NOTE to undergraduate students: The undergraduate conversation hour session from 11 am to noon is now CLOSED due to the large number of students who have signed up for the session. Unfortunately, we will not be able accept any more reservation requests from undergraduate students for the undergraduate -- or graduate -- conversation hour session. (Posted: 1/27/2010)


CONVERSATION HOUR INFORMATION:

Conversation Hour Visitor: Mr. Bill Bruders, CEO of Legend Brands
Date: Friday, January 29, 2010
Location: Parks Hall 441 (South end of room)

WHAT IS A "CONVERSATION HOUR"?
A "Conversation Hour" provides an opportunity to meet in a small group setting with an experienced business leader. A “Conversation Hour” is not intended to be a lecture – instead, it is a time for you to ask questions and gain valuable insights from a business professional. There will be other students at this gathering, so you won’t need to carry the conversation on your own. However, you do want to be prepared to ask questions.

BACKGROUND ABOUT OUR VISITOR:

Bill Bruders is CEO of Legend Brands and joined Dri-Eaz Products, Inc., its flagship operation 11 years ago, in the Sales Department as a Special Accounts Manager servicing the restoration equipment and solution needs of key customers. He was promoted to Sales Manager and later to Director of Customer Relations. Before coming to Dri-Eaz, Bill gained more than ten years of industry-related experience in equipment, manufacturing, distribution, and construction.

In 2000, Bill was selected to establish a European Operations Center for Dri-Eaz. This resulted in the establishment of Dri-Eaz Products Ltd. located 40 miles NW of London England in the UK. Bill led the establishment of Dri-Eaz Southeast Operations Center located in Nashville Tennessee in 2002. Today approximately 70% of the company’s products are distributed from this location. In 2003, Bill was promoted to General Manager of Dri-Eaz Products Inc. directing the company’s day-to-day manufacturing, customer relations, business, and financial operations; in 2004 he became President. Bill worked with two private equity firms, as well as two banks to secure financing for a management purchase of Dri-Eaz from the founder, Claude Blackburn in 2006. The company has continued to grow and acquired Microban/Unsmoke Systems located outside of Pittsburgh PA in December of 2007. Microban/Unsmoke is the market leader in odor control, antimicrobial cleaners and fire restoration products in North America.

HOW TO SIGN UP?
It is easy to sign up for a conversation hour. Just fill out the simple form provided below. (Note: If a conversation hour time slot has filled up, then the option to sign up for the time slot will not be available on this form.)

SPACE FOR EACH CONVERSATION HOUR WILL BE LIMITED. To secure a spot for the conversation hour, you are encouraged to complete and submit this form as soon as you can!