Upcoming Events

Spotlight on Success: Geoffrey Kent, Cognis IT

By Brian J. Odelli

 

What would be the dream job for any MBA graduate?  How about running a company for a Philadelphia sports legend?  Would that be possible and what would it take to land such a position?  These seem like farfetched questions or pie in the sky scenarios, but they’re not.  In fact, this is exactly what happened to Geoffrey Kent, CEO of Cognis, IT.

 

After graduating from college, Geoffrey Kent spent a few years building his resume by working for AT&T and Xerox.  Kent made the decision to attend business school and although he applied to a number of institutions across the country, his top, and only real choice, was the Wharton School of Business.  Kent applied and was accepted.  During his summer internship between his first and second year of graduate school, Geoffrey had the good fortune of interning with the Wharton West Philadelphia Project, where he worked on the marketing plan for a large construction company.  Kent’s third semester was spent oversees at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands.  Upon his return, Geoffrey decided to stop by the Wharton West Philadelphia Project office to see his old coworkers.  That visit set in motion a series of events that would make anyone jealous.

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Secrets to Success: An interview with Joe Peters

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Secrets to Success

Welcome to our new feature! Each month, we will introduce you to a Philadelphia 100® winner and their keys to success. Learn about the attributes that have helped make them winners.

 

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Four time Philadelphia 100® Winner: Joe Peters, Scientific Search (2012: #77)
 

1. What is the #1 strategy/tactic that you implemented that contributed to your success?
 

Most importantly it is the discipline in executing the plan that is why we have been so successful. Many people and companies have great ideas, and quite a few actually take the time to plan, but where they often fall short is the efficiency of the follow through.  We’re very disciplined in the nuts and bolts of our day to day execution of our plans and goals.  I think our approach fits well with the methodological name, Scientific Search.


 2. What is your #1 differentiator – what makes your company stand out over your competition?
 

In the staffing industry success is the combination of two things, finding the right candidate and doing it quickly. Scientific Search has invested significant resources in growing a strong database of candidates as well hiring the right staff, and a large enough staff, to respond quickly. Many companies can ultimately find good candidates but the speed in which we can identify the right match, screen them thoroughly, and get candidates profiles to our clients is one of our major advantages over our competition.

Last Updated (Thursday, 07 February 2013 20:17)

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Secrets to Success: An interview with Ron Strobel

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Secrets to Success

Welcome to our new feature!  Each month, we will introduce you to a Philadelphia 100® winner and their keys to success.  Learn about the attributes that have helped make them winners.


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Philadelphia 100® Winner: Ron Strobel, VideoNet

1. What is the #1 strategy/tactic that you implemented that you contributed to your success?

 

Focus on the results your clients get from your work, not the work the itself. 

Always set out never to disappoint a client. They all have different expectations so be sure to listen well, confirm that you have read them correctly and be sure to exceed those expectations. In my business, no one really wants the video; they want the outcome from the video so I made sure that VideoNet is in the audience reaction business. Any one can make a video, but we focus on ensuring the video does what the client needs it to do. 

Make sure your offering is directly around the solution or result that your client is looking for, and learn from each experience and continue to grow from the lessons.

 

2. What is your #1 differentiator – what makes your company stand out over your competition?
 

The biggest thing is the experience I gained from my Television background. It taught me a discipline of broadcast quality standards influences the way every video is made. Be sure that when you launch your business that you are the subject matter expert in that field.

In addition, make sure you have an offering that stands out. I created a niche of being the Steven Spielberg of Corporate Video coined by one of my clients. 

It is critical to identify what is remarkable about you, and brand yourself that way.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 16 January 2013 21:28)

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Spotlight on Success: Dave Magrogan, Founder & CEO, The Dave Magrogan Group

By: Brian J. Odelli

 

Dave_Headshot-cropped  Have you ever met someone and felt as though you have known them all your life? They possess a welcoming personality that makes talking to them effortless. Dave Magrogan is one of those people. We have had the pleasure of getting to know each other over the last few months and I now have the good fortune of calling Dave Magrogan my friend (I hope that he feels the same way). While I can, and will, share Dave’s story of success with you in a moment, I think the story of what has lead to Dave’s success, is truly inspiring. 

 

Last Updated (Friday, 13 April 2012 16:38)

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Spotlight on Success: Bob Moul, General Manager of Dell/Boomi, Inc.

By Brian J. Odelli 



bobmoulWhen we think about all the issues and challenges facing our nation today, it can be quite unsettling.  Yet, for all our challenges, it is important that we remember that in the end, our future success rests squarely on the shoulders of men and women who innovate.  The entrepreneurial spirit is at the very heart of our nation.  Many of our Founding Fathers were business owners, albeit from very different industries than we see today.  In the last few months, my hope for our nation’s future has been renewed.  Not because of Washington politicians, but because of our regions business leaders.  Let me explain.  On October 27, 2011, we celebrated the accomplishments of the regions fastest growing, privately held businesses at The Philadelphia 100 awards ceremony.  Prior to that event, I attended the CEO breakfast for the Philly 100 winners and it was truly inspiring to see that despite the turmoil, there are those within our region who have focused on the traits that make us great.  Concentrating on those things within our control, belief in ourselves, respect for our employees, delivering exceptional service and value to our customers are the “universal” characteristics that lead to success.  As such, it seems fitting that this month I get an opportunity to share the story of someone who well represents these traits, Bob Moul, General Manager of Dell/Boomi, Inc.

  

Last Updated (Wednesday, 21 March 2012 21:02)

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Spotlight on Success: Phil Jaurigue, Founder & CEO, Sabre Systems, Inc.

By: Brian J. Odelli

 

Phil_JaurigueAs 2012 gets into full gear, we all look forward to contemplating the promise that a new beginning brings. The same is true for the Entrepreneurs Forum of Greater Philadelphia. As an organization, we reflect upon the past year with a sense of accomplishment. We pride ourselves as being the “go to” place where entrepreneurs, executives and business leaders can come together, gain valuable educational content on business issues that affect us all and make new friends through great networking. Our panel discussions with some of the region’s top business leaders have provided us with an inside look at the characteristics that make someone successful. The Board of Directors and I hope that you came away from our meetings with new and helpful information which can be implemented into your business and that it may, in some way, lead to continued success in 2012.

 

Last Updated (Tuesday, 06 March 2012 18:12)

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Event Takeaways
Raising Capital in Today's Market 18 October 2012, 17.37
Raising Capital in Today's Market
  Raising capital can be critical to the growth of your company, but the market is constantly changing.
Is Networking Dead? - May 22, 2012
Of course not!
Integrated Social Media: Avoiding Satellite Syndrome - February 15th
It is time to move your social media thinking forward. 

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