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October 17, 2021

Practical Entrepreneurship: George Wight, Chairman Vertical Exchange Capital: Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks

Podcast Details

Top Tip

Focus on self validation not others views or you will fail. Remember the choices are yours to make. Always add value. Ask: do you want to be right or do you want to be rich?

George Wight Wight is a lifelong entrepreneur, banker, trader, fund manager and private equity investor.  With interests in aerospace, construction, electric vehicles, energy, maritime, technology and entertainment.   He was the Keynote Speaker at the World Biofuels Symposium in Beijing China.

His first company, Windsports, Inc. was a franchise of Wind Skate products for sailing, skiing and skating.  This was started at age 14.   At age 18 George Wight began attending bank board meetings and at 21 was appointed to the Board of Directors of DucoBancshares, the holding company for Bank of Illinois.   Several years latter he participated in the repositioning of the bank and ultimate sale for nearly 4 times book value.  This was a very high sale measure as interstate banking was just opening up.  During his tenure with Bank of Illinois he expanded the bank’s position in aircraft leasing.  As an active pilot he was able to fly the bank’s Chairman to rural banks during the farm crisis and assist in recapitalizing them.
During his formal Economics, Business and U.S. History training at Cornell College, George Wight began a career as a standup comedian and club manager.  This established his lifelong passion for entertainment and hospitality.
Upon Graduation George Wight went to work for DLJ, Pershing division at the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE).  Having worked at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) for Geldermann, Inc., in the summers, he was prepared for his successful floor and office trading career at the Chicago Board of trade.
As an “upstairs” trader, George Wight also began working with his families real estate, construction, engineering and private investment business.
George developed, managed shopping centers, vacant land for development, class A office buildings and hotels & resorts.  During this period George Wight became an investor with Odyssey Marine, Inc.  One of the World’s most successful wreck salvage and recovery business. The company was featured in 2 seasons of “Treasure Quest” on Discovery Channel.
Top Leadership Tip: Focus on self validation not others views or you will fail. Remember the choices are yours to make. Always add value. Ask: do you want to be right or do you want to be rich?

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