Belleville CEO Trade Show Sneak Peek!

Hello, my name is Cassandra Amorado. I am the CEO of Cassandra's Creations. Are any of you going into college or have been college? Well, I am a senior in high school at Althoff Catholic. I have been on countless college tours and overnights. One issue I have noticed is the communal shower floors. They are not very clean at all. So, where do you put your things? On the floor? Um, no thank you. Don't you fret, I have designed a new and improved shower caddy: The Infinity Caddy. The Infinity Caddy includes a strap and three different inserts. The caddy will be able to hang on the shower head and be more portable and accessible. Infinite Possibilities. Infinitely Clean. The Infinity Caddy. To learned more about the Infinity Caddy, you can contact me at cassandracreations1@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter to receive updates on it @infinitycaddy!

Sandy Amorado, CEO

Sips n Splatters

David and Chris Brandt, owners
Sips and Splatters – Friends of CEO

On Tuesday the class went to Sips and Splatters in downtown Belleville. While there we all got to listen to Cris and David Brandt about how they turned an idea into a reality. They told us about how every part of their business has systems that they follow in order to keep everything in order. One of the main lessons they taught us was, "Whatever you want to do, you can't be the one to do it everyday and all the time". The students loved being able to see this fun place and can't wait to go to one of their parties!

Written by Heather Gosebrink

Mr. David Miller

President and CEO
WA Schickedanz Agency, Inc. – Investor

On Wednesday, Mr. David Miller dropped in from the W Schickedanz Agency, Inc. He truly is an example of how you should never allow anyone to tell you that you will not be successful based on how you perform in school. Throughout his presentation, he touched on several key elements and milestones that got him to where he is today. He was a very warm presence and we enjoyed his presentation.

Written by Melony Allen

Belleville CEO Trade Show Sneak Peek!

It has been said that the great aim of education is not knowledge but action. I never underestimated the influential power teachers have on students. But what I have learned is that teachers aren't always giving a good influence out to their students. But I have designed a tool to fix this: with the One-ON-One Interactive Desk, students can now give their teachers instant feedback! It's important to create a connection between student and teacher to prepare both for success in the classroom. To bring about action, you have to start it yourself!

Malik Marks-McRath
CEO of One-ON-One

Just a Reminder!

Our door is always open. Entrepreneurs, visitors, guests, and friends are welcome and highly encouraged to join us. Drop in and share your story with our students or participate in our class discussions. Check out the schedule on the website.

If you are interested in hosting our students for an educational visit about your business operations or would like to speak to the class and share your story, please email the facilitator, Julie Siebers, at jsiebers@bths201.org or call or text her at 618.719.3177.

Journal Tidbits

Being a participant in Belleville CEO, I have learned so many lessons about business and life.  I feel like I reiterate this statement every single week.  It is the truth.  The people we have visited and came to us I have been greatly impacted by their stories and what they had to teach us.  One aspect that really stands out is resilience.  "Resilient people immediately look at the problem and say "What's the solution to that?  What is this trying to teach me?""  I feel like each and every one of our guest speakers has had issues while trying to achieve their dreams and success. 

Last week, we had the chance to experience what it is really like to venture out into the business world.  We had our Elevator Pitch Competition and Banker Day.  Also, we visited Associated Bank.  The Elevator Pitch Competition was actually quite nerve-wracking, yet I felt prepared for this event.  Banker Day, on the other hand, was a terrifying experience.  I did not really have any financials, but I learned a lot from these bankers and will use the methods in my business.  At Associated Bank, we had the chance to listen to Phil Hickman and Amy Kempfer.  I learned that a bank really helps shape a community and strives on relationships.  The banks want to help us and not destroy our lives.  Associated Bank with Phil Hickman and Amy Kempfer was wonderful.

This week we had the opportunity to visit Sips 'n' Splatter and have David Miller from W.A. Schickedanz come and talk to us.  At Sips 'n' Splatter, David and Kris Brandt taught us a lot about business and life.  I had an idea of what their business was, but was quite surprise by it.  Sips 'n' Splatter is a great concept and works really well.  The Brandts stayed true to themselves and have paved a path for them.  They have really thought things through and have a clear idea what to do next.  David has been through a lot, but got back on his feet.  I really admire that and everything they stand for, to be honest.  David Miller from W.A. Schickedanz came and talked to the program about his business, but mostly about life.  He was always told no by people.  Miller was put down by his counselors in high school.  He proved them wrong, though.  He worked hard and believed in himself.  Miller used his strengths of being a people person and strived on his success.  I learned quite a lot this week about resilience, which I will use in my business and future endeavors.

As the weeks are drawing closer to the trade show and the end of year, I am becoming more anxious.  I am excited, yet terrified.  I feel like I am prepared, but on the hand I am not.  I still have a lot of worked to do.  I know I will be okay.  I need to stay calm and let everything fall into place.  So, I cannot wait for what the upcoming weeks have in store for all of us.

Written by Sandy Amorado

Over the last two weeks, the CEO class has been very busy. These past two weeks we did things I never thought I could do, and met people who have the most influential businesses I’ve ever known.

The CEO class was introduced to an event called Banker Day. As several faces of the banks from Edwardsville and Belleville showed up the Peer 151, we got the chance to see what it was like to ask for a loan for our businesses. I can say that some of the bankers were really nice and gave great advice, and others treated me how they normally would with any potential business owner. I respected both aspects of the bankers I met with. They also helped me visualize what amounts of money I would have to ask for to really comfortable with creating my product the way I want it to be. Furthermore, one banker suggested that I really do more research on what it is that makes my product marketable. He said, the concept is there, but I would have a hard time convincing as banker why he or she should invest in my business. It’s easy to market to a school why my product is for them, but a banker must have some assurance that I’d be able to pay that loan back. I definitely felt that I wasn’t prepared for everything thrown my way. There were questions I’d never thought about that any potential business owner should know, like margins, and other necessary terms that a banker needs to hear in my presentation.

Our elevator pitch day was so rewarding! I must say that I was extremely nervous to give my idea a gamble and present it to 3 judges. I’d practiced the weekend before the competition to really make sure that I was ready to go that day, and it all worked out in the end. I was confident in my approach and eager to give my passion a voice that the judges could appreciate. I seemed very much so like a shark tank episode, minus the fierce sharks. All of the judges asked great questions that I could answer easily and made me feel really comfortable.

At associated bank, I had a great time. The best part of that day was learning more about the different products that banks could offer me for my business. The time spent there was very beneficial for our class, I felt, because we had so many questions to ask that I hadn’t seen since the beginning of the year. I was intrigued about the packet we were given that outlined a good way to start up a business, which included things we had already done, like giving an elevator pitch. The terms he used we had learned weeks before, so it was easy to follow what he was saying.

At Sips n Splatters you can come in for a night of fun painting n wine sipping. The background story behind this business is what really interested me. The owners are passionate about painting and offering women (mainly) and men to enjoy themselves to relieve stress or just to have a fun night out. In a world that says art is a dying art form. At SNS, the owners would beg to differ. I enjoyed how they had gone through what every other business owner has been through, only they have made their business something bigger. Soon they will be making it into a franchise, which I think is really cool and really shows what the power of art can do for an individual. I was really inspired.

Dave Miller was such a cool guy. He is a man that is really determined to do what others doubt he can’t do. From his childhood story when his counselor said he shouldn’t go to college (and he did) to being the CEO of his current business is so powerful. Mainly he spoke about being responsible and pursuing our goals with intelligence, it was just the way he spoke with passion is what really caught my eye.

Written by Malik Marks-McRath

Last week was pretty intense. It felt like we were actually business people. I don't think I have been so stressed about something because your elevator pitch and business financials can make or break you. When I did my elevator pitch I messed up so bad and it was really frustrating because I practiced so hard the night before. I tried to go from my script too much and I probably should have just made bullet points. One thing I was really surprised about was that it was easier to talk in front of the older people instead of the class.

The next day with the bankers was kind of intimidating. When I got there they all were just standing there but when we sat down and talked to them it wasn't as bad as I thought. I remember when they asked what my business was about, it felt like I was giving my elevator pitch and I did it perfect for the bankers. Oh well you win some you lose some but I can't give up just from one goof up.

 I really like going to banks because even though I don't plan on running or owning a bank, banks teach me so many things I wouldn't know unless I took this class. And Jessica was on a roll with those questions. She was asking the question I wouldn't even thought of. I wouldn't mind going to more banks because I feel like I learn more and more every time a bank talks to us.

Oh my gosh Sips n Splatters was so cool. His background story was really motivational. He was all the way at the bottom and didn't give up. Anything is possible; you just have to be willing to put in the work and not give up.  That's so amazing that they're becoming a franchise. I would've never thought that just a small little Belleville business could be so big. That made me so hopeful for when I create a business.

Dave Miller was a very emotional guy and was telling us some good things. Of course like everybody else tells us, the first thing he told us was to take an accounting class. I don't mind math so I hope I will like accounting since everybody keeps talking about it, it's going to be in my life no matter what. 

Written by Emma Gregowicz

These past two weeks were beneficial and very interesting. I'm glad our two short weeks weren't during the middle of planning for our gala! I'm glad we had a day to just sit and work on business though. 

The elevator pitch was nerve wrecking! I'm not sure if it's because there was money on the line or because I don't like speaking in front of people. The waiting to find out who won is driving me crazy! I'm interested to hear the explanation tomorrow about who won and why they won. But I'm sure we all did great with our pitches. I’m also super excited for David who moved on to the SWIC competition!

Banker day was worthwhile. It was cool getting to talk to the bankers and get their feedback on our financials and how we could improve. I was shocked when you told me that Mr. Pesko thought I had my stuff together because I sure didn't feel that way! But I guess that goes to show how you can look confident on the outside and actually be terrified on the inside. If I had to do that in real life I'm not sure I would've been able to do it without practicing like we did.

The people at Associated Bank talked about some interesting things. I like how the really emphasized have that personal relationship with their clients. I think that's such a valuable thing to have in any aspect of your life especially doing business. Which is kind of contradictory of don't take it personal, it's just business. But I do believe there's always some personal parts that go into a business.

Sips and Splatters was fun to visit. Hearing their story about all the time and work that was put in was inspiring. I like hearing stories like that where people started from nothing and became super successful. Back in my hometown I've done something similar but we just got a blank canvas and it was cheaper. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to pay $40 for one night out. That's awesome that they're going to franchise their business though. You get money without having to do that much work in the long run. I'm a little bummed that we couldn't see the templates though.

Written by Aliyah Gillespie

The past two weeks have been filled with fun speakers and work on my personal business. The elevator pitch contest went well and it was good to get it over with. We get to find out tomorrow, so that’s exciting.

 I liked going to Associated Bank and listening to Phil Hickman and Amy Kempfer because they taught us about many things the other banks did not. They told us to look for a relationship with your bank when choosing one.  

This past Tuesday I really enjoyed going to Sips and Splatters. Chris and David were very inspirational to listen to about their businesses and how they took an idea and made it into a reality. Chris said that her work did not feel like work and that is something I hope to achieve one day with my career path. My monogram business I started up is fun and I like doing it. Work is a lot easier when you want to do it. They said, “We work 80 hours a week so we don’t have to work 40.” This was interesting because in order to do something you like you have to work a lot more. They also said that no matter what you want to do you can’t be the only one to do it every day and all day. They use systems for each different aspect of their jobs. This way people can buy the systems and franchise their own. It was interesting to hear their next plan with franchising and starting the online business. I am interested to know how it will turn out.

I launched my business last Saturday and in my first week of opening I had $205 in sales. I met with both my mentors, one before I opened and one this past Thursday. They had great things to help and tell me regarding financials and everything else. Many people think I am doing a great thing opening my own business and it is fun so far. I am getting more comfortable using the machine and figuring out more efficient ways of doing different parts. I am excited to get more orders and make more monograms in the next few weeks!

Written by Heather Gosebrink

Two weeks ago we had banker day and went to associated bank. During banker day the banker and I talked about my baker as well as my financials. Banker day was not good because I did not have my finances together. When I make all of my products to put in my catalog I am also going to write down how much it cost to make everything. After I do that I will put it in my budget and then have everything updated.

Then last Wednesday we visited Associated Bank to hear from Ms. Amy Kempfe and Mr. Phillip Hickman. In their presentation they talked about building a relationship with a bank, the primary principles of networking, and the overall objective of their bank. It is important to have a relationship with the bank you bank with. One should not see their bank as just a bank but as friend or financial advisor. We also learned about the “Ten Primary Principles of Networking” which are the elevator pitch, being different, helping others, personal integrity, relevant targeting plans and aims, following up, being positive, sustained focused effort, and life balance. If one is to have all these criteria, they will be perfect at networking. The very last thing Mr. Hickman talked about is the objective of their bank which is to make you a happy long term customer, and in order to do this they first ask what the customer needs. Then they see what they can do for them by showing them all the options that are available or by changing policy. Overall the visit to Associated Bank was a great learning experience for the CEO class.

Last week we visited Sips n Splatters, and heard from David Miller the CEO and President of Schickedanz Agency. At Sips n Splatters I thought it was very cool how they are franchising because we have not really talked much about franchising. I also really enjoyed the concept of their business. For instance, how people have painting parties.

Dave Miller attended Belleville West High School and went college at St. Louis University. The main point in Mr. Miller presentation was to believe in yourself. His counselor suggested that he take shop classes instead of focusing on the academics side. But he believed in himself and went to college to major in finance despite his counselor’s recommendation to go into a trade. Now he has worked his way up to the top of his company.

Written by Montez Douglas

Banker Day began the week on a heavy note. We’ve been preparing our financials as a class for few weeks. It’s an amazing opportunity to actually get to sit down and talk to bankers as if we were to actually get a loan. The bankers gave plenty of feedback that provided a reality check for our businesses. I was given lots of advice on how to actually get money to pay for the expenses that come with running a non for profit. I do recommend that next year there be more time with the bankers because a meeting such as that one is very important.

The next day the class visited the Associated Bank in Fairview Heights. This location is the largest in the area. I actually am with this bank so I enjoyed hearing the bankers discuss it more. They are right when they say that when they say that their bank is based on relationships. Every time I sit down for an appointment or consultation, they are very personable and make me feel as if I am a priority. I always appreciate talking to a banker because I always learn something new.

On Tuesday the following week, we visited Sips and Splatters. This was such a fun environment to be in. David and Chris are the owners and are such an amazing couple with a very interesting story. David started at the very bottom. He’s had so many failed businesses, was homeless, got divorced and lost custody of his two kids. His life began to turn around when he got married to Chris and they began doing art parties in their loft. Today, the own Sips and Splatters which is in 4 different locations when they only opened about 6 years ago. They enjoy the freedom of being entrepreneurs. They worked so hard to get where they are and can afford to put systems in place. This was a very important point in their presentation. The two are focused on expanding and improving their business. They put systems in place to help them while they help improve the business. Putting systems in place means to hire and train other people to do what you used to do full time. When an entrepreneur starts off, they work long hours. This is not realistic for the future of a business. People must be hired to keep things going. I am very much of a do-it-yourself type of person so I definitely need to keep this in mind so I do not get burned out in the future.

David Miller visited the class on Wednesday. He was such a warm presence. He instantly makes you feel comfortable in his presentation. He is the president the WA Schickedanz Agency. He gave lots of great advice and told many interesting stories about working at that agency. In high school, he was told by his high school counselor that he was not going to amount to anything. He had a 2.7 GPA and 20-22 on his ACT. He was accepted to SLU and even made it on the dean’s list. He proved that he could do it no matter what anyone said. He gave lots of great advice but one of my favorite points was about how he takes responsibility for all of his actions and that “it is no one’s responsibility for you to do good” he said. When looking for people to blame for your failure, you should always look right in the mirror and blame yourself but also try to improve your mistakes.

We are getting closer to the trade show and I get more excited by the day. I am also looking for to who the winners for the elevator pitches are tomorrow.

Written by Melony Allen

CEO these last two weeks have had lots of visits and two of our biggest events of not just the semester, but the whole year. To begin, the elevator pitch competition, even though my pitch was strong it did not meet the time limit which upset me a bit. Although, my biggest strength compared to anybody in the class was, I had an actual physical product there for the judges to see and hold. Proving that my product was not only feasible but able to be made very efficiently and quickly. Also, I do not know how many other classmates had their price points, but that was also a very strong part of my pitch.

…Next was the visit to Associated Bank which was honestly very interesting because I knew white collar crime was common in banks but I didn’t know they had full departments dedicated to stopping it. I thought they would just be able to spot fake checks or fraud and tell the police.

…Thursday, was a great work day even though Mr. Tantillo did not show up it was a very constructive day as I got my business cards and banner finished, The thing I look forward to most now is if I placed in the elevator pitch, which has been LONG awaited from Mr. McKeehan.

Written by David Rauckman