All too often we think of an entrepreneur as someone with an idea seeking to make it big. That, by its very definition, would suggest a newcomer who is still striving for success. The Business Department of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) begs to differ, however.
The college recognized four local businesses that have been around for a very long time at its half-day “Your BIG Idea Entrepreneur ” seminar in August. During the event, which featured "Shark Tank" icon and fashion business magnate Daymond John, the Department honored the businesses for their long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship in the community.
"We wanted to raise awareness of entrepreneurship by recognizing local entrepreneurs who have 'made it,' who have been in business more than 30 years and who started here, remain here and have given back to the community by hiring local people, contributing to the local economy and participating in community service," said seminar organizer Dylan Olson.
Honored at the seminar were Best Oil Company/Mike McKinney; B&B Market/John and Kim Lind; Reliable Insurance Agency/Steve and Rod Micke and Val Wojtesiak; and Gordy's Hi-Hat/Dan Lundquist. Each was presented with an engraved plaque thanking them for their ongoing contributions to increasing the quality of life in the local communities.
Some 350 people registered to attend the seminar, which included a talk by former FDLTCC student Don Liimatainen, now a speaker, local entrepreneur and author, in addition to the awards recognizing entrepreneurial excellence.
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“We really appreciate what all of them have done for the community,” said Olson.
