August 1, 2011-Indianapolis, Indiana- Business turnarounds are a natural part of any business which means that every company could benefit from people who are trained and skilled in turnaround management. Having once been an area that was more self-taught, schools recognized the need to offer training in this concentration and many now offer courses. The Kelley School of Business at IUPUI is one of those schools. 

Professor Daniel W. DeHayes, Ph.D., a Business Administration Professor at the Kelley School of Business at IUPUI, conducts a Turnaround Management course for MBA students. In July, Professor DeHayes’ class was given a special presentation by Jamie Visker, CEO of Winona PVD Coatings, LLC. Mr. Visker, who earned his MBA from the Kelley School of Business, spoke to the class for an hour and focused on the role of a CEO in a business turnaround situation.

“Jamie Visker’s varied experiences illustrated to students the types of aptitudes and attitudes that are often necessary to succeed in business,” said Glenn Bosch, Director of Development at Kelley School of Business, Indianapolis. “Jamie clearly has a firm grasp of financial concepts and tools available in the market today. Furthermore, his remarks demonstrated a forward leaning nature that is often necessary to defend his company’s and his employees’ rights in the capital markets today.” 

The presentation continued to resonate with students long after Visker left the classroom. 

“Jamie Visker’s explanation of the two incidents where he had to deal with a bank and its special assets people generated lots of fodder for discussion about the role of the CEO in a turnaround,” said Professor Daniel DeHayes. “I am trying to convince the MBA’s that CEOs sometimes have to move away from the typical role portrayed in most cases where the CEO never yells, never acts aggressive, everything is analytical and being able to construct spreadsheets is the key to success.  Turnarounds are different kinds of animals and CEOs need a different persona if they expect to be successful.”

Jamie Visker, CEO of Winona PVD Coatings, LLC speaks to the Turnaround Management class at the Kelley School of Business on the IUPUI campus.

Jamie Visker, CEO of Winona PVD Coatings, LLC speaks to the Turnaround Management class at the Kelley School of Business on the IUPUI campus.