On June 9th, Keri Zumbahlen, 2019 NCHS Alumni, showcased her business KZ Designed during the National Trade Show in Champaign. Keri, along with 24 other CEO alumni, were selected to participate in this prestigious event after submitting pictures of her trade show booth and products as well as an application consisting of business specific questions and her business plan.
The National Trade Show was held from 1 pm to 4 pm in Champaign. Keri assembled her booth in the morning at 8 to be ready by noon. During the four hours before the show, judges and community members visited the booths asking questions about the business, future plans and CEO in general.
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Keri states, “Participating in the National Trade Show was a great experience to have the opportunity to showcase my business in another county. It was interesting to see some of the businesses of other CEO alumni and talk to them about how they have changed throughout the year. I liked being able to meet new people and hear their advice and ideas on running a successful business.”
Keri is the daughter of Roger and Tori Zumbahlen. She will begin classes at the University of Evansville in the fall with the goal of obtaining her degree in exercise science as a direct entry physical therapy student. Keri found her passion for physical therapy when she was a patient about a year ago.
Keri discussed CEO and how it has impacted her life and the person she has become stating. “CEO as a whole has helped shape me into the person I am today. I am grateful for what I have experienced in this past year and the skills it has given me for the future. I have seen businesses in our community from a point of view that most do not get to see. I have been able to listen to and learn from some of the most successful business people in the area. I have been able to create my own business and develop myself professionally in a way that would not be possible without the CEO program. These are all things that will last a lifetime, and I am grateful to have had the opportunities that CEO offers.
It would be incredible to go back to a year ago to see how much I have changed. I know I am not the same person that I was before I started the CEO program. I am more driven and confident than ever, and I know how to be professional. I now have the experience of running my own business along with the many lessons that came from real-life experiences. CEO gave me the tools to get started on a successful business journey, and I think everyone with a desire to better themselves should consider joining CEO.”
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