Thursday night was St. Thomas' 21st Annual Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony and there was an impressive collection of alumni and friends present to recognize the success of three local entrepreneurs. These success stories present lessons valuable for entrepreneurs to find success in their own ventures. Check out the videos about each honoree and a few quotes and thoughts from each from the awards ceremony.
Entrepreneur Alumna of the Year
Susan Johnson R.N. '85, '95 M.B.A. Founder and CEO, Magellan Medical Technology Consultants
"Being an entrepreneur isn't easy. Many times it is about getting up one more time when you've fallen down," Johnson said. "One of the most important things I learned when I was at St. Thomas was to surround myself with good people."
Family Business of the Year
Speaking of the strength of the family that has run his business, Jake Marvin, Chairman and CEO of The Marvin Companies, noted:
As I look back, I realize that much of what we all learned about business, we learned from our father at the dinner table. The values he taught us every day are the same values we strive to uphold in running our business. Our core purpose, the reason that the Marvin Companies exist at all, is to contribute to the long-term viability of the communities in which we live and operate. We do this by providing the opportunity for meaningful employment and by modeling responsible and ethical business practices which develop the talents of our people and which earn the trust of all stakeholders. This purpose guides every decision in our boardroom and it informs every action that we take as leaders. It is why we come to work each morning and it may be why we're being recognized here this evening.
John F. Cade Award
Gerald Schwalbach Chairman, Spensa Development Group, L.L.C.
Schwalbach noted the importance of guidance and support from his wife and family. He discussed his two entrepreneurial mentors: his father and Minnesota businessman Carl Pohlad. He accepted the award in recognition of them and all that they taught him.
