Vern Garner

The University has unveiled an innovative undergraduate student entrepreneurial program funded through a gift by one of the area’s most successful entrepreneurs, the late Dr. Vernon E. Garner, founder of the Garner Transportation Group. This unique opportunity was unveiled during a CEO Roundtable, hosted by the College of Business. Dr. Garner was a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

The new program, titled the “Dr. Vernon E. Garner Endowed Fund for Entrepreneurial Excellence,” allows students to compete for loans for start-up companies they create with faculty guidance. The new companies can begin operation while the founders are still students, and the students can take the companies with them when they graduate. Arrangements for repaying the loans are part of the start-up plan. The revolving loan fund was created with a $300,000 gift from Dr. Garner.

“This incubator of entrepreneurial businesses was inspired by Dr. Garner’s own life, and he serves as a brilliant example to our students of what is possible through good planning, hard work and an indomitable spirit,” said Dr. Paul Sears, dean of the College of Business at The University of Findlay.

Regina Garner

Dr. Garner started the company under the name of Garner Trucking Inc. in 1960 with his wife, Regina, and one truck. It grew to a national transportation leader. In the beginning, the company focused on transporting agricultural products. Today, its abilities include transportation, expediting, warehousing, logistics management, third-party services, contract maintenance and transportation consultant while operating under the umbrella of Garner Transportation Group. Regina Garner continues to provide leadership as co-owner, chairman of the board and CEO.

Dr. Garner was recognized as an industry leader by being chosen to serve as chairman of the board of directors of the American Trucking Associations Inc., a major industry trade organization based in Washington, D.C. The chairman is chosen each year from the leadership within the industry and travels nationally and internationally as the spokesman of and advocate for sound transportation policy.

“We were extremely fortunate to have had Dr. Vernon Garner as a member of the Board of Trustees for 16 years,” said Dr. DeBow Freed, University president. “He brought keen insight and great wisdom to the board. His life is a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His fine personal qualities and commitment to excellence will now live on through students who will be assisted by the fund that bears his name.”

To compete for a start-up loan, each interested student will be asked to submit a written business plan, which will be reviewed by an advisory board. Sherri Brumbaugh, daughter of Dr. Garner and director of public relations and corporate secretary, will represent the family as a member of the board. According to Sears, students will submit proposals beginning in the spring semester 2008.

Students, including those not enrolled in the College of Business, may enroll in Seminar in Entrepreneurship (BUAD 395) for the spring semester to get help in writing a business plan. Visiting professor of entrepreneurship John Hogan, Ph.D., will guide students through the steps. The plans will be reviewed before the end of the semester by the advisory board. The class will be offered on Monday evening or Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.