FORT PIERCE — William “Bill” Mullin, a prominent entrepreneur from Vero Beach, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Indian River State University Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The Dan K. Richardson Award recognizes entrepreneurial spirit, business leadership, and community achievement and was established by the Indian River State College Foundation to promote recognition and appreciation of the free enterprise system. It is a key component of entrepreneurship programs.
Recognition of the ocean’s impact on our communities and economy will be a highlight of the Entrepreneur of the Year Dinner April 17 at the Indian River State College Richardson Center on the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach Probably. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and success in entrepreneurship. Marine’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience, creativity, and significant impact on the local business environment.
“Bill Mullin embodies this award,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, president of Indian River State University. “Bill’s professional accomplishments are both remarkable and inspiring. His personal demeanor can best be described as ‘magical’ and his extraordinary personality is something to emulate. We are proud to award Bill Mullin the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. ”
Marin’s entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy began at a young age, earning an associate degree from Indian River State University and a Bachelor of Science in Citrus/Business from Florida Southern College. He has grown his agricultural irrigation design and construction company, Ven-Mar, to employ more than 250 people. Ven-Mar has won numerous industry awards and was recognized as the largest agricultural irrigation contractor in the United States.
He then sold the company and “retired” at the age of 32.
Marine continued his career by starting, leading, acquiring, and selling companies in a variety of roles and sectors. He served as Vice President of Agricultural Services International and President of Industrial Services, Inc. He enjoyed his fulfilling career spanning citrus trading, commercial development, and other ventures.
With an unwavering belief that it is our responsibility to serve our communities, Marine is dedicated to numerous local, national and international charities. Most recently, she served as a board member and immediate past chair of the Indian River State University Foundation.
“Bill Mullin is a leader and entrepreneur who not only grows his business, but also uplifts his community through his philanthropy,” Moore added. “His visionary leadership in the development of the Promise Program by the Indian River State College Foundation is one example of his impact. The Promise Program provides opportunities for all high school graduates in the district. “We are honored to recognize Bill Mullin as Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Bill is married to his wife, Patricia, and is the father of three children and the proud grandfather of seven children.
For more information about the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, call the Indian River State University Foundation at 772-462-4786 or email foundation@irsc.edu.
