Although SHSU may be most known for its Criminal Justice and teaching programs, it is currently undergoing tremendous growth and innovation. Chief among these are new programs such as the School for Osteopathic Medicine, a Nursing Program that is excelling, and an Entrepreneurship program that is showing great growth.
The program began in 2003, with a major in Entrepreneurship added in 2012. Now, we have more than 140 majors and minors in the program, and an “Entrepreneur in Residence” program that highlights the work and principles of key business people. Last year, for example, Mattress Mack spoke on campus, and this year, the Entrepreneur in Residence is the “H-E-B Guy” Scott McClelland. The LEAP Ambassadors happily volunteered at both events.
Scott McClelland is currently the President of H-E-B. The grocery company opened its first store in Kerrville, Texas in 1905, and it is now a 25-billion dollar retailer with almost 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Of course, to many Texans, he is known for his HEB ads with celebrities (with many featuring the Houston Astros).
With hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and locals in attendance, President Hoyt introduced McClelland….
…who described how his company grew from a single-store enterprise to one of the largest chains in the country.
McClelland emphasized a couple of themes, beginning with the idea that companies must evolve. If they don’t, they will go out of business. To punctuate this point, he showed a list of leading grocers who have gone under.
McClelland discussed the importance of staying curious and being paranoid. Curiosity should prompt you to want to learn and encourage innovation. And “paranoia” can be good if it means you are always looking for ways to grow and to be aware of competitive trends.
The entrepreneur shared that H-E-B will be making history by opening a completely kosher store in a Jewish community in Texas. Everything in the store from the homemade tortillas to the fresh sushi will be kosher. He described the in-depth research they did in order to truly serve the Jewish community.
In one of the more colorful discussions, McClelland also admonished budding businessmen to “sell shit they don’t,” if they want to be successful. This succinct message was met with much approval.
McClelland finished by discussing Hurricane Harvey and how the employees of H-E-B rallied together to help the community. This represents the culture of H-E-B and how the employees feel like a family.
After a few questions from the crown, McClelland was sent off with a great round of applause. We thought it was a great talk and we learned so much about H-E-B and the entrepreneurial spirit!
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Rachel Allison for the opportunity to volunteer, and SHSU’s Entrpreneurship Program for offering interesting speakers on campus.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 