Fireside Chat

The first Fireside Chat of the semester began with an engaging conversation with Waste Industries CEO Ven Poole (bottom picture) and serial entrepreneur Donnie Goins (top picture). The goal of the Fireside Chats is to provide a select group of students with a richer small group conversation with industry professionals. Ven Poole was the first speaker of the evening, sharing his path from engineering to entrepreneurship and his final role as CEO. He answered questions about future trends he foresees in the waste industry, as well as what experiences he likes and dislikes as CEO. As CEO he prefers the strategy side more than the notoriety and public speaking half. His number one tip for students was: "Find a mentor in whatever it is you choose to do." He remarked how having a sounding board for decisions or advice would benefit us in the long run. Donnie Goins shared his story through an attempt to "connect the dots" of his life. From the young age of 6 years old, selling Pringles to classmates, to his current incorporated venture; his "dots" described entrepreneurial and career experiences along the way. Goins says to remember where you came from, who you met and what you learned from your "dots." Then, he advised go share your "connection" with other people and to be able to sell yourself before an idea. The chat was an intimate conversation with two influential men from opposite sides of the track career wise. Yet, they share an affinity for entrepreneurship, mentoring, and networking. Both men are also board members for the Entrepreneurship Initiative and are dedicated to encouraging innovation! The next Fireside Chat will be October 22, 2012.