The Center for Entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University’s Marriott School has named William H. Child as its 1999 Administrator of the Year.
Child has been the chief executive officer of R.C. Willey Home Furnishings for the past 45 years. In that time, the company has grown from two employees to over 1,700, with 1999 sales projected at $350 million.
R.C. Willey has won many company awards, including the 1989 National Retailer of the Year and 1996 National Home Furnishings Retailer of the Year. Child was named the 1994 Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and was the recipient of the 1999 President’s Award at Brigham Young University.
Following the award presentation, Child told the story of how R.C. Willey began, tracing the company’s history from its small beginnings to the present day. Child also spoke about the struggles faced by entrepreneurial companies both large and small.
“Every business is tough,” said Child. “Every business is difficult, but we like the challenges that come with constantly having to raise the bar to a new level.”
Ned C. Hill, dean of the Marriott School, who presented the award, characterized Child as a professional who exemplifies the business principles the Marriott School teaches.
“Bill is a man of great integrity,” said Hill. “He is honest, hard working and committed to back the products he sells. These qualities, coupled with his boldness, creativity and willingness to take risks, make him an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word.”
In addition to his responsibilities as CEO of R.C. Willey, Child has served on the Key Bank board of directors, the University of Utah National Advisory Council, the Utah Economic Development Board, and the National Home Furnishings Association Board. Child earned a B.S. from the University of Utah in 1945 and is the recipient of two honorary doctoral degrees.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is given annually to a successful entrepreneur who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, high moral and ethical standards and generous contributions of their created wealth to worthy causes. Past recipients include Jon M. Huntsman, chairman and CEO of Huntsman Corporation and Stephen R. Covey, co-chairman of Franklin Covey Company.
Writer: Quinn Warnick
