CEO Guest Speakers

• Amanda Guinn, Dual Credit Coordinator

One of the best ways to get knowledge is to talk with people who have already done or do what you want to learn about. This week we had the experience of talking to such people. I made sure I was able to get the best out of this opportunity that we had. This talk really helped me feel better about how my future would turn out. Many of the mentors did not have their minds made up on what they wanted to do when they were my age, which I relate to. One did not even attend college which really boosted my confidence. Also this was a great way to learn how to speak and act in a business environment. I practiced keeping an informative conversation while staying in a time frame and learned how to start and close conversations better. These are things which will be very beneficial for the social aspect of my career when I am older. I am looking forward to having another chance similar to this one. It will give me more experience for my business social skills and more ideas to look at for my future.

Cam Wicks
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Cam

On Monday our class met Amanda Guinn, and helped us enroll in SWIC for our dual credit. She was very helpful in the process and gave us her card if we have any questions.

Tuesday we watched a video discussing the chapter in Craig’s book, Personal Capital.   The chapter talks about how you can build your personal capital, it’s what people think of you based on your actions and how you react to things. It can either build or drain your capital based on how you act to certain situations, and how you treat others. This is important in the business word and gives people the option on if they would want to work with you or not by judging your character.

Wednesday was a class day and we had class discussions about ordering t-shirts and we also received our class badges! I am so happy for our class and I appreciate the sponsors we got and helped us get to this point.

We also did a class survey for the mentors we met last week. The survey was to see which was a good match for and who we liked and felt like we had a connection with them, the mentors also took the survey as well to help figure who would be a good match for each student.

Thursday we met with the rest of the potential mentors and just because it was more than first meeting we could not talk as long. I enjoyed meeting the mentors, I got a chance to meet most of the mentors and they gave really good advice for me. They also asked me what I was looking for in a mentor to see if we were a match or had certain things in common. I appreciate all the mentors that came on Thursday.

Dauneshia Holman
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Dauneshia

This week during CEO we had a lot of time to work on our class project and we also were able to talk to mentors about our class business and our personal businesses and get their input on it as well. Even though we were not able to come up with a set idea for our class business we were still able to get a lot of things done this week so much as we were able to elect our  CEO, COO, and CFO. For a class business this year we elected Nick Lippert and Ian Hass to be our co-CEOs, we elected Jimmy Monken as our CFO, and we elected Martrell Robinson as our COO. We were also able to come up with many different and great ideas for the class business such as host an event with live entertainment.

We also met with a lot of the mentors this week who are going to help us with our own personal businesses and I think those experiences that we had on Thursday with them will really help drive us in our class business and in our own personal businesses. One of the lessons I took away from meeting with some of the mentors on Thursday was that you have to get your connections now so you are able to use them later in life.

Jake Roche
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Jake

On Thursday, we had another meet and greet with possible mentors. It was exciting to express my ideas for my own business. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback, and everyone seems pretty intrigued by the concept. Mrs. Boyer got me some connections with people she knows, so I could try making my product. I really appreciate that, this really proves that this class is not a joke. When I first signed up, I kinda thought it was just like a mock startup class. But in reality, I have mentors and classmates who really want this to work. I really want my business to take off, I know that businesses don't take off overnight; but I really want everyone's business to kick off nicely. We are all in this together, we all want everyone to succeed. I can’t wait to see where we all end up in 10 years from now. Where everyone will live, and what everyone's been doing since the last time we all saw each other. I saw this quote the other day, that stated “ If things seem under control, you are just not going fast enough.” Mario Andretti quoted this, he’s a very world renowned race car driver. Even though it may more correlate with racing, I also believe it deals with life as well. In life, you're not supposed to be plush; there are many obstacles you have to overcome in order to pursue your dreams. I feel like when you're starting a business, it shouldn't be so easy. Same with personal things, life is something you can really control. You just have to buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Brett Rowe
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Brett

As we finished up week 7 of our CEO class, things are starting to really get on track and work more smoothly. We finally have indicted a CEO, COO, and CFO to help run, lead, and represent the class in their jobs ahead. At first, I did not think having a duel CEO position would work best especially considering this class is preparing us for the real world of business. However, having two CEO leaders like Nick and Ian, who are close, and with a big class that we have, I think this position could really work well if performed well and correct. I also have a very good feeling by nominating and electing Martrell as COO. I voted for him because I believe he has some great ideas and capabilities that I am hoping this COO position brings out of him. Along with that, we also touched up a little more on the ideas and concepts for our class business coming up this winter. Right now, I believe that the ideas we have come up with and shared will not ultimately reach our goal of $20,000. I believe that the entertainment idea is a step closer in the right direction, but we need to be smarter and think more outside the box as a class on what this project entitles us to strive for. As always, I do believe that the class is going great so far, and I look forward to being paired with a mentor and getting my business started.

John Lewis
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About John

This week at CEO we spent a lot of time discussing the class business. We know that it has to be something that will attract members of the community and be enjoyable for people of all ages. After making these points, we ruled out some of the previously suggested ideas. For example, some of the boys suggested we hold a basketball or golf tournament of some sort. I never thought was a really good idea because barely any girls would ever want to participate in this and not even all the guys were crazy about the idea, it just didn’t reach a big enough audience and didn’t have the potential to make the amount of money that we decided we wanted to raise. A point was also made that adults probably wouldn’t participate. This is the hardest part for the class about coming up with an idea was that it’s hard to think of something that we have to ability to put together and would also be fun for the people that we want to participate. The people that will be investing and attending are the people that will be giving us money, so we want to plan something that targets them, which will be adult community members. It was this point that led us to what I believe will be the foundation of our class business. We want to hold the event somewhere in Belleville, because we are Belleville CEO, and we want to provide dinner and some form of entertainment. We had a very good class discussion when thinking about possible venues and types of performers. A lot of people were throwing out ideas and making suggestions on how to improve certain ideas. There was a lot of constructive criticism as well and everyone was very respectful of all the ideas. I wish that we had been able to come up with an idea that was a little more original because right now it seems very similar to last year’s gala, but I think the plans are headed in the right direction.

Emilie Smyth
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Emilie

This week was not very eventful, in terms of traveling to other businesses, but I still managed to get a lot out of it. We finished our badge project and received our ID’s, and to me that was very surreal, as we are now seeing our work truly paying off. We also had three elections, for COO, CFO, and CEO. Going into the class, I did not imagine myself being CEO, or any other higher position, as I assumed there would be other students who the job would suit more efficiently. But, as the class improved, I noticed that I did as well, and I decided to run for CEO. Knowing Nick wanted it as well, we decided to team up, as he is a good friend of mine and we work together in sync. After our successful speeches, we received the CEO position. I am more than thrilled for the things I will learn while attaining this position.

Thursday, we had another mentor meeting, which I always enjoy. Meeting each mentor is always an excellent experience for me, as I realize that each person has knowledge and wisdom that I can learn from. I have already filled out my surveys, and I am more than thrilled to receive my mentor and learn from/work with them. I believe that a mentor can help our class beyond what most think, and I plan to take full advantage of it. Each week in this class continues to rise my excitement for what is to come.

Ian Hass
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Ian

The little lesson we had about capital gain stuck out to me this week because as beginners we have to build our reputations from scratch. During the meet and greet, Mr. Mentzer said we could not afford to burn bridges when we are just starting up. It’s a really good point because connections are very valuable and if we start losing the few we start out with we will not be able to go anywhere. Also, you should never put somebody else’s reputation on the line for the sake of yourself; it is not your personal capitol to spend.

The meet and greet went well again, I think. I liked that there were more people there this time because it was easier to join groups since they were not as big. There are a lot of people I would be excited to have as my mentor. There is a wide variety of personalities and businesses that the mentors bring to the table, and it makes getting to know them each interesting.

Elizabeth Harla
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Elizabeth

Step one is finished. We finally are done with our badge project and we can now show off our magnificent badges. We are moving forward now as one big class which is a great accomplishment for all of us. Mrs. Siebers said that it was time for us to find a CFO, COO, and a CEO. The thought of trying to be in one of these positions crossed my mind. But instantly faded away because I thought I would not have a shot for any of the positions. When I was in class at Belleville East, Mahlik said, you should try to run for one of the positions in our CEO class. I previously talked to him about how I wanted to interact more with our group. He told me this would be my best option to get more involved with our CEO class. I thought about what he said but I kind of was undecided. So that very night I began to think about what decision I was going to make and about if I wanted to try to run for one of the positions. I contemplated back and forth with my mind and I doubted my own self because I thought that nobody would vote for me to be one of those positions because I was very quiet in our CEO class and I knew they would want somebody who interacts with the class and talks more. So finally I came up with the decision that I was going to step out of my comfort zone and try to run for COO.I really thought all night about what I was going to say to my CEO class to get them to really trust that I can be the best person for this position. The next morning I was kind of nervous because I had to step up in front of the class and give a short speech. I also was nervous to see the people who also wanted the position I wanted. So after Mrs. Siebers got done calling out the position for CFO and CEO it was the time for the people who wanted to do the COO position. I hesitated when she said, does anybody want to run for the COO position, because after hearing Nick’s and Ian speeches I knew it was no way I was getting the COO position. Then Josie raised her hand and I was thinking I definitely cannot go now because I knew that all three of them would be perfect for COO. But something in my heart told me just to try to do it, and I literally prayed to God in my seat and then I raised my hand and I walked to the center of the room. I did not know what it was but I got so nervous I could barely talk. But something told me just to speak from my heart and I did. Then when they called out the name for who was the COO my name got called. I was so surprised and happy that I could not believe it, I thanked God. I learned two lessons that day that I would never doubt myself again, and I will always take advantage of my opportunities.

Martrell Robinson
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Martrell

I'm glad we are wrapping up the badge project, and feel very accomplished that we met the goal for it! Even though we are in early stages for the class business, I do feel somewhat uneasy about it. Unlike this badge project, which was very straightforward, this requires a larger earning, more creativity, and significantly more work. At first I was worried we'd never find an idea because we spent a lot of time writing whatever popped into our heads. Now, I feel a little more confident because we are starting to realize what we want to do, and are going through the details of it.

I thought the 2nd meet and greet went well. I met the majority of potential mentors, and was very optimistic about several of them. I feel I had good connections with enough of them so I will be happy with whoever I am paired up with. I noticed some of the topics of conversation are quote similar such as the mentors wishing they had a program like this in high school. They also express the importance of networking, which these types of events help us improve at, and the importance of having connections in certain industries to achieve success. All of these concepts will be key to remember as I develop my own business in this class, and hopefully for my career.

Jacob Gall
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Jacob

This week it felt as though we were in a whirlwind that just kept dropping us off at Allsup, as we were there every day for class. Monday, when we had SWIC signup day, we made a poor decision in not greeting the speaker who kindly explained everything to us. We were told at the start of this class no matter the person or level of importance, to always greet any guests or people we encountered with respect, and we failed to follow through with that.

The second day for mentor meetings had a much better turnout, with 20 mentors showing up to talk with us. It was a real struggle making your rounds and meeting everyone when the number of mentors nearly met the number of our classmates. Despite the difficulties, I think everyone found at least one person they felt a connection with. We all went into it thinking someone would have a job or business that closely aligned with what we wanted for our personal business, but that simply isn’t the case. Overall, this week was a quick one, but definitely one for the books.

Josie Proffitt
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About Josie

Week 7 of the Belleville CEO class, came to be very productive. We voted in chairmen, met with potential mentors, and worked further into our class business. October 5th was my first meet and greet with potential mentors, and it was also the largest one we had this year. Meet and greets, like the one we had, are something I find very useful, exciting, and fun. Conversations and knowing how to engage yourself to connect with an important business man or woman. I felt a real deep connection with a lot of the mentors, and I look forward to being given a mentor and learning from their expertise. I am also pretty happy with how we, as a class, voted for the CEO, COO, and CFO. I think Nick and Ian will do a great job leading this class and representing us well, along with Martrell as the COO. I think with Martrell being COO, it will really help him open up, and be more outgoing with his leadership and innovative thinking. Every week I get more and more excited to see how this Belleville CEO class grows.

James Monken
Friday, October 6, 2017Learn More About James

"Last year, I went into the CEO class to learn more about business; today, I continue to use the valuable hands on lessons I experienced every day in class.  Even though I am currently a physical therapy major at Saint Louis University, I still find the skills that CEO class taught me daily.  Time management was a key concept taught in CEO class, and it continues to be very useful for me in college. 

This year, I am getting involved in She’s the First and Alpha Phi Omega.  These clubs focus primarily on serving others and giving back to the community.  This is another valuable lesson that I learned from CEO class.  Becoming involved in your community gives you a chance to make an impact and form new connections.  I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Siebers, the Nicol Foundation, and the founders of the CEO class for giving me the opportunity to take a class that continues to impact my life.

Regarding my business, Turn the Page Art, it is closed right now.  I'm thinking about reopening in the summer though."

Shown with Sandy Amorado, Class of 2016

Kaitlynn Borik
- Class of 2017