At a Christian college, the question is often asked, “How can you glorify God in the different areas of your life?” Many doubt that it is possible to run a profitable business while maintaining Christian ethics and morals. Some even fear that they would be incapable of operating a business with a Christian worldview. Carl Mount, a Christian capitalist, addressed this very issue. On February 23rd, students filled the Wilden Lecture Hall eager to hear from Carl Mount, the president and CEO of Praise International, which includes Gloria Jean’s Coffee and It’s A Grind Coffee House. He explained that the company’s board is made up entirely of strong Christians. “It is important to surround yourself with leaders who share your vision,” he commented. Regardless of whether or not it is the biggest or most profitable in the industry, Praise International’s vision is to be a loved and respected coffee company worldwide. Far beyond anything else, its mission is to glorify God in all that it does. In the current economy, many companies are struggling. Carl Mount was genuine and honest, admitting that it was a difficult time for his company. However, he has established a 5-year plan to build Gloria Jean’s and It’s a Grind into thriving coffee houses. First, they will stabilize and energize the current operating locations, and then grow both within the United States and abroad. He identified four main areas to focus on as they seek to stabilize. They need to increase top-line revenue, decrease cost of goods, ensure that they are best utilizing labor, and renegotiate their leases. “As a finance major, I appreciate understanding how they are surviving,” remarked Alex Pavlisin, junior finance major. As the president and CEO of an international company, Mr. Mount understands that he is going to encounter and engage in business with people from many different religious beliefs. He does not let that hinder him from declaring his faith. “They respect that we stand for something besides stocks and profits.” Praise International values partnerships, integrity, trust, and commitment to excellence and innovation. Its Christian values are the foundation upon which everything else is built. It is through hard work and time spent on customer service and quality products that the company has the potential to change, grow, and multiply.
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White Wilden Christmas
Last Tuesday evening, Wilden Hall was filled with Christmas cheer and a night of fun! SBA hosted the White Wilden Christmas party and invited students and faculty to come take part in the celebration. The celebration included homemade cookies, brownies, and other treats. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the start of the Christmas season. Many drank eggnog, hot chocolate, and coffee. It was only customary to have a cookie-decorating contest. There were many different options to choose from and many creative cookies were made. The winners received awesome APU coffee mugs. The event seemed to be a success and everyone sure enjoyed themselves.
Wilden had been decorated for Christmas the day before and it looked great. From the stockings, Christmas trees, and lights the place lit up with joy. What a great event to ring in the first day of the Christmas season…..
~ Cody Moran
Bill Rasmussen – ESPN Founder
The founder of ESPN at APU! Associate athletic director Gary Pine and the School of Business and Management hosted Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN on Friday, November 13th. He spoke at 8:20 a.m. in North UTCC to over 100 alert and interested students and guests about his career, successes, and how ESPN has arrived where it is today.
On September 7, 1979, ESPN went on the air for the first time. Through some impressive initiative, uncontainable passion, entrepreneurial courage, and plenty of good luck, the first 24-hour television network was born. For many diehard sports fans, ESPN’s impact has forever altered the way people watch television. Bill Rasmussen was the man with the dream that cultivated this mind-blowing inspiration, and APU was proud to welcome him to our campus.
Rasmussen told the listeners his story starting from the mere origins of his first thoughts on creating a sports station over 30 years ago. With an incredibly humble demeanor and an admirable honesty and straightforwardness, he shared the process of purchasing TV time, finding sports teams to cover, and the different world of pricing that existed in that day.
ESPN’s new website College Fanz was even present to cover APU’s home football game Saturday night with a booth selling merchandise to support the College Fanz scholarship fund. The weekend was a success and it was a true privilege to host Bill Rasmussen on the APU campus.
Enjoy It Today
On Thursday, November 12, students filled the Hall of Champions on West Campus, eager to hear from Steve McKee, a writer for Business Week online, author of the book, When Growth Stalls, and cofounder of McKee Wallwork Cleveland.
Like many successful businessmen, McKee’s journey to his current position was filled with failed attempts, determination, and much luck. He graduated from the University of New Mexico intending to move into full-time ministry. He had an internship with the U. S. Senate in Washington D. C., but “fled from there as soon as possible.” He claims he could not stay another day. He learned about an internship with a firm that handled Pizza Hut and for his interview, he made a briefcase out of a Pizza Hut box and printed his resume on the back of a Pizza Hut menu. There were people more qualified, McKee told the audience, “but they hired me because I took a chance.”
Throughout his career he struggled with the concept of his secular self versus his Christian self. He wrestled with what it meant to have integrity in business, and even made attempts to start up a church.
McKee wrote When Growth Stalls because of his own company’s struggle with stalling developments. In 1997, he and a friend cofounded the marketing communications firm, McKee Wallwork. He joked that they had three main investors: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Five years into their business, they were named to the Inc. 500 list. A few months after learning this and shortly before the award dinner, the company stalled. In the 2 years their company was down, they had a 94% staff turnover. The employees lost faith in the company. It was then that McKee decided to start a marketing research study on the Inc. 500 companies. He hoped to determine what they did that made them so successful. He learned that 18% of the companies named to the Inc. 500 stalled shortly after, and that his company was not alone.
McKee determined three main external issues that affect the success of a company and can cause it to stall. First is the economy. A recession like the one we are currently in is like an earthquake. When there’s an earthquake, no matter how sturdy a building may be, it will shake without firm foundation. Studying the Inc. 500 companies, he learned that 23% of companies stall within 1 year, and 50% stall within a decade. The second issue is changing dynamics. With the explosion of social networks, companies have to learn to cope. Change is constant.
McKee used the example of the change in music There were records, later cassette tapes, CDs, and now mp3s. Companies must cope with these changes. When dynamics change and companies don’t know how to respond, they stall. The final issue is competition. McKee asked, “What is Spectrum Brand’s main problem? They’re not Proctor and Gamble!” Businesses constantly have to fight to be the very best in their industries. In addition to the three external issues, businesses also face four main internal issues. First, companies must have consensus. Especially in times of mergers and acquisitions, businesses often suffer from what Margaret Thatcher identifies as “the absence of leadership.”
The second main internal issue that may arise is a lack of focus. Going in too many directions makes it difficult for companies to truly do well in the areas they are involved with.
The third and final issue is a loss of nerve. In the recession, 50% of companies were leaving long-term goals to survive the year. One of the first things they cut is advertising. However, in situations like Dr. Pepper, Kellogg, and Chipotle, the solution should be to keep advertising! McKee warned his listeners, “it takes two minutes to cut your costs, but two years to gain it back.” It may not hurt a lot right away, but cutting investments and innovation are the biggest mistakes in the long run.
The final internal problem that companies face is inconsistency. The average advertising firm campaigns for 3.5 years. The companies that continuously start new advertising campaigns after only a few months don’t realize that launching a new initiative is starting over. Any long-lasting company will struggle with these four internal issues at some point in their company’s lifespan.
McKee urged his listeners to consider these problems and how they may relate in the spiritual life. When we refuse to give God control, we lose focus, lose nerve, or experience inconsistency, what happens? Growth stalls for the company.
Mr. McKee had three main lessons he wanted to impart upon his listeners. First, “there is no such thing as secular and sacred”—not even in business. Even working in advertizing, he claimed, “I am in full-time ministry.” It’s hard being a work-place evangelist in a post-Christian world. In each conversation, he questioned whether or not he should open “that Christian door,” but that is always the right door to open. God has given us those opportunities and put us in those places for a reason.
His second main lesson was, “this God stuff works.” It’s true. If you apply biblical principles in business, you will succeed (but don’t confuse “success” with “prosperity.”) You know what the world desperately needs? Christian businessmen. McKee declared, “If I can’t be a Christian and be in advertising, I don’t want to be a Christian.”
The final lesson claimed, “it ain’t out there.” Success, fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment are not out there. They are in your heart. God may take you to the heights of business, but that is not what is going to bring satisfaction. Spurgeon’s Catechism explains it best: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Breaking that down, man’s chief end is to enjoy God each and every day. Our main purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him today.
~Melissa Dornbush
Sticky Notes
On the morning of Tuesday, October 20th, Dr. Underwood walked into what can only be described as an attack of sticky notes in her office. It is estimated by Professor Anderson that approximately 1000+ sticky notes were used. This endeavour not only shows detailed creativity but lack of opposition to tedious tasks. Allocations have been made against Professor Strother, but no one has stepped forward to admit their fiendish plan. The only other question we have left to ask is “what prompted the attack of the sticky notes?”
The Past and The Future…
Homecoming weekend is traditionally a time to remember where we have been and where we are going. This year, the School of Business had our first MBA Alumni homecoming meet and greet. After delicious food and networking, Dean Bezjian addressed the attendees about the exciting new developments in the Business department.
She reminded us that our MBA program began in 1983. Since then we have grown from only fifteen MBA students to two hundred. In 1993, APU faculty had published one article, and now has published six books, fifty journal articles, and twenty-two research papers.
The School of Business continues to build prestige with the success of SIFE and the development of the new Deal Scholarship. For the speaker series this semester, APU has hosted Ron Kelleher, Brad Ames, and Reed Dickens. We look forward to hosting Steve McKee on November 12.
The new economics major has met great success, becoming our fastest-growing major. We are also looking forward to two new business graduate programs: the Masters in Marketing and the Millennial MBA.
We are in review for AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. APU will be the third Christian school in the U.S. to share in this honor, joining Abilene Christian University and Seattle Pacific University. The School of Business was the first at APU with faith integration at the graduate level. Through our developments and successes, we continue to put God First in our department.
~Melissa Dornbush
Micro Finance
While microfinance is a relatively new industry, it has growing in popularity. It is an industry widely populated by NGO’s and targets a low or no income people group. Due to the emergent state of the industry, there have been many articles published that overview or offer suggestions to the sector including: “Microfinance meets the market” and “Research and Markets: Guide to Microfinance – India Profiles the Major Players in the Sector and Highlights Government’s Initiatives”.
There have also been many articles written on coroporate social responsibility and microfinance including : “Credit accessibility and corporate social responsibility in financial institutions: the case of microfinance”. Additionally ariticles written about interest rates and microfinance such as : Microcredit Capital Flows and Interest Rates: An Alternative Explanation. Additionally reports have been written on the concept of trust in microfinance: Analysis of programs in Mexico have been written: The Costly Business of Trust Finally, Analysis of programs in Mexico have been written:The Impact of Short-Term Credit on Microenterprises: Evidence from the Fincomun-Bimbo Program in Mexico.
Reed Dickens Event
On Friday, October 23rd, the School of Business hosted former press secretary, Reed Dickens. He was invited to come speak to APU students and the community about his journey from Louisiana State University to the White House. His overall attitude towards life was remarkable, and the story of his life was enough to get the students excited for their own future.
Dickens spoke directly about the time he spent in the White House with President George W. Bush. He expounded on his many travels, investments, and his business in crisis management. To say that Reed Dickens has dealt with some high profile customers is a hefty understatement. Professional athletes, celebrities, and politicians have been flooding his office ever since he opened his doors in 2005. The simple key to his business is speed and transparency, and although the concept seems elementary, it has proved widely successful in his business. Clearly many students will not deal with high profile crises while in college, but Dickens still encouraged the audience to apply the concepts of speed and transparency in their own lives.
One of his more pertinent and relevant points was the “Google effect.” This is the blogging and commentary effect on the news. In our society, there is no longer a factual news report, for news has become all relevant opinions and nothing is ever considered classified. Dickens concluded that everything would eventually be found out, and since the truth will come out of the legal process, investigative journalism, or the individual, the truth can never be hidden. Similar to our childhood lessens, Dickens reminded us of one of the golden rules- honesty is the best policy. He encourages his clients to be open from the start so in that way, the public would have more respect for the subject and there would be no reason to hide any information. Dickens has made his business off of these simple ideas and has become successful by acting them out.
The detailed lecture he gave on his business plan and objectives was interesting, yet his stories regarding his position in the Bush administration was one of the most entertaining parts of the night. He described his road to the white house as a lot of hard work and even more luck. His route is definitely not one that could be replicated easily. His business mind and life story thus far was truly a motivation to the students and staff in his audience.
~Sarah Harden
Why do I love the school of business?
Last fall, I started attending a church in Newport Beach. My friend James had invited me and ever since my first visit to the church I was hooked. After a few weeks of going I met James’s mom, Dr. Ilene Bezjian. I was immediately impressed with her poise and classy demeanor. I qucikly learned she was the Dean of the School of Business and Management at APU. Her character soon got me thinking about my future and I entertained the idea of becoming a business student because of the character, integrity, and poise that I saw in Dr. Bezjian. The months went by and I continued going to church. Soon enough January came around and I declared my major as Business. I could not have made a better decision.
One of my first business classes was Consumer Behavior with Dr. Bezjian. This was one of my favorite classes, and as I started adding more and more business classes, I quickly got to know the exceptional staff that makes up the School of Business and Management. From Dr. Kipley’s words of wisdom, to Professor Anderson’s daily devotionals in class, the School of Business has really poured into my life. The professors care about their students and where they are headed after graduation. The faculty and staff are friendly, classy, professional and God-fearing. I could not have picked a better major- academically or personally.
~Erica McCarthy
Senior Experience – Brett Friesen
It is my senior year here at APU, and I don’t think I am ready yet to accept the fact that I will be graduating in May. My time here in the School of Business as an economics major seems to have flown past right before my eyes. My experience in SBM has been a great one to say the least. When I stop and look back on the last four years in the School of Business I realize that I have actually accomplished quite a lot, even though it seems to have gone so fast. When I came in as a freshman I didn’t even think I wanted to be in business. That all changed however after my first business class. I realized that business was my calling and I dove right into it and never looked back. While my major has changed a few times, I jumped at the chance to become an economics major when the program was implemented my sophemore year, I have always retained my desire to go into business. My great experience in the school of business really can be attributed to the high level of involvement I have had.
At first I just wanted to do well in my classes, but I realized there was more I could and should be doing after Dr. Bezjian, the dean of the School of Business, challenged everyone in my principles of accounting class to get involved and take advantage of opportunities that may only be around while in school. I joined Scholars for Business Achievement(SBA) at the beginning of my second year here, and have enjoyed it so much that I have done it every year since. I have also been able to travel to New York with other school of business students for a week long economics seminar at the Foundation for Economic Education, and study abroad at Oxford University the Fall of my junior year. This past year I have also joined Students in Free Enterprise(SIFE). Being a senior this year is actually a lot harder then I expected. I am juggling 18 units with a job and my other extra-curriculer activities. However, I coudn’t ask for anything better. From the friendships I have made with professors to the involvement in many different activities, my experience over these last four years has been very fulfilling.
~Brett Friesen
