July Entrepreneur Forum features Scott Molander, Co-Founder of Hat World and Simple Furniture, presenting “The Entrepreneur Journey: Lessons from a serial entrepreneur.”

Wed. July 14, 2010    4:45-7:00pm
Idea Lab at the Center for Innovation
4200 James Ray Drive

Graduating from Dickenson State University with a Business Administration degree, Scott Molander began his professional career at Foot Locker. While here, this entrepreneur began picking up on mall traffic trends, noticing smaller novelty items being sold quick among young adults. It was during this time he developed the concept for Hat World, now one of the fastest growing private companies in the country. Molander partnered with Glen Cambell and grew the company to over 500 stores in less than a decade. He has since sold the company and moved on to a new endeavor.

In 2005, Molander launched The Simple Furniture Company. This furniture requires no screws, fasteners, or tools. It is ready-to-assemble furniture that fits the lifestyle of college students and generation Xers.  Since this business creation, Molander has rejoined Hat World Inc., serving as Director of Leasing for Canada and Airports of North America. He continues to lead The Simple Furniture Co., as Executive Chairman.

Molander has been awarded the Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year in two separate categories. One in 1999 as Emerging Company of the year, and one in 2002 as Retail-Wholesale Company of the year. In 2003 Hat World received the Enterprise Award by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Molander seeks out and capitalizes on the simple things in life. His businesses sell straight forward products to customers, and he has an eye for finding unique market niches. He has proven to be a successful entrepreneur and offers great advice to those looking to pave their own path. At home, Molander enjoys spending time with his two daughters and wife in Indiana. Down the road he hopes to expand The Simple Furniture Company to retailer partnerships and standalone retail stores. 

The Entrepreneur Forum is a periodic gathering of entrepreneurs and experts who share experiences, expertise, strategies, and success stories. The event is sponsored by the UND Center for Innovation and is open to the public.

Useful link: www.innovators.net