'Dream Ace' Winner Visits Warsaw
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
Talley retired from the U.S. Army Jan. 31, after 20 years of service, and immediately jumped into the Ace Dream competition with thousands of other entrepreneurs hoping to win a fully stocked Ace store in Houston.
During the March 15 Dream Ace session, Talley and Frank Ali, the other Dream Ace finalist, made five-minute presentations about their plans if they were to win the store. Immediately afterwards, Ace retailers in attendance voted on which finalist would win based on the creativity and feasibility of their plans.
"I understand the real purpose of the Dream Ace project is not to give Gower Talley his own store," Talley said. "The real purpose of this new store is to serve as an advertising and public relations tool for everyone in this room. I take my role in that very seriously."
Talley emphasized his military background, during which he served in Operation Desert Storm and in Europe, his tenacity, and his plan to get involved in the Houston community.
"I was fortunate to use the GI Bill to earn my master's (degree). I managed a storefront construction and carpentry staffing business," Talley said. "I believe I have the right combination of business skills, and fire in the gut and drive.
"I'm smart enough to ask questions and smart enough to listen to answers. That is a key component to learn your path to success. People will not flock to the store, on their own. It is up to me go out and get it going with a smile and a handshake. I'll attend Little League games and chamber of commerce meetings. I will meet so many people they will think I was born there."
Retailers used handheld wireless devices to vote, and the results were quickly recorded. The winning name was not pulled from an envelope, but a shiny red Dream Ace toolbox.
After the results were announced, the convention center ballroom was flooded in balloons, streamers and confetti from the ceiling as Talley went to the stage with his wife, Jill, and their 5-year-old daughter, Gracie, where they were welcomed by a standing ovation and members of the Houston retailer group.
Ali graciously saluted Gower from the audience and joined in the applause.
His first call, Gower said, would be to his grandmother, who ran E.A. Knight and Brothers Lumber in Rosiclaire, Ill., with Gower's grandfather. Gower worked in the store as a youngster.
After the announcement, Bill Rancic, the host of the Dream Ace presentation, summed up the feelings of many when he told the retailers in the room, "We have forged new territory here. Go spread the word of Ace. You have changed someone's life today."[[In-content Ad]]
Talley retired from the U.S. Army Jan. 31, after 20 years of service, and immediately jumped into the Ace Dream competition with thousands of other entrepreneurs hoping to win a fully stocked Ace store in Houston.
During the March 15 Dream Ace session, Talley and Frank Ali, the other Dream Ace finalist, made five-minute presentations about their plans if they were to win the store. Immediately afterwards, Ace retailers in attendance voted on which finalist would win based on the creativity and feasibility of their plans.
"I understand the real purpose of the Dream Ace project is not to give Gower Talley his own store," Talley said. "The real purpose of this new store is to serve as an advertising and public relations tool for everyone in this room. I take my role in that very seriously."
Talley emphasized his military background, during which he served in Operation Desert Storm and in Europe, his tenacity, and his plan to get involved in the Houston community.
"I was fortunate to use the GI Bill to earn my master's (degree). I managed a storefront construction and carpentry staffing business," Talley said. "I believe I have the right combination of business skills, and fire in the gut and drive.
"I'm smart enough to ask questions and smart enough to listen to answers. That is a key component to learn your path to success. People will not flock to the store, on their own. It is up to me go out and get it going with a smile and a handshake. I'll attend Little League games and chamber of commerce meetings. I will meet so many people they will think I was born there."
Retailers used handheld wireless devices to vote, and the results were quickly recorded. The winning name was not pulled from an envelope, but a shiny red Dream Ace toolbox.
After the results were announced, the convention center ballroom was flooded in balloons, streamers and confetti from the ceiling as Talley went to the stage with his wife, Jill, and their 5-year-old daughter, Gracie, where they were welcomed by a standing ovation and members of the Houston retailer group.
Ali graciously saluted Gower from the audience and joined in the applause.
His first call, Gower said, would be to his grandmother, who ran E.A. Knight and Brothers Lumber in Rosiclaire, Ill., with Gower's grandfather. Gower worked in the store as a youngster.
After the announcement, Bill Rancic, the host of the Dream Ace presentation, summed up the feelings of many when he told the retailers in the room, "We have forged new territory here. Go spread the word of Ace. You have changed someone's life today."[[In-content Ad]]
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