Are you looking for ways to grow your business? Do you wonder how other entrepreneurs do it? Are you curious about how a local small business ultimately attains national recognition?

At this panel discussion, three successful and well-known Lincoln Park business owners will discuss how they grew their companies over the years. They will share the specific growth strategies they have used, what inspired them to pursue new opportunities, and how their businesses grew during both prosperous and challenging times. They will discuss which strategies worked for them and which ones didn’t. They will share the many issues that growth brings to a business, and the struggles of maintaining focus and keeping true to your mission.

Confirmed Panelists

Brian Rosen
Brian is Co-Owner and President of Sam’s Wines & Spirits, a Chicago-based national retailer of wines, spirits, beers and related accessories. He has played a key role in expanding the business from one store to five as well as nearly doubling revenues from $36 million to $71 million. Under his watch, Sam’s was named 2005 Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, Forbes magazine Best of the Web, and Wine Spectator Retailer of the Year. Brian is also credited with establishing the annual Chicago Wine & Food Festival, and the first-of-its-kind “Wines on the Fly” house party offering in-person rare wine tastings for collectors nationwide. Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University, and will graduate from the University of Chicago Executive Leadership program in September 2008.

Colette Rodon Hornof
Colette is an interior designer at Vesta, a kitchen design studio she began with her husband in 2004. Prior to launching Vesta, she joined her husband’s architectural firm, 2RZ Architecture in 1996 and helped expand the business to include a construction company. With Colette’s vast experience she is able to share a wealth of exciting, creative and practical design solutions to suit varying lifestyles and budgets. She is on the board of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.