USF Sarasota-Manatee hosts insightful Conversation with entrepreneur Pete Petersen

• Alexis Yahre Walsh
• November 14, 2024
• Business News, Entrepreneurship, Events

SARASOTA - Pete Petersen, a University of South Florida alumnus and successful entrepreneur, engaged attendees at the Sarasota-Manatee campus on Nov. 12, delivering an inspiring fireside chat as part of the "Conversation With a Founder" series hosted by USF's Nault Center for Entrepreneurship.

The intimate gathering provided students and guests with a rare opportunity to hear directly from a local business leader celebrated for his resilience and innovative approach to entrepreneurship.

Known for co-founding Dealers United and BuyerBridge, Petersen shared stories from his career. He recalled a pivotal early experience in which he volunteered to fix a technical issue for his boss - an incident that marked the beginning of his path toward problem-solving and growth in business.

Petersen also encouraged attendees to prioritize teamwork and passion.

"It's always the team; it's always the people you're around," he advised. "So just have fun while you're doing it and surround yourself with great people. Try to find something you can spend relentless hours on, because you're going to spend more time than you want to admit."

The event began with a networking reception in a scenic balcony space, where attendees mingled over complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. USF and the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship, which is part of the Muma College of Business, extended a special thank you to sponsors Aberdeen Advisors and Cyndeo Wealth Partners for their support in making the event possible.

Through the "Conversation With a Founder" series, the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship aims to bring real-world business stories and insights to students, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship across USF's campuses.

Visit this link to learn more about past events in the series.