By Erick Stewart I believe there is an important relationship between an entrepreneur’s passion and values and how these intangibles are ingrained in your company’s culture to affect performance. Regardless of what your company does, it’s critical to identify what feeds your fire and then transfer this to your team. It’s what leads to ongoing professional success — and personal…
Since launching S3 Technologies in their basement in 2010, Chris and Nancy Larker have grown the Akron, Ohio-based company to more than 30 employees with three locations in Ohio, along with offices in Buffalo, New York, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Focusing on commercial and educational markets, S3 Technologies delivers approachable solutions that make technology simple for users while simultaneously improving safety, productivity and learning. Projects include digital signage, security, audio-visual, digital networking and emerging tech solutions such as artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality. Among accolades, the company has been a two-time winner of Cascade Capital Corp.’s Business Growth Award.
In 2022 researchers Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and Miami University launched a multiyear study at Big Rock Valley to investigate how rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, two types of soil microbes, might impact survival and growth of plants in restored prairies.
In Spring 2024 we launched our first in-person roundtables in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan. Below is a quick look at some of the participants’ feedback…
“The beauty of SIG is that it helps entrepreneurs know what they don’t know,” says Camron Gnass of Traction Brands. “SIG isn’t a space where participants sign up to solve a specific problem or task. Instead, the process helps business owners truly understand what is holding them back.”
Like employees, CEOs often become confused about where they add value in their companies…
This year marks a huge milestone for the Edward Lowe Foundation. On Sept. 3, 2025, we will celebrate 40 years of “championing the entrepreneurial spirit.”
John Anders discusses the evolution of Anders Construction, his Louisiana-based commercial diving and marine services business. Anders says that programs co-hosted by the Edward Lowe Foundation and Louisiana Economic Development have helped him innovate and create new jobs. Case in point: Levare, Anders’ new company, provides a more efficient and effective system to repair structural pilings on aging infrastructure.
“It was the first time I had deliberately disconnected from all electronic distractions for three full days,” says Travis Stoliker of his Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) retreat.
Our organization has always been relatively stable. Many employees have been with the Edward Lowe Foundation for more than 20 years — some for more than 30. So, I intuitively knew that our workforce was graying, but…