Ric Olson realigns his priorities
Business Professor Ric Olson speaks about his journey to starting a business and spreading his ideas.
By Mary Hajduk and Megan Hayton
Ric Olson stepped aside, revealing a piece of music playing that highlights what being alive is all about. Steven Curtis Chapman’s 1993 The Great Adventure pours through the library speakers, inciting the faculty and business partners to bob to country music reminiscent of their generation.
Adjunct Professor of Business and MBA studies, Ric Olson, was the keynote speaker during “Alive and Living: The Great Adventure” presentation at 11:15 a.m. in the Bethel University Library Thursday.
“I’ve been known as the Jacuzzi guy. We made some major decisions in the Jacuzzi, like a national cash management system was designed in a Jacuzzi.” — Ric Olson, adjunct business professor
In front of about a dozen audience members, Olson was upfront with his story, talking about his journey and realizations in life. Olson realized his job as CEO was the center focus in his life, often preventing him from enjoying the simple moments.
“I’ve been known as the Jacuzzi guy,” Olson said. “We made some major decisions in the Jacuzzi, like a national cash management system was designed in a Jacuzzi.”
Olson’s presentation introduced his business, acronymed with his wife’s initials, KGWO LLC, which aims to help people feel like they’re living again. Olson started the business after being given a mandate from his wife Kay — when she lost her battle with cancer, he found a note with her last wishes to him.
“Go for it. Teaching. Writing,” the note said.
Kay knew he wanted a way to spread his message, but needed one final push to do it. This was it. “Alive and Living” was created to help publish his books about finding margins within everyday missions.
Now, Olson works side by side with his cousin, Dave Racer, the CEO of Alethos Press, a publishing company that inspired Olson to create his own. Also a guest speaker at the presentation, Racer explained ups and downs to working with family. On the one hand, it’s hard to motivate them to get things done, he said, but it helps families grow closer in their goals.
Olson also highlighted the importance of slowing down in life, something audience member Hannah Hunhoff, a senior organizational communication major, understands.
“Marry your gifts with a passion to give back to the school,” Hunhoff said, “and maybe scale back and invest in a few less activities.”
“There is a lot of life left to be lived. Your life is more than just the physical being.” — Dave Racer, CEO of Alethos Press
Lastly, Racer reminded audience members of the most essential piece discussed in the presentation.
“There is a lot of life left to be lived,” Racer said. “Your life is more than just the physical being.”
