Tom Kieffer Lecture (2000)

Always work hard at being lucky, share the wealth and remember that nobody can do it alone explained Tom Kieffer, the featured speaker for the 2000 Reiman Entrepreneurial Speaker Series.

Kieffer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Agiliti, Inc., spoke to a crowd of roughly 70 students, faculty and business people during the October 30, 2000 lecture in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. Kieffer, a 1980 alumnus of Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, is a veteran entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry.

Agiliti, Inc. was founded in January 1999 by Kieffer to participate in the emerging market for web-based applications and services. Agiliti began with only 20 employees and has grown to a work force of more than 160 people providing business services provided over the Web. Kieffer has raised $61 million in venture capital since the inception of Agiliti, Inc., and was named by the Twin Cities Business Monthly magazine as one of six Twin Citians who will "transform business in the 21st Century."

Kieffer also founded Connect Computer Company, an information technology consulting and services company, in 1986 which was later sold to Norstan in 1996 for $25 million.

(Left to Right): Andrew O'Connor, Business; Lakisha Miller, Ag. Business; Tom Kieffer, Kendall Neesen, Business; Kristy Kennon, Marketing

He served as Chairman of the Minnesota High Tech Association, from 1995-1997, and has served on numerous industry advisory boards for companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Lotus, and Novell. He is the author of Get Connected, A Guide to Telecommunications.

Kieffer peppered his speech with anecdotes about how he advanced from ISU to CEO of a technology company. He expressed that his experiences as a high jumper for the ISU track and field team helped to prepare him for the competition that he would face later in life as a businessperson. Kieffer explained that competition and risk taking are crucial qualities for entrepreneurs. He said, "I was competitive, and this taught me to take risks, because in high jumping the end is always a failure."

Kieffer further pointed out that "We live in an idea economy and are encouraged to take risks, thanks to the Internet and digital economy." Kieffer advised aspiring entrepreneurs to look for opportunities amidst chaos.

The Reiman Entrepreneurial Speaker Series was established through a generous gift from Roy and Bobbi Reiman. The lecture series features an entrepreneurial guest speaker who visits Iowa State University to meet with students, faculty, and business leaders.

In addition to his public lecture, Kieffer and his son, Ryan, met with the staff and management team of the ISU Pappajohn Center, engaged in a round-table discussion with students in Howard Van Auken's entrepreneurship course, and visited with several entrepreneurs located at the ISU Research Park. Judi Eyles, Assistant Director of the ISU Pappajohn Center, said, "It is phenomenal to have individuals of Kieffer's caliber visit Iowa State University and interact with students and faculty. Kieffer shared an amazing story of success that is inspiring and motivational. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to host entrepreneurs like Kieffer through this speaker series."

This year's event was planned by four ISU Entrepreneur Club members; Kristy Kennon, junior in marketing, Lakisha Miller, sophomore in ag business, Kendall Neessen, sophomore in pre-business and Andrew O'Connor, sophomore in pre-business. "Coordinating this event provides students a unique experience in project management," said Kennon.