“Relationships are everything in life and in business. To flourish, relationships require total integrity and the utmost respect.”
Legend Spotlight: Dian Graves Stai
Director Spotlight: Michael Gorton
“I am addicted to finding ways to change the world. To do so requires a great team that holds similar perspectives.”
Alumni Spotlight: Tyson Weihs
“If you have fanatical customers, a culture and team that loves working there, and can deliver an exceptional experience, you will be successful.”
Alumni Spotlight: Barton Cromeens
“Be a dreamer but find a way to temper it with doing. Put that first foot out there and begin making your reality. The path won’t be what you might have meticulously mapped out. The destination may even change.
But you moved. You built something. You learned.”
TBHF Spotlight: Nabaco
“Right now, approximately 45% of the food produced in the world never makes it to people to eat. Our solution, the NatuWrap® product, can have a huge impact on that. There are not many opportunities in your life to not only build a company with economic impact, but also the ability to impact world hunger and climate change.”
Alumni Spotlight: Sonia Kirkpatrick
“Excellence in business is knowing that I am making a difference every single day. Within our industry and considering the clientele we serve each day; excellence comes down to helping these families and providing them with quality care and resources.”
Director Spotlight: Jim W. Collins
Jim Collins: “I believe the key to success lies in your work ethic. It’s important that work ethic includes family values and consistent follow up. This involves devoting the time, energy, and focus to reach a goal or successful conclusion. The goals, tasks, and efforts must be continually evaluated, updated and reevaluated as we go through life changes.”
Legend Spotlight: Jeff Sandefer
How do you define “excellence” in business? Jeff Sandefer: “Find a deep customer need that makes the world a better place; deliver on your promises and have some cash left over in the end.”
Alumni Spotlight: Mohammad Elashi
“Excellence is putting others in front of you in an effort to grow the business and ensure success of the company for everyone’s benefit. So often we want instant gratification, and it can be tempting to cut corners. But that won’t build a sustainable business. Customer service and customer loyalty are often a measure of excellence, so I believe you start with your employees. If you treat your employees with loyalty and dedication, they will be your biggest and most passionate advocates. That treatment and behavior gets passed down to the customer, creating a positive experience for everyone.”