March 26 , 2008 Rich Simpkins '68, speaker Director of Licensing & Tech Transfer Patent Copyright Trademark Law, Former New Market Development Manager AGA Gas Inc. "Richard Simpkins was a great speaker this week and I learned many different things that I did not know before.  Richard was a two time Vietnam veteran who flew helicopters in rescue missions.  When Richard attended Thiel College, he was a history major that knew he wanted to go into the navy.  While in the Navy in Vietnam, Richard learned many things, including being able to lead people in stressful situations." ~ Gregory Congrove "Richard currently advises entrepreneurs to help them start a business.  He stressed a key factor in selling any type of product:  THERE MUST BE A MARKET willing and ready to purchase your product.  Clients pay him to do marketing research." ~ Ryan Terdle "Lessons Learned: 1.  Know what you want to do and do it - Throughout the presentation he kept telling us that we can't wait to make our decisions at the last minute. 2.  Technology is rapidly increasing - He told us about the new technologies that are out and are being used in other countries.  These countries are advancing while the U.S. is being held back because of our strict regulations. 3.  Hunt for mentors - Mentors were an invaluable asset to him throughout his career.  Take their advice because these people have been in the same situation already." ~ Bryan Downs "Seeing someone come out of Thiel with a history degree and make it so far in business is impressive.  He said we are learning things right now at Thiel that aren't being learned at big campuses across the country.  The things Mr. Simpkins said to us will stick with me for a long time to come." ~ Jonathan Baird "I asked him if he thought he would be as successful as he is today without the help of his mentors.  He replied by telling me that yes, he probably would be but, he wouldn't have been able to do it as fast without them.  They helped lead him in the right direction when he was trying to figure something out.  When he was off track, they were there to steer him and get him back on the right path." ~ Marc LaScola