Ken Kolek, founder of
Prototype Consulting Services, received a
typical business education. “You know, the business pyramid looks
this way,” he says. “It gets smaller at the top, because there’s less
oxygen up there, and you have to be well conditioned, tough. You have
to learn how to throw everybody else off those upper floors.” But Ken
eventually realized helping other people succeed was not only more
fulfilling, it was also the best way to ensure his own company’s
success.
Passion for Helping Others
Ken has always had a passion for helping others reach their
potential. After graduating from college, Ken was drawn immediately
towards advising business leaders on how to succeed. But having never
managed a company of his own, Ken didn’t really feel qualified to
instruct others on how to do it. If he were serious about becoming a
consultant, he would have to get some real world experience. Thus, Ken
embarked on a ten-year “practicum,” during which he served as CEO of
several large companies in the telecommunications, agricultural,
chemical and food preparation industries.