Ryan RickertThe founder of CSG Media, a vinyl wrap agency, and Clean Slate Group, a community beautification organization located in Bozeman, will deliver the keynote speech at the 11th annual Montana State University Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur Day, set for Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Ryan Rickert will share the story of how he became an entrepreneur during the event’s keynote lecture, “The Art of Jumping In,” set for 1-2 p.m. in SUB Ballroom A.  The lecture is free and open to the public.

Rickert is expected to discuss how attending a university can help students build experience for their resumes, from taking classes to taking advantage of networking opportunities. Rickert will also elaborate on what he has learned as an entrepreneur and offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and future business leaders. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

According to event organizers, Rickert started his first company when he was 15 and continued it while attending the MSU College of Business. He said he founded Clean Slate Group in 2011 with the goals of providing unprecedented service and innovative products while contributing to the community. Today, Rickert emphasizes community involvement with Clean Slate Group's charitable arm, Clean Slate Project. As part of Clean Slate Project, 10 percent of Clean Slate Group’s gross sales are returned to the communities in which the group’s work is performed. Rickert said that in 2013, more than $40,000 was donated to communities around the country.

Rickert also works closely with MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad as an alumni mentor.

In 2009, the Sioux Falls Business Journal named Rickert one of the top 10 up-and-coming business leaders while he served as vice president of the Sioux Falls Storm football team.

The MSU Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship hosts Entrepreneur Day as part of its commitment to enhance entrepreneurial spirit and education in the area, as well as improve the economic development of the state. In addition to Rickert’s presentation at the event, college faculty and current business students will facilitate group workshops that are designed for high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship. The event is sponsored in part by Boeing

For more information, contact Audrey Capp at (406) 994-7026 or audrey.lee@montana.edu.