EFSConnections Fall 2023 | Page 21

A student scholarship presented by the EFSC Foundation has also been named in Simpkins ’ honor . Three entrepreneur-minded recipients were announced at the event .
Ronnie Gardner , who wants to start his own environmental solutions company and said obtaining his degree from EFSC with the help of the scholarship “ will give me the foundation to bring a much-needed business to Central Florida .”
His expertise ranges from why some companies thrive in chaos — and others don ’ t — to the leadership behaviors needed in a world beset by turbulence , uncertainty and dramatic change .
He has authored four books , including the New York Times best-seller “ You ’ re Hired : How to Succeed in Business and Life ,” which examines how some companies and leaders make the leap to superior results .
The Simpkins Speaker Series is named after Bernard Simpkins , a highly successful entrepreneur and Brevard County business leader who established the sessions that have brought some of the Nation ’ s top business innovators to EFSC .
William Beckett , who wants to work in the space program and own multiple rental properties around the Space Coast . “ As a side job of sorts , I will also be a certified Standard Poodle breeder , and eventually , own my own Standard Poodle rescue .”
Rancic shares keys to success
McKinna Cooper , who wants to run her business from home , producing art pieces and videos . “ By putting out a call seeking animators on different social media platforms , I ’ m able to catch interest , explain my concept , find the best freelance employees to fill certain roles , and build a finished video from the ground up .”
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