Indian River State College Honors William “Bill” Marine as Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
Celebrating Entrepreneurial and Community Leadership
Fort Pierce, Florida (January 25, 2024) – Indian River State College (IRSC) has bestowed the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award upon William “Bill” Marine, a prominent entrepreneur and community benefactor from Vero Beach, Florida. This distinguished award recognizes Marine’s remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship, business leadership, and community involvement. It serves as the cornerstone of the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative established by the IRSC Foundation to foster awareness and appreciation for the free enterprise system.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Community Impact
Marine’s profound impact on the local economy and community will be celebrated at the Entrepreneur of the Year dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, at the IRSC Richardson Center at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. This prestigious event recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and success in the realm of entrepreneurship. Marine’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a transformative influence on the local business landscape.
A Visionary Leader and Inspirational Role Model
“Bill Marine epitomizes the spirit of this award,” declared Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College. “Bill’s professional achievements are not only remarkable but also deeply inspiring. His personal demeanor radiates a magical charm, and his exceptional character serves as a model for all. We are honored to present Bill Marine with the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success
Marine’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were evident from a young age. Despite his early success, he pursued higher education, earning an Associate Degree from Indian River State College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Citrus/Business from Florida Southern College. His entrepreneurial ventures began with Ven-Mar, an agricultural irrigation design and construction company that flourished under his leadership, employing over 250 individuals. Ven-Mar garnered numerous industry accolades and was recognized as the leading agricultural irrigation contractor in the United States. After successfully selling Ven-Mar, Marine embarked on a brief retirement at the age of 32.
A Multifaceted Career Spanning Diverse Industries
Marine’s entrepreneurial journey continued as he ventured into various roles and sectors, launching, leading, acquiring, and divesting companies. He held the position of Vice President of Agricultural Services International and served as President of Industrial Services Inc. His career encompassed diverse ventures, including citrus trading, commercial development, and other business endeavors.
A Passion for Philanthropy and Community Service
Driven by an unwavering belief in the importance of giving back to the community, Marine has dedicated himself to numerous charitable organizations, both locally and globally. Notably, he currently serves as a Director and Immediate Past Chair of the Indian River State College Foundation.
“Bill Marine is an exemplary leader and entrepreneur who not only cultivates business growth but also elevates communities through philanthropy,” added Dr. Moore. “His visionary leadership in the development of the Promise Program, a cornerstone initiative of the IRSC Foundation, exemplifies his transformative impact. The Promise Program offers unparalleled opportunities to every high school graduate in our district and has achieved remarkable success, unmatched by any other state college in Florida. We are honored to recognize Bill Marine as our Entrepreneur of the Year.”
A Family Man and Proud Grandfather
Bill Marine shares his life with his wife, Patricia. Together, they have raised a family of three children and are blessed with seven grandchildren.
Contact Information for Further Inquiries
For more information regarding the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, please contact the Indian River State College Foundation at 772-462-4786 or via email at [email protected].