One of the most impactful moments in the Young Entrepreneur Academy each year is the CEO Roundtable. It is where ideas meet experience and where our students get the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into real conversations with leaders who have built, led, and grown organizations right here in our community.
Last week, our young CEOs had the chance to do just that.
We were proud to welcome a strong panel of local leaders who each brought a different perspective to the table: Kurt Anderson of Spartan Drill Tools, Mike Bennett with the City of Grand Junction, Tim Fry of Mountain Racing Products, and Lori Henderson of FirstLight Home Care. Each of them shared not just their success, but the path it took to get there.
The conversation started simply. Who are you, and how did you get here? But what followed was anything but surface level.
Our students heard firsthand what these leaders were doing when they were their age. The answers were honest and relatable. Some were already working. Some were still figuring things out. None had a perfectly mapped path. That alone was a powerful reminder that success is rarely linear.
When asked what they would do differently, and what they would do the same, a common theme emerged. Take the risk. Stay curious. And do not underestimate the value of hard work early on. At the same time, there was a clear message about the importance of relationships, something we continue to emphasize through this program.
The panelists also shared what they love most about their roles today. It was not just about growth or revenue. It was about building teams, creating opportunities for others, and being part of something bigger than themselves. That perspective matters for our students as they begin shaping what kind of leaders they want to be.
Of course, some of the most meaningful moments came from the tougher questions.
What was your biggest failure?
Each panelist had one. And each spoke openly about it. The takeaway was clear. Failure is not the end. It is often where the real learning begins.
What was your biggest success?
Interestingly, the answers were not always tied to financial milestones. Success was defined by perseverance, by people, and by the ability to keep moving forward when things were uncertain.
And when it came to advice for the next generation of CEOs, the message was consistent. Show up. Do the work. Stay coachable. And do not be afraid to take ownership of your path.
This roundtable is a reminder of why programs like YEA! matter. We are not just teaching students how to write a business plan or pitch an idea. We are connecting them to the real-world experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shape strong leaders.
That kind of access matters. And in a community like ours, it is something special.
We are grateful to Kurt, Mike, Tim, and Lori for investing their time and sharing their experiences so openly. Their willingness to engage with our students is what makes this program come to life.
Because at the end of the day, developing the next generation of leaders does not happen in isolation. It happens when a community shows up, shares its knowledge, and creates space for the next generation to step forward.
And that is exactly what we saw last week.