By Cynde Puckett
In Motion Staff Writer
Audience members were visibly affected by Brant Menswar’s inspiring story, some wiping tears. During his lecture titled, “That’s Going to Leave a Mark,” Menswar outlined a path to success and how that path was used by others to save his son’s life.
Menswar is an award winning singer-songwriter currently performing with the band Big Kettle Drum. He is also a motivator, on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Society in Brevard County and co-pastor of Nomad Community Church in Melbourne. He also is Chief Experience Officer for Banding People Together, a consulting group that uses rock stars, hit song writers and other collaborators to help organizations and their members succeed.
In November, he spoke to a packed house at the Hosseini Center as part of the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series at Daytona State College.
Emphasis was placed on three areas of focus for aspiring entrepreneurs: vulnerability; collaboration; and influence. Menswar said most successful people possess these traits and use them to gain success.
As a powerful example to prove his words true, he described how his brother was vulnerable enough to spread the story of Menswar’s dying son, Theo, on the Internet. Men of influence ─ such as ABC News senior medical contributor Dr. Tim Johnson ─ and others in the medical community saw the video and collaborated to save his son.
Fifteen at the time, the teenager was suffering from a fungal disease that effected his vital organs. Because of the intervention of medical experts, he was able to receive top-of-the-line care that saved his life.
DSC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Locklear said of the Speaker Series, “This program brings nationally recognized entrepreneurs to our community to share their experiences in business success. The program was created by Mr. Lemerand to instruct, motivate and inspire the same entrepreneurial passion and success he has fostered and enjoyed in his career.”
Lemerand, is a philanthropist and founder of more than 100 successful companies. Some known locally are Houligan’s, Pie Five Pizza, Stonewood Grill & Tavern and Peach Valley Café. He supports education and generously gives to colleges and civic programs. DSC’s Daytona campus L Gale Lemerand Fitness Center bears his name. His book, “To Win in Business, Bet on the Jockey,” has taught many about business success.
“To all you entrepreneurs, surround yourself with only the best people, show leadership by working hard, and they will follow you,” said Lemerand.
As part of this Speaker Series, Lemerand funded three $1,500 scholarships awarded to students. Recipients and categories: Hillario Arreola, Adult Education; Ana Cruz, DSC College Credit Student; Annika Thomas, High School Student.
Arreola is a U.S. Navy Veteran, honorably discharged after being injured by an IED. He’s in the College’s HVAC certification program. Cruz expects to graduate from DSC in the fall of 2016 from the BAS program and hopes to open a flooring store. Thomas plans to attend DSC after graduating from Mainland High School and will study business administration.