Mike Pappas, Past International Chairman (YPO Miami); Richard Campbell, Past International WPO Board Chairman (WPO Philadelphia); Richard Van Rensburg, Chairman of the Board (YPO Cape Town); Dennis Beck, International WPO Board Chairman (YPO Los Angeles); Greg Martin, Vice Chair of the Board (YPO Utah)
YPO / WPO
Young Presidents Organization
World Presidents Organization
by Jim Morrissey
YPO was founded in 1950 by manufacturer Ray Hickok in New York as a way for members to learn, exchange ideas and share strategies to address the challenges young leaders faced during the period. Born from YPO was WPO, founded in 1970 as the World Business Council by 200 former YPO members. In July 2007, YPO and WPO merged, refining their mission to create "better leaders through education and Idea exchange". This organization is for life, and members can transition from YPO to WPO between 50 and 55 years of age and remain a part of the organization. Combined, this organization has grown into an expansive network composed of some of the most talented professionals in the world.
Qualifications to become a member are as follows:
Be a business leader under the age of 45. Exceptions may be made for new chapters only. You must be a Managing Director, Head Partner, Publisher, President or CEO. Your Company must meet two size requirements.
The "A" requirements are one of the following: the candidate must have at least 50 regular, full-time employees or the equivalent under his or her control or the total compensation of all employees, excluding the compensation of the candidate, must exceed $1million. Next, the candidate must have one of the "B" requirements. The corporation must meet dollar volume requirements based on the type of corporation they run. Sales/Service/Manufacturing corporations must have at least $8 million in gross annual sales or turnover. Financial institutions must have average annual assets of at least $160 million. Agency-type businesses must have annual fees or commissions billed of at least $6 million.
Member benefits concentrate on Education, Networking, Forms, Member exchange and Family. However, the best way to sum up this organization and all it has to offer are the words from San Diego Chapter member John Kontopuls, president of Elite Show Services. "YPO-WPO is in a league of its own. Membership has been transformational for me and my family and the opportunities afforded through both local and international programs have elevated my business and created meaningful relationships with others from around the world. YPO-WPO has established a path for lifelong leadership and learning for its members and their families.”
When you combine financial success with family...It doesn't get any better than that!
To learn more about YPO-WPO visit their websites at ypo.org and wpo.org
