College of Architecture former students head 17 of the 100 fastest-growing companies owned or operated by Texas A&M graduates in 2007, according to the third annual "Aggie 100 Project," a list of über-achievers compiled by the Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M's Mays Business School.
Topping the list of Aggie 100 companies headed by College of Architecture former students, at eighth place, is t. howard + associates, which was founded in 1998 by president Todd Howard '91 as a multidisciplined architectural firm with a portfolio of diverse project types.
The company performs architecture, interior design and planning services for clients as diverse as Trammel Crow Healthcare, Headstart Greater Dallas, Builders Carpet Warehouse & Showroom and the First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs.
"Be persistent and confident in your ability while maintaining the highest ethical standards in everything you do," said Howard of his approach, which has resulted in the company's enjoying a 153-percent compound annual growth rate between 2004-06.
Ben Collinsworth '99, heads Native Land Design, a Cedar Park company that designs and maintains grounds and landscapes around shopping malls and large retail centers. The company, founded by Collinsworth in 2001, ranked 25th on the list of successful businesses headed by former students.
He said doing what you love is the most important thing when starting a business.
"Do something that you enjoy and are passionate about," said Collinsworth. "Rewrite the definition of success in your own mind to include freedom, personal joy, sense of accomplishment and the ability to help and inspire others. Then you will truly be successful."
Personal contentment and financial success do not necessarily go hand in hand, he added. "Too many entrepreneurs start a business simply for financial gain and later realize that no matter how much money you make you are still searching for true joy and happiness."
Paul Gugenheim '73, who founded Delta Structural Technology, Inc. in 1997, placed 97th on the list. His company, which boasts a 30-percent growth rate, has been part of the evolution of using composite materials for structural enhancements of bridges, buildings and construction.
"Being an entrepreneur is a team, not a one-person show," he said. "The beginning may be with one person, but the quality of the team will determine the potential that can be reached."
And, he said, it all boils down to character and perseverance.
"Character," he said, "is defined by what you do when no one is watching and it is crunch time for yourself. Failure is only an event on the road to success. The winner dusts himself or herself off and tries again. The winner will do what the loser will not."
The complete 2007 Aggie 100 list, including the rest of the College of Architecture former students who made the grade, can be accessed online at http://aggie100.com/past/list2007/
Ben Collinsworth
Todd Howard
