Robert Nicholson

Nominated by OSU Business Builders Club

• http://www.entre-week.org/honor-roll/wp-content/themes/dandelion_v2.3/im...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 18px; background-position: 0px 0.2em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 7px; border: 0px initial initial;">Business Name: The Nicholson Center
• http://www.entre-week.org/honor-roll/wp-content/themes/dandelion_v2.3/im...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 18px; background-position: 0px 0.2em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 7px; border: 0px initial initial;">Location: Warren, Ohio
• http://www.entre-week.org/honor-roll/wp-content/themes/dandelion_v2.3/im...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 18px; background-position: 0px 0.2em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 7px; border: 0px initial initial;">Entrepreneur: Robert Nicholson
• http://www.entre-week.org/honor-roll/wp-content/themes/dandelion_v2.3/im...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 18px; background-position: 0px 0.2em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 7px; border: 0px initial initial;">Description:
  

Rob takes his clients on a field trip

The Nicholson Center provides employment and training for adults with developmental disabilities or special needs and is the #1 choice for developmentally disabled individuals who want a choice of activities, work or non-work programs, learning or just having fun in a special and caring environment.

Rob is an exceptionally motivated and talented social entrepreneur.

He began running his first business – Smile Services – at 19 years old.  He was thrust into a leadership role when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.  He rose to that challenge – growing a home-health business, serving his customers and taking care of his community.  He now owns and operates 4 businesses in the MRDD industry, and each of his projects is driven by an insatiable need to leave a positive impact on every person he touches.

He is also passionate about educating younger generations of entrepreneurs.  During his tenure at Ohio State, Rob was the President of the OSU Business Builders Club.  He mentored countless students, inspired many more and was always (always!) available to listen and help his peers with their personal and professional problems.  He was an innovative leader as well.  He rejuvenated a once, and again very strong student-run organization.  He was responsible for coordinating several major events and speaker series’ that contributed thousands of dollars and many pearls of wisdom to young and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Rob having a ball with a student

He has taken this passion for teaching, for sharing his talents, and for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and carried it with him post-graduation.

Rob is – while running his businesses full-time – a renowned public speaker who has traveled all throughout the country speaking at Universities and trade shows – espousing the benefits and challenges of an entrepreneurial life.

At the end of the day.. Rob’s CV / Resume is strong.  He’s currently pursuing his executive MBA at Babson University (the top E-Ship MBA program)… but that’s not what makes Rob so special.

Rob has an uncanny ability to connect with people.  He has a bright, genuine smile and a truly big heart.  He cares about folks with developmental disabilities, he cares about young and aspiring entrepreneurs and he cares deeply about the role that market-based solutions will play in toppling the big challenges facing the world.

About the Nominating Organization

The Business Builders Club is more than a student organization.  We are a group of passionate students who collaborate with the Columbus Community and organizations around the world to foster entrepreneurship.  The BBC recruits, educates, and funds talented students at Ohio State.  Our members are excited by the challenges and opportunities provided by entrepreneurship.  Some of us are determined to end poverty.  Some of us want to be millionaires.  All of us want to change the world.

Contact person and information is:

Adam Malone
OSU Business Builders Club
Columbus, Ohio
Website: www.businessbuildersclub.org
Phone: 614.216.1917
Email: adamnmalone@gmail.com