WEEK 15+
Business Visits
Target Field - Friday Dec. 19th
On Friday December 19th KCEO toured Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins.  The students had to wake up a bit early for this tour, but it was worth it.  We were welcomed by Holly Corbin, Human Resource Generalist, and Forrest, Educational Tour Guide.  The class sat down in the Sid Hartman Press Room to discuss careers and goals with Holly.  This is the same press room where every post game interview and major free agent signing takes place.  Holly stressed the importance of taking advantage of opportunities.  She ended up leaving a full time job to take a minimum wage internship with the Twins.  She put everything she had into the opportunity and is now one of the 125 year round employees within the organization.  The class then started the surreal stadium tour.  The students were awestruck by the care and detail used to construct Target Field.  Forrest was phenomenal and took the students through The Champions Club, the Luxury Suite Level, and the visitors locker room (just to name a few).  Thousands visit the park every game day, but few get to see how everything works.  KCEO got to see where players come in the stadium, where Dick and Bert call the game, how recycled water and steam systems save two million gallons annually, and where the two World Series Trophies are displayed.  This tour was absolutely breathtaking.  Thank you Holly Corbin, Forrest, and the Minnesota Twins organization.
Guest Speakers
Jean Geselius - Monday Dec. 15th
On Monday KCEO welcomed Jean Geselius from CDS.  Jean graduated from UND with a Marketing and Public Relations degree and now manages the firm's marketing.  She shared many creative secrets with the class and offered suggestions for class business advertising.  The passion she has for her career is contagious and the students are beginning to understand how complex and important a sound marketing plan is.  Jean acknowledged the importance of the students hanging posters and sending emails, but she challenged them to get out and sell the tickets face to face.  Thank you Jean for sharing your expertise and energy with KCEO and we look forward to making CDS our home after tax season.
Charles Fenske - Monday Dec. 22nd
Charles 'Chaz' Fenske joined KCEO today to discuss his experience at the Carlson School of Business.  Charles has always been interested in business because he has grown up with it.  His father is the CFO at Rice Memorial Hospital and has been very active in the community.  Charles stressed the importance of being professional and admits that he has some very intelligent friends that have yet to understand this.  He said, "People remember the good things you do, like if you're engaged or ask good questions.  They also remember the bad things...It's not what you know, it's who you know and what they think of you."  Charles also explained that being in business is unique because you can do whatever you want.  You don't need a specific degree and there are no prerequisites.  You just need an idea and the ability to get back up when you fall.  Thank you Charles Fenske for sharing the academically relevant parts of your college experience and good luck the rest of the way.
Heritage Bank - Tuesday Dec. 23rd
On Tuesday KCEO had five guest speakers from Heritage Bank join class.  Chris Vraa, Jeff Asche, Kelly Pickle, Ross Magnuson, Bob Mathiason, and Gary Geiger discussed banking and credit.  This visit was engaging and question-driven.  Students learned about credit scores, responsible borrowing, student loans, cashflow, bankruptcy and much more.  It was definitely an action-packed morning and one that left the students in awe of what they don't know.  One students actually walked out of the room and said, "Wow, I need to learn a lot more about this stuff."  When a seventeen-year-old says something like that you begin to understand how important CEO really is.  Gary Geiger then discussed the founding of Heritage Bank.  Gary's father worked with Carl Pohlad (yes, that Carl Pohlad) to buy banks in the area.  He eventually came across a bank in Iowa that he wanted to buy for himself.  Gary eventually found himself looking to come back to Minnesota and join his father in the banking business.  Gary bought a small bank in Pennock, MN and grew the business, eventually merging with his father's banks in Iowa.  Gary wanted to create a bank that helped people succeed financially.  So that's what he did.  The crew at Heritage Bank was amazing with the students.  Thank you so very much and we look forward to working with you in the future.
WE NEED YOU!
PLEASE stop by our class whenever you have time.  We meet everyday from 7:15am to 8:45am.  Grab a cup of coffee and stay for ten minutes, or sit down with the students for the entire session.  Our students need your expertise and guidance on a daily basis.  Download our full schedule today.

 
 
Full KCEO
Schedule
 
Class resumes January 5th.  Please stay tuned for an updated weekly calendar.

Happy holidays from KCEO!
Student Spotlight:
Christian Vallecillo
Business idea:
My dream is to own a sports center with an indoor soccer field and restaurant.

CEO Impact:
I have learned how to maintain communication with others and appreciate their work.

"I joined because I always wanted to be in the business field.  This class gives me the opportunity to get out there faster."
Quick Links
KCEO Photo Library

Facilitator Contact Info
Phone: 
(320) 212-7371

Email: gehrkingt@willmar.k12.mn.us

Address:
Willmar High School
2701 30th St NE
Willmar, MN 56201
Topics We Still Need:
Logistics
Communication
Teamwork
Money Management
Government Systems
Economic Systems

PLEASE CONTACT TYLER GEHRKING IF YOU CAN HELP!