Erin Laughlin
In Motion Staff Writer
The L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series helps nourish the entrepreneurial spirit at DSC, by featuring advice and information from leading business owners. This event is made possible through a partnership of the L. Gale Lemerand Center for Entrepreneurship and the Florida Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College.
The speaker series started in 2007 and has steadily grown overtime. When L. Gale Lemerand provided DSC with a grant to start the program, to further facilitate the dreams of entrepreneurial students.
L. Gale Lemerand is one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs, founding more than 100 successful companies and was the 1995 Florida Entrepreneur of the Year.
Speakers have included Jim Stovall, S. Truett Cathy, Brant Menswar, and most recently Chris Gilpin of “Shark Tank” fame. While the speakers range from movie producers and fast food chain founders to music moguls such as Mike Curb, all individuals share the same drive and entrepreneurial spirit.
The 2016 speaker, Chris Gilpin, was “Especially inspiring to students since he is a Daytona State College alum and hit home the importance of not fearing failures,” says Art Zimmet, consultant for the Small Business Development Center.
When looking for possible speakers organizers look for “Someone who will inspire and educate our students and community to successfully follow their entrepreneurial goals,” according to Zimmet.
Here is a look at some of the people and action at the most recent Speaker Series.
