Dan Devine: Online Innovator and Economy Hero
When you enter the Compass Knowledge office you immediately understand why talented people like to work for Dan Devine. The walls are decorated with signs, shirts, pom-poms, and mascot figurines from major universities around the country who have access to quality training and degrees online through Compass Knowledge. Students from heralded institutions like Boston University, The University of Florida, Northwestern and many others can earn and receive bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees via Dan (and his team’s) elaborate online academic portal.
Since 1993 Dan masterfully GREW his company through economy swings, the “.com bust”, and even the now infamous late 2008 and 2009 slide. He is a superb leader, innovator, and certainly – one of our Economy Heroes. I had the privilege to interview Dan and ask him some pointed questions about his business and his life as an entrepreneur.
First I asked him about his origins with Compass Knowledge. How does a successful executive with the Harris Corporation end up in online learning?
How Did You Get Into This Business? from Brent Sapp on Vimeo.
Want to become a pharmacist and graduate from one of the most respected academic institutions in the country – ONLINE? Listen to Dan describe his company’s Value Proposition…
What is Compass Knowledge? from Brent Sapp on Vimeo.
Every CEO has a “Home Run” for their business. Here is Dan’s out-of-the-park objective for Compass Knowledge.
What is Your Home Run for Compass Knowledge? from Brent Sapp on Vimeo.
Dan has received leadership training from the most prestigious organizations available. But what does he consider the attributes of a successful leader?
What Attributes do You Admire in a Corporate Leader? from Brent Sapp on Vimeo.
I’ve known Dan for years. I can tell you he, like his Economy Hero peers, does not scare easy; but he does embrace the brutal facts of the mines in the emerging company mine field – and combines that with an unwavering belief that his company will survive and thrive going forward.
Entrepreneurs are America’s Competitive Advantage. They know best what they need most to survive, thrive and move the needle of success in this economy. Here’s Dan’s response to my question about his greatest need as an Economy Hero.
What is Your Greatest Need as an Entrepreneur? from Brent Sapp on Vimeo.
Compass Knowledge generates over $30 million in revenue and employs over 200 people. Dan Devine has created a Gazelle that can scale beyond his “headlights” as CEO. He does what entrepreneurs do best – he creates jobs!
Brent Sapp
