By James Smithwick
The Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College will host an evening with music industry icon and motor-sports team owner Mike Curb on Wednesday, Feb. 13, as part of the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series.
The 7 p.m. “fireside chat” will be in the News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St. The event is free, but reservations are recommended and may be obtained at 386-506-4723.
“The biggest thing students can expect from hearing (Mr. Curb) speak is that it can change their lives,” said Ned Harper, director of the Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College.
Curb’s footprint can be seen on many different areas of music, sports and politics. He began his career in music in the early 1960s after graduating from California State University, Northridge, and forming Curb Records. His label became an important part of the West Coast rock ‘n’ roll music scene, releasing early recordings by such artists as Linda Ronstadt, The Electric Flag and The Arrows featuring Davie Allan.
After merging his company with MGM records in 1969, Curb became president of the MGM Co., and was responsible for hits like “Spill the Wine” by Eric Burdon and War, and “Puppy Love” by Donny Osmond. During this time, he also signed recording industry hit-makers like Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, Hank Williams Jr., Mel Tillis and Ray Stevens. Curb Records continues to churn out hits to this day, working with other music giants like the Walt Disney Company as well as many top-charting performers in the genres of country, gospel and Christian contemporary music. His label was responsible for one of the top Billboard singles of all time, “You Light Up My Life” by Debbie Boone.
Curb has a storied history with his NASCAR teams as well. He has owned or sponsored cars driven by stars such as Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Greg Biffle, Dale Jarrett, Johnny Sauter and others who have competed for more than 40 years in the sport, winning over 300 races in more than 25 different series. Richard Petty’s 200th victory, in 1984 at the Daytona International Speedway, was in a Curb-owned car.
In 1978, Curb was elected to the position of Lieutenant Governor of the state of California, and presided over the state as acting Governor for almost a year during that term. He also co-chaired the Ronald Reagan California Campaign for President and Gerald Ford’s California presidential campaign. The Mike Curb Family Foundation has donated millions in support of music education, health-care programs and cultural arts over the years.
In 2007, L. Gale Lemerand, a successful Volusia County Entrepreneur and a longtime supporter of Daytona State, provided an endowment to the Daytona State College Foundation to found the “L. Gale Lemerand Center for Entrepreneurship.” As a component of this Center, the Entrepreneurial Speaker Series complements Daytona State’s comprehensive educational programs such as the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, as well as programs and training offered by the Small Business Development Center. The Speaker Series allows the students of Daytona State to learn firsthand from experts what it takes to achieve success. The lecturers offer wisdoms, experiences and advice developed after years of accomplishments in their respective fields. Past presenters include S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A founder, Mori Hosseini, chairman and CEO of ICI Homes and Jean Newell, noted author and founder of Newco Enterprises.
For more information email the Small Business Development Center at sbdc@daytonastate.edu. Seating is limited.