Leonard named young entrepreneur of the year

UA entrepreneurs and faculty members received advice from the founder of a nationwide leader in healthy eating Thursday night at the UA Entrepreneurs Awards Banquet.

Wiley Mullins, a UA alumnus and owner of Uncle Wiley's Inc., gave the keynote address and presented the award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

"Don't compare yourself to anyone else," Mullins said. "If you have ideas, and you are passionate and energetic about something, go do it. Try it while you're young."

Mullins' company has created spices and seasonings designed to limit sodium, fat, cholesterol and calorie intake. He has also introduced America's Wellness Team, which has been endorsed by the National Medical Association, and is the author of "Salad Makes the Meal."

Lauren Leonard, a 2006 UA graduate, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for her success in her own company, Leona, LLC, whose spring 2008 collection found profit across the Southeast. The Alabama Elevator Pitch Competition was won by "Reach," UA students marketing a product that would allow a seatbelt to be cut in the event of an emergency, an idea that is not present in any mass-produced car.

Mullins' keynote emphasized a connection to people, both as potential clients and potential customers. As an example, he told the story of working as a brand manager for Mott's applesauce, and reading a letter from a mother who was afraid to put a large, glass jar into her daughter's lunchbox. This led to the idea of plastic, single-serving packets, and sales skyrocketed.

Mullins decisions to make healthier products also involved letters from customers who told him of high blood pressure and potential heart disease. Mullins said he was also encouraged to make healthier foods from his family history.

"I had a mother that had quadruple bypass, and my father died at 64," Mullins said. "So I know what its like to lose people who you are very close to chronic illness."

Mullins' advice for young entrepreneurs centered around taking initiative and meeting new, influential people.

"Get involved," Mullins said. "Talk to people you don't know. When the invitation comes from alumni banquets, go to them."

Mullins told a story about how he found one of his largest investors while attending a retiree reception. Mullins said after shaking hands and briefly introducing himself, the man abruptly asked him if he needed any money.

Mullins also advised young entrepreneurs to be wary of changing technology.

"We've only just begun," Mullins said. "Every day you go to the store, you see something new. Come up with intelligent ways to market it."

Mullins said the University contributed to his success by broadening his horizons to show him what it meant to be a modern entrepreneur.

"When I was in high school, business was bookkeeping and accounting," Mullins said. "It's so much more. It's operations. It's marketing. All of the things I was introduced to here exposed me to what it takes to run a successful business.

Mullins also said the University had a climate of politeness and helpfulness that he found nowhere else.

"That goes a long way," Mullins said. "I went to two additional Southern schools. I have never seen the level of politeness that I see at UA anywhere else. People want to work with you."