91精选

By Brady Otte 鈥�17

On Friday, March 24, the 91精选 Business Network (TBN) welcomed veteran business and tech industry leader Patrick Vogt to campus. Vogt, CEO of the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA), served as keynote speaker at a TBN luncheon and met with business students.

As Vogt shared his insights, a persistent theme of 鈥減assion鈥� resonated with his audiences. 鈥淭he most important thing you need is passion,鈥� Vogt told a group of strategic management students, a message he also shared with luncheon attendees. 鈥淚f you do not have passion, you are wasting your time.鈥�

Passion for entrepreneurship and technology is something that has driven Vogt鈥檚 work. Early in his career, Vogt spent several years working for Sony鈥檚 e-solutions division, which he played a key role in creating. He has also served as an executive with HP, Dell, and The Weather Channel.

Throughout his career, Vogt鈥檚 own passions have evolved. While he is still heavily involved in the tech industry, he is serving in different roles. Vogt said, 鈥淚 am at the point in my career now where it is more about purpose and mission.鈥� Vogt is currently the CEO of both HealthiNationand NRCCUA. The mission of HealthiNation is to improve the mental and physical well-being of Americans. NRCCUA鈥檚 mission is to match prospective students to a college that will fit them best.

Vogt ended his visit at 91精选 in BUAD 382鈥檚 Lean Startup Class listening to pitches, something he also does in his professional career. During this, class students pitched their startup businesses to a panel of judges including 91精选鈥檚 Vice President for Enrollment Rick Riddering, Associate Vice President for Advancement Dennis Harms, Dr. Steve VanderVeen, professor of business and chair of the business department, and Vogt. The judges offered challenging feedback designed to lead students to think critically about what is involved in making their startups successful.