2014 spirit show magazine

S p i r i t o f th e e ntr e p r e n e u r awa r d S h o w p r o g r a m • V o l u m e 3 WWW. INLANDSPIRITAWARDS . C OM

Lifetime Achievement: How Forrest Lucas Took On the Oil Industry and Built a Worldwide Leader

1W W W . I N L A N D S P I R I T A W A R D S . C O M

CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT!

FOUNDED & PRESENTED BY:

NOVEMBER 13th • RIVERSIDE CONVENtION CENtER5:30 PM COCKtAIL RECEPtION 6:30 PM DINNER & AWARDS

Discover the power of the group.Vistage is proud to work with exceptional entrepreneurs who are committed to growing and learning. We are thrilled to honor the 2014 Spirit of the Entrepreneur award recipients and nominees on their extraordinary achievements and the impact they have had on their organizations and communities. Congratulations to you all!

Whatever the business challenge, a Vistage Private Advisory Board, facilitated by a Vistage

Vistage congratulates the 2014 Spirit of the Entrepreneur award recipients and nominees.

To learn more about Vistage Private Advisory Boards, visit vistage.com/spiritawards.

It doesn’t have to belonely at the top.

©Vistage International.


Spirit Facts and Figures 05Interesting statistics about the event

Best of the Best Award 07The story behind the unique award

Forrest Lucas – Lifetime Achievement Award 08How innovation and marketing savvy beat the large multinationals in the oil industry

The Judging Process 10Learn the process and meet the people involved in the awards judging

2014 Finalists 14Meet the diverse group of impressive

entrepreneurs

IECE: Impact through Education and Outreach 22

A look at the leading supporter of entrepreneurship in the Inland Empire

MAGAZINEEditor in Chief Mike Stull

Art Direction Stacey AllisPhotography Michael J. Elderman,

Rodrigo Pena, Carlos PumaContributing Writers Mike Stull,

Stuart Rowlands

EVENTFounder Mike Stull

Produced & Directed by Mike Stull, Monica EstrellaGraphic Design Stacey Allis

Coordination The IECE team and student volunteers.

PRESENTED BY: Inland Empire Center for

Entrepreneurship at Cal State University, San Bernardino.

Copyright © 2014SPIRIT MAGAZINE is a product of

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur and Inland Empire Center

for Entrepreneurship (IECE).

JOIN IN THE SPIRIT!

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PlEASE rECyClE thIS mAGAzInE

November 13, 2014The 2014 SpiriT of The enTrepreneUr AwArdSRiverside Convention Center

Did You Know?The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards not only celebrates the accomplishments of successful entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire, but also supports the development of future business owners. Through the proceeds generated by the event, the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship supports students studying entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino’s nationally recognized academic program. Since 2003, $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded to support the region’s nascent business leaders.

Congratulations on 12 years of celebrating business excellence!

P r i n t E d i t i o n s u We b E d i t i o n s u S m a r t P h o n e A p p s u i P a d A p p s

LET OUR MULTIMEDIA SALES TEAM HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS.CALL US: 909.483.9398

SALUTING THE SPIRIT OF THE ENTREPRENEURSALUTING THE SPIRITPIRIT OF THE ENTREPRENEURNTREPRENEURNTREPRENEURNTREPRENEUR

In support of IECE, we’re proud to be a sponsor of the 12th annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. Congratulations to all of this year’s distinguished nominees and award recipients. Thanks for your inspiration, leadership and

for embodying the true “Spirit of the Entrepreneur!”


22% have up to $1 million in annual sales

24% have from $1 to $10 million in annual sales



15% have $100 million and above in annual sales

Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards:

Facts & Figures

REvENuE LEvELS OF PAST AwARd RECIPIENTS

A SNAPSHOT OF THE 2014 FINALISTS:

SINCE 2003: • 98 companies have received the award,

representing 130 entrepreneurs• Over 300 companies recognized as finalists • Nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs have been

nominated for consideration

• Approximately 6,700 people have attended the event• $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students

studying entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino, funded by the proceeds of the event and donations from attendees.

AwARdS ANd ENTERTAINmENT

Aggregate Annual Revenues: Over $600 millionAggregate Number of Employees: Approximately 3,000

LOCATION, BY COUNTY:

• Riverside – 14 companies • San Bernardino – 13 companiesMost represented city: Corona, six (6) companies

13SAN

BER

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RD

INO

14

RIV

ERSID

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Past events have included both presentation of awards and top flight entertainment, including:• Class Rock Legend Eddie Money • Troy Clarke and His Big Band Orchestra• Brian Olsen – Art in Action• Comedian-Magician Matt Marcy

7% Revenue not disclosed

24% 15% 22% 2

7%

5% 7%

5

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The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards event, which recognizes the top business owners of the Inland Empire region, will again feature the presentation of a “Best of the Best” award.

Conceived in 2012 by event sponsor Best Best & Krieger LLP (BB&K) and the event’s presenter the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino, the award is designed to recognize the “best” entrepreneur from among the 2013 award recipients. This year 27 finalists are competing to receive awards in nine (9) different categories.

“The Best of the Best will be the person from among the nine award recipients that best exemplifies what it means to be an entrepreneur,” said Glen Price, partner in BB&K’s Riverside office and an advisory board member of the Center for Entrepreneurship. “We evaluate each award recipient in terms of taking risks and building a successful enterprise that creates jobs and value where none existed before.”

The Best of the Best Award is presented at the conclusion of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event, and is selected by a special group of judges that included past Spirit award recipients and a representative from BB&K.

“We are very excited to continue this unique feature of the Spirit Awards program,” said Mike Stull, director of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship and founder of the event. “It is a distinctive element that adds a nice summation to the awards presentations and is a tribute to the level of support and commitment that Best Best & Krieger is making to entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire.”

Best Best & Krieger, a full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys in nine offices across California and in Washington, D.C., has been a sponsor of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur since 2008. The firm delivers effective, timely and service-oriented solutions to complex legal issues facing public agencies, businesses and individuals.

BEST OF THE BEST AWARD CONTINUES TO RECOGNIZE THE REGION’S TOP ENTREPRENEUR


8

Forrest Lucas

Lifetime Achievement AwArd

Lifetime Achievement:How Forrest Lucas Took On the Oil

Industry and Built a Worldwide Leader

Forrest Lucas at the Corydon, Indiana manufacturing facility.


In an industry that has long been dominated by giant multinational corporations, Forrest Lucas has overcome the odds and used his sales ability, marketing savvy and core values of honesty and fairness to build an impressive industry leader: Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Not an astonishing feat for an eighty or ninety year old subsidiary of a multi-national oil/petroleum conglomerate, but a staggering tour-de-force for a fledgling company founded in 1989 by Indiana natives Forrest Lucas and his wife and partner Charlotte.

Today Lucas Oil Products is the world leader in the production of high performance lubricants and problem solving additives with 272 unique formulations marketed in more than forty countries around the globe. With the biggest variety of shelf products of any oil company, Lucas Oil is sold in more than 30,000 auto parts stores nationwide and at every truck stop across the USA.

While Lucas has always been an entrepreneur, starting as an owner-operator of a long haul truck and growing to establish a company with a fleet of trucks, Lucas Oil didn’t become a reality until the late 1980’s when maintenance costs were threatening to ruin him. But adversity is a great teacher, and Lucas refused to let the poor quality of available commercial truck lubricants force him out of business. So, in 1985, he set out to teach himself how to make better oils than he could buy off the shelf and set himself up as a home chemist. In his spare time he hunted through chemical junk yards taking a little of this

and a little of that and began mixing and matching his own lubricant formulas. Through experimentation he came up with a formulation that worked and Forrest began selling to his peers who were all suffering the same problems.

Forrest Lucas hasn’t looked back since. By the time he turned 50, he was completely out of the trucking business and fully into manufacturing and marketing his products. Headquartered in Corona, California the company grew steadily, and in 2003, expanded to a second manufacturing plant in Corydon, Indiana.

Not content to be a leader in lubricants and additives, Lucas Oil is now a leader in the motorsports industry through its Team Lucas sponsorships, nationwide racing series (such as the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series) and racing venues in Missouri and California. The company is also heavily involved in television production, with its Lucas Oil Production Studios providing nearly 400 hours of programming to CBS, CBS Sports, NBC, NBC Sports and MAVTV. Lucas Oil purchased MAVTV in 2011 adding to its television reach and has grown the network to reach more than 68 million households.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in July, 2014, Lucas Oil is an impressive success story having radically altered the oil products industry. Forrest Lucas has gone toe-to-toe with the multi-nationals and has made Lucas Oil Products, Inc. a clear winner and world leader in heavy duty and high performance lubricants.

Quick Factshe stArted eArLy. Lucas had his first taste of entrepreneurship at 9-years old, selling White Cloverine Salve door to door. At 21 he bought his first semi-truck and eventually built a successful long haul trucking company.

Being nice is A key to success. During his early days hauling loads for Mayflower Moving, Lucas met numerous high-level business executives and military officers and noticed that they all had one thing in common: they were nice to people and honest in their dealings. Lucas has applied that lesson to help build a well-respected company that treats it customers, suppliers and employees fairly and honestly.

LucAs oiL wAs Born of necessity. As Lucas notes, his fleet of trucks was breaking down frequently, adding to his cost of doing business. Convinced he could find a solution to decrease maintenance costs and keep his trucks on the road longer, Lucas started experiment with various oils until he came up with the “secret sauce” that is put into everything the company makes.

Forrest Lucas with his wife and partner Charlotte.

10

The Judging Process

The process includes several phases. First, all nominees are screened and evaluated by the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award staff to ensure that they meet the basic eligibility requirements.

All eligible nominees complete a comprehensive company profile that is then reviewed by the Executive Committee of the judging panel. The Executive Committee consists of three judges who review the company profiles and then

select up to 40 candidates as semi-finalists from the typical field of well over 100 candidates.

Next, the entire judging panel then reviews the profiles of the semi-finalists and meets with them at a special reception, allowing the judges to learn firsthand about the nominee’s background and their business.

Lastly, following the reception, the judges face the difficult task of narrowing the field down to up to 27 finalists and selecting

the ultimate award recipients. The judges base their decisions not only on financial success, but give equal weight to the nominee’s accomplishments, innovative approaches, and their entrepreneurial spirit.

While not an easy assignment, the 2014 Spirit of the Entrepreneur judging panel did a remarkable job in evaluating and selecting the top entrepreneurs of the Inland Empire business community!

In order to select the top entrepreneurial success stories of the Inland Empire, the Spirit Awards convenes an elite, independent judging panel of past Spirit Award recipients and local business leaders.


Opposite page: Mike Stull, Founder of the Spirit Awards program welcomes the participants to the Semi-Finalist judging reception. Left to Right: Hilda Kennedy pitches her company to the judges; Cheryl Young, Joe Wallace and Mark Peabody meet with the judges.

BEST OF THE BEST AWARD PHASE

The Chairperson of the Judging Panel, along with past recipients of the Best of the Best Award and a representative from Best Best & Krieger LLP, convene to evaluate the top selections to be considered for the Best of the Best Award.

October

THE JUDGING PROCESS DEFINED:

NOMINATION PHASE April - July

Nominations are accepted from the public, including self-nominations and nominations from customers, service providers, banks, economic development agencies and chambers of commerce.

EvAluATION PHASE August

All nominees are evaluated to ensure eligibility requirements are met.

SEMI-FINAlIST PHASE September

All eligible nominees (100+) are evaluated by the Executive Committee of the Judging Panel. Up to 40 semi-finalists are selected to advance.

FINAlIST PHASE September

Semi-finalists meet with the Judging Panel at a private reception hosted by the Spirit Awards. The Judging Panel selects up to 27 finalists in 9 categories of awards. The award recipients are selected during the private session but not announced until the Spirit Awards event.

AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOuNCED November

All finalists are honored at the Spirit Awards black-tie gala event and the Award recipients are announced in each category.

12

Kim JonesSpirit Award Recipient, 2011

Kim Ozias Jones, PT, is the President and Owner of The RehabAbilities Family of Healthcare Staffing Companies, headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga. Trained as a Physical Therapist, Ms. Jones was a stay-at-home mom when her toddler son, Matthew, was diagnosed with a serious eye disorder. To maintain a balance between work and home life, she offered her skills “as needed” to local Physical Therapy clinics. 6 weeks later, she had more job offers than she could handle and along with husband Mike decided to say “yes to the possibilities” and recruit other Therapists. 28 years later, they continue to offer Therapy and Social Work professionals throughout California the opportunity of an alternate career ladder that balances work and home.

Garner HoltSpirit Award Recipient, 2006Member - Judging Executive Committee

Garner Holt is the president and founder of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP), the world’s largest designer and builder of animatronics for theme parks, museums, shopping and dining locations, and more. Since founding the company at age 16, while still a student at San Bernardino’s Pacific High School, Garner has inspired and directed its growth to become the internationally recognized leader in its unique field. With clients from 32 countries on 6 continents—including Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World, Coca-Cola, Mattel, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Nike, Chuck E. Cheese, and hundreds of others—GHP’s work is part of many of the most significant parks and attractions around the world. In 2014, Garner received the Themed Entertainment Association’s Buzz Price Award Recognizing a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievements, the attraction design industry’s highest honor.

Jon GordonSpirit Award Recipient, 2008

Clemmy’s came to be when founder Jon Gordon, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and his doctors told him to cut sugar from his diet. Besides being a lifelong athlete, Jon was also an ice cream fanatic and he wanted to make sure no more sugar didn’t mean no more ice cream. Jon searched all over and he simply couldn’t find a decent, truly sugar-free ice cream. And so Clemmy’s was born. In January 2007 he took it upon himself to create the product he and many others needed (including diabetics) – sugar free ice cream – buying a commercial ice cream maker and experimenting with recipes he developed himself, often until 2 or 3 in the morning. After a great deal of work, Gordon finally created the right mix of ingredients resulting in a sugar free, natural ice cream that is indistinguishable from regular ice cream.

Ben CookSpirit Award Recipient, 2009

Ben Cook is the owner and Master Brewer of Hangar 24 Craft Brewery LLC in Redlands. While studying biology at a local university, Ben began home brewing beer. This developed from a hobby to a business with the launch of Hangar 24 in 2008. The brewery specializes in handcrafted beers and is distributed on tap and in bottles through a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, retail outlets, and hotels in California, Arizona, and Nevada. In addition, the brewery offers tasting hours and tours daily that have drawn a tremendous following of fans of their creations such as Orange Wheat, Alt Bier and their unique Seasonal, Local Fields and Barrel Roll series of special beers.

Dan HillSpirit Award Recipient, 2013Dan Hill founded and currently serves as CEO for Mach One Air Charters Inc., based at the Chino Airport. Mach One is made up of aviation professionals who possess experience in private aircraft management, sales, charters, and acquisitions. Dan and his team at Mach One provide personalized, state-of-the-art aviation services that include, turnkey private jet management, aircraft sales and acquisitions, private jet chartering, and business aviation consulting. Dan built Mach One from humble beginnings, when the company was only Dan, one rented office and one employee in 2006. Today the company operates ten business jets, 40 employees and $10,000,000 in Gross Sales. Dan possesses a long list of accomplishments and positions in the aviation industry and brings more than four decades of Aviation experience to his current post.


Gary and Sally MyersSpirit Award Recipient, 2013, Best of the Best Judge

BMW Management, Inc. of Temecula is the largest Sizzler Restaurant franchisee in the US with 22 restaurants and also owns and operates two Richie’s Real American Diners and a joint venture partner in two Texas Roadhouse locations. Owners Gary and Sally Myers have a long history with Sizzler and several years ago recognized the brand had become mundane. On their own initiative, they have single-handedly revitalized a declining Sizzler brand to create the New Generation Sizzler Restaurant through redesign, renovation and a heavy dose of innovation. The Myers’ have worked together for more than 36 years and have cultivated a business atmosphere that adds value to the lives of others. Their focus on local employment, community involvement, and sustainable employment sets them apart from other franchise owners.

Kara LubinSpirit Award Recipient, 2010

As a special education teacher, Kara Lubin of Norco found many of her students had incredible potential and were extremely energetic but struggled with learning. From this problem, the 100 Mile Club was born – a program and nonprofit organization that engages children to run 100 miles during the school year and transforms them into calmer, mentally centered, and more teachable students. Founder and CEO, Lubin has grown the 100 Mile Club to more than 1,000 schools in all 50 states and 5 countries. To date, the program has affected over 500,000 students, staff and family members and is growing exponentially every year.

Alan H. LewisChair - Judging Executive Committee, Best of the Best Judge

Now the longest tenured Spirit Awards judge with 12 years of service, Al Lewis enjoyed a successful career at organizations such as Warner-Lambert, Hunt-Wesson Foods, and the Knudsen Corporation before successfully launching and growing firms in the advertising and information technology fields. He then served as Assistant Dean for External Affairs and as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management, at the University of California, Riverside. While a faculty member, Mr. Lewis was voted “Outstanding Faculty of the Year” by the Anderson School student body for six of the eight years of his tenure at UCR. Currently Mr. Lewis sits in an advisory capacity on various company boards, and on occasion serves as an entrepreneurial coach to new venture management.

Chris MaSpirit Award Recipient, 2012, Best of the Best Judge

At age 16, Chris Ma started handling importing/exporting with his father. His first job was setting up corrugated cardboard importing from the USA to Taiwan. He entered college at age 17, graduated by 19 and immediately started working for a LED sign manufacturer. Within 9 months, he became the national sales manager. Between 1999 and 2003, he helped grow the business from $1.5 million to $10 million in revenue.

To continue this substantial growth, he realized the need | for quicker lead times and better product options. However, the company he was working for did not want to change. As a result, Chris struck out on his own to create Vantage LED, the fastest growing U.S. based manufacturer of innovative high quality LED signage & software.

Eve YenSpirit Award Recipient, 2010

Upon her journey from Taiwan to California, Eve Yen founded her company – a garage-sized operation selling wet wipes door-to-door to local restaurants. Today, Diamond Wipes International has grown, over 300 employees strong and servicing some of top 50 global beauty and personal care brands and top 100 US household care companies. This year marks the 20th anniversary in business and the company maintains its commitment to manufacturing high quality products in the USA. Yen holds MS in Management Information Systems from New York Institute of Technology.

14

Sheila Bath – Advance Disposal Company, Hesperia Founded in 1965 by Robert Bath and currently led by his daughter, Sheila Bath, Advance Disposal Company is a major disposal and recycling facility located in Hesperia, California. The company has been a leader in the industry,

constructing the first Material Recovery Facility in San Bernardino County and is continuously reinventing itself through infrastructure improvements,

investments in high-tech equipment, and education. Staying focused on serving family, community and the environment, Sheila is grooming her sons Jake and Matt to one day take over the family business. Through education and innovative services, Advance Disposal Company’s future goal is simple: Not to bring anything to the landfill!

Steve and Kathy Nichols Chino Valley Ranchers, Colton Organic, cage-free, omega 3, fertile and soy free; who knew there were so many choices of eggs? Chino Valley Ranchers of Colton, that’s who! This third generation owned business has been producing quality, 100% pure and natural eggs

FINALISTS

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Spirit Awards Finalists!

FAMILY BUSINESS


for more than 50 years and is leading the industry through innovation. While keeping chickens healthy, happy and stress-free, owners Steve and Kathy Nichols have built an integrated company that includes their own farms and processing plants as well as the only organic feed mill in Southern California. Currently building the first organic and cage free breaking facility in Southern California, the company plans to produce liquid and frozen egg products to retailers and wholesalers throughout the United States.

Ray, Shaun, Nicole (Clesceri) Russell, and Angel Sanchez, Jr. – Phenix Technology, Inc., RiversidePhenix Technology, Incorporated of Riverside is a leading ISO certified manufacturer of high quality professional fire and rescue helmets used by thousands of firefighters in the United

States and worldwide. Founded in 1972, the firm manufactures its product in the Inland Empire using nearly 100% locally sourced parts and materials. Founder Ray Russell and his children, Shaun Russell and Nicole Clesceri, as well as Chief Operating Officer Angel Sanchez, Jr. form the team that is committed to providing American-made top of the line fire helmets. Due to its outstanding products and growth orientation, the company has doubled its worldwide distribution network, expanded into seven new countries and increased sales by more than 85% over the last three years.

Alan Boudreau – Boudreau Pipeline Corporation, Corona Survival in the construction industry has been a challenge recently; however, President and CEO Alan Boudreau and his team at Boudreau Pipeline have not only survived but also thrived! This underground wet utility company, based in Corona, installs sewer, water and storm drain

systems for both the residential and commercial construction industries. In 2008, with 95 percent of its business coming from primarily residential, the market shut down and the company had to reinvent themselves. Going door-to-door, they were able to break into the commercial sector and experience tremendous growth! In 2013 alone, the company increased sales by 170 percent. It looks like Boudreau Pipeline is right on target to achieve its’ goal of becoming Southern California’s #1 pipeline contractor.

Evan Cohen Quality Marble & Granite, OntarioQuality Marble & Granite of Ontario supplies natural stone products for the residential market, hotel chains, large home improvement companies and commercial contractors and builders. Importing from over a dozen countries, President and CEO Evan Cohen and his dynamic team provide a “one of a kind” overall experience for customers. Their goal of creating an exceptional and memorable experience has earned them the reputation of the “go-to” company in the industry because they deliver what the customer wants. With product line expansions, plans to produce their own products, a process for re-using natural stone, and worldwide distribution goals, Quality Marble & Granite is poised for a very exciting future.

Connie Lightcap JC Supply & Manufacturing, OntarioJC Supply & Manufacturing of Ontario began in 1998 as a supplier of concrete paving materials and building products and now focuses on manufacturing custom structural-steel components that give concrete structures their strength in roads, highways, shipyards, and airport runways. Owner and President, Connie Lightcap has kept the company on the leading edge by developing new processes and products, but perhaps her most unique contribution is the company’s business model. JC Supply distributes 30% of profits to employees, 30% to product design and industry promotion, 30% to shareholders, and 10% donated to local nonprofit organizations.

GENERAL ENTREPRENEURINNOVATOR

Shannon Illingworth AVT, Inc., CoronaShannon Illingworth founded AVT, Incorporated of Corona to revolutionize the consumer purchasing process. Starting out as a distributor of traditional vending machines, the company is now the leading developer of innovative

and customized automated retailing systems, micro-stores, kiosks, and technology-driven self-service solutions. With proprietary and patented technologies and systems, AVT recorded a number of industry firsts: first to place computers inside vending machines, first to place wireless communications systems inside, first to use interactive touchscreens, high definition audio and video and first to provide biometric security and active identity verification. AVT has revolutionized traditional vending machine retailing through innovation, technology and creativity.

M. Sharon Rogone Small Beginnings, Inc., HesperiaSmall Beginnings, Incorporated focuses on one of the most critical healthcare patients: newborn infants. Under the direction of President and CEO M. Sharon Rogone the Hesperia-based company manufactures a full line of Developmental Care Medical and Positioning Devices for New Born Intensive Care Units, or NICU. Developmental positioning aides, diapers for the 1-3 pound infants, pacifiers that fit around tubes and suction devices that minimize trauma to delicate infant noses are just a few of the company’s innovative, patented products.

When the community works together, the community works A healthy, vibrant community depends on the

participation of its members. And the more diverse their

backgrounds, experiences and skills, the more interesting

and unique their solutions. Bank of America is honored to be connected to IECE and

the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards for their

leadership in creating common goals while nurturing

self-empowerment.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local

Life’s better when we’re connected®

©2014 Bank of America Corporation | ARH46WCM

The Business Alliance makes an important difference, helping to lead the College of Business and Public Administration in a rapidly changing global economy by providing support in student programs and

education through scholarships and grants.

The Business Alliance offers members an opportunity for a mutually beneficial partnership with the College of Business & Public Administration, the Inland Empire’s largest accredited business school. Your support is an investment in your business, in the vitality of the Inland Empire, and in the future of

thousands of students.

Together we can develop a stronger partnership between CBPA and the business community, and better serve the educational training needs of area

employers and their employees.

For more information visit www.cbpa.csusb.edu/BusinessCommunity or (909) 537-7295


Adel Sayegh – Universal Surveillance Systems LLC, Rancho Cucamonga19 years ago, Adel Sayegh started selling electronic article surveillance tags and systems from his garage. Today, after changing from selling used product to manufacturing new,

innovative products, Universal Surveillance Systems LLC of Rancho Cucamonga is an industry leader in providing solutions to prevent and deter theft in retail stores and other locations. The company, now the largest privately held loss prevention solutions company in the US, manufactures state-of-the-art electronic article tags, access control systems and closed-circuit television systems for customers such as Nordstrom, Macys, Bloomingdales and Rite Aid. Driven by an active research and development department, the company has pioneered new industry innovations with over 100 patents issued or pending.

MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEUR

Michael Hellmers ESL Power Systems, CoronaESL Power Systems of Corona, led by President Michael Hellmers, has emerged as an innovative leader in the design and manufacturing of safety-interlock solutions, including: electrical connecting devices for

refrigerated containers, ship-to-shore power connection equipment, shipyard power distribution equipment, and wayside power stations for railway. This multi-generational, family-owned company, which provides its products to the likes of Dole Fresh Fruit, Madison Square Garden, Disneyland and the US Navy, is focused on growth and product expansion while still fostering a family environment for its hardworking and valued employees.

Jeffrey Lyall R.W. Lyall & Company, Inc., CoronaAt R.W. Lyall & Company, Incorporated, they help you take a hot shower safely every morning! The firm, headquartered in Corona with a second factory in New Berlin, Wisconsin, is driven by President and CEO Jeffrey Lyall and his 250 plus team members who design, develop, validate and manufacture 22 different piping product lines for the natural gas utilities and pipeline companies of North America. Lyall fittings, valves and fabricated systems service over 40 million homes and businesses. The company achieves operational excellence by incorporating LEAN processes producing over 4.5 million pipeline components annually. Lyall’s culture of openness allows all stakeholders to grow together as business partners and the customer centric focus is the driving force in the company.

CONTRACT MANUFACTURING

Mark Atchison – AMA Plastics, Riverside AMA Plastics of Riverside is the largest custom injection molder on the West Coast, producing approximately one million parts per day. Offering innovative design and diverse manufacturing capabilities, CEO Mark Atchison

and his team serve the consumer, medical, industrial, military and automotive industries through teamwork, creativity and continuous improvement. With such dedication to providing the highest quality of customer satisfaction, it’s no surprise to find out that 50 percent of the business plus the building are owned by the employees through AMA’s ESOP plan. The company’s growth plans are focused on increasing market share within the medical and pharmaceutical industries that will result in the addition of 100 presses new presses and another manufacturing facility.

Mark Peabody – Peabody Engineering & Supply, Inc., Corona With a company full of innovative people, it’s no wonder Peabody Engineering & Supply, Incorporated of Corona manufactures two very diverse, nationally recognized product lines: concealment enclosures and engineered tanks. The innovative designs, structural conformity and artistic beauty of the concealment enclosures disguise cellular telecommunications antennae behind custom-made architectural facades. The tank line includes the molding and manufacturing of engineered single and dual-contained thermoplastic chemical tank systems used in water treatment, sanitation and chemical distribution industries. With CEO Mark Peabody leading the way, Peabody Engineering & Supply is enjoying high growth by offering exceptional levels of service to their national and international customers, employees and their community. Cheryl Young and Jennifer Hall Ejay Filtration, Inc., RiversideEjay Filtration, Incorporated is a manufacturer of miniature stainless steel and wire mesh filtration products used in a variety of different environments

such as lubrication oils, jet engines, and liquid rocket fuel. Established in 1988, the Riverside-based company has quickly risen to become one of a select few manufacturers who meet or exceed the quality standards necessary to work with NASA, the US Military and the commercial aerospace industries. Led by Cheryl Young and Jennifer Hall, daughters of founders Gerald and Darlene Green, the firm has mastered a state of the production process where each filter is made to order with a standard of 99.9% defect free and a track record of 99% on-time delivery.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ExploreRiverside.com

City National Congratulates the 2014 Spirit Awards Finalists

A N D P R O U D L Y S U P P O R T S T H E

Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship Cal State San Bernardino

David Cameron Senior Vice President(909) 476-7990

CNB.COM CNB MEMBER FDIC California’s Premier Private and Business Bank®


associated with credit card processing. CEO Heather Peterson and her team live the company motto, “We Work For You®” and provide truly individual and exceptional service using proprietary merchant account optimization software, a ProAgent Partner Program and a chargeback interception program. Its innovation and service focus has helped the company more than double in size over the last 6-months.

Hari Dhiman 88 Spirits Corporation, Ontario88 Spirits Corporation of Ontario is a family-owned business offering a sophisticated line of Ultra-Premium 100% Blue Agave Tequila. Founder Hari Dhiman’s passion, dedication and consistency paid off after working to develop a unique, private, personalized blend of Tequila. Beautifully presented in a semi-handcrafted bottle, the company’s Tequila currently sells in 10 states, India and Canada. Looking to the future, the company is focused on international sales expansion into Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Mexico and is in talks to place its products in Costco.

Kenya Mills – Innovative Infusion Solutions LLC, CoronaEver been stuck multiple times by nurses trying to get an IV in? Well, Kenya Mills and her team at Innovative Infusion Solutions are the nurses who get the IV in the first time! Innovative Infusion Solutions LLC of Corona is a nurse staffing agency that supports specialty

pharmacies, home health agencies, nursing networks and private duty patients by providing highly skilled nurses to provide infusion therapy services to patients with acute and chronic, long-term or lifelong illnesses. Unlike traditional home health nurses, Innovative Infusion nurses are put through a variety of assessments to ensure they have the best IV skills, an accommodating psychosocial personality, and resources to provide the highest level of infusion care.

Gene Sherman – VOCADEMY- The Makerspace, RiversideVocademy – based in Riverside – is a “makerspace,” a unique new business where anyone can go to learn hands-on skills and use those skills to create or design whatever they wish. Founder and CEO Gene Sherman and his team are bringing “shop class, crafting,

Brad McDermith Computer Options, Inc., Redlands Total IT support and management for a fixed monthly price – it’s that simple. Computer Options, Incorporated of Redlands plans, designs, maintains and scales customers IT operations. CEO Brad McDermith and his team provide all of the benefits of an internal MIS department for a fraction of the price of staffing one yourself. The firm provides services to a wide range of private and public sector firms in the region and boasts an impressive 98% customer retention rate. The company has continued to grow strategically by building a service-focused company culture, a unique four prong sales approach and remarkably strong relationships with many long-term customers.

B.J. Patterson – Pacific Mountain Logistics, LLC, OntarioPacific Mountain Logistics, LLC, is a customer-centric logistics service provider. Offering third party distribution, freight brokerage intermodal transportation, and consulting services, the company gives customers all the advantages of a large multi-national company

with personalized regional service. Founder and CEO B.J. Patterson and his team built the Ontario-based company on the concept of “partnership in business” and work with customers to control costs and grow their business together. At Pacific Mountain Logistics, follow-through and a commitment to do it right the first time are operational mantras delivered by a values-based team dedicated to ethical business practices and shared gain through best practices.

Heather Peterson – National Merchants Association, TemeculaNational Merchants Association of Temecula is a merchant services provider that functions as an advocacy group for small and medium-sized business owners. The company facilitates credit card transactions for thousands of merchants across the globe and works on behalf of companies to eliminate unnecessary and unreasonable costs

SMALL/EMERGING ENTERPRISE

SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR

Terri Lee Rogers O. W. Lee Co., Inc. Ontario For over sixty years, O. W. Lee Co., Incorporated, has been dedicated to the design and production of fine, handcrafted casual patio and outdoor furniture. From its 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ontario, California, company artisans combine centuries-old

techniques with state-of-the-art equipment to produce beautiful casual furniture. Led by third generation family member and President Terri Lee Rogers, the firm is not only an industry leader but also one of the few remaining US outdoor furniture manufacturers. The company’s success and longevity has been achieved through a focus on innovation, family, highest quality products, and responsible environmental practices.

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Yolanda Carrillo Corona-Norco Family YMCA, CoronaThe Corona-Norco Family YMCA’s cause is strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and they chose a highly motivated community builder, Executive

Director and CEO Yolanda Carrillo, to help them with their cause. Under her leadership, the Corona-Norco Family YMCA has opened five new YMCA Youth Centers, a community center and an administration center. The organization has grown from one location with 12 employees to eight program sites with 100+ employees. Starting out serving just Corona and Norco, the organization now also serves Home Gardens, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley. With additional program sites being added in 2015 and 2016, Yolanda’s entrepreneurial passion is helping to make a critical difference in the community.

Angela Janus ShareKitchen, Cathedral CityShareKitchen, based in Cathedral City, is a nonprofit commercial kitchen space for budding food industry entrepreneurs. Whether opening up a restaurant, a catering business or promoting a specialty product, new business owners can tap into ShareKitchen for its commercial kitchen, banquet facilities and business advice. Founder and Executive Director Angela Janus’ commitment to the community and her food industry expertise has helped the Inland Empire’s only shared commercial kitchen and food business incubation program become the nexus of the regional food industry cluster. Since 2012, ShareKitchen has provided a launching pad to more than 30 small businesses whose gross revenues are nearing $1,000,000 and has successfully graduated several businesses into the community.

Vici Nagel – Academy for Grassroots Organizations, PhelanAcademy for Grassroots Organizations improves the quality of life throughout the Inland Empire by providing capacity-building leadership to the region’s social service sector. Offering learning, networking and collaboration-building opportunities, the firm helps support and strengthen more than 1,000 nonprofit professionals and volunteers. Also known as AcademyGO, the Phelan-based organization is a critical component of the region’s nonprofit infrastructure and is the only one dedicated to building the capacity of the county’s 5,400+ nonprofits. President and CEO Vici Nagel, with the ongoing support of numerous funders and partners, has grown AcademyGO into an impactful supporter of the nonprofit sector.

industrial arts, and high tech” together under one roof. Members have access to tools, machines and expert instructors: it’s truly THE place to learn and make ANYTHING. Vocademy has a variety of classes from woodworking to machining, sewing to prop making, 3D printing to robotics. It’s the place to create, to learn, to share, to build, and to connect with others who have similar interests and passions.

SUPPORTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Hilda Kennedy AmPac Tri-State CDC, Grand Terrace AmPac Tri-State CDC is a non-profit corporation providing commercial real estate loans and financing to new and growing California businesses in partnership with the US Small Business Administration. The firm, based in Grand Terrace,

focuses on saying “yes” to promising business owners at all stages of growth and giving “second chances” when others wish they could. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Hilda Kennedy, since 2007 AmPac has provided over $200 million in capital to entrepreneurs and assisted in the creation of more than 500 new jobs. Not content with those results, Kennedy and her team are focusing on growth through obtaining grant funds to develop and manage new micro-loan programs.

Paul Mata – Logos Lifetime Enterprises, Rancho CucamongaLogos Lifetime Enterprises was founded as developed by Paul Mata, who has over 20 years of experience working at a Wall Street Firm as a stock broker and managing principal. After creating more than nine successful companies, Mata decided to establish Logos Lifetime Enterprises in 2012 to teach people everything he learned about creating wealth. The firm, based in Rancho Cucamonga, helps individuals and business owners organize and optimize all of their assets, including their physical and intellectual assets. In addition, the company works to help people with no means turn their lives around, and provides extensive education programs that expose teenagers and young adults to the potential of an entrepreneurial path in life.

Tom Flavin and Joe Wallace Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, Palm SpringsWhen it comes to the Coachella Valley, two individuals in particular are helping to transform the region’s economy: Tom Flavin and Joe Wallace. As the President & CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, CVEP, they are delivering innovative programs and services that are creating tremendous impact among the region’s entrepreneurial community. Based in Palm Springs, CVEP is an economic development agency serving the entire Coachella Valley. It has truly been an entrepreneurial catalyst through its Coachella Valley Innovation Hub, a business incubator that supports early-stage start-up companies.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) does more than just present the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards event each year. IECE is a multi-faceted organization, based in the College of Business and Public Administration at Cal State San Bernardino,

which supports and promotes entrepreneurship on campus and in the community through education, outreach and advocacy.

The focus of IECE’s efforts is on achieving impact – creating entrepreneurial startups and entrepreneurial managers, helping businesses in the community achieve new levels of success and raising the awareness of and support for entrepreneurship throughout the Inland Empire region.

Whether it is the campus-based educational programs that include bachelors and masters degrees in entrepreneurship, experiential programs such as the Garner Holt Fast Pitch Competition or business assistance programs such as the Women’s Business Center and Small Business Development Center, IECE is actively helping to build and maintain the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Inland Empire.

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New at IECE in 2014 • LaunchedtheClaudiaY.Maeda&WilliamA.StockertEntrepreneurialLab,

anacceleratorprogramthatfostersthegrowthofstudentstartupsthroughmentorship,accesstotechnology,officespaceandaninnovativecommunity.

• CreatedtheEntrepreneurialBootCamp,anintensivetrainingcurriculumforaspiringentrepreneursintheadvancedmanufacturingsectorthatwillbedeliveredasapartoftheChaffeyCollegeTradeAdjustmentAssistanceCommunityCollegeandCareerTraining(TAACCCT)program.

Student ProfilePatPerson–KidsThatCodePat Person founded Kids That Code as a result of a project in his Entrepreneurship courses at Cal State San Bernardino. After participating as a finalist in the Garner Holt Fast Pitch Competition in 2012. Pat subsequently recruited Alfonso Anaya, Jose Navarrete Cruz, Jonnell Tyler and Christine Law – all fellow entrepreneurship students – to join the firm, which

provides opportunities for children to learn computer programming using a unique approach and technology. Kids That Code represented CSUSB at the invitation only 2013 Chapman University California Dreamin’ Investor & Fast Pitch Competition, where they finished in the top ten. The company recently entered the IECE accelerator program, becoming the first tenant of the Claudia Y. Maeda & William A. Stockert Entrepreneurial Lab.

IECE Report CardAs a result of its educational and business assistance programs, since 2002 IECE has:

• Received the 2010 National Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Award

• Provided assistance to more than 54,000 individuals and entrepreneurs

• Achieved over $97 million of economic impact by helping companies gain access to capital and increase sales and profits.

• Assisted in the creation of more than 2,000 new jobs in the community.

• Raised $24+ million in funds through grants, gifts, contracts & sponsorship to fund its operations.

• Awarded $527,000 of academic scholarships to students studying entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino

20142014

Launched in 2006, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition gives students at Cal State San Bernardino an opportunity to jump-start their entrepreneurial dreams by presenting their potential business venture to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs. Students selected for the competition make a 90-second fast pitches to a panel of investors and other members of Southern California’s entrepreneurial community. Each fast pitch is judged on the quality of the presentation and its investment potential.

The competition consists of three (3) phases:

1. At the start of the school year, students respond to an open call for application across the Cal State San Bernardino campus. All students are eligible to enter regardless of major or class level.

2. From the pool of applicants, a panel of faculty and local entrepreneurs select the 15 most promising business ventures to make their pitch in the semi-final event held in early November.

At the semi-final event, entrepreneurs and angel investors evaluate the pitches of each student and select the five (5) finalists.

3. The five (5) finalists make their final pitch to the audience at the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. You get to vote on which one you thought was well-presented and represented a clear and sustainable business opportunity.

The competition is generously supported by Garner Holt, 2006 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award recipient. Holt is an industry legend in theme park technology with clients all over the world, including Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal and Las Vegas casinos. His support has helped raise the profile of the program both on and off campus. “The fast pitch competition is a great event that encourages students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams,” noted Holt. “I am delighted to lend my support to help take the event to the next level in terms of prestige and prize money for the students.”

2012 Fast Pitch Competition winner Bobby Brendza


Quick Facts• Receives approximately

100 student entries each year

• The top 15 student ventures selected go through a 2-week “boot camp” to prepare for the pitch

• First investment made in a student startup as a result of the competition – 2006

• Students are competing for $7,000 in prize money.

The legacy of leadership Great leaders leave a mark on the communities they serve. They bring people together, create a consensus and work hard to make positive change. What is accomplished today can last for generations. Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, thank you for creating a lasting legacy of success.

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Thank you to all of The 2014 Spirit Awards Sponsors

Supporting the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Inland Empire

VIP Reception Sponsor

Recognizing the spirit of risk taking, innovation and leadership

2014 spirit show magazine

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