Rick Risner to Speak at UC Riverside Forum on Careers in Entrepreneurship

President and CEO of ESI Technology Group, Rick Risner is among half a dozen invited panelists to participate in this year’s Forum on Careers, to be held on UC Riverside campus on April 11.

The event is back by demand, following last year’s lively CEO panel discussion. Thinking back on his participation in last year’s CEO forum, Risner says this year’s event is likely to be another spirited exchange, as there is so much buzz centering around the economy and business startups – this year’s topic is especially timely!

In the movie Hello Dolly, a train porter says to Dolly Levi, "Mrs. Levi, you've got more businesses than a dog has fleas."

She smiles and replies, "When you're living from hand to mouth, you'd better be ambidextrous." Risner hopes to convey that a recession doesn't have to be the end for your small business dreams. With some creativity, flexibility, and a lot of personal discipline, the entrepreneur can come out on the other side in sound financial shape. Tough times help you decide what's important enough to spend limited funds on and what's not.

He notes that students who plan on the entrepreneurial route must develop strategic plans to create and sustain the venture; periodically assess progress toward this goal; and be prepared to make adjustments as market forces change.