In part, Slawek's innovative marketing and management programs have helped FONA become one of the top-10 flavor companies worldwide. Another vital component of the company's success is Slawek's continuing connection with UIC. Slawek returned to UIC in 1997 to receive his Certificate of Business Administration, and so far he has enrolled more than 60 of his employees, who have also earned their CBAs.

Held over eight weekends, the CBA program is part of UIC's Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, and encompasses all aspects of business, including finance, marketing and human resources. The program is not theory-driven, but instead focuses on practical tools and knowledge that participants can implement immediately at their place of employment. This instruction has enabled Slawek's employees to help take the company to the "next level," as he describes it.

"UIC plays a very important role in this company by teaching us better ways to communicate," says Slawek. "We need to be mindful of interactions with other cultures--not only in the countries into which we're expanding--but also by welcoming a more diverse workforce.

"In today's business climate, there are a million ways to fail and substantially fewer ways to succeed," he adds. "The CBA program, for example, gives us the vocabulary to identify goals and objectives, then measure how they are or are not being met."

Gerald Hills, the Coleman Chair of Entrepreneurship at UIC, regards Slawek as a star pupil of the CBA program. "Most of our graduates laud the program for its impact on their businesses," says Hills. "In Joe's case, however, the program has become part of the fabric of the business.

"Joe's is really an exciting success story."

As Slawek leads a tour around the company's plant, he describes how the CBA program has had an impact. He points out statements of goals and objectives posted on the walls by various executives--including himself--which are updated quarterly. Employee surveys are posted, some of which point to parts of the company that need improvement. "If you can measure it, you can manage it," he says.

Continuing his tour, Slawek calls attention to the plans posted on one wall for a 23-acre facility under construction in Geneva. But, although his company is continually expanding, the emphasis on people and the personal touch is always evident. He greets employees by name, from those wearing suits and lab coats, to those wearing the uniforms of cleaning and loading dock staff.

Back in his office, Slawek proudly points out the citation he received at his 1999 induction into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Then, he literally beams with pride when he shares photos of his family.

"Not only did I begin my career when I was at UIC, but that was also where I met my wife Mary. She majored in physical education and went on to work for the YMCA. We have two sons, ages 22 and 14, and a daughter who is nine years old. My oldest son shares my love of flying and is a certified flight instructor. Spending time outdoors with my family is my favorite way to relax, and I'm also an avid hunter and fisherman," he says.

Slawek concludes by commenting that he sees himself as being a member of many communities. "I belong to my church, my company, my family, my friends--and to the extended UIC community." He continues to give back to his alma mater, having been a featured speaker before the Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, and he is actively engaged in the restructuring of the Business Alumni Association board. "Ultimately, we are servants to our customers and stakeholders. If you ever thought you have actually 'made it,' it would be over. In fact, we are currently pushing a new range of products. I hope we haven't arrived at our ultimate goal — not yet."