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WNC Business

Asheville Business Summit Inspires Entrepreneurs

Aug 21, 2024 06:30PM ● By Randee Brown

On Tuesday, August 20, more than 350 individuals were in attendance for the 2024 Asheville Business Summit. In an effort to boost the success of area entrepreneurs and business leaders, host Bill Gilliland with keynote speaker and ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars appeared at Asheville’s new Embassy Suites to offer expert advice to the WNC business community.

The event began with breakfast, coffee, a sponsor business expo, and plenty of time for networking with like-minded members of the area’s business landscape.

Gilliand shared some base theories for business success — first, understand what success looks like for you, and commit to taking action. He shared a local success story of one of his mentees, and how looking beyond success enabled his company to grow beyond expectations.

The acronym BE EPIC, used frequently by Gilliland, stands for Bring Energy, Education, Planning, Inspiration, and Commitment, and outlines the standard format encouraged for working toward and thinking beyond success.

Sugars spoke about being a leader, lifting employees to create their success as well because in order to grow your business, you have to be a good leader. He also encouraged attendees to become the best version of themselves by working harder on personal growth than on their business, allowing business success to fall into place.

Attendees had only positive things to say about the event.

Matt Walter, owner of Scratchmark, said he was impressed by the diversity of attendees; noticing people from a variety of industries and markets. “Typically when I go to a business conference like this it is geared towards a specific industry or market,” Walter said. "By diversifying the sponsors, the Asheville Business Summit was able to draw passionate businesses to spotlight.”

Howard Walkowitz, founder of LifeInsureAssure, had a variety of takeaways: “Always keep your eye on your goal. A coach keeps you focused on your goal; if not, the shiny objects keep getting getting in the way. Being a business owner is a long-term journey with constant challenges. A mentor is critical because it can be a lonely journey. Coachability is crucial to having a coach.”

Holly Fisher of Fisher Creative said “For me, it was inspiring to see so many engaged, committed, and excited business owners and professionals gathered in one place. To say the energy was high would be an understatement! What an amazing business community we have here in Asheville and Western North Carolina. And I appreciated ActionCoach Bill Gilliland's reminder to dream big; focusing on "what" we want to accomplish and not getting stuck on "how" we're going to make it happen.”

Maja Potacki of Carolina Outdoor Lighting said, “WOW! I knew it would be good, but it was better than good. I honestly never imagined it would be so motivating and inspirational as it was! If you missed it, you really missed out! Our speakers, Bill Gilliland and Brad Sugars nailed it! Bill helped us identify our goals and our path to success. Brad is not only hilarious and entertaining, but he is moving and encouraging. My perspective is changed and my goals are more clear! BIG thank you to Bill, Brad, and everyone who helped put this on! Don’t miss it in 2025! Let’s go!!!!”