Solar Power Entrepreneur at WSU to Share Insights on Ethics

OGDEN, Utah – A local entrepreneur, committed to bringing solar power to rich and poor alike around the world, will speak about business ethics on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Weber State University’s Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall. The public is invited to the free speech and opening reception that begins at 5:30 p.m.

The founder of Goal Zero and Tifie Humanitarian, Robert Workman began his career at his family’s company, Provo Craft and Novelty Inc. There he helped transform the business from one small retail store into an international distribution company. After nearly 30 years of success, he sold Provo Craft and decided to use his business acumen to help empower others. Workman started the nonprofit humanitarian organization Tifie — an acronym for Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise.

While working with Tifie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Workman recognized the need for reliable energy in hard-to-access areas. With that in mind, he created Goal Zero, which works with Tifie, to develop and distribute portable, solar-powered systems around the world.

Almost instantly Goal Zero was successful, with $1 million in sales its first year. The company continued to grow and released 13 new products in 2013, with proceeds from every sale contributed to Tifie. In 2013, Tifie sent $495,000 to the Philippine relief effort.

With all his success, Workman hasn’t lost sight of the original goal of helping people. “You can’t do good and not get good in return,” is his mantra.

 “We are excited to have Robert Workman speak at Weber State because he is so passionate about including ethical behavior in everything,” said Jeff Steagall, dean of the Goddard School of Business & Economics. “It is important for Weber State students to see you can have success without compromising your values.”

The event is part of the Goddard School of Business Buehler Lecture series and is co-sponsored by WSU’s Richard Richards Institute.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Author:
Whitney Sanchez, University Communications
801-626-7948 • whitneysanchez@weber.edu
Contact:
Jeff Steagall, John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics dean
801-626-7253 • jeffsteagall@weber.edu