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Entrepreneur Roundtable - A Veteran's Perspective

Entrepreneur Roundtable - A Veteran's Perspective

Veterans are often already equipped with the skills necessary for success in entrepreneurship. They are leaders, problem solvers, calm under pressure and able to adapt quickly to changes in their environment. Two successful entrepreneurs will discuss some of the opportunities, challenges and benefits for veterans as they consider starting their own business.

Bill Camarillo is CEO of Agromin, one the largest organics recyclers in the United States. Camarillo has helped the company pioneer organics conversion through sustainable technologies. During Camarillo’s tenure, Agromin has diverted more than 3.5 million tons of organics from landfills, helping cities stay in compliance with AB 939 recycling mandate. Agromin was recognized as the US Composting Council’s 2008 “Composter of the Year” and was the recipient of the California Resource Recovery Association’s 2009 “Leadership in Organics” award. Agromin is also designated as a California Climate Action Registry “Climate Action Leader.”

Camarillo served 10 years in the Marine Corps, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Redlands, and sits on several nonprofit boards including the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) as chair, Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and the California Compost Coalition.

Jerry E. Knotts is a serial entrepreneur, coach and angel investor with more than 30 years experience. He is president of California Coast Venture Forum Inc., operator of the Clean Business Investment Summit. He is a member of the School of Management Advisory Council at California Lutheran University, mentor for LARTA Institute, screener/mentor for Southern California BioMedical Council, panelist with LBCC and LACC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Programs and mentor for UCSB New Venture Program. He  has held executive positions with VP/GM, Government Electronics Division, California Microwave Inc. in Woodland Hills and VP/Programs, American Nucleonics Corporation in Westlake Village.

Knotts holds a BSEE (Electrical Engineering) from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Auburn University. He is a licensed, Registered Professional Engineer (PE).

Sponsored By
The School of Management

Contact

Brendon Norton
blnorton@callutheran.edu
805-493-3091
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