Tom Holce, RIP. What Oregon SHOULD Learn From His Business Life

July 15, 2010

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From the Zero today on a giant of Oregon industry and why these kinds of stories will become fewer and fewer because the lack of venture capital in this state. Entrepreneurs and businessmen are sitting on $2 trillion in the US because they don’t trust the Obama Administration and democrats with their finances.

“Tom Holce founded a company called Mikros Inc. in 1961 with colleagues from Electro Scientific Industries, then sold the business in 1964.

Six years later Holce started Kentrox, a groundbreaking Oregon tech company that made electronics equipment for the telecommunications industry. He sold Kentrox in 1973 and while that deal made his fortune, his level of activity only increased.

In 1995 Holce was chairman of a small tech company called Decision Point Systems, later called Unicru, that was strapped for cash and lacked a direction.

He hired Bob DeKoning as CEO and together they hashed out a business plan and strategy to raise money to rescue the company. Over several months, DeKoning recalled Wednesday, Holce drilled him as they prepared a key presentation for Holce’s investor friends. With Holce’s mentorship, DeKoning said, he delivered just what they wanted to hear.

“In a one-hour presentation I was able to raise $1.8 million to get Unicru funded and off the ground,” DeKoning said. “He coached me all the way through it and filled up a room.”

Ten years later Unicru — whose technology helped retailers screen prospective employees — sold itself to a Massachusetts company for $150 million, among the biggest deals of its kind in Oregon’s recent history.

The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network named its annual awards dinner for Holce, who accumulated scores of additional business and philosophic honors.”

Tom Holce was also a loving grandfather to my friend’s kids. He will be missed in many, many ways in Oregon. Oregon business and elected officials should take note of his contribution and his example.

Tell ’em where you saw it. Http://www.victoriataft.com