Nuggets of Wisdom from the 2006 Aggie 100
We asked the Aggie 100 honorees about the one piece of advice they would share with aspiring entrepreneurs. Their answers covered the waterfront, yet there were many common themes. Read on. The nuggets of wisdom from the Class of ’06 are bound to make you think.
“ Treat everyone you meet as if they were the CEO of your largest client..”
John Hawkins ’88, Alliance Data Corporation
“ Anyone can have buildings equipment and inventory but it is the people within the organization that make the difference.” Barry Hendler ’71, American Lumber
“An entrepreneur makes the decision to create something from nothing. The road is lined with many obstacles and success requires tenacity, faith, courage, creativity and charisma..”
Michael G. Scheurich ’92, Arch-Con Corporation
“Staying status quo makes no sense to me. If you’re not dreaming of growing the business you should look for another job.”
Warren Barhorst 88, Barhorst Insurance Group
“Take the passion, work ethic, technical expertise, loyalty and integrity that Texas A&M gives you and apply it to every facet of your entrepreneurial endeavor.”
Jerry Deitchle '73, BJ's Restaurants Inc.
“Work hard but also have fun. The key to growing a successful business is hiring good people and then keeping them motivated on achieving the mission. The best way to overcome work related stress and uncertainty is by creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. This open culture is hard to accomplish but fun to be a part of when it happens”
Philip Frink '80, Blade Energy Partners
“Take care of your employees and customers and they will take care of you and your company.”
J David R. Bell '04, Blue Magic Inc.
“In the beginning there were times that seemed overwhelming but if you take one day at a time and work hard success will follow.”
Sherry F. Barker '82, C.E.Barker LTD.
“You begin your entrepreneurial career with your dreams in full bloom and your integrity intact. Be sure that you finish your career with your dreams realized and your integrity still intact. ”
Daniel L. Ritz Jr. '84, CapNet Securities Corporation
“You'll never find a traffic jam on the extra mile.”
K. Stefan Capps '82, Capsher Technology Inc.
“Always strive to be the best you can be and always keep learning long after you have finished your formal education. Stay humble, remember where you came from and give back to those in need.”
Steven R. Burris '90, Capstone Commercial Real Estate Group Inc.
“Do not be afraid to take risks and, when doing so, remember it is of utmost importance to know the quality and integrity of the people with whom you're conducting business. By adhering to this principle and, with much patience and hard work, you will greatly increase your probability of long term success.”
Danny J. Bowers Jr. '82 , Cardan Enterprises Inc.
“If you can't find your dream job it is probably waiting for you to create it.”
Terrell Miller '99, Cattlesoft Inc.
“Talk less listen more be honest and never be afraid to express your heartfelt opinion ”
Robert L. Urban '76, CCC Group Inc.
“With honesty and hard work, what seems impossible can be achieved”
Eduardo Pantin '67, Cementaciones Petroleras Venezolanas S.A. (CPVEN)
“An ancient Chinese proverb: Get knocked down 7 times stand up 8”
Matt Bowman '93, CES Environmental Services Inc.
“Leadership, intelligent thinking, long hours and endurance are the building blocks for a successful business. Be willing to step up and make something happen.”
Mark A. Fischer '72, Chaparral Energy Inc.
“Create your own opportunity and make honesty and integrity the foundation for all that you do.”
Thomas K. Edwards '88, CIMA ENERGY LTD.
“I have found that most people want for you to be successful and they will really try to help you.”
Robert J. Sproule '76, Class 1 Controls
“Don't take "no" for an answer."
Albert W. Clay '65, Clay Development & Construction Inc.
“Explore all options to find the type business you really enjoy and can be proud of. Work hard, work smart, and be a positive influence in people's lives.”
Gary R. Jordan '70, Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School Inc.
“There are two practices which have contributed to our long term success, solid reputation and peace of mind: First, seek out mentors - find those who have succeeded and do what they do (and avoid what they avoid!) Second, devote your efforts to doing the RIGHT thing the FIRST time to avoid potential problems down the road. ”
H. Michael Coyle Jr. '82, Coyle Engineering Inc.
“Luck is where opportunity and preparedness meet.”
Dan Rooney Ph.D. '92, Earth Information Technologies Corp.
“Never waiver on your principals. Even when you feel discouraged don't give up and always do the right thing.”
Cade Burks '83, EC Power Inc
“If you have the passion and vision for a product or service, leave no stone unturned in attempting to achieve your goals.”
Darrell Ward '73, EInstruction Corp.
“Think like a man of action and act like a man of faith.”
Todd D. Wintters '94, Engineering Concepts & Design LP
“Do something remarkable, aim high and create a fast-paced, fun environment. Hire really good people and trust them to do their jobs. Reward the high achievers and find those rewards early on.”
William A. Coskey P.E. '75, ENGlobal Corporation
“It's not about what you can do or how hard you work. Seek God's direction for your business and your life, then you will be successful in the things that really matter. ”
Lloyd B. Andrew III CIH CSP '82, EnvirOSH Services Inc.
“Always remember that people matter most. By passionately serving your clients (as well as your own staff) you can accomplish amazing and rewarding things.”
Monty G. Myers '86, Eureka Software Solutions Inc.
"Pursue your goals and make your dreams reality! Work hard but do it the right way....never compromise your integrity or your honor."
Wm. Keith Przybyla ’86, FiberOptic Bulbs Incorporated
“Business is the art of timing, knowing when to move faster, move slower or just stay still.”
Creed L. Ford III ’75, Fired Up Inc.
“Perseverance is critical. Keep trying until you succeed. It's inevitable that there will be setbacks and failures. Learn from them and drive on. Maintain your momentum so you can power through the problem to the next opportunity.”
Andy Townend ’88, Flexible Lifeline Systems
“Get face time with your customers. If you forget the customer nothing much else matters.”
Gina Bellinger ’89, Food Safety Net Services
“For entrepreneurs to be successful they have to hire, train and promote employees who behave as entrepreneurs themselves. Our company is not run from the "top down", but from the "bottom up". It makes no difference whether the company is a small private firm or a large public company.”
H. Craig Clark ’79, Forest Oil Corporation
“It's one thing to be in business but it's completely different from staying in business. Work hard and take care of your employees because your success will depend on them too.”
Damon Diamantaras ’92, GoDish.com Ltd.LLP
“Attitude and determination will take you a long way down the path to your goal.”
Thomas P. Richards ’55, Grey Wolf Inc.
"Keep your word. If you say that you will meet a deadline, meet it. If you tell employees that you will provide a great place to work provide it. As Henry Ford said, "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." Follow through on your word."
Rachel R. Hayden ’89, Hayden Consultants Inc.
“Don't be discouraged when event's don't happen as fast as you would like, continue taking steps, however small, to progress and when you look back to see how things have developed, you will be surprised at how much has been accomplished.”
David Inman ’82, HILL COUNTRY ELECTRIC SUPPLY LP
“Creativity is a skill needed for every career path - whether it is creating a solution to a business challenge or developing a new product. Allow yourself to receive new ideas.”
Christine M. Hollinden, PhD ’87, Hollinden | professional services marketing
“Spearhead a culture that encourages creative idea generation, embraces teamwork and promotes critical thinking. If you don't have passion and off-the-chart enthusiasm for your "dream" then it will not become a reality. Write your goals down.”
Robert M. Borsh Jr. 2003, House of Forgings Inc.
“Strive to be the best in your profession and don't be afraid to take calculated risks. Make money for your investors and you will make money. Wealth comes from ownership of assets.”
Dudley J. Hughes ’51, HughesOil Inc.
“Seek out mentors that have already been where you want to go. Find out how they got there, what it cost them and what they would have done differently along the way. Learning from other’s mistakes keeps you from paying the price for your own.”
Kody Shed ’95, InHouse Systems Inc.
“My advice to those who would be successful entrepreneurs comes from two areas that are of great importance in my life – my Christian faith and Texas A&M. In the Corps at A&M I learned that, to be a good leader, you first have to learn how to follow. From my faith I have learned that, if you want to be successful in life, you must serve the needs of those around you. So if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, learn how to be a good follower so you can be a good leader and when you are leading, be a good servant.”
Jerry Easterly '73, INSYTE Information Corp
“Follow the Aggie Creed, fight for what is right, and follow your dreams.”
Scott Moscrip ’93, Internet Truckstop
“Discover your core competency. Focus yourself and your organization on that competency. Always take care of your people and they will take care of you.”
James M Benham 2001, JB Knowledge Technologies Inc.
“Set goals, be persistent and maintain your honor and integrity in all you do.”
Jason Falk ’92, JCF BRIDGE & CONCRETE INC.
“1. Pursue business ventures in which you have lots of experience and you enjoy. 2. Plan to work lots of hours until the business is established - no TV, no social life (other than family), just work.”
Shan Jenkins ’88, Jenkins Custom Homes
“Make a Difference" in everything you do.”
Larry D. Teverbaugh ’76, K2Share
“Plan your venture extensively and conduct significant market research. Fully commit to the opportunity, diligently execute against the plan, hire outstanding people and aggressively delegate responsibility to those people.”
Travis M. Parigi ’94, LiquidFrameworks
“In the business world, integrity and a good reputation are the most important assets that any company can possess.”
Calvin T. Ladner P.E. ’80, LJA Engineering & Surveying Inc.
“To achieve your goals you must persistently execute with passion...and you must remember that those who achieve great things are not any smarter or more capable than others. They have simply decided to make use of what's available to them.”
Marcus J. Lockard ’72, Lockard & White Inc.
“Put your beliefs and your family ahead of your business because, without them, the success of your business just isn't worth it. It's important to persevere in striving for your goals, some things come quickly, some do not. After 5 years of effort, we are now officially the Apple Educational Reseller for Texas A&M University! WHOOP!”
Carolyn Harwell Turk ’84, MacResource Computers & Service
“Follow your passion; true success follows true passion. Your word matters and your action must be congruent with your word. Always provide products or services that people truly need, anything less is more about your needs than theirs.”
Gordon Ivan Townsend ’81, Margarita Naturalmente S.A. de C.V.
“Do not let your education hold you back. Do what you love to do.”
Damon W. Holditch ’65, Marquee Tent Productions
“Make sure your expenses don't exceed your income.”
Marvin P. Tate II ’75, Marvin Tate Communications
“Ultimately, we are all a product of the choices we make. Work hard, stay focused, and see the Big Picture.”
John M. McNair ’76, McNair Custom Homes L.P.
“Don't let "conventional wisdom" limit your options. Many success stories are the result of people doing what they're not supposed to be able to do”
Edelmiro Muniz '67, MEI Technologies Inc.
“Pursue the talents that make you the individual God created you to be. Passion is a great fuel but Wisdom is the suspension you can operate without. Balance your weaknesses with other persons' strengths and build your team.”
Tyler W. Merrick ’00, Merrick Pet Care
“Growth consumes Cash !”
Michael J Havel ’76, Metro Custom Plastics
“There is no business model worth promoting if you don't have the right people to go with it.”
Philip T. Miner III ’80, Miner Fleet Management Group
“Passion, determination, drive and tolerance are vital to success for any entrepreneur. These characteristics are paramount to any business plan or waiting for the perfect environment with which to start your business.”
Ben Collinsworth
’99, Native Land Design, LLC
“Governor Coke has it right!”
Robert Waggoner ’76, Nodus Inc., LLC
“Your company's character is its most important asset. Never promise what you cannot deliver and always deliver what you promise.”
Gary Gonzalez ’80, Paloma Energy Consultants LP
“Aggies are a rare breed. We have learned that when we move with determination toward a common goal that success will usually follow. If the goal is also our passion, happiness will be our companion and success is guaranteed.”
Michael R. Wilkinson ’86, Paragon Innovations
“Set goals, create a mission statement, develop a business plan and find a good mentor to help you along the path. Be willing to admit that you don’t know everything and never be afraid to seek out the answer. Persevere, pray often, always maintain your integrity, seize your opportunities and enjoy your successes.”
Kimberly Smart Willmott ’86, Pentecom
“Vision, credibility, passion and 110% follow through are the fundamentals of success in building a business....a good sense of humor will make the journey more enjoyable....a good team is essential if you want to grow your business beyond your personal limitations. ”
Laine Perry ’72, Perry Equipment Corporation
“Stay focused. It is easy to stray but, a dedication to a more narrow business plan or concept leverages the knowledge and contacts gained.”
Grant Swartzwelder ’85, PetroGrowth Advisors
“Build a culture based on integrity, excellent service and LOA (a Lack of Arrogance) and you will find success.”
Michael Sullivan ’91, Quest Business Solutions
“Start investing early and strive to work for yourself. Protect and maintain your credit.”
Todd Routh ’86, River Place Golf Group L.P.
“Invest early in income producing properties for the long term. Protect and maintain good credit to help with financing investments.”
Todd Routh ’86, Routh Development Group
“The traditions you learn regarding what it means to be an Aggie in terms of honor, commitment, work ethic and loyalty will serve you well in the business world.”
C. John Scheef III '81, Scheef & Stone LLP
“Set a clear vision. Hire good people based on integrity, attitude and intelligence. Train the heck out of them. Let them run.”
Ed Schipul ’90, Schipul - The Web Marketing Company
“Provide quality work on all projects -- no matter what the size. Small projects can lead to big projects.”
Gerald H. Schwarz ’82, Schwarz Hanson Architects, LLC
“Get to know yourself well before you start your own business. The best way to do that is through experience. Get to know a lot about other people, too. Then associate yourself with the best and never stop learning.”
Ed H. Moerbe ’61, Stanton Chase Dallas Inc.
“Always strive to learn as much as possible about your industry and the company where you are employed. Above all else, maintain your personal and business credibility and use your knowledge to become the go-to-person within your organization.”
Charles Ansley ’67, Symon Communications Inc
“To increase your company's sales, one must understand and demonstrate the value of their product/service instead of just stating a price!”
Kimberly D. Lawrence ’82, Tape Solutions Inc
“Stay focused and committed to your passion. Sharpen your communication skills and remember "you never listen yourself out of a job."”
Enrique A. Tessada ’66, Tessada & Associates Inc
“Don't let the "fear of the unknown" bog you down when you're starting out. If you believe in your basic business idea focus your time and energy on that - and get some expert advice for everything else.”
Matt Fox ’97, The CAD Group
“Have a passion for what you do. Build strong caring relationships with your Clients, if you don't, someone else will. Hire the best employees and take care of them, if you don't, someone else will. Always try to do the right thing. ”
Dale K. Clarke ’81, Town Center Landscape Inc.
“Credit score...it all boils down to credit score!! Passion -- you must be passionate about what you are doing.” Uri Geva ’98, UK Advertising Inc. dba Infinity Pro Sports
“Determine to do the very things that scare you most. By eliminating the distraction and paralysis of your own fears, all that is left is to work hard and treat people right. If you can do this, it will be difficult to NOT succeed.”
Mike Busch ’88, Vogel Financial Advisors LLC
“Systematize, systematize and more systematizing. Systems allow you to produce consistent repeatable results. Consistent results bring you more and bigger customers. Success breeds more success.”
Eric Ward ’97, websitepipeline
“Quietly solve the clients' problems without passing the "headaches" along to them.”
Ronald J. Boyd ’78, Williamsburg Environmental Group Inc.
“The most important thing when building a company is to have good people. Value not only their experience and credentials, but their character.”
John M. Yantis ’53, Yantis Company
“Find something you love to do and find a way to do it better, cheaper or faster than anyone else.”
Thomas Zais ’97, Zice Companies, LLC
Click here to download "What is your dream?" an article by Richard M. Scruggs '71
We asked the Aggie 100 honorees about the one piece of advice they would share with aspiring entrepreneurs. Their answers covered the waterfront, yet there were many common themes. Read on. The nuggets of wisdom from the Class of ’06 are bound to make you think.
“ Treat everyone you meet as if they were the CEO of your largest client..”
John Hawkins ’88, Alliance Data Corporation
“ Anyone can have buildings equipment and inventory but it is the people within the organization that make the difference.” Barry Hendler ’71, American Lumber
“An entrepreneur makes the decision to create something from nothing. The road is lined with many obstacles and success requires tenacity, faith, courage, creativity and charisma..”
Michael G. Scheurich ’92, Arch-Con Corporation
“Staying status quo makes no sense to me. If you’re not dreaming of growing the business you should look for another job.”
Warren Barhorst 88, Barhorst Insurance Group
“Take the passion, work ethic, technical expertise, loyalty and integrity that Texas A&M gives you and apply it to every facet of your entrepreneurial endeavor.”
Jerry Deitchle '73, BJ's Restaurants Inc.
“Work hard but also have fun. The key to growing a successful business is hiring good people and then keeping them motivated on achieving the mission. The best way to overcome work related stress and uncertainty is by creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. This open culture is hard to accomplish but fun to be a part of when it happens”
Philip Frink '80, Blade Energy Partners
“Take care of your employees and customers and they will take care of you and your company.”
J David R. Bell '04, Blue Magic Inc.
“In the beginning there were times that seemed overwhelming but if you take one day at a time and work hard success will follow.”
Sherry F. Barker '82, C.E.Barker LTD.
“You begin your entrepreneurial career with your dreams in full bloom and your integrity intact. Be sure that you finish your career with your dreams realized and your integrity still intact. ”
Daniel L. Ritz Jr. '84, CapNet Securities Corporation
“You'll never find a traffic jam on the extra mile.”
K. Stefan Capps '82, Capsher Technology Inc.
“Always strive to be the best you can be and always keep learning long after you have finished your formal education. Stay humble, remember where you came from and give back to those in need.”
Steven R. Burris '90, Capstone Commercial Real Estate Group Inc.
“Do not be afraid to take risks and, when doing so, remember it is of utmost importance to know the quality and integrity of the people with whom you're conducting business. By adhering to this principle and, with much patience and hard work, you will greatly increase your probability of long term success.”
Danny J. Bowers Jr. '82 , Cardan Enterprises Inc.
“If you can't find your dream job it is probably waiting for you to create it.”
Terrell Miller '99, Cattlesoft Inc.
“Talk less listen more be honest and never be afraid to express your heartfelt opinion ”
Robert L. Urban '76, CCC Group Inc.
“With honesty and hard work, what seems impossible can be achieved”
Eduardo Pantin '67, Cementaciones Petroleras Venezolanas S.A. (CPVEN)
“An ancient Chinese proverb: Get knocked down 7 times stand up 8”
Matt Bowman '93, CES Environmental Services Inc.
“Leadership, intelligent thinking, long hours and endurance are the building blocks for a successful business. Be willing to step up and make something happen.”
Mark A. Fischer '72, Chaparral Energy Inc.
“Create your own opportunity and make honesty and integrity the foundation for all that you do.”
Thomas K. Edwards '88, CIMA ENERGY LTD.
“I have found that most people want for you to be successful and they will really try to help you.”
Robert J. Sproule '76, Class 1 Controls
“Don't take "no" for an answer."
Albert W. Clay '65, Clay Development & Construction Inc.
“Explore all options to find the type business you really enjoy and can be proud of. Work hard, work smart, and be a positive influence in people's lives.”
Gary R. Jordan '70, Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School Inc.
“There are two practices which have contributed to our long term success, solid reputation and peace of mind: First, seek out mentors - find those who have succeeded and do what they do (and avoid what they avoid!) Second, devote your efforts to doing the RIGHT thing the FIRST time to avoid potential problems down the road. ”
H. Michael Coyle Jr. '82, Coyle Engineering Inc.
“Luck is where opportunity and preparedness meet.”
Dan Rooney Ph.D. '92, Earth Information Technologies Corp.
“Never waiver on your principals. Even when you feel discouraged don't give up and always do the right thing.”
Cade Burks '83, EC Power Inc
“If you have the passion and vision for a product or service, leave no stone unturned in attempting to achieve your goals.”
Darrell Ward '73, EInstruction Corp.
“Think like a man of action and act like a man of faith.”
Todd D. Wintters '94, Engineering Concepts & Design LP
“Do something remarkable, aim high and create a fast-paced, fun environment. Hire really good people and trust them to do their jobs. Reward the high achievers and find those rewards early on.”
William A. Coskey P.E. '75, ENGlobal Corporation
“It's not about what you can do or how hard you work. Seek God's direction for your business and your life, then you will be successful in the things that really matter. ”
Lloyd B. Andrew III CIH CSP '82, EnvirOSH Services Inc.
“Always remember that people matter most. By passionately serving your clients (as well as your own staff) you can accomplish amazing and rewarding things.”
Monty G. Myers '86, Eureka Software Solutions Inc.
"Pursue your goals and make your dreams reality! Work hard but do it the right way....never compromise your integrity or your honor."
Wm. Keith Przybyla ’86, FiberOptic Bulbs Incorporated
“Business is the art of timing, knowing when to move faster, move slower or just stay still.”
Creed L. Ford III ’75, Fired Up Inc.
“Perseverance is critical. Keep trying until you succeed. It's inevitable that there will be setbacks and failures. Learn from them and drive on. Maintain your momentum so you can power through the problem to the next opportunity.”
Andy Townend ’88, Flexible Lifeline Systems
“Get face time with your customers. If you forget the customer nothing much else matters.”
Gina Bellinger ’89, Food Safety Net Services
“For entrepreneurs to be successful they have to hire, train and promote employees who behave as entrepreneurs themselves. Our company is not run from the "top down", but from the "bottom up". It makes no difference whether the company is a small private firm or a large public company.”
H. Craig Clark ’79, Forest Oil Corporation
“It's one thing to be in business but it's completely different from staying in business. Work hard and take care of your employees because your success will depend on them too.”
Damon Diamantaras ’92, GoDish.com Ltd.LLP
“Attitude and determination will take you a long way down the path to your goal.”
Thomas P. Richards ’55, Grey Wolf Inc.
"Keep your word. If you say that you will meet a deadline, meet it. If you tell employees that you will provide a great place to work provide it. As Henry Ford said, "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." Follow through on your word."
Rachel R. Hayden ’89, Hayden Consultants Inc.
“Don't be discouraged when event's don't happen as fast as you would like, continue taking steps, however small, to progress and when you look back to see how things have developed, you will be surprised at how much has been accomplished.”
David Inman ’82, HILL COUNTRY ELECTRIC SUPPLY LP
“Creativity is a skill needed for every career path - whether it is creating a solution to a business challenge or developing a new product. Allow yourself to receive new ideas.”
Christine M. Hollinden, PhD ’87, Hollinden | professional services marketing
“Spearhead a culture that encourages creative idea generation, embraces teamwork and promotes critical thinking. If you don't have passion and off-the-chart enthusiasm for your "dream" then it will not become a reality. Write your goals down.”
Robert M. Borsh Jr. 2003, House of Forgings Inc.
“Strive to be the best in your profession and don't be afraid to take calculated risks. Make money for your investors and you will make money. Wealth comes from ownership of assets.”
Dudley J. Hughes ’51, HughesOil Inc.
“Seek out mentors that have already been where you want to go. Find out how they got there, what it cost them and what they would have done differently along the way. Learning from other’s mistakes keeps you from paying the price for your own.”
Kody Shed ’95, InHouse Systems Inc.
“My advice to those who would be successful entrepreneurs comes from two areas that are of great importance in my life – my Christian faith and Texas A&M. In the Corps at A&M I learned that, to be a good leader, you first have to learn how to follow. From my faith I have learned that, if you want to be successful in life, you must serve the needs of those around you. So if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, learn how to be a good follower so you can be a good leader and when you are leading, be a good servant.”
Jerry Easterly '73, INSYTE Information Corp
“Follow the Aggie Creed, fight for what is right, and follow your dreams.”
Scott Moscrip ’93, Internet Truckstop
“Discover your core competency. Focus yourself and your organization on that competency. Always take care of your people and they will take care of you.”
James M Benham 2001, JB Knowledge Technologies Inc.
“Set goals, be persistent and maintain your honor and integrity in all you do.”
Jason Falk ’92, JCF BRIDGE & CONCRETE INC.
“1. Pursue business ventures in which you have lots of experience and you enjoy. 2. Plan to work lots of hours until the business is established - no TV, no social life (other than family), just work.”
Shan Jenkins ’88, Jenkins Custom Homes
“Make a Difference" in everything you do.”
Larry D. Teverbaugh ’76, K2Share
“Plan your venture extensively and conduct significant market research. Fully commit to the opportunity, diligently execute against the plan, hire outstanding people and aggressively delegate responsibility to those people.”
Travis M. Parigi ’94, LiquidFrameworks
“In the business world, integrity and a good reputation are the most important assets that any company can possess.”
Calvin T. Ladner P.E. ’80, LJA Engineering & Surveying Inc.
“To achieve your goals you must persistently execute with passion...and you must remember that those who achieve great things are not any smarter or more capable than others. They have simply decided to make use of what's available to them.”
Marcus J. Lockard ’72, Lockard & White Inc.
“Put your beliefs and your family ahead of your business because, without them, the success of your business just isn't worth it. It's important to persevere in striving for your goals, some things come quickly, some do not. After 5 years of effort, we are now officially the Apple Educational Reseller for Texas A&M University! WHOOP!”
Carolyn Harwell Turk ’84, MacResource Computers & Service
“Follow your passion; true success follows true passion. Your word matters and your action must be congruent with your word. Always provide products or services that people truly need, anything less is more about your needs than theirs.”
Gordon Ivan Townsend ’81, Margarita Naturalmente S.A. de C.V.
“Do not let your education hold you back. Do what you love to do.”
Damon W. Holditch ’65, Marquee Tent Productions
“Make sure your expenses don't exceed your income.”
Marvin P. Tate II ’75, Marvin Tate Communications
“Ultimately, we are all a product of the choices we make. Work hard, stay focused, and see the Big Picture.”
John M. McNair ’76, McNair Custom Homes L.P.
“Don't let "conventional wisdom" limit your options. Many success stories are the result of people doing what they're not supposed to be able to do”
Edelmiro Muniz '67, MEI Technologies Inc.
“Pursue the talents that make you the individual God created you to be. Passion is a great fuel but Wisdom is the suspension you can operate without. Balance your weaknesses with other persons' strengths and build your team.”
Tyler W. Merrick ’00, Merrick Pet Care
“Growth consumes Cash !”
Michael J Havel ’76, Metro Custom Plastics
“There is no business model worth promoting if you don't have the right people to go with it.”
Philip T. Miner III ’80, Miner Fleet Management Group
“Passion, determination, drive and tolerance are vital to success for any entrepreneur. These characteristics are paramount to any business plan or waiting for the perfect environment with which to start your business.”
Ben Collinsworth
’99, Native Land Design, LLC
“Governor Coke has it right!”
Robert Waggoner ’76, Nodus Inc., LLC
“Your company's character is its most important asset. Never promise what you cannot deliver and always deliver what you promise.”
Gary Gonzalez ’80, Paloma Energy Consultants LP
“Aggies are a rare breed. We have learned that when we move with determination toward a common goal that success will usually follow. If the goal is also our passion, happiness will be our companion and success is guaranteed.”
Michael R. Wilkinson ’86, Paragon Innovations
“Set goals, create a mission statement, develop a business plan and find a good mentor to help you along the path. Be willing to admit that you don’t know everything and never be afraid to seek out the answer. Persevere, pray often, always maintain your integrity, seize your opportunities and enjoy your successes.”
Kimberly Smart Willmott ’86, Pentecom
“Vision, credibility, passion and 110% follow through are the fundamentals of success in building a business....a good sense of humor will make the journey more enjoyable....a good team is essential if you want to grow your business beyond your personal limitations. ”
Laine Perry ’72, Perry Equipment Corporation
“Stay focused. It is easy to stray but, a dedication to a more narrow business plan or concept leverages the knowledge and contacts gained.”
Grant Swartzwelder ’85, PetroGrowth Advisors
“Build a culture based on integrity, excellent service and LOA (a Lack of Arrogance) and you will find success.”
Michael Sullivan ’91, Quest Business Solutions
“Start investing early and strive to work for yourself. Protect and maintain your credit.”
Todd Routh ’86, River Place Golf Group L.P.
“Invest early in income producing properties for the long term. Protect and maintain good credit to help with financing investments.”
Todd Routh ’86, Routh Development Group
“The traditions you learn regarding what it means to be an Aggie in terms of honor, commitment, work ethic and loyalty will serve you well in the business world.”
C. John Scheef III '81, Scheef & Stone LLP
“Set a clear vision. Hire good people based on integrity, attitude and intelligence. Train the heck out of them. Let them run.”
Ed Schipul ’90, Schipul - The Web Marketing Company
“Provide quality work on all projects -- no matter what the size. Small projects can lead to big projects.”
Gerald H. Schwarz ’82, Schwarz Hanson Architects, LLC
“Get to know yourself well before you start your own business. The best way to do that is through experience. Get to know a lot about other people, too. Then associate yourself with the best and never stop learning.”
Ed H. Moerbe ’61, Stanton Chase Dallas Inc.
“Always strive to learn as much as possible about your industry and the company where you are employed. Above all else, maintain your personal and business credibility and use your knowledge to become the go-to-person within your organization.”
Charles Ansley ’67, Symon Communications Inc
“To increase your company's sales, one must understand and demonstrate the value of their product/service instead of just stating a price!”
Kimberly D. Lawrence ’82, Tape Solutions Inc
“Stay focused and committed to your passion. Sharpen your communication skills and remember "you never listen yourself out of a job."”
Enrique A. Tessada ’66, Tessada & Associates Inc
“Don't let the "fear of the unknown" bog you down when you're starting out. If you believe in your basic business idea focus your time and energy on that - and get some expert advice for everything else.”
Matt Fox ’97, The CAD Group
“Have a passion for what you do. Build strong caring relationships with your Clients, if you don't, someone else will. Hire the best employees and take care of them, if you don't, someone else will. Always try to do the right thing. ”
Dale K. Clarke ’81, Town Center Landscape Inc.
“Credit score...it all boils down to credit score!! Passion -- you must be passionate about what you are doing.” Uri Geva ’98, UK Advertising Inc. dba Infinity Pro Sports
“Determine to do the very things that scare you most. By eliminating the distraction and paralysis of your own fears, all that is left is to work hard and treat people right. If you can do this, it will be difficult to NOT succeed.”
Mike Busch ’88, Vogel Financial Advisors LLC
“Systematize, systematize and more systematizing. Systems allow you to produce consistent repeatable results. Consistent results bring you more and bigger customers. Success breeds more success.”
Eric Ward ’97, websitepipeline
“Quietly solve the clients' problems without passing the "headaches" along to them.”
Ronald J. Boyd ’78, Williamsburg Environmental Group Inc.
“The most important thing when building a company is to have good people. Value not only their experience and credentials, but their character.”
John M. Yantis ’53, Yantis Company
“Find something you love to do and find a way to do it better, cheaper or faster than anyone else.”
Thomas Zais ’97, Zice Companies, LLC
©2008, Aggie 100. All rights reserved.
