Most Successful BiG Graduate

The Winner Is …

Christy Butler, Jewell

Jewell was developed in part as a result of the economic downturn. Butler had always been a loyal patron to small local businesses and was worried that many might soon be forced to close their doors. With encouragement from friends and Austin business owners, she decided to develop a shopping guide exclusively for local stores. With a small loan to cover printing costs, the first issue in late 2003 brought in enough advertising revenue to repay the loan. The recently published second issue doubled revenues and can be found at stores throughout Austin.

[Photo: Winner]
Beverly Kearney (UT Women's Track Coach), Christy Butler, Daryl Slusher (Austin City Council)

Finalists …

D’Andra Ulmer, grand beginnings

Ulmer started grand beginnings in 2003 after a successful career in corporate marketing with Xerox and Advanced Micro Devices. There she picked up critical business and marketing skills that she now combines with a passion for organizing promotional events and community outreach. Clients have included Nestle Purina, the Pro-Arts Collective, and BiGAUSTIN. Focusing in leadership, client satisfaction, and strong financial management, she has achieved her business plan goals and is confident of achieving steady future growth.

Harold Valderas, DVD Power Tools

Throughout his career, Valderas has delivered hundreds of sales pitches and presentations to large audiences. The idea for DVD Power Tools resulted from Harold's desire to produce better business presentations. In 2001 he began experimenting with ways to exceed the capabilities of PowerPoint through DVD technology. He discovered a process whereby he could convert PowerPoint files to DVD, allowing DVD to be the delivery tool. A patent application was filed and several solutions have been built around the technology, enabling strong sales through 2003 and 2004 sales projected to triple to nearly $1 million.