Top 5 Takeaways - Tom Devlin: Master Entrepreneur, a WSU Forum Series Event

Tom Devlin: Master Entrepreneur proved to be as insightful as imagined.

An event from the Entrepreneurship Forum Series presented by Meritrust was a success for both professionals and students at Wichita State University today.

Mr. Tom Devlin is the Chairman and CEO of Devlin Enterprises, a diversified investment holding company based in Wichita, KS. Devlin founded Rent-A-Center in 1973 and after making it the largest rent-to-own chain in the country, sold it in 1987. Mr. Devlin has numerous businesses in his investment portfolio, including Wichita automobile dealerships, oil & gas lease interests and multiple championship golf courses to name a few.

Here are my top five takeaways from today's forum:

5. More good deals have been made hunting and golfing than anywhere else - Tom Devlin

(Left to Right: Interim Director Lou Heldman, Tom Devlin, Professor Don Hackett)

IMAGE: LUKE BARNHART/TWITTER

Quality deals are made by connecting with individuals rather than a conversation over a desk. Personality and the ability to connect with others makes all the difference.

4. You can take an average business concept, add great management and create a successful company - Tom Devlin

IMAGE: DON VINE IMAGES

The employees make or break a business. Having a good team is a must if you want to have a successful business.

3. "Entrepreneurship and innovation are necessary to grow our country's economy" - Senator Jerry Moran

Sen. Jerry Moran Speaks During the Forum Series Event

IMAGE: WSU CENTER FOR ENTR/TWITTER

Is this the key to fix the next generation America? Wichita State's President John Bardo thinks so. See his plan to build an Innovation Hub on WSU's campus.

2. Understand and fix issues quickly before it shows up in the financials - Tom Devlin

Billboards in Wichita Promoting the Forum Series

IMAGE: WSU CENTER FOR ENTR/TWITTER

That's the beauty of dashboards. Being able to sort key metrics from massive amounts of available data, known as the Big Data Strategy, and correcting the issues before it effects the financials.

1. "Customers pay your check, treat them with respect" - Tom Devlin

Forum Series Event in Devlin Hall 107, Wichita State University

IMAGE: WSU CENTER FOR ENTR/TWITTER

A simple idea yet it's forgotten by so many. But is it really that difficult to follow?


And for those younger students looking for extra advice, Mr. Devlin has a tip. Work as a golf caddy at Flint Hills National Golf Course, do a good job, and meet the "Charles Koch's of Wichita." Follow what other attendees said on Twitter by searching the hash tag #DevlinForum.


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