Willow Springs man is contestant in new reality series
By Nancy Young
Editor

“Dream big. You’ll be surprised at the doors that might open.” That’s what Drew Becker of Willow Springs says. Becker’s a finalist in a new Fox 50 reality series, “Entrepreneur$, The Reality Show, ” produced by Omar McCallop and Bob Winstead. The show announced the list of final contestants Nov. 7.

On the show, contestants navigate challenges typical of most business start-ups. Selection began July 17, when about 2,500 auditioned.
To qualify, teams of 10 to 20 had to work on improving a business plan and to raise $1,000 from sponsors. Becker, who owns his own business, had contacts to help him in that venture.

The next cut came in early October, when the contestant numbers were whittled from 250 to 90. Those 90, broken into four committees, had to organize a celebrity golf tournament, which was held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary on Monday. They’ve now been divided into two teams and will compete to see which can get the most golfers at the tournament, as well as raise $3,000 in sponsorships. Then further contests await them.

Becker is optimistic about his new venture. He thinks that his experience as owner of Convey Ink will serve him well as he competes. In his business, Becker works with entrepreneurs to develop a company value system and create the right message to convey those values—a process called personal branding. His communications skills will be an asset on the reality show, he believes. Previously, Becker worked in the corporate world. He was also a high school English teacher in Colorado and a technical English instructor at Johnston Community College. He loves owning his own business and wouldn’t consider returning to his previous careers. That business, however, he’ll have to work in as he finds time. Becker’s anticipating little sleep over the coming months. When asked how his life has changed since his reality show adventure, he stated, “My sphere of influence has increased dramatically.” At first leery of the cameras, he now barely notices them. In fact, it’s fun for him to be on the receiving end of publicity instead of creating it for others. Becker welcomes the upcoming contest. Waiting for the winner is $50,000 in cash or $75,000 in start-up capital to work on the business developed on the show, along with a company car and a corporate condo. Though Becker already has his own business, he sees many advantages to his position. “This is going to give me an opportunity to grow my business. I can’t imagine a better way to market what my company does.”

Filming will continue through May 2005, and all contestants will make it to the end, Becker said. “Entrepreneur$, The Reality Show” will air in February 2005 on Fox 50.