<h3>Part 2 in the Count Down to <a href="http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/10/entrepreneurs-it-is-time-to-hit-the-reset.html" target="_blank">AZEC10 blog series</a>.</h3> <p><a href="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-cooke.jpg"><img style="border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;" border="0" alt="Dave Cooke" align="right" src="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-cooke_thumb.jpg" width="164" height="244"></a>I have a passion for people and organizations that make a difference.&nbsp; So when Francine Hardaway recruited me over 5 years ago to serve as Chairman of the <a href="http://www.otef.org" target="_blank">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and work with the team to help at-risk individuals find a path to economic self sufficiency through entrepreneurship, I had a hard time saying no.&nbsp; Recently, I had the chance to chat with another executive and entrepreneur who also has stepped forward and contributed his time and talents to the OTEF cause.&nbsp; He is known around the valley as "<a href="http://www.salescooke.com/" target="_blank">The Sales Cooke</a>."&nbsp; I know how Francine convinced me to get involved but I was curious about what motivated&nbsp; <a href="http://www.salescooke.com/about/" target="_blank">Dave Cooke</a> to donate his time and talents to&nbsp; OTEF and the <a href="http://www.azentrepreneurship.com" target="_blank">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences.</a>&nbsp; So I asked him, "Why did YOU get involved?"&nbsp; Here is what he said...  <blockquote> <p>I enjoy and appreciate OTEF's commitment to our community.&nbsp; Everyone needs help.&nbsp; But not&nbsp; everyone can simply purchase support resources.&nbsp; I enjoy being part of organizations and businesses that recognize this and provide a solution by serving as a committed resource without always being “paid” to do so.&nbsp; Education and experience are gifts that can and must be shared.</p></blockquote> <p>And, the great thing is, sharing is exactly what he has been doing.&nbsp; Last year, Dave spoke at AZEC09, sharing his decades of experience with hundreds of entrepreneurs who were looking for ways to grow their businesses more effectively in a challenging economy.&nbsp; This year, for AZEC10, Dave went one step further and volunteered to serve as sponsorship chair for the conference, donating not just words but also putting the actions behind them.  <p>As a consultant and business owner, Dave works with other business owners and business leaders to help them with their revenue related challenges.&nbsp; Together they re-define selling strategies and then helps educate the sales team and other parts of the organization so that the strategies are successful and effective.&nbsp; Since he answered my first question, I decided to ask a few more.  <p><strong>The AZEC10 theme this year is <em>The Great Reset</em>.&nbsp; As a leader - did you ever get stuck?&nbsp; What was your “reset” ?</strong>  <p><strong>Dave:</strong>&nbsp; Who doesn’t get stuck?&nbsp; I rely on the power of my best connections and resources.&nbsp; Over the years, I have built a very strong based of trusted and experienced advisors who, as business leaders and successful entrepreneurs, have traveled the road I am on.&nbsp; When I get stuck, they get me unstuck.  <p><strong>How long has you been working with entrepreneurs in the valley?</strong>  <p><strong>Dave:</strong>&nbsp; I have been in the Valley nearly four years.&nbsp; As a person passionate about helping others realize their objectives, I am confident I have made a difference.&nbsp; I am active in several associations, make myself available as an advisory resource, and have enjoyed a business relationship with many companies in the in the greater Phoenix area.&nbsp;&nbsp; Having only known two people when I got here and now sporting a contact base of over 1200, I think I have made an impact.  <p><strong>One of OTEF's key areas of focus is mentoring.&nbsp; Who helped you along the growth path?</strong>  <p><strong>Dave:</strong>&nbsp; In every position, at every company, I had one mentor who taught me something.&nbsp; I continue to find great mentors and advisors.&nbsp; Of course, I have always looked up for those resources and have been willing to be vulnerable to ask for their help.&nbsp; Too many people are afraid to ask, show fear, or expose failure.&nbsp; Why not?&nbsp; There are plenty of people in this world who have experienced those same things and are willing, eager to share their knowledge.&nbsp; Simply asking for help and be willing to listen, learn, and take action will encourage those people to help you.&nbsp; <p><strong>Will you be at </strong><a href="AZEC10" target="_blank"><strong>AZEC10</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; Why?</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/azec10_logo11.jpg"><img style="border-width:0;margin:5px;" border="0" alt="AZEC10_Logo" align="right" src="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/azec10_logo_thumb1.jpg" width="244" height="73"></a>  <p><strong>Dave:</strong>&nbsp; There is a great energy and information there.&nbsp; The speakers always provide new insights and information.&nbsp; And, these are nationally known, prominent, and powerful speakers who offer tremendous credibility their stories.&nbsp; I wouldn’t miss it for anything. </p> <p><strong>What do you plan to achieve between AZEC10 and AZEC11?</strong>  <p><strong>Dave:</strong>&nbsp; My mission is the same mission I encourage local business owners everywhere – diversify your business portfolio across multiple market segments and multiple geographies.&nbsp; There are many business segments and geographies that are experiencing growth.&nbsp; Many of those are not in Phoenix.&nbsp; My mission is to go back to diversifying my customer base in SE Michigan, Bay Area CA and Phoenix so I am not caught up in the economic churns that sometimes limits opportunity in a particular area.  <p>I hope you enjoyed this look at some of the people behind <a href="http://www.otef.org" target="_blank">OTEF</a> and <a href="http://www.azec10.com" target="_blank">AZEC10</a>.&nbsp; We're just getting started as we count down to the Fifth Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, AZEC10 this November 17th. And don't forget - early registration discounts end after October 15th.&nbsp; Register today to save $25 off the general registration fee.  <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <div style="display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7a4f3deb-783c-463a-9c38-a9bb017837ca" class="wlWriterSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC10" rel="tag">AZEC10</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Fifth%20Annual%20Arizona%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference" rel="tag">Fifth Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Dave%20Cooke" rel="tag">Dave Cooke</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs" rel="tag">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship" rel="tag">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix%20Arizona" rel="tag">Phoenix Arizona</a></div>