Entrepreneurship is the ultimate adventure.

To succeed, you must possess courage, creativity, intelligence,people skills, tenacity and an exemplary work ethic. While most of us aren’t born with all those qualities, they can be acquired by observing and learning from others who have made their dreams of success come true.

Written in a compelling, straightforward style that reflects the thinking of the successful individuals featured, Energy Entrepreneurs, Vol. 1 illustrates the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and offers insight on how to deal with each. While most of the individuals featured in the book own and operate companies that serve the energy industry, the lessons they impart are universal, transcending the boundaries of their respective businesses. Even if you don’t aspire to own a business, there is valuable wisdom to be gained from each chapter of Energy Entrepreneurs.

Since Earl Heard founded the BIC Alliance more than 20 years ago, he has met, interviewed or read about thousands of successful entrepreneurs in various industries. He has used the lessons learned from others — in addition to faith and perseverance — to succeed and help others find success on the job and off. Energy Entrepreneurs represents another step in the BIC Alliance’s mission of connecting people in business and industry for the betterment of all.

Bios on the individuals featured in Energy Entrepreneurs, Vol. 1

Press release announcing publication

Testimonials

“Energy Entrepreneurs, Vol. 1 directly addresses an undervalued need throughout our country and the world — accurate accounts of why and how new business enterprises survive and grow. Think about it. All successful, prosperous and free societies in the 21st century depend not on governments or politics or institutions or natural resources or even military might. Ultimately, they need the business enterprises which meet contemporary needs by providing employment, products, services and taxes.

These pages will reveal that the essence of starting and growing new business ventures is not theory but meeting real needs via faith, confidence, persistence, integrity and hard work.

I truly hope that BIC Publishing will consider this as the first in a series of books and communications which will get a ‘founder’s view’ of the real-world problems and opportunities to be faced by entrepreneurs in many fields.”

— Dr. Roger Fritz, President of Inside Advantage Publications, business consultant, and author of more than 40 titles, including Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained and Nobody Gets Rich Working For Someone Else.

“I started reading Energy Entrepreneurs and could not put it down. It is inspiring to read about individuals who have grown companies while maintaining the balance between family and values.”

— Barry Thibodeaux, president and CEO, USES

“I love reading success stories, and the ones in Energy Entrepreneurs are really wonderful. In his first book, Earl Heard thanked a number of people who have inspired him, and now I thank him for his inspiration and for helping others to believe in themselves.”

— Wray Lindersmith, director of sales and marketing, South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center

A story of one man’s enduring faith in God, himself and mankind, It’s What We Do Together That Counts: The BIC Alliance Story is the testament of Earl Heard, founder and CEO of the BIC Alliance, one of the nation’s largest multi-industrial, multidepartmental strategic marketing firms and publisher of Business and Industry Connection (BIC) magazine.

Drawing upon 63 years of life experiences, Heard proves through his words and actions that any form of adversity can be overcome through hard work, perseverance and kindness to others. Having progressed from a journeyman carpenter in early adulthood in his hometown of Baton Rouge, La., to an industrial manager and training coordinator for Ethyl Corp., Heard first set out to become an entrepreneur in 1980. Thus began a long journey to the top filled with detours and setbacks — including business failures, family turmoil, betrayal and near-death experiences. In spite of the many trials he’s faced, Heard has lived to tell a story of success, which he hopes will inspire all who read it to pursue greater peace, happiness and success in their lives.

The book also includes insights into success from more than 100 executives, entrepreneurs and others representing different businesses and sectors of industry.

Praise for It’s What We Do Together That Counts