Germain Böer is an innovator in all that he does. His courses use technology and creative assignments that challenge students to think, and feature speakers who have created unusual companies. He also conducts experiential learning programs that transform students into self-driven entrepreneurs.

After working for Arthur Andersen & Co., the Institute of Management Accountants., and two universities, Prof. Böer joined The Owen School in 1977 as a professor of management accounting, Since that time, he has initiated numerous entrepreneurship activities at Owen, including an annual entrepreneurship conference; student sessions with venture capitalists; and a new course, “Adventures in Entrepreneurship,” in which Owen students learn how to start a new venture by working directly with entrepreneurs. Prof. Böer also instituted a program that connected students holding graduate degrees in biology with local biotech companies so the students could learn about the business side of the industry while earning an MBA.

He currently serves as an advisor to startup companies in the Nashville area and is a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, and Strategic Finance. He has provided consulting services for companies such as Chase Manhattan Bank, the National Heart and Lung Institute, General Electric, and Magnatek. Prof. Böer is the past recipient of two Owen teaching awards and in 1999 he was presented with the Most Outstanding Teacher Award by the graduating Executive MBA class. In 2003, the Tennessee District Office of the U.S.Small Business Administration named him Small Business Research Advocate of the Year. In addition to his academic service, Prof. Boer served as Interim Dean of the Owen School in 1986-87.

Show Highlights:

There's not one kind of person that's going to be a great entrepreneur. It takes all different kinds.

Successful entrepreneurs have similar characteristics, such as attitude. How you look at the world.

Entrepreneurs don't see problems. They see opportunities.

A good entrepreneur has to be persistent because there are ups and downs.

What you start with is not where you're going to end up.

At the beginning, be real, real stingy.

Write thank you notes to people; nobody does that anymore.

Serial entrepreneurs start gathering investors long before they actually need the money.

Germain's closing thoughts: Everybody has limitations. I've heard people say, "When I'm having a meeting with the top managers, I want to be the dumbest guy in the room." And that's doesn't sound too smart, but it's actually very smart. Surround yourself with the right people as your company grows. You want to have a team that when you're not there, everything goes as it should.

The Action Catalyst is a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, the oldest direct-sales company in America, and Partner with Southwestern Consulting. With more than 45 years in sales leadership and marketing management, Dan has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to make better use of time to achieve life, sales, and other business goals. Each week, he interviews some of the nation’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Subscribe on iTunes and please leave a rating and review!