Lessons in Entrepreneurship: The Ups, Downs, and Community Connections

Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path—it’s a journey filled with risks, resilience, and rewards. On September 9, entrepreneurs Doug Dallmann and Mike Barry will take the stage at TREK to share real stories from their decades of experience—both the wins and the setbacks that shaped their businesses and their lives.

The Heart of Entrepreneurship

For Doug and Mike, business has always been about more than just profits. It’s about creating something meaningful for the community. From the thank-yous they’ve received from customers to the satisfaction of seeing their products and services make a difference, they describe entrepreneurship as “a great feeling you can’t compare to anything else.”

The Power of Community

Both entrepreneurs emphasize that no one succeeds alone. Behind every thriving business are supportive families, trusted employees, and a strong community. Whether it’s asking for advice, sharing resources, or lending a hand to another local business, Doug and Mike know the value of leaning on—and contributing to—the networks around them.

“If you don’t know it, ask,” Doug shared. “I’m not the smartest business owner in the world, otherwise I wouldn’t be running Universal.”

Delegation and Growth

One of the hardest lessons for any entrepreneur? Delegation. Doug admits he used to think he needed to have his hands on everything, but over time learned that trusting others is essential to growth. “The hardest word is delegate,” Mike added. Learning to let go has been critical in helping both men focus on the bigger picture.

Supporting the Next Generation

Nothing excites Doug and Mike more than seeing young entrepreneurs step into the business world. They know the courage it takes to take that leap—and they’re eager to mentor and share what they’ve learned. As Mike put it, “Even if they just take a little piece of my what I’ve learned over the years, I’m happy to share it.”

Learning from Success—and Failure

Not every idea has been a winner, and that’s part of the journey too. Whether it’s a product design that flopped or a promotion that didn’t land, both men see failure as a stepping stone toward better results. “At least you can say you tried it,” Doug explained. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but you always learn something.”

An Invitation to Join the Conversation

TREK promises to be more than just a talk—it will be an open, honest, and engaging conversation about what it really means to run a business in a small community. Doug and Mike bring humor, humility, and a wealth of knowledge to the table, and they’re ready to answer your questions and share stories you won’t find in a textbook.

Join us September 9 for an hour of insight, connection, and inspiration. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial journey, this is an event you won’t want to miss.