Duane B Thomas Charleston, West Virginia Area
DUANE B THOMAS
Knowledge Broker
Over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, management, and marketing. Experience comprises of concept development, operational development / implementation, management, local-store marketing, financial strategy / analysis, employee / management development, customer satisfaction and all other aspects associated with a successful operation. Through those years, have provided numerous companies with consulting services encompassing many of the areas listed above. These companies have ranged from one to multi-unit locations. Additionally, have obtained knowledge of Fast Trac, Core Four, and NxLeveL training while developing multiple online channels ranging from Facebook to Nings to Websites containing resources for individuals to be successful.
Within the community to college arena, have been involved in entrepreneurial studies by participating and providing coaching to programs such as Kidpreneurship (Community) to WV Statewide Business Plan Competition (College) not to mention the variety of business courses taught as an adjunct faculty member.
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
I believe a key component to building a stronger foundation within a community is continually overlooked and/or underutilized.
STUDENTS
As I recently Tweeted on Twitter: [Cultivating Human Ability - Capacity | Whether they flourish depends on how they are nourished - Sir Ken Robinson]
ENGAGING students within communities, more specifically with SMALL and large business owners (Entrepreneurs), will increase the nourishment students are receiving within the "brick and mortar" institutions. Nourishment, not only for the students but also for the entrepreneurs. Don't believe me? Ask the former students and business owners of StudENT Corps, of which I incorporated into BA 436 - Marketing Research at West Virginia State University, about ENGAGEMENT.*
* copy of written testimonials are available upon request
Management and marketing: over two decades of experience comprised of concept development, operational development/implementation, management, local-store marketing, financial strategy/analysis, employee/management development, customer satisfaction. Consulting services to small businesses for approximately fifteen years. Education and training to public and within private sector approximately fifteen years. MBA in business administration from Marshall University.
Options: Audio, Webinars, and Seminars (1-hour / half-day / full-day / week-end retreats as educator / facilitator). Availability: United States and Internationally.
Sample Topics: Virtually Connected, Beyond Borders, Creative Destructive, Innovation gone Green, Art Deco, WHY Story Tellers, Capitalization - You and the Market, A State of Differentiation, GREAT Ideas and Innovation - Are they the Same?, Innovation is happening HERE, and many more.
