Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year.

• Author: Moon, Jacob
• Position: 2003 finalists

Finalists

SOME MAY THINK being a successful entrepreneur is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. The finalists of the 2003 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year [R] would argue otherwise. All agree that -- along with constant personal dedication and unfailing support from employees, business partners and spouses -- it also takes vision. Fred Adams, founder of the Utah Shakespearean Festival and winner in the Community Enrichment category, asks, "Why would you bust your gut doing something if you didn't envision it going someplace?'

Each of these finalists is clearly going someplace, and they are taking the world right along with them. Although each might merit an entire issue dedicated to their organizations, the following is a brief sample of their accomplishments and aspirations. With family and friends encouraging them every step of the way, these entrepreneurs continue to live, work and dream.

Manufactured Products

Tom Daniels, Brad Beesley and Bill Beesley Ill Back to Basics Products

The motto, Food, family and fun' has helped Tom Daniels and his partners, brothers Bill and Brad Beesley, focus Back to Basics' goals. The company specializes in home food preparation and has seen an explosion in the popularity of their line of smoothie makers; sales increased from $12 million in 2001 to $63 million in 2002. Daniels describes their product as the "ultimate blender" and says his company has simply added features, such as a built-in stirring rod and dispenser, that should have been designed in the blender 60 years ago."

Brad Beesley says the company wants to stand for "old-fashioned value, old-fashioned quality and old-fashioned service." This may mark the difference between this team and many entrepreneurs. While most are moving ahead and seizing advances in technology, Daniels and the Beesleys are using these advances and bringing it all "back to the basics."

R.Phillip Rasmussen *

AMSCO Windows

During his service in the Navy, Phil Rasmussen always imagined doing something great when World War II ended. He did exactly that by building his company, AMSCO. After 54 years of success, Rasmussen says he isn't ready to let go of the reins. In fact, he took a tighter grasp on them two years ago when he placed himself in greater control of the company. He then set a goal to double production volume in five years and is currently right on track. He explains, "I still enjoy the challenge of new products."

He hasn't experienced all those years alone, though. Rasmussen says he achieves success by surrounding himself with good people. His family has been very supportive, and the company's seven-member management team has 100 years of experience between them.

David J. Ludlow Bullfrog International

One would think the owner of a spa manufacturing company would find time to relax and enjoy his own product, but David Ludlow says he never slows down. Ludlow began Bullfrog International seven years ago against the advice of his father and friends. Building a business is much harder than Ludlow had ever imagined, he confesses. But because of his passion for inventing, he says he doesn't know how to stop, noting, "Nobody realizes how many times somebody fails before they are successful."

By supporting his employees, Ludlow feels he is on the road to success. If he hasn't already made it, that is. He adds, "There is no greater reward than for me to see people become successful, make more money and feel like they have a wonderful job."

Consumer & Business Services: Sales & Promotion

Carla Meine *

O'Currance Teleservices

Rather than having each employee come to the office every day, Carla Meine has found a way to bring the work to the worker: O'Currance Teleservices, an inbound telemarketing call center that allows many of its employees to work away from an office. There are many people, Meine says, who cannot leave their house to work because of medical reasons or because there are children at home. With 80 percent of the employees working from home, Meine has found a way to help a large group of people who could otherwise not be employed.

Meine says she thinks the key to being successful "is simply to love what you do." Whenever she finds herself in a tough spot, she says, she always reminds herself that her business is helping employ people in a very effective way.

Brent & Kathie Warnock Warnock's Inc.

In 1990, the Warnocks started a local list of "For Sale by Owner" homes by checking the classified ads in the newspaper and driving the streets of Salt Lake City trying to find "For Sale" signs. But as they began building their business, they found they were filling a great untapped need. Now, they publish the largest national list of homes that are For Sale by Owner," and they have a team of 70 people across the nation who do the searching for them.

Over the years, Brent Warnock has found that it isn't always the building or supplies that make up a good company. "Your competitors are your biggest asset," he explains. Many smaller, regional companies are trying to make similar lists, but Warnock has found that by bringing these would-be competitors into the fold, he is able to produce a more accurate, comprehensive list for his clients. The key, he says, is efficient communication between his employees and clients.

Hydee Willis Creative Expressions

The majority of family...