C O L L E G E O F B U S I N E S S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
Engaging Entrepreneurs
“Being entrepreneurial is just something that’s ingrained in you. We build. We see. We’re visionaries.” - Evan Porges
Evan Porges and Patricia Villalpando Will Share Their Business Acumen and Expertise as Stanislaus State’s Inaugural Entrepreneurs-in-Residence by Donna Birch Trahan
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van Porges and Patricia Villalpando know what it takes to build and sustain a successful business from the ground up. Each of them has done so. Porges served as president of Prime Shine Car Wash, a chain founded in the early 1990s by his father Norman Porges. Prime Shine grew to be the largest privately-owned car wash chain in California and the 15th largest in the nation before Mister Car Wash bought the company in 2018. Villalpando served as chief operating officer and sales director for Paleteria La Michoacana, a Mexican ice cream company producing paletas, a frozen dessert. Porges and Villalpando are joining forces to advise budding entrepreneurs who want to launch their own businesses. The two will serve as the inaugural Entrepreneurs-in-Residence as part of Stanislaus State’s Warrior Entrepreneur Initiative (WEI). WEI is an ambitious program established by a $250,000 gift from the Porges Family Foundation. WEI is designed to provide inspiration, mentorship and financial support to emerging entrepreneurs as they strive to turn their ideas and concepts into
STA N M AGA Z I N E
new business ventures that can help grow the region’s economy. “Patricia and I can bring some reallife experience to campus and to the students, and ultimately, that is what the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program is about,” Porges said. “Those of us who have started businesses have a multi-faceted background. Bringing some of our expertise to students is the ultimate goal.” Villalpando says she believes students will be able to relate to her and Porges’ journey. But they won’t take on this work alone. The two plan to assemble an Entrepreneurs Council, which will consist of individuals who’ve successfully launched and operated businesses and possess decades of experience to coach and mentor students and community members. “We want them to understand that where they are now, just getting started, is where we were 20 and 30 years ago,” Villalpando said. “Yes, it’s a long and difficult path, but you can get there. Nothing is impossible.” After he graduated from Modesto’s Downey High School, Porges attended Arizona State University (ASU). “I wasn’t a business major,” he said. “I just ended up in business.” 30
Evan Porges
