CEO Business Visits

• Nick Bauer, President (Investor)
• Josh McDermott, Owner (Investor)

This week and the one previously was filled with visits and tours, along with our talent show. Last week we met with James Farmer of Men’s warehouse, along with an associate, and Bob Bunch of Bunch of Biz.

With James Farmer, we discussed the importance of “dressing for success” and went over the do’s and don’ts of dressing professionally. Other than discussing our apparel, we talked about how to make a good first impression, what to out in a resume, and what you should do before and during an interview.

Bob Bunch went over the importance of networking with other business people.  He went over things such as exactly knowing how to network, who to network with, and staying on top of your own mind.

Before our visit with Nick Bauer of Empire Stove Company, I didn’t even know that there was a company that specialized in making fireplaces, nonetheless that there was one that had been around for so long. Anyway, we learned many things ranging from their core values of leading with love and customer commitment to their key principles of listening to the voice of the customer and visually managing.

This week, we finally had the chance to visit Josh Mcdermott, my mentor. That day was actually the first time I saw his workplace, though we have already had multiple meetings with one another. Something unique about this visit was when he told us about his four core focus areas for success: body, being, balance, and business. Doing a little bit of exercising a day and paying attention to what you eat and fuel your body with positively affects the body area. In regards to “being”, meditation allows for you to have peace of mind and increases focus. To become successful, a balance between relationships with your family, friends, siblings, and yourself must be kept. Obviously, if you’re trying to become successful in business, focusing on it and learning all you can about it is important. Though my mentor and I have discussed what his business and what he does before, this visit allowed me to understand it a bit more since I got to see it first hand.
           

Kaleb Leatherman
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Kaleb

This week when Bob Bunch visited us he emphasized the importance of networking. He was not the first nor will he be the last to inform us of its value, but he shared a very cool story. He was meeting up with someone new, but his network grew tenfold from that one meeting. One thing that stuck out to me from his story was how it ended up being a very successful and beneficial meeting because people were not timid or afraid to introduce themselves. If it had been me, I most likely would not have interrupted some strangers conversation because I would have felt out of place. His story reminds me that I need to get out of my shell in order to be successful. I may be able to be successful on my own, but it could save a lot of time by involving others to help me out. Teamwork is a very good component to have in a business, and it requires others ideas to produce something great.

Another point he brought up that caught my attention was that it is important to continuously be top of mind for customers. Adds are great because a lot of people can see them, but they lose their touch after a while and become ignored. More personalized marketing techniques usually have a higher efficiency rate. Calls and cards can remind a customer that they are more than just an average money source for you.

I also learned a lot from visiting JT McDermott’s remodeling business. Something that stuck out to me was that it is important to pay attention to what a customer does not want. That goes for employees as well because they will not want to work for someone who, for instance, will not do the tasks they are assigning. He also touched on the 4 core focus areas for success, which interested me a lot. Body, being, balance, and business are all very important factors that need to be managed properly in order to live well. I think balance is the most important because if someone is only good at one thing then they are lacking in many other areas, but on the other hand, if someone is spread too thin then they cannot devote enough time and effort to the things that are most important. Personally, I want to improve in these areas because I want to make sure I am reaching my top potential.

Elizabeth Harla
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Elizabeth

During the week of preparation for Belleville’s got Talent, we met with people such as Bob Bunch, and employees from Men’s Wearhouse. Bob was very important to the group because he helped give us hope for our event, and got us excited to finally get to show the community what we had been working on for months. He was super inspirational and his business of helping others grow their own was truly inspiring. I’ve always found it interesting when people are good motivators for others, and that is exactly what Bob Bunch was for us, as he is for many others. People like Bob have always been a topic of interest for me, because I want to be more like them ultimately. We need more positive people in the world who will help positively impact others as well as their communities. The best part about Bob’s visit was that he told us the story of how he got to meet with our class, which was by getting connected through a friend who knew Mrs. Siebers. That really just showed that the communication concepts we’ve been learning about all year really do work and make an impact.

The people from Men’s Wearhouse were super nice and extremely helpful in showing us what we could potentially wear for future job interviews, as well as other formal events. My favorite part about their visit was showing us ways we could set ourselves apart without standing out in a negative way. I think it’s important to be an individual while still following simple guidelines, and they showed us how to do exactly that.

As for Belleville’s got Talent, it went so well I think all of us were surprised. It was amazing to see something we had been collectively working on as a class finally come together, and I think everyone who attended truly did enjoy their time with us. I feel like we set the bar high for future classes, and had an overall great turnout to the event. It’s scary yet exciting that that would be our last time working on something together as a class, and moving forward with our personal businesses is something I’m super excited for. It will definitely be interesting seeing what everyone ends up doing for their own business after seeing the success we had at Belleville’s got Talent.

Josie Proffitt
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Josie

“Dress for Success”, my CEO class and I talked with Josh Farmer and Treana Kerney from Men’s Wearhouse. They talked to us about certain stuff we should wear to interviews and stuff we should not wear to interviews. Mr. Farmer said that a well-tailored outfit and shoes shows that you are serious and detailed oriented. I personally love wearing formal clothes because it makes me generally good and it makes you seem more approachable by people. Mr. Farmer also talked about the different lengths a shirt and a suit jacket should be. They also said that in an interview you should bring a notepad, pen, resume, and a prepared list of questions. I actually used everything that they talked about, that we should use in interview and I think I got hired at the job I applied for. It was very useful tips that they gave to us that not only helped me but surely helped the rest of my CEO class.

“Curiosity will make you millions.” Bob Bunch said these very bright words. I really thought about what he meant about the statement that he made. I came up with a meaning that curiosity is what drives you to become better in life. If you always stay curious with certain things that you want to find out then you will never stop trying. That is what our world is made up upon is curiosity. If humans were not curious we would not know all of the things that we know right now. Because people were curious about things that’s why we discovered the stuff that has been discovered today. Mr. Bunch said; as you go through business do not go through it alone. He is saying that you always need to have relationships with people in business so try to gain enough relationships with people, so that you will be a well-rounded person.  Bob Bunch spoke of his own life of how just because he formed a relationship with one person that it lead to forming a relationships with another person. Bob Bunch is a kind of person who helps and wants to see other people succeed. Because he has YouTube channels where he talks about different business steps you can take to become successful as well.

Martrell Robinson
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Martrell

This last week of CEO was a little hectic with it being the week after our big event. All in all, I believe we all felt good after the long busy weekend. As the CFO, my week kept getting busier and busier with collecting money, getting bank statements, calculating the final costs and donations, writing checks, etc. It was a lot of work but I’m glad we got it done and accomplished our goals, together, as a class.

We visited businesses like McDermott and Empire, that bases their companies on core values such as community love, people first, remembering where you came from, and respecting all. These values are what drove these businesses to be who they are and how successful they become. They are not huge corporate businesses, but there is something special that makes these companies who they are. They are reliable, and customers are loyal and love companies like these because of the values they hold true to.

Empire was one of the coolest places to visit this last week. They showed us how they were formed, how they stuck true to their beliefs, and how they grew into something that meant more to them than just a business. They have two locations with more than 8 buildings. They have grown into Canada over the past year, and showed us what hard work looks like and where it got them. One of the coolest things, I thought, was how they showed us how to overcome troublesome times and move on to become something better.

Community based businesses, such as these, are the businesses we need to be looking and learning from as we try to become successful entrepreneurs in this business world. Core values the dedication, the love; the kindness, etc. are what sets these businesses apart from the rest.

James Monken
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About James

Last week was a very eventful week because the class was getting ready for Belleville’s Got Talent. We had three speakers, two class days, and that Friday we all met at the Scottish Rite.

Monday we had Josh Farmer and Treanna Kerney from Men’s Warehouse to tell us about how to properly dress for interviews and business settings. They also talked about what is good to highlight in a resume for example, teamwork, awards, or any volunteer work. Social Media is a big importance as well as how you dress when looking for a job or in any business setting, You want to leave a good impression of yourself on the internet. …

Thursday we met Bob Bunch with Bunch on Biz. He gave us valuable information about networking and trying to get your business out there faster and different ways you can do that.

Friday the class went to the Scottish Rite and started setting up. Decorations had a hard time because we didn’t have all the supplies we needed, I think this occurred because we didn’t realize that two bags of marbles for each table was not going to be enough to hold the flowers up. Also the stem idea did not go as planned either because not all of the stems stayed on the leaves. But eventually thanks to Tristen and the rest of the class for the help they’ve done we were able to get the work done. The event was beautiful and was a success!  …

Wednesday we went to JT McDermott Remodeling and met Josh McDermott. He is the second generation of this family business that started in the early 80s. He told us about the business and showed us some of the work they have done, we were also given a tour and we got a chance to look at some of their options for designs in the kitchen, or bathroom. He told us about the core four focus areas for success which are, body, balance, business, and being. I enjoyed the visit and while I was there I was looking at some designs that I would want in my future home. …

Dauneshia Holman
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Dauneshia

This week was the first week after the event, and I can already feel the weight lifted from everyone’s shoulders. Starting back, Empire, who showed us a factory style to business that we had yet to experience , and McDermott, who did not focus on his business as a remodeler, but how to thrive as an individual.

Empire was something that I don’t think any of us have truly viewed before. A business that’s been around for ages, but still maintains an efficient work ethic. I personally do not see myself ending up in the machinery/factory field, but the visit was beneficial in terms of seeing areas that I had yet to see.

McDermott was a visit that was not like most, but definitely memorable. He spoke of his top four major keys to success. Body, Balance, Being, and Business. He went into depth on each one, and hearing life lessons from a younger but very successful CEO always sticks with me most.

We also finished the week off by figuring out our profit from the event. Despite the worry, we managed to sweep in 12 grand. I was hoping we’d at least reach 10, and we easily passed that.

Ian Hass
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Ian

The Men's Warehouse presentation was a very informative talk we all needed to hear. I knew the basics of interview etiquette and attire, but didn't know it ran as specifically as it did. I also liked how I learned there are even differences on behavior and clothing choice between the first and second interviews .

I really enjoyed Bob Bunch's talk. I always heard about the importance of networking, but he really stressed it more than anyone we've had speak to us. The way he goes about it, especially how he did in the example he gave us, clearly exhibits why he is so successful as spreading the word about his business. I feel like following his process is one of, if not the best ways to attract a multitude of customers.

Nick Bauer's presentation at Empire Comfort Systems was cool. I liked how he went behind his company's history, and how their products varied as times changed. I also liked how he explained why and how his company handles their production rate, which is more difficult than the average business because their sales are largely seasonal.

I liked listening to Josh McDermott. I liked how we listened to yet another multigenerational business in the same week. He was another that stressed the importance of managing everything else in life just as well as work/business. I also liked how he shared his feelings with us regarding his ability to take over his dad's business, and why he made the moves he did in his career.

I'm so excited that we are moving on to our individual businesses. When I heard about this class in the past, this was the main thing I was really interested about. However, I'm still not completely sure what approach I'd like to take for the trade show. Nevertheless, I know I'm going to enjoy this part of the class very much.

Jacob Gall
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About Jacob

This week in Belleville CEO was our biggest week yet. Everything finally came together (and even down to the last minute) with our big event, Belleville’s Got Talent. Within the mix of a couple visitors for our class, it was a very busy week made up of important class days and workdays.

As you probably know by now, we had our class business of Belleville’s Got Talent this past Saturday, February 10, at the Scottish Rite. We had a fantastic turnout for the event, and received very good reviews about everything that occurred. Artitorium, the business that will be open online soon, actually had a better outcome than we seemed to expect. Aside from complaints about prices being too high, and misinformation on what the silent auction would consist of, it went really well. Many of the student’s art pieces sold, and provided just another nice addition during the BGT event.

This whole event has been my favorite part of CEO thus far. Our class really came together as a group, and I really enjoyed the whole experience of it. If you recall, I earlier mentioned that we did some things did come down to the last minute. In this case, the decoration committee came short of their goals for the event, but I was really proud of how the rest of the class came together and made up for their mistakes. Ian and Nick showed some really good authority when things fell through in this case.

To conclude, it was a great week for CEO, and every student should be proud of what they did to make the event go well. The people who attended the event gave us some very good reviews which only gave us even more pride in what we do, and couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Hopefully this event won’t be forgotten by the people who attended and, who knows, maybe it can carry on for years to come!

John Lewis
Friday, February 16, 2018Learn More About John