EUGENE, OR - Gary E. Smith, 46, knows a little something about running a successful business. He's owned and managed small businesses since he was 17.
Entering his seventh year as Lane Community College's Small Business Management program instructor, Smith blends his practical business tactics with a lifetime of experience.
"I loved what I did and I followed my passion and learned along the way," Smith said. "I started out a lot like those in my program do."
Students entering the Small Business Management program in Lane's Small Business Development Center either own a business or plan to open a business.
In the program they benefit from classroom teaching, one-on-one advising, and the opportunity to network with local businesses. Under Smith's leadership, the program's expanded to include an alumni program that provides continued coaching and support to successful program graduates.
Smith credits the program's continued growth to strong word-of-mouth from participants and the business community. The program has more than tripled the number of students served each year since Smith began teaching.
"The people who enter the program believe in it and have seen the results in their own lives," he said.
Smith uses his own CruiseOne franchise as a business example for students including how he creates an operating budget, marketing plan, and strategies for the coming year.
And it's a great example to use.
Smith was recently named one of Travel Agent Magazine's Top 25 Agents of 2013. And his franchise was named CruiseOne Agency of the Year out of more than 790 franchises worldwide in 2012. Smith was also the first Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar in Oregon, and one of the first 100 travel agents in the nation to receive this honor.
Smith originally developed a five-year plan for his franchise, half-joking that he built a business to enjoy his passion for travel. After 10 years, the business continues to thrive and grow, doing well even through the recession.
And it's his personal stories of problem solving and triumph that give his students a unique blend of "class-meets-real-world."
James Lindly, director of the Small Business Development Center, said having faculty with extensive experience is an asset.
"They have a lot of stories, which is a really powerful tool," Lindly said.
Smith also takes a personal approach to teaching business.
"I teach skills but my real focus is people," Smith said. "The number one input to the results you get is you."
Smith credits his own personal business success to embracing life-long learning and really understanding what his clients' needs are.
Smith has no plans to slow down, and will maintain his double-duty role as a full-time small business owner and a full-time faculty member at Lane.
Both bring personal fulfillment to Smith, though his work at Lane gives him a chance to give back.
"I've never done anything more rewarding in my life than SBDC," he said.
To learn more about the program visit www.lanesbdc.com or contact Smith at smithge@lanecc.edu or 541-463-6208.
Photo by Nick Wiley.
Lane is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Visit online at www.lanecc.edu or www.twitter.com/lanenews or www.facebook.com/lanecommunitycollege
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