric circles. In each circle, there is a question. From the outermost circle to the innermost, the questions are: what, how, and why. Mr. Perles said that Mr. Sinek revealed that most businesses can answer the what and how, but they struggle with the why. Answering why is what makes your business unique. Knowing why you made your business the way it is clarifies your business goals and can make your business seem more grow further.
On Wednesday, our class met at Todd Badgley at MotoMart. Mr. Badgley has grown his business a lot and has many big plans for the future. Mr. Badgley taught me that competition can benefit both businesses. Competition can improve customer service and encourage owners to expand their business, growing more than they ever thought they could. I learned that teamwork and culture is what makes a business run smoothly. Mr. Badgley stressed the importance of communication and advised us to always look for ways to strengthen a team.
On Thursday, our class split into groups and went to different businesses to ask for permission to hang fliers. We also asked the businesses for sponsorships and silent auction donations. Although none of the businesses I went to answered right away, many of them were considering giving to our class. I love that I get opportunities to experience first hand what it is like to speak with the owners of a business. In speaking to the people about our class event, I also learned more about the owner’s business than I knew before.
12/09/2016
On Monday, Austin, Carson, and I visited Scottish Rites to negotiate a price for holding our class event, Around the Fountain: A Belleville CEO Experience. I learned a lot from first hand experience negotiating. We told a leader of the Scottish Rites about our event and all that we would offer to get a lower price. He was very kind and allowed us to take another look at the space. I learned that negotiating can be made easier if you come in with a solid plan and questions written down beforehand.
On Tuesday and Friday, our class met to work on our class project. Right now, we are focusing on gaining sponsorships. During the end of our class, we discussed some chapters in Craig Lindvahl’s book. Reading about his experiences has really impacted me and taught me valuable life lessons. I learned that life is not always a straight path to success. There are numerous detours that change your path and can lead to different outcomes. Sometimes these outcomes were not what you were planning for, but were what you were meant to do. Mr. Lindvahl includes inspiring stories about people he has met with a few details about how their detours led them to success in a way they had never imagined.
On Wednesday, Wendy Witte visited our class at Barcom. Ms. Witte taught me everything I know about charitable deductions. She discussed what our class could claim as a charitable deduction in our class business. I thought it was really cool that you can get money back from your taxes if you donate to charity. The St. Louis Community Foundation has an inspirational goal of donating to charity, and Ms. Witte shared a story about a donator, Lucille. The foundation used her money very responsibly, allowing it to go further to more charities.
On Thursday, our class met Mark Bartle, the owner of Barcom. Mr. Bartle’s background has led him to become the driven man he is today. He maintains the culture of his business by promoting a positive mental attitude. This is very important because a positive attitude improves your work ethic as well as the work ethic of others around you. Mr. Bartle cares a lot about his employees and customers. He answers phone calls from concerned clients personally and encourages his employees to get comfortable talking to customers on the phone. Communication is what can make or break a business. Mr. Bartle has done an excellent job growing his business and has great plans for Barcom in the future.
12/02/2016
This week of CEO was filled with workdays to try to get our CEO class business to its solid product. We have a lot planned for everyone so I personally hope it will be extravagant and opportunistic to see your ideas come to life.
The week started at the Governor's French Academy. Governor’s French is a small private school in Belleville Illinois when I first walked in I originally thought there's no way they have a school out of this small building. I walked into a room full of beautiful art and a gallery room it reminded me of going to the Peabody Opera House how when you walk in and you have all art in the front and then a beautiful chandelier to top it all off. Governors French is totally different from the public schools as the day starts everyone gathers in the stage room and says the pledge together and says announcements together which are really cool to me. One thing that I have noticed that makes governors French completely different from any other school is that you are in control of your progress you can advance grades at your own pace which really helps you actually learn and make sure you know what you're doing mostly in part that you are learning at your own pace. In many school you will have a teacher just go in front of the class and lecture you for 45 minutes then give you 4 sheets of homework and then not really care if you do it or not either way they are getting paid. That's not what Governors French is about as a matter of fact Governors French teachers payrolls are increased by each student’s success and care about their children I really liked my experience.
The next day we met with Rollie Thouvenot with Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen Inc. when we walked in were greeted by wonderful funny people who are probably one of the funniest business people I have met so far. We took a tour of the building and learned about what exactly they do which is kind of like graphic designing and engineering. When we walked into the snug room we all were happy to get doughnuts so happy the that it was the first thing we saw when I sat down I noticed a giant map behind me and saw how actually separated we are from different cities who I thought we were close to. Besides that we were introduced to this device that scanned the room we were in 360 3-D and it actually got all of us sitting there. It kind of looked like it was taking a picture and scanning us with lasers the whole time when we saw the final product of the power of the software that is capable of making a sale with measurements makes it 10 times easier to construct and design a certain building or object. When he began talking about expenses I thought of quote told to me a while ago I was told, "We can do things the cheap way, the simple way, for the short-term and without regard for the future.” Or, "we can make the extra effort, do the hard work, absorb the criticism and make decisions that will cause a better future." And that will always stick with me
Next week we will not have a CEO Journal due to thanksgiving break so I hope everyone reading this has a Happy Thanksgiving with your families and remember thing that you are thankful for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.
11/18/2016
On Monday, our class finished delegating committee heads. I am the chair of the floor plan committee. We also further discussed decorations and keynote speakers. I think we are doing a great job focusing on the class business. It is amazing how much work we can accomplish in just one day if we put our minds to it.
On Tuesday, our class went to Fletcher’s. I learned a lot from our speaker, Derek Betz. Mr. Betz discussed a variety of topics including: supply and demand, lean cost, and workers. Mr. Betz told us that if we want successful businesses, we have to go to a place where businesses are already thriving. He also said that we should not underestimate our cost. Businesses have variable cost and fixed cost, and we need to be prepared to cover both. He also suggested that we should find ways to make cost lower. I thought it was really cool that he did some of the work to build Fletcher’s expansion himself. I believe it was a very creative way to cut cost. Mr. Betz talked about “worker bees”. In CEO, we strive to become the leaders who help “guide” the worker bees. Mr. Betz explained that it is crucial to train employees properly as well as praising them when they do a good job. I think that this is an effective way to encourage employees to continue to strive for their best in the work environment.
On Wednesday, Cheryl Mitchell from Midland Institute. Mrs. Mitchell taught our class the history of the beginning of CEO. Mr. Lindvahl’s story is very inspiring. He started this class from nothing and now it is in multiple states across the country. This is similar to how we start our own business. I also learned that connections are crucial in starting a business. Hearing stories of paths people have taken to start their own business gives me more confidence to pursue my goal of starting my own business.
11/11/2016
On Monday, our class visited Rauckman Utilities Products. We saw one of Mr. Rauckman’s employees use a 3D scanner on Jaylen and Martin’s faces. It was really cool because I have never seen a 3D printer or scanner before. Rauckman Utilities Products has a lot of inventive and useful technology. They have taught me that it is important to make a product that is cheap to make with high quality products. It is also important to find creative and efficient ways to make products. I learned that my business should have a brand. Mr. Rauckman did a demonstration with grocery goods and showed how widely known brands are more popular. This is what I hope my business can become.
On Tuesday, our class met to discuss our class project. We decided on the Scottish Rite as our venue and on the date of February 7. We are currently working on the name of the event as well as choosing a speaker. Jack has created a budget for the event and projected estimated costs and profits. I think we did a lot on Tuesday and are working very efficiently with our limited time.
On Wednesday, Neal Eilers came to speak to our class. Mr. Eilers owns Super Bit Kicks, a business that makes customized shoes, shirts, and sweatshirts. Mr. Eilers taught me that I should invest in my business, but I should also be aware of how much I am investing. I learned that I need to keep track of finances and only invest what I know I can afford. I also discovered that if you mark products too cheap, it can make my brand appear cheap. I now know that business is finding a balance between marking products at the correct price, investing, and keeping track of revenue, cost, and profit.
On Thursday, our class continued to work on our class event. We decided on the name, Around The Fountain: A CEO Experience. I believe our class decides on topics more quickly when we say all our options and take a group vote. This gives everyone the opportunity to express their opinion. We also discussed different tiers for sponsors and what they would receive for each tier.
10/28/2016
On Monday, our class met at our new home base, Barcom. We had an extremely productive day. We decided to have tiers for sponsors to allow for a bigger market of businesses to participate. We also decided on the general set up of the event, and settled on chairs for new committees that were created. Our class is working together a lot better, and we are becoming increasingly efficient.
On Tuesday, Charles Fike visited us at Barcom. He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of owning a tax firm. He also explained that stereotypes about “being your own boss” are not at all true. He works 14-16 hours a day 7 days a week during tax season. He also said that he gets paid last because he has to pay bills and his employees first. Mr. Fike helped answer some questions about our class business, giving us great suggestions along the way. I learned that if I am going to start my own business, I need to put myself into it wholeheartedly. I have to do something I am passionate about and enjoy so that the hours I work do not seem so tedious.
On Wednesday, we listened to Hamilton Callsion talk about finances. He gave us several scenarios and told us which scenario is the best and why. I learned that it is important to get your business’s name out, but still maintain the maximum profit possible. Some businesses generate extra work for less profit. I discovered that extra profit is not always a good thing. It is important to do the least amount of work for the most profit possible.
On Thursday, we went to see our possible venues, the Shrine and the Scottish Rite Center. I learned that venue is all about location, cost, and space. We have to have a solid idea of how we are going to set up the event in order to be able to choose a venue. I think both options would be very good choices, and either would be a great space for our event.
On Friday, we went to CEO Empowerment Day at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. There, we heard Peter Maer talk about his path to his dream career. He also answered some of our questions, most relating to advice for starting careers. Mr. Maer taught me that I should not forsake the “mean time job”. Mr. Maer said that we never know what opportunities we can get from working experience. I also learned to always ask questions. If I am curious about something, I should expand my knowledge and ask whoever may know the answer.
10/21/2016
On Tuesday, our class met at Allsup to hear Brian Mentzer speak about his family businesses. Mr. Mentzer is a very smart business man. He creates ingenious ways to make money out of spending virtually nothing, like selling the Amish sheds for a 10% profit. He also looks ahead to the future in his finances. He invested in barges that will begin profiting around the time his children will be attending college. I believe these are very valuable qualities. I learned that I need to be concerned about the future of my business as well as be aware of how my business is doing presently. I also learned that creative thinking can make new ways to make profit with very little cost
On Wednesday, we went to the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Wendy Pfiel gave us an overview of what the chamber does. It was really interesting to learn that this committee organizes most of Belleville’s events and connects local businesses. Mrs. Pfiel said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” I think this is a great quote. It really summarizes the business world. She discussed how her job has changed over the years and how the chamber has grown. I think it is amazing that so many people work to advance Belleville and make it a better place. Mrs. Pfiel said that the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce works with 550 other businesses to benefit Belleville. The quote also applies to our class and personal businesses. I learned that when starting my own business, I need to expect the unexpected to become a more successful business. If I am prepared, I have a better chance of being successful.
On Thursday, we met Chris Oswald and Kurt Artiger at Peer 151. There I learned that environment is part of culture. This means that the place where you work affects how your business works. I also learned important social media statistics. Chris Oswald discussed how the internet is a monopoly. He said that even though in school we are taught that monopolies are bad, you want to be the owner of a monopoly in business because this limits your competition. Kurt Artinger also taught me that I have to be able to accept criticism and grow from it. He told us his business story and how he got rejected multiple times, but still succeeded. It was a very inspiring story.
Mr. Oswald stated, “Success is not the same as winning.” He said that if you forget those who you love, you will have no one to share your success with. I need to keep family and friends in mind and make time for them as I continue to grow my business. He also stressed the importance of faith. I think faith is crucial because if you do not have faith in yourself, others, or God, it will be very hard to try anything new.
On Friday, we continued working on our class business. We discussed colors for our t-shirts for badge sponsors, and then we worked on setting a date. We also planned a day to visit one of the potential venues we have chosen for our event.
10/14/2016
Monday, we took a class field trip to SLU to participate in a Trepstart event. The event focuses on young business owners who share their success stories with our class and CEO classes from other areas. We also got to listen to the founder of Build-a-Bear, Maxine Clark. I thought it was amazing how she started this huge business from scratch. I loved learning about how she got the idea for the business. I also thought the story of how the hearts were added was cool. Mrs. Clark discussed the importance of experiences. She founded Build-a-Bear so that customers could have a fun time creating their own stuffed animal. Mrs. Clark stated, “When customers have fun, they spend more money.” I think that when people are passionate about their business, customers will have a better experience and be more likely to return.
On Tuesday, Jo Ann DiMaggio May visited us at Allsup to discuss how to make a business plan. Before she came, I had no idea how to write a business plan. I learned that a business plan should be no more than 15 pages and should reflect on target customers, cash flow, marketing, costs, location, statistics, research and background, and give a reason why you have an edge over your competition. I asked Mrs. DiMaggio May about how to approach local businesses about selling my product. She was very helpful and suggested that I take a copy of my business plan with me along with a prototype to see what my product looks like. The prototype will get feedback from potential buyers and allow me to improve it. This is especially important for my business because it is something that has not been done yet in this area.
Thursday, our class met with more potential mentors. I like meeting new people in business because it gives me a chance to practice networking. I think business is all about having good connections with people. Meeting with mentors is a great opportunity for this, and I really appreciate all the mentors who took time to visit with us. I got more positive feedback on my product as well as several ideas for marketing my product.
10/07/2016
Monday, we elected CEOs, Tim and Stephen, and a CFO, Jack, for our class business. I think our idea for it is very original and creative. We are currently looking for places to hold the event. We set up a deadline to find out information on each place we thought of.
On Tuesday, we went to Auffenberg. It was really cool to learn about the business of cars because I do not know much about them. A lot of our time was spent answering questions, which I found to be very useful. It is amazing that Auffenberg is about to go into its fourth generation. I loved learning how Mr. Auffenberg focuses on providing great service. I learned that most of the business Auffenberg gets is from family or relatives of the first person recommended to go to Auffenberg. Mr. Auffenberg also discussed how important technology is in today’s business world. He says that the Internet can make business a lot cheaper and more available to people. I think knowing how to use technology to get your business name known is an efficient way to get more customers.
Wednesday, we worked on our class business. Stephen and Tim broke up the class into four committees to allow us to work faster. We decided that the most important thing to find first is the venue where we are going to hold the event. After we find the venue, we can focus on calculating costs and creating a budget. I am very excited to see the event take place. I think we are all working hard and doing a fantastic job.
Thursday, we got registered as SWIC students. Then we spend the rest of our time working on the class project. We discussed the art we think should be used for the class business and tried to find a definite date. We are still working out the details, but I think we are working effectively.
On Friday, we met a few of our mentors. It was really cool to talk to them more casually and see what they have done for businesses. I got to show some mentors my business idea and have grown in confidence because I received only positive feedback. I even got some very helpful tips to start off strong. I am really excited to be paired with my mentor.
09/30/2016
Monday, we continued working on our badge project and started planning our class business. We ordered our badges this week, and are working very well as a team. I think all of our ideas for the class business are great. There were a lot of very original ideas that all sound like they would be successful.
On Tuesday, we went to Kurrus Funeral Home. Mr. Kurrus explained that he loves his job because he gets to help people in their time of need. Mr. Kurrus hires positive employees to ensure that his job does not get overwhelming. I think a positive atmosphere in a workplace is important because it can make work enjoyable. Mr. Kurrus really takes into account family values and feelings. He takes caring for customers to the next level. I believe that customers are the most important part of starting a business. If you do not have customers, you do not have a successful business.
Wednesday, we visited Memorial Hospital. Mr. Turner taught me many valuable lessons. First, I learned that Memorial is constantly improving. Mr. Turner stated, “Memorial has a never-ending journey to improve.” I think this is a great quote because it demonstrates that business is all about working to improve. Mr. Turner advised us to find a network of people we respect to keep in contact with. This can help us form a group of people we can trust and ask for advice.
On Thursday, we took a trip to Union School. Mr. Menzer taught us about school finances. I thought it was interesting to learn how districts get money from the state. I also thought it was cool to discover how schools distribute the funds to efficiently pay for children’s education. I realize now that not only are schools individual businesses, but they are combined into one larger business.
On Friday, we had a shortened class period, but I think it might have been our most productive class at Allsup so far. We decided on our t-shirt colors, estimated prices, and decided on our class business. All we need to figure out is where to order the shirts, the design, and get sizes from our sponsors.
09/23/2016
I think our class is doing very well in raising money for our badge project so far. We already have some gold, silver, and bronze sponsors. We are definitely working better as a team, and I think we found a method to make decisions quicker. I think it was also a good idea to elect Austin as our project leader so that we have someone to split people up to do different jobs.
On Tuesday, we visited Michael Marchal at Holland Construction Services. I thought the tour was really cool. I loved seeing all the pictures of projects the business had done. It shows off all of their amazing accomplishments. Mr. Marchal gave a ton of great tips for starting a business. I learned that I not only should have core values for a business, but also a culture. I think incorporating a new culture into my business will make it stand out.
Mr. Marchal discussed leadership and included this quote by Jack Welch on one of his powerpoint slides, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” This quote impacted me a lot. It made me realize that to be a leader, you do not have to do everything yourself. Mr. Marchal stressed that he does not micromanage and lets people do their own jobs. He also said, “Let people fail, but not be failures.” I believe that this is a good form of leadership because it allows his employees to learn from mistakes they make. It allows them to grow individually, making the foundation of the business stronger.
Thursday we visited Mr. Dosier from Belleville District 201. Mr. Dosier talked about the importance of communication in the workplace and ways social media can be useful. I learned that social media can get your business name more well known. We looked in a few yearbooks from District 201’s high schools and saw different sponsor names. It was cool to see that many sponsors give money to each school every year. I think getting your business name out as sponsors is a great way to get a nice reputation for your business. I also learned that if I use social media to advertise my business, I need to be responsible. I need to regularly check to make sure my account is secure and keep it up to date.
On Friday, we visited Mr. Pesko from the Bank of Belleville. He taught me a lot about how banks are a business. I thought it was very interesting that some banks keep their checking accounts in other banks. I also learned that some businesses start checking accounts in banks to help keep track of their business’s income. Mr. Pesko also gave us tips on how to ask for a loan for your business. I know that these tips will help me in the future if I start a business that grows.
09/16/2016
Empire Comfort Systems was a really cool place to visit. It was incredible to see a real manufacturing factory in person. I have never seen that process before. It shows how efficient Empire Comfort Systems is. Mr. Bauer stressed the importance of core values and honesty in the workplace. I also believe this is crucial to have a successful business. I think it is important to be able to trust your employees and coworkers. He also discussed the importance of passion in what you do. This is a common theme I have heard so far in the business class, and I hope to start a business that I am passionate about.
I felt like our class got a lot accomplished on Wednesday. We decided on amounts for tiers, what each tier would receive, finished the brochures. We even got a few gold sponsors already! I felt like the voting method helped accomplish more in less time. I believe our class is already starting to work better together as a group.
I really enjoyed visiting Greenfeld. It was very informative, and I found out a lot. I learned that I should research possible licenses I would need if I decide to expand my business in the future. I also discovered that business laws are specific and change constantly. It was very interesting to learn that many successful CEOs are actually lawyers or attorneys.
Even though I attend Althoff, I thought it was really cool to learn more in depth of how the school was run. I knew we did a lot of fundraising, but I did not know that Mrs. Jeffers recruits students from different schools. I also underestimated how much the faculty does for Althoff. Mr. Crotty was especially interesting to listen to. His background in art and design is amazing. He taught me that I learn more from failing than succeeding. I have heard that I will fail many times, but Mr. Crotty explained that people learn a lot more from failing and can grow from the mistakes they make. This knowledge has made me less afraid to fail, because now I know that I will learn from my mistakes.
09/09/2016
Our class started off this week by continuing to work on our badges. We all discussed many great ideas, but I do not think we were organized enough. Alayna and Jaylen did a fantastic job of gathering information about the badges, but our class did not really decide on anything definite. I feel like we need to decide what we are going to do faster and write more ideas down on paper or take notes. We also need to figure out what amounts we are asking for per tier so that we can start asking sponsors.
On Tuesday, we went to Egyptian Stationers. I learned how a simple idea can have a complicated process behind it. I thought selling chairs and office supplies sounded like a simple job, but I was very wrong. I did not know that they custom design furniture for customers. This stuck out to me because it shows that they truly care about the customers. They go to a great length to make sure they give great service. They also taught me that it is helpful to have a partner or someone to help you when starting a business.
On our visit to Kaskaskia Engineering, I discovered the importance of working on people’s strengths. Ms. Boyer taught me that people work more efficient if they do what they love. I also learned that my business idea should be something I am passionate about and that I will need to work hard to be able to succeed. Ms. Boyer stressed the importance of hard work and gave an example of how it can make or break a business. I admire how she made her business unique, and I can really tell how hard she has worked to make it grow.
Mr. Hoering taught me that it is important to have a budget when starting a business. I knew it was a good idea to have a business plan, but I did not think about setting a budget. He also said that we should keep track of all of our expenses and income. I think this is a great idea, and it will help me be more organized when I start my business.
09/02/2016
In the first full week of CEO class, I learned a lot of important lessons. The team building activities on Monday brought our class together as one team and helped all of us understand good characteristics of a strong team. I discovered the importance of listening to everyone’s ideas. In a lot of activities, we listened to multiple ideas, followed one, and added other ideas to improve it. I realized that this is what makes a good business team, and it really prepared us for our first class project.
Second, I learned that it is okay to make mistakes. When I heard our first speaker for the class, Dave Zura, I did not know that business was all about learning from your mistakes. Mr. Zura taught me that behind every setback, there is great opportunity. This knowledge is going to help me greatly when I start my own business.
Mr. Zura also taught me about the importance of education and influence. He stated, “Leadership is about influence, not power.” He gave many other leadership tips, too. For example, he told us that it may be wise to start a new business with a partner. This way, you can lead a business with someone who you can share your ideas with.
When I started the class, I thought to begin a business, you had to have an original idea. Mr. Zura taught me that this is not the case. He buys and resells tickets in his free time and so do other people. It made me realize that I do not have to have a whole new idea for a business that was never done before. I can look at other businesses and build off their idea. I can also make my own business special by adding my own ideas and thoughts to it.
Thursday was the most impactful day for me this week. The experience of trying to solve a problem with a group of people who all have great ideas is not an easy task. It is even more difficult if you have no adult to tell you what to do or what is right and wrong. We had to learn to work with each other and find ways to decide between two solid ideas. I learned that it is best to gather information first and then sort out all of our options. I can tell that this class is going to get me very prepared for the business world.
08/26/2016