The Inc 500 | 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony was a three day event, held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix Arizona from October 3 – 5, 2012. There were many amazing speakers present including the CEO of Hubspot, Brian Halligan and former chief evangelist of Apple, Guy Kawasaki.
Inc. Magazine recognized Internet Marketing, Inc. as one of the country’s fastest-growing private companies of 2012, and ranked them 185 on the exclusive Inc 500 list. This list recognizes businesses all over the US for their success and future potential. Inc. Magazine honors the country’s top independent entrepreneurs and private companies in America.
Our Co-Founder and CMO, Brent Gleeson, a former Navy Seal and combat veteran, spoke at the conference at the “Day of Service” event alongside Simon Sinek, the best-selling author of “ Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action” and Norm Brodsky, founder of CitiStorage and Inc. 500 columnist. The event was focused on mentoring veterans entering the workforce as entrepreneurs. Brent spoke about his experience as a SEAL combat veteran and the transition to entrepreneurship. Brent was also a mentor during the all day event running performing one on one sessions and a series of round table discussions with veteran entrepreneurs.
One veteran attendee said, “It was very inspiring to listen to Brent’s stories and see how he connected his combat experience to the chaotic world of entrepreneurship.”
On Friday night, there was a black tie gala and awards ceremony where Brent, and IMI COO Ben Norton, accepted our award. The evening was full of great entertainment, inspiring speakers, and a fantastic awards ceremony. There was a lot of mentorship, collaboration, and networking of leading entrepreneurs from all over the country. We look forward to doing business with some of them and are honored to have made the Inc. 500 list.