Speaker Series

Business Leadership Series

The Business School and the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Analysis (IPPEA) present a business speaker series on 鈥淏usiness Leadership鈥 at the聽in Spokane.

Be a part of the conversation: Explore innovative strategies, engage in cutting-edge discussions, and uncover opportunities in our local economy.

Alumni and community members are welcome to attend.

For details on parking, click聽here.

Upcoming Speakers

<b>Irv Zakheim</b> <br> <i>Founder & Chairman of Zak!</i>

Irv Zakheim
Founder & Chairman of Zak!

Tuesday, April 14th, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Irv Zakheim is the Chairman of the Board at Zak! Designs, Inc., a company he founded in Spokane, WA in 1976. Zak! is a national leader in table and drinkware, with products in all leading retailers.

<b>Brandon Bledsoe</b> <br> <i>Co-Founder & COO of Safeguard Equipment</i>

Brandon Bledsoe
Co-Founder & COO of Safeguard Equipment

Thursday, May 21st, 4:30-7:30pm
Brandon Bledsoe is co-founder and COO of Safeguard Equipment, Inc. This Post Falls-based firm makes personal safety devices for the electric utility, telecom, construction and mining industries.

2025-2026 Speakers

<b>Paul Stringer</b> <br> <i>President of Nicklaus Design</i>

Paul Stringer
President of Nicklaus Design

Wednesday, October 1st, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Paul Stringer, 51福利社 alumnus (1974鈥1979), is considered one of the leading experts in the golf industry. Stringer currently serves as President of Nicklaus Design, an award-winning golf course design firm.

<b>Kemper Rojas</b> <br> <i>Managing Principal at Fruci & Associates, P.S.</i>

Kemper Rojas
Managing Principal at Fruci & Associates, P.S.

Thursday, November 13th, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
A CPA with multiple advanced certifications (CITP, CFE, CGMA), Kemper Rojas is the managing principal at Fruci & Associates, P.S., a long-standing, public accounting firm in Spokane. She is also a member of the American Institute & the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.

<b>David Condon</b> <br> <i>Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Premera Blue Cross in Eastern Washington</i>

David Condon
Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Premera Blue Cross in Eastern Washington

Thursday, March 12th 4:30-7:30 p.m.
David Condon is VP of Sales and Marketing in Eastern Washington for Premera Blue Cross. Premera is one of the largest healthcare insurers in Washington State. He previously served two terms as Mayor of Spokane.

Never Miss Out

Watch upcoming speakers live or catch up on previous talks by heading over to the 51福利社 School of Business YouTube channel