CEO Business Visits

• Mr. Sal Akbani, President

CEO Guest Speakers

• Mr. Mike Riley, President
• Mr. Jason Eding, Director of IT

Starting my week of CEO off on Wednesday with a work day at PPM going over thank you letters, talked over missing checks, and worked on our own personal business plan. I really like how we were given time to start our personal business plan and time to go over it with the class. To be honest, I keep “putting off” starting my business plan but when I started to work on my executive summary which is basically describing my car detailing business I feel ten times more comfortable finishing the rest of it.

On Thursday our class met in O'Fallon at Gateway Classic Cars to speak with Sal Akbani. Gateway started in Imperial IL and now has 13 other locations. Mr. Akbani showed our class his revenue over the past years showing us how his business has grown into a multimillionaire company.  What I took away from listening to Mr. Akbani speak was the importance of believing in yourself. For example Mr. Akbani shared with us how he failed with two other businesses before succeeding with his current one. He told us how when he was in hard times nobody believed in him and told him to count his losses and quit, but he didn’t because he truly believed that he could revolutionize the industry and that’s exactly what he did. “Find your passion and use that as your business model.”

Ending my week on Friday with a visit from Jason Eding who is the Director of ITT at PPM. It wasn’t easy for Mr. Eding to become where he’s at now. He started off with telling us how he went to college for music but ended up dropping out of college 6 months before he was finished because he knew that’s now what he didn’t want to do with his life. Mr. Eding taught us on how to win an interview over. He gave us examples like keeping eye contact; ask a lot of questions and to dress for the occasion. He also told us to never talk about money or finances while in an interview because it is unprofessional.

Devin Alexander
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Devin

Another full and exciting week of CEO has come to a close. This week was full of visits from a wide variety of businesses.  We also got to work on our personal businesses this week.  We are starting to get into full swing with the businesses, and the end of the year trade show will be around the corner soon.  I have come to a problem. I was planning on creating an app, but I do not think that is an option with the short amount of time and limited money supply.  With that being said, I hope to gain the knowledge to be able to create an app someday.  I think that apps and technology will be everything in just a few years.

We met with Mike Riley from Physical Therapy Services, and he spoke to us about physical therapy and how there is a need for physical therapists.  He also spoke of how he wants a bill to be passed to make a PTs co-pay be lowered.  He believes that will draw more people in to PT because they won't be scared of the price tag.  This will cause less problems in people because they will get the help and exercises they need to receive a full recovery.

We went to Gateway Classic Cars on Thursday to visit a huge business that I did not know existed.  It is an extremely amazing facility and business, and is less that 5 minutes from my house.  They are the head quarters of the whole business which is located in 14 different markets. They are projected to do 75 million dollars in revenue this year.  It all started because of a love for cars. Sal, the founder, decided to take a risk like many entrepreneurs do.  He created a business on something he loves, automobiles.  He said that the company will take in 5,000 cars this year, and will sell 3,000.  Another crazy thing about this business is that people trust him and the business so much.  They will send 100,000 dollars without ever seeing the car. They just trust that it is what they asked for, and that it will end up at their door in a few weeks. That shows the importance of good reputation and word of mouth.

To close the week, we met with Jason Eding from PPM. He is the Director of IT at the St. Louis branch.  He shared a lot of information that was very helpful.  I especially liked his passion and excitement when talking to us. I really liked him.  I also liked his advice on life, schools, and interviews.  I liked how he went through what to do and what not to do in an interview.

Stephen Waltrip
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Stephen

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.

Epiphany Smith
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Epiphany

We began the week on Tuesday where we were able to hear a presentation from Mike Riley, who is the president at a Physical Therapy office.  He talked about many things, for example the difference between a generalist and a specialist.  As well as this he really stressed the importance of knowing your industry.  It was really cool to have him come in and speak to us because physical therapy just seems different than a lot of the businesses that we heard from.

But on Friday I felt a lot better and was able to go to PPM, where I got to view a presentation from Jason Eding.  Mr. Eding is the head of IT at PPM, and considering the amount of online privacy needed at PPM, I'd imagine that Mr. Eding really knows what he's doing there.  In his presentation he spoke a lot on the importance of education and how it is the most vital tool that we have access too.

Overall this was yet another exciting week for the Belleville CEO. Program, and I am very excited to begin our personal businesses and see what is in store for the weeks to come, as we conclude this final year of our high school careers

          

Cole Maul
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Cole

This week in CEO we got to meet with Mike Riley and Sal Akbani from Gateway Classic Cars.  The main lesson we learned this week is that your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.   Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.

 On Tuesday we met with Mike Riley. He is a 1975 graduate of SLU University; he serves as president of Physical Therapy Association and was member on the Belleville Commerce and Althoff Catholic High School board. After he graduated from Belleville East, he went straight to SWIC.   He started his company while getting an education. His company rehabilitates for all St Elizabeth's Hospital.   Even though he has not seen a patient in 8 years, he services about 25 nursing homes as his company started in Illinois. Now they are in Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Texas. He knew a lot of people in the business and  it's important to network.  He encouraged us to read The 4 Disciplines of Execution. Every other month in his son’s doctorate program, they read a book and discuss it.   Wildly important goal (WIG), it is important to do. He also told us it is very important to be an engaged employee.  An engaged employee is someone that enjoys what they do. Concluding, he will be president of the Illinois State Physical Therapy Association soon, and he has a website called indeed.com.

 On Thursday we met at Gateway Classic Cars where we met Sal Akbani. Sal’s story was very intriguing to me because he was originally from Pakistan and migrated to Chicago to start his own business. Most of his businesses failed at first and then he decided that he wanted to go into selling classic cars. Many people said that he could not do it because the industry just is not there but one thing Sal told us was, nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. Sal really shows me that the American dream is real.  Anyone can be successful here no matter who you are.   If you have the drive and compassion, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

 My week in CEO was cut short due to me failing ill on Friday so I hope that the meeting with Jason Eding went well. As CEO slowly comes to a close with weeks until graduation we are all reminded of the memories that we have built and the ones that we will continue to build.

Jaylen Davis
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Jaylen

A deep dark struggle, business is not always peachy and the bottom is lonely. To be successful, one must work up through the ranks and break through adversity. This week we met with three different business people and all of them had worked their ways up to the success they’re experiencing today. Building an empire takes consistency, bravery, and a strong worth ethic. Mike Riley and Sal Akbani are both candidates of those who have grown their businesses country wide.

In order to succeed one has to experience some sort of adversity. Sal owned and operated two different businesses before jumping into the classic car scene. His story is truly inspiring how he survived the worldwide crisis of 911 and came out of the recession booming.” If you are  passionate about what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life.” Since Sal has been open post 911, his business has prospered and grown to 14 showrooms nationwide! While touring the St. Louis showroom, it was obvious that cars are not the only source of income for Gateway Classic cars. While their showroom is impressive, they also have a space that they rent out for events and what have you. Like most businessmen Sal is taking advantages of all opportunities to make money. I like how he said that people are going to doubt you and tell you that your business won’t work because it’s a new impractical idea. I am a believer in Gateway and am definitely looking forward to the growth of their brand.

Austin Thurman
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Austin

It feels relaxing to have the stress and weight of our class business off our shoulders and be able to switch gears and focus on our own individual personal businesses. It seems as if we had been working on the class business for so long that it was the main primary focus of the class. Now we must reopen our eyes to be able to produce our own innovations.

Tuesday, we had Mr. Mike Riley join our class and tell us about the field of physical therapy. He saw a lack in the industry and decided to start his own place of business. His business has been around is 1980. They give patients what they really need, ensuring that they did not have to have repeat visits for re-injuring themselves.

Thursday we visited Gateway Classic Cars who's CEO is Mr. Sal Akbani. He started the company in 1998 but didn't start operations till February of 1999. They had no idea what they were doing at first. They are now stationed across throughout the US, mostly the Eastern half, supplying cars to thousands of customers. Sal Akbani was a teenager who emigrated from Pakistan to Chicago with his family in the 70s. He became a licensed pilot and airplane mechanic at Parks College in Cahokia. Mr. Akbani gave us two major takeaways for us to keep in mind while we go throughout our lives from now on. Find what you're passionate about and get into business about it. Learn to be alive even when you're at the bottom. Using these two great pieces of advice will do nothing but help us be successful in the future.

On Friday we had Mr. Jason Eding, Director of IT at PPM join us. Right off the bat Mr. Eding gave us a huge list of advice for us to keep in mind. One piece was that we must choose between should you do what you love or do what's practical to make a decent living. This is big because most people don't do what they love to ensure that they make enough money to support their families. Internet is the number one most important thing we use today in most industries, so learn how to use it to stay afloat in today's society. Experience is just knowledge after you connect the dots. Have an aptitude to learn new things It's been shown that many technological people are no longer the kind that sit around in basements doing business’s dirty work, but now they are the ones who go out and see people face to face to truly troubleshoot people’s problems with software/hardware and not only help them, but teach them so the same problem doesn’t happen twice. Mr. Eding was also kind enough to give us a list of interviewing skills to have: Make your resume different from everyone else’s.   Research company first. Make a list of questions (Company specific/Canned questions).   Prepared resume (with clear objectives) tailor it to the specific position.   Cover letter (Short, but say something specific about the company you are interviewing with).   Use a legit email address.   Make eye contact.   Sound articulate.   Dress for the occasion.   Ask lots of questions.   Never talk about money or benefits.   Act as though you really want the job.

Royce Payne
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Royce

On Tuesday Mike Riley came to PPM and talked to us about his physical therapy services. He owns a physical therapy company. He is also very involved in his community. Everyone keeps telling us how it is very important to know people and have your own “circle”. 

On Wednesday, we worked on our personal business plan and finished the rest of the thank you notes. I have changed my business again. Now I want to do a babysitting, dog sitting, and house sitting business. I am thinking the name will be something around Bear’s Sitting, instead of Bear’s Babysitting. For the last two summers I have worked a summer camp counselor at Vetta and also work at an after school program.

On Thursday, we went to Gateway Classic Cars and it is awesome. There is so much money Sal put into that company when people thought it was just going to fail. In the last 5 years this business has skyrocketed. There are 15 stores up and running and the planning for more and to keep growing. I would have never thought that business would make so much money. Although people usually do spend a lot of money on cars. When he started this business he had nothing and had no idea what he was doing. This would be his third business he started, the other two failed. He talked on how all businesses go through an up and down period and you have to make it through the down period where most businesses failed and the ones that make it out are the ones that end up growing and are booming. They even have their own airplane to travel to different stores around the U.S.

Claire Randle
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Claire

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.

Kaitlynn Borik
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Kaitlynn

This week in CEO was a really cool week. I was able to get more done on my personal business. I finally got a name for it too. It’s called Rowden Design Co.   I’m still working out a logo but it’s still in progress… But I was able to set an idea for my booth for the Belleville CEO Trade Show. I’m personally a big fan of decorating so I’m excited for it.

It was really cool this week that we got to go to Gateway Classic Cars. We got a tour and let me tell you it an awesome set up. The cars in there are amazing.   I was even able to find my dad's car in there. My dad has a 25 year old red Corvette. Never in my life, I haven’t seen anything like it until I went to Gateway. It was really interesting talking to the owner, Sal Akbani. He talked to us about how much work he put into his business starting out and how the economy affects his business.   It was quite inspiring to hear him talk about his life and business.

Later on we got to hear from Jason Eding. It was fascinating talking with him because most of the people we talk to always talks about their business. He talked about how he hires people. He went into detail about what he looks for when hiring people. I personally never really thought about how important a good application is.    

Kelly Rowden
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Kelly

This week for CEO we met with Sal Akbani and Jason Eding. Sal owns and operates Gateway Classic Cars. He gave us a tour and a great presentation on his business. Jason Eding is the head of the IT Department at Precision Practice Management. Unfortunately I was sick during Mike Riley’s presentation but my classmates shared their notes with me and told me what a great presentation I missed.

We started our visit to Gateway Classic Cars with a tour of their show room and facilities. It was unbelievable to see all of the exotic, classic, and just plain crazy cars they had on their floor. We also saw their gift shop, event spacing, and conference room. We then sat down and talked about how Sal started the business. One thing I found interesting about Sal’s story was that he had previously had two other businesses fail before starting Gateway Classic Cars. He told us that despite this he decided to finally follow his passion. Sal loved engines, whether they are in cars or planes. Everyone told Sal not to start a car trading company, but Sal was passionate and knew he would do everything to make sure his business was successful. Sal told us he came very close to not making it in his business. He said he definitely hit rock bottom, and a lot of businesses do. However, if you endure and work to make it back up, your business will be successful.

We also met with Jason Eding, the IT head at Precision Practice Management. Jason had a great story to tell us about how he got to where he was. One thing that he really stressed to the class was the importance of an education. He said an education is one of the greatest weapons anyone can have. He also taught us about interviewing and how to improve our own interviews. He took time to prepare us for an interview and teach us a few of his tricks! It was a great presentation that really impacted me.

Tim Donaho
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Tim

This week was the first regular week after having the class event. We had a Michael Riley, Sal Akbani, and Jason Eding speak to us.

First we had Mr. Riley speak with us. He taught us that we should set a WIG (a wildly important goal) that can be obtained within three to six months. If you do this, then chances are the goal will be obtained. He also expressed to us that we should not be afraid to walk up to somebody and introduce yourself. The more connections you have the better off you will be later on down the road.

Our next speaker was Sal Akbani, the owner of Gateway Classic Cars. He had a lot of insightful information that he learned through owning a restaurant, clothing factory and now a classic car sales business. Some of the things he mentioned are that:

A stagnant business is a shrinking business - you are either growing or shrinking
Find your passion and use that as a business model - follow your passion
It is never going to start out in a great environment
Do what you think is right for you not for everyone else
You will doubt yourself but you will have to find a way to make it
You have to survive he rock bottom
Need to be in “survival mode” as if you fell out of a boat
Being an entrepreneur is really tough but is extremely rewarding
Always sell yourself first then you business then your product
Avoid selling because of lower price
Make friends with your clients

 Our final person was Mr. Jason Eding from Precision Practice Management. His first point was that it is all about the experience.   Make a plan and stick to it but enjoy the ride. After that he went on to talk a lot about interviews when applying for a job - which was really helpful.

1. Research the company
2. Make a list of questions
3. Prepare a resume (specific to the company)
4. Make a cover letter
5. Use a legitimate email address

1. Make eye contact
2. Sound articulate
3. Don’t be monotone
4. Dress for the occasion
5. Ask a LOT of questions
6. Never talk about money or benefits
7. Act as though you really want the job

Over all the week was really informative and insightful.

Carson Gamboe
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Carson

Week 25 of CEO was very fun and interesting! We did not have class on Monday so we had a shortened week. We took one class visit, one work day, and hosted two guest speakers.

The work day was used as a day to start working on our business plans a little bit and also finish up writing thank you emails and cards. It’s very important to express our gratitude to the people that helped us so much. Whenever we personally thank someone for whatever they did for us, it leaves them with a lasting good impression on the whole class and CEO program. I know whenever I do something nice for someone, even as simple as holding a door, when I don’t get a thank you I feel unappreciated and almost disrespected. I’m glad we’re taking time to appreciate our supporters. In terms of the business plan I’m kind of overwhelmed with it. It seems really difficult and there’s a lot of information you have to know about your business to write it. It probably seems so hard because I haven’t done much research, so I’m sure I’ll be fine, especially with the help of professionals like JoAnn DiMaggio-May.

The class visit was to Gateway Classic Cars with Sal Akbani. That visit was probably one of my favorites so far, seeing all of the cars and how his business works was really cool. It’s also interesting to see how he has made use of all the extra space he has in the O'Fallon location. They have a gift shop, a mini movie theatre, and two separate places for things like conventions, luncheons, meetings, and anything you would need a lot of space for. It’s a good reminder to be diverse within your business. Their main business is buying and selling antique cars but he has other aspects to his business to attract other customers. Sal’s story was also very unique and inspiring. He immigrated to America and decided to be and entrepreneur. He had opened a restaurant that failed miserably and discouraged him very much. He believes this did not work out because he wasn’t passionate about cooking, he emphasized finding our passion and turning that into our business somehow because if you’re not passionate about your business it will definitely fail. He also said throughout his entrepreneurial journey he has been called crazy many times. He went as far as to tell us that we should be called crazy because that means you are being creative and risky which are two things you have to be to be successful entrepreneurially.

Michael Lassman
Friday, February 24, 2017Learn More About Michael