By: Sean Luster, Graduate Assistant —
COBE Student Services and V-Squared Creative hosted “Ask Me Anything!,” an event for Boise State University students to ask Idaho business professionals questions about anything from getting a job to overcoming business hurdles. The professional business panel consisted of Ronda Conger, owner of CBH Homes; Gary Raney, a former Ada County Sherriff who started GAR, Inc.; Tobe Brockner, founder and creative director for V-Squared Creative; Connie Miller, president and CEO of Icon Credit Union; and Stephen Cilley, founder and owner of Ataraxis, Inc. The speakers shared some of their personal experiences, life lessons and business knowledge with the audience of students, faculty and community members.
The entire session was filled with memorable stories, quotable and inspirational one-liners (“If you bite off more than you can chew, then sit down and chew it!” exclaimed Brockner; and, “If you are handed it, you can handle it,” Ronda’s mantra), and thoughtful participation from members of the audience. The panels messages included being persistent, looking ahead, and not being shy to reach out to business people and potential mentors because many of them are always willing to help. The biggest takeaway just might have been that if you work hard, are willing to overcome any obstacle that comes your way, and have a positive attitude, then anything can be accomplished. Overall, the event was a great opportunity for students to gain wisdom and for these business professionals to share some of their knowledge with up-and-comers in the Boise community.