Distinguished Entrepreneur Speaker Series
The Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation believes that experience can often be the best teacher. This series brings nationally known entrepreneurs to campus to share their entrepreneurial journey with students, faculty and staff. Speakers not only will provide their insights in a large audience setting, but will also participate in classes or small student discussions while on campus.
Upcoming Speakers
November 9th, 2022, at 7 pm Peplow Pavilion, join us in learning the amazing story of the invention of Hydro Flask, the most sold insulated water bottle in the world, by its inventor, Capt. Travis Rosbach. His $11,000 investment turned out into a $210 Million brand.
Capt. Rosbach has spent the last three decades enhancing his entrepreneurial skills. Throughout the years, Mr. Rosbach has been proud to invent and found Hydro Flask®, work as a business broker, fly as an Airline Pilot, is an active Professional Speaker, and start The Tumalo Group, providing sourcing, advising, and consulting.
His clients include various industries, celebrities, individuals, and even countries. He not only shares his tradecraft with others but also practices it in the many startups in which he is currently involved.
Besides Entrepreneurship, Mr. Rosbach's Experience Includes:
- SCUBA Dive Master/Instructor (PADI 158190)
- US Merchant Marine Boat Captain (50 Tons)
- Commercial Airline Pilot (ATP)
- Oregon Contractors License
- Hawai'ian REALTORS License
- Yoga Instructor (500 Hour Hatha and Kundalini (NOT 3HO)
- Reiki Master
- Member of The Explorers Club
- Fellow at the Royal Geographical Society
Previous Speakers
November 11, 2020, at 3:30 p.m., via Zoom, Robert Pasin, CEO of Radio Flyer, Inc. Robert heads Radio Flyer Inc., the business founded by his grandfather in 1917. Company sales have grown significantly as a result of Robert’s focus on building a highly committed and creative team.
November 12, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Peplow Pavilion Rob Angel, creator of the popular board game "Pictionary", will provide his startup story to Bradley students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Learn how he overcame obstacles on his way to building one of the world's most successful games.
November 6, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Peplow Pavilion, Frank Shankwitz, founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, will share the startup challenges he faced while building one of the world's most beloved social ventures. No advance registration required, and free to attend.
Spring 2017: On April 24, 2017, Gene Landrum, originator of the Chuck E. Cheese concept of family entertainment, was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Mr. Landrum explained how he originated and grew one of the country’s most beloved restaurant concepts.
Spring 2016: Craig Culver, founder of Culver’s Restaurants, addressed the campus and the general public on April 18, 2016. Mr. Culver shared his startup story and the obstacles he had to overcome to build the company.
Fall 2015: Dave Alwan, President of Echo Valley Meats, and two-time contestant on ABC’s Shark Tank, addressed students, faculty, and the general public on November 4, 2015. Mr. Alwan presented a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens on Shark Tank, and explained how he negotiated an investor deal with Mark Cuban.
Fall 2014: Former Ambassador Nancy Brinker, founder of the Komen Foundation, and the Race for the Cure, addressed the campus and general public on November 4, 2014. Ms. Brinker shared her experiences in launching and growing a social entrepreneurship organization dedicated to curing breast cancer.
Spring 2014: Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, founders of Barefoot Wine, discussed how they transformed wine into something fun and accessible to the common man.
Fall 2013: Founder of Redbox, Michael DeLazzer, explained how he disrupted the movie rental industry, through innovation and hard work.
Spring 2013: The inaugural speaker, Jeff Hoffman, co-founder of Priceline.com, discussed the obstacles he faced in growing Priceline.com into a dominant force in the travel industry.