Passionate leadership subject of next business college talk

KALAMAZOO—A businessman cited for his leadership skills will be featured in the next Distinguished Speaker Series talk sponsored by Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business.

William A. "Bud" Brian will present "Pursuing Your Passion and Developing Passionate Leadership" at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, on campus in 2000 Schneider Hall. Those planning to attend should register by Friday, Feb. 22. The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

William A. "Bud" Brian

Brian earned a bachelor's degree in English from WMU in 1966 and is the founder and original owner of Budco, a leading fulfillment and direct marketing company. The firm helps Fortune 500 companies build strong relationships with their key business, consumer and employee audiences. Brian sold Budco to an investment group in 2006 but serves as vice chairman and as an active member of the board of directors.

He started the firm in 1982 when he purchased D.W. Hacker Co., a printing and distribution company in Detroit that employed 15 people and had gross sales of $800,000. With Brian at the helm, Budco created a unique people- and customer-focused corporate culture and grew into a $100 million operation with nearly 1,000 employees serving a variety of globally recognized brands.

Brian's leadership and success has been recognized in many ways. He was named Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young in 1999, and under his leadership, Budco received "Best Overall" recognition in the metropolitan Detroit 2001 "101 Best & Brightest Companies To Work For" competition.

Budco was also recognized in the Detroit Regional Chamber's Best Practices 2003 competition for several human resources and training and development initiatives. In addition, Budco received a Stevie Award for Best Overall Company under 2,500 employees in the 2005 national American Business Awards competition.

To register for Bud Brian's talk or obtain more information, contact Cyntia Reeves at cyntia.reeves@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5069.