USCA students learn tips from executives, retired businessmen

Communication, teamwork and occasionally being in the right place at the right time. That's some of the advice that business executives and retired businessmen gave USC Aiken students from the School of Business earlier this week.

The seminar drew a standing-room crowd of more than 150 students.

"This experience was valuable¬ to the beginning stages of my business career," said student Kelly Heydt. "I understand that being a team player and keeping my values first are the top priority in becoming a successful business leader."

The speakers included regional marketing firm founder Mark Alison, State Farm agent Collette Ball, retired Coca-Cola Bottlers Association president Art Gregory, Hospitality Management Group's Neel Shah and Douglas Huffer, owner of Prestige Appliances.

Gregory said he was working as a lawyer in Atlanta nearly 30 years ago when a headhunter he knew sought him out to work with the bottlers association, an organization independent of the Coca-Cola Company. Community involvement is vital, he said, as Gregory and the headhunter happened to be members of the same civic club.

In recent years, Gregory taught a business and society course at USCA.

"I noticed in that class an inability of some students to express what they were trying to say," he said. "I cannot stress enough the need communicate in written and verbal form. You cannot learn interpersonal skills through texting."

By coincidence, Shah and Ball attended Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School at different times. Shah grew up with parents who started a "mom and pop" hotel. As an 8-year-old, he was working the front desk and cleaning rooms. Shah majored in chemical engineering at Clemson University but after college joined the family business and has spearheaded its growth over the years.

The most important thing in the room "is that you're getting an education. It's priceless. I'm fortunate to have my own management company, and my parents gave the most beautiful opportunity to work in a friendly environment," Shah told the students.

School of Business Dean Dr. Ralph Byington said the program came from the department's Student Advisory Board and was coordinated by retired businessman Rich Waugh and banker Barry Adams.

"The speakers provided a unique yet consistent theme on the importance of communication skills, working hard, networking, ethics, service to your customers and family," said Byington. "They let the students know that even in a tight economy, they can be successful."

A business career can bring with it sacrifices, especially related to family, said Gregory, and Huffer agreed. He has some regrets about his travels through the world as the president of Dixie-Narco and later Maytag Commercial Products. When his company was acquired by another firm a few years ago, he grew disenchanted and started his appliance firm, which is now growing.

Ball went through similar issues. She has enjoyed her longtime association with State Farm and for several years attained corporate level positions in the Midwest that required extensive travel. Then her children got older, and she returned to her work as an independent agent and enjoys that work, too.

"I had always thought of myself as a career woman, but as I got older my values changed," said Ball. "You face a different set of issues at every stage of your life. You have to make decisions as to what and where your role should be."

Ball said she loves her work and feels pride in taking care of her clients. In the insurance business, she said, one has to be a marketing specialist - targeting new areas and clients. Even in an economic downturn, Ball doubled her advertising and marketing budget this year, and it paid off.

She looks for prospective employees who are highly motivated self-starters and can work effectively as team members.

Mark Alison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a journalism degree in 1972. He worked in media and newspapers before starting his own company, the Alison Group, in 1982.

"I like what I do," Alison sad. "When my son graduated from USC with an engineering degree, I told him, 'Find something you would be willing do for free and get paid for it.""

He told the USCA students about a current project. The client had a prospective product with a new design that in terms of pricing would fall between existing high- and low-end merchandise. Alison's company did focus groups and Internet research and talked with the other firm's marketers about the launch and the public relations strategies.

"I went into business for myself because I wanted to be casual," Alison said. "I didn't want to wear a tie. I will work more hours than the average guy, but I enjoy what I do."

USCA student Miranda Hein thought the panel discussion was a great way to meet area business leader and hear from them what they're looking for in employees. She appreciated their interest in civic involvement.

"My favorite quote of the afternoon came from Mr. Huffer, who said, 'It's not who you know. It's who you get to know,'" Hein said. "This was especially resonant for me, as I am a relative newcomer to the area."

Another USCA business student, Charles Stokes, said many students in the department believe they already have the capabilities to have what the panelists already have.

"It was a reality check to know that it really does take hard work, determination and even sometimes knowing the right person or being at the right place to get to the top," he said. "I believe these speakers brought to light the fact that the chance of working for one company is rare. There is a need to continue developing skills even after you enter the job market. Additionally, we can see how making yourself indispensable to the company through flexibility and loyalty can pay off in the long run."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.