Paving his own path

By Jesse Kopp '11, '12

Published Tuesday, April 17, 2012

 

Patrick Glover ’05, ’06 is paving his own way and not just walking on it; he is sprinting. Glover has his own talent agency and created the newest reality television show, Hip Hop Idol. Patrick says that the show will give exposure to talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. The show Glover has created has auditions in more than 20 cities in the next nine months.It is refreshing to see a young entrepreneur thrive in such a competitive field.

 

Glover credits Lynn for teaching him the discipline to succeed in today’s uber competitive business world. He says Lynn enhanced his educational ability and gave him the structure to sharpen and polish himself into a full individual. It is important to diversify yourself in today’s marketplace and Patrick has found a way to do that--on his own path and with his own style.

 

Tom Kruczek, dean of the College of Business and Management, comments on entrepreneurship

 

Starting a business is hard work, and almost all of the successful entrepreneurs that I know have experienced the roller coaster ride of ups and downs that is a part of that journey.

 

When I talk to entrepreneurs, invariably the word that comes up, usually in the first five minutes of the conversation, is passion. I’ve heard over and over again that in order to be a success in launching a business, you have to passion for what you’re doing. If you have that passion, if you really know and understand your customer and if your business idea is filling a compelling need in the marketplace—and you’re not afraid of hard work— there is no reason why you can’t be a success.

 

One other factor that’s important for entrepreneurs is to have a strong and active network. None of us know everything we need to know about starting and growing a business, so you have a network that you can reach out to. Entrepreneurs talk about their network in terms of their BAIL team: a Banker, Accountant, Insurance Professional and Lawyer as critical parts of their network. Many entrepreneurs also form a Board of Advisors (different from a Board of Directors) to help them launch and grow their venture.