|
|
EKI Leaders Reach Out to Youth Guidance
April 20, 2003
CHICAGO - Diego Ferrer and Robert Blackwell, Jr. know a thing or two about
important meetings. The co-founders of Electronic Knowledge Interchange,
one of Chicago's leading tech firms, have had their share of power lunches
and make-or-break deals. But on April 8th the EKI conference room hosted
perhaps its most important pitch yet.
|
| |
The group of 12 seventh and eighth grade boys had come from Youth Guidance,
the Chicago-based organization dedicated to helping at-risk kids grow socially,
academically, and emotionally. Youth Guidance, a school-based non-profit
social service agency, helps at-risk students use their talents to create
positive futures by providing programs that guide them academically, socially
and emotionally.
The young men's interests were broad, with aspiring soldiers, plumbers,
electricians, and policemen among them. All had volunteered for the excursion,
and an opportunity to learn more about business from entrepreneurs hailing
from communities similar to their own.
Ferrer, a native of Venezuela, came to Chicago in the early 1980's speaking
little English and determined to study electronics, which he did at DeVry
University. He soon found a roommate, Blackwell, an African-American UIC
student who shared his love of computers and was determined himself to
learn some Spanish. Nearly 20 years later, Robert and Diego remain best
friends and one of the most successful teams of minority business owners
in Chicago. They are also eager to pass on the lessons of hard work they
have learned in their respective careers.
"You have to be willing to make the sacrifices that other people are
not willing to make," says Blackwell in his matter-of-fact style,
"That is what will get you the things you want."
Both Blackwell and Ferrer stressed that minorities are not often handed
great opportunities, so it is up to them to work that much harder for them,
while being sure to make themselves a person of value.
"People work hard all the time and never get ahead," noted Ferrer,
"Working hard is not always enough. You have to work smart, and make
sure you are adding value to your company or school."
During the two-hour meeting, the students were given an overview of how
business at EKI works and were able to talk with the two founders and ask
numerous questions. The group spoke openly about the realities and challenges
facing minorities, and the young men clearly appreciated the frank nature
of the discussions. The questions ranged from what to wear on an
interview to what kinds of cars the men drive. All questions were answered
directly and honestly, with a lesson tied to each answer.
"I have had lots of cars," said Blackwell, "but I always
get rid of a car if I start to like it too much. Material things do not
make you happy."
The youngsters admittedly came to EKI not knowing what to expect, but walked
away with a newfound inspiration.
"It made me want to work harder in my school" said 14-year-old
Paul Sanchez. "I didn't know you had to do so much work."
It is clear Ferrer and Blackwell feel a responsibility beyond those of
their own company and its 70 employees. The no-nonsense approach that has
made EKI one of the city's fastest growing firms certainly played well
in their biggest meeting on this day, as the group of twelve impressionable
young men left the conference room with a greater understanding of what
it takes to succeed.
|
|
 |
|
|