Timothy Girard, president and CEO of Girard Equipment, was honored with the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 18th annual Award Dinner last Thursday evening at the Richardson Center at Indian River State College Mueller Campus.
Girard has guided the family-owned and -operated business, now in its third generation, from its origins in distribution to its standing as a manufacturer of international importance, with sales facilities in the United States, Rotterdam, Beijing and the United Kingdom.
“Tonight you will hear about entrepreneurship and how it can be multi-generational,” said Edwin Massey, Indian River State College president. “How a family that started off tinkering with things and solving problems in unique ways launched a leading industrial transport equipment company. Most importantly you will hear about the man driving the enterprise, Tim Girard. A man who gives locally, thinks globally and personifies entrepreneurship.”
In honor of his achievements, the table décor featured world globes, representing Girard Equipment’s long-reaching global footprint.
“Our theme, ‘work global, support local,’ honors Tim’s dedication to helping members of the surrounding community, even though most of his products are distributed elsewhere in the world,” said Ann Decker, IRSC Foundation executive director.
As the evening progressed, numerous friends, family members, business colleagues and past honorees celebrated Girard’s accomplishments and dedication to the community. In a video tribute, others shared their experiences and observations, with common themes referencing his honesty, diligence, integrity, determination and vision.
“I think the Entrepreneur of the Year Award is one of the most outstanding awards that’s given by the college,” said Alma Lee Loy, a former honoree. “It signifies that business people and their successes are being highlighted as examples of what people can do with their own energy.”
County Commission Chairman Joe Flescher noted that Girard is a leading manufacturer of pressure relief vents and valves, adding, “Tim coined the phrase ‘Made for China.’ He turned it around. Now that’s an entrepreneur.”
On a community level, Girard has worked with and sponsors a variety of nonprofits, including Girls on Pointe and Habitat for Humanity. He ventured outside his area of expertise as a star dancer for Dancing with Vero Stars to benefit the Indian River Healthy Start Coalition. As in all things, Girard gave it his all, taking home a trophy in a three-way tie for the title of 2014 Grand Champion.
“I think it’s so important to give back to the community. Being blessed you should be a blessing to someone else,” said Girard. “I’m doing what I love, and I love what I do. You don’t want to walk away from that. One day I may slow down, but then again I may speed up. We’ll see.”
High praise also came from Girard’s son Sam, who said, “My dad is funny, he’s a hard worker and he gets things done on time. The best thing about being Tim’s son is that I will be president of Girard Equipment one day.”
The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Award was established to honor leaders in business who “exemplify the innovation, drive and persistence of a successful entrepreneur,” singling out those who have made a positive impact in the community on both a professional and personal level and who exemplify a commitment to the free enterprise system.
“Our award program is unique because it doesn’t simply honor a successful individual. It celebrates the entire journey of entrepreneurship in a person with an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Massey.
