Fun in the Sun, Outstanding Business Leaders, and Opportunities

Many business men and women simply work to achieve prosperity, while others are working towards exponential profits. However, there are a select few individuals who seek to live out their passions while making a positive impact on their customers. Northwood University has made a tradition out of honoring such outstanding leaders in business.

This past weekend, I had the honor of attending the 31^st Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Gala in West Palm Beach, Florida. From success in car sales and beer distribution, to record-breaking dealerships and overcoming obstacles of debt, these individuals each have unique and inspiring stories that will excite any business student.  

Being a student presenter was a wonderful opportunity to speak with and become further acquainted with the OBLs. The experience began Thursday afternoon and went late into the wee hours of Saturday night. After arriving in West Palm Beach, myself and Francisco Collazo (the other Texas student presenter) met up with the Michigan and Florida students to review the busy and exciting itinerary for the weekend! 

(Some of the OBLs signing posters!)

The first event took place on Northwood University’s Florida Campus (which is beautiful – it was warm, lusciously green, and palm trees were on every corner!) for a luncheon and forum. It was during this time that we were able to put a face to the name of these incredible entrepreneurs we had heard so much about. 

After enjoying a delicious lunch and intriguing conversation, everyone proceeded to the Countess de Hoernle Student Life Center for an interesting and dynamic panel discussion. The room was packed full of Florida students, faculty, and staff who had gathered to learn from the honorees. The next two hours flew by as the men and women told their candid stories – each with its fair share of success and failure – and answered the questions of inquiring students. We walked away learning some of their mottos and key foundations to success, some of which really stuck out to me. From encouraging us to “treat customers as if they were our best friends” and reminding us that “luck is merely laboring under correct knowledge,” the wealth of information in the auditorium was priceless.

(The student presenters before going to the DeVos residence!)

The events just got more and more exciting! Friday evening, the DeVos residence hosted a cocktail party for all of the OBL honorees and their guests, student presenters, and University administration. (Richard DeVos was the cofounder of Amway and the owner of the NBA team Orlando Magic.) I cannot even begin to describe how lucky I felt to be in a house this immaculate and gorgeous! Who can say they have been in a powder room made entirely of granite? I CAN! : ) The backyard was just as beautiful – from a perfectly manicured lawn (at first I thought it was a putting green!) to an infinity pool that appears to fall into the ocean. All the while, I was able to mingle with some of today’s most successful individuals and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres.

(Shannon Corby, a Michigan student, and I at the art festival.)

Saturday was a little bit more relaxed throughout the day, as we prepared for the evening’s events. In between touring an art festival in City Place, enjoying lunch in the warm sun, and visiting the white sand beaches, I practiced and fine-tuned my speech. Also going on this past weekend, was a Ferrari car show. Consequentially, there were cars worth more than my home all over the roads! Bright red Ferraris, metallic yellow Lamborghinis, and shiny silver Aston Martins. Let’s just say the students majoring in Automotive Aftermarket were in heaven!  But the hour of the Awards Gala quickly approached, and off to The Breakers Hotel and Resort (one of Florida’s most luxurious oceanfront resorts) we went!

(Some of the student presenters!)

Now, normally I don’t get nervous for speeches – especially not ones that last roughly two minutes. But that night, I was nervous! However, the show must go on! After practicing on stage at the podium, we went into the beautiful ballroom for photos, cocktails, and more tasty appetizers.

At the sound of a chime, the audience of three hundred moved to the Venetian Ballroom for the three course meal, presentations, and dancing! Everyone’s speech went flawless; the meal was spectacular (especially the banana split!) and then we all danced the night away!

(Francisco Collazo and Steven O'Bar - my fellow Texas students!)

As I reflect on this past weekend’s events, I feel so honored to be selected for such an amazing opportunity. I was surrounded by so many incredible role models, met fellow Northwood students from each of the campuses, and toured around to the beautiful sites of West Palm Beach – what an incredible weekend! I can only hope that next time I attend the Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala, it is because I am an honoree. ; )

~Melissa