OSU To Host Entrepreneur Boot Camp Beginning Next Week

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Friends and family told J.J. Hurley he was crazy when he launched GDH Consulting in 2001. 

The tech bubble had burst, and the nation was mired in recession.  But the company, which recruits potential employees for IT and finance positions, made it. 

GDH now has offices and employees across the country.

"Decided I had that entrepreneurial spirit inside of me, I always had it, and I wanted to try something on my own," said J.J. Hurley, GDH Consulting President. 

Hurley will convey that message during OSU's 'Cowboy Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs.'

He's one of the featured speakers of the six-week course. The school says the boot camp will try to give students the tools to make their business idea work. 

"It really starts with an idea that's viable, that's feasible in the marketplace, and that's going to work," said Nola Miyasaki, Riata Center for Entrepreneuriship. 

Nola Miyasaki believes it's entrepreneurs who will play a key role in the recovery, and well as the direction the American economy heads when it happens.   

"We have to be a knowledge economy, and we have to rely on entrepreneurs to grow our economy," Nola Miyasaki said. 

Hurley cautions entrepreneurship takes more than a good idea.  After all, the success rate for new businesses is notoriously low.  But if you have the passion and drive, he recommends giving it a shot. 

"The way to be successful is to be very persistent and opportunistic.  There will be opportunities, and if you capitalize on that, you'll hit a homerun," said J.J. Hurley.

The 'Cowboy Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs,' which starts October 10, is not cheap.  The six-week course will cost you $650.