California CEO tells graduates to make good choices

Novotny, who lives in Danville, Calif., told the graduates that they have control of the choices they make and, consequently, control their own destinies.

“It is your responsibility to make the choices that will determine who you are and what you become in life,” Novotny said, and noted that a person’s actions must be in alignment with his beliefs, ethics and morals.

He said they should not become ones to make excuses, which can limit self esteem and program a person for failure to achieve happiness and success.

“You see, an excuse can become a permanent and continuing rationalization for doing nothing,” he said.

Novotny, using the story of his rise as a CEO, encouraged the students to take risks, even if it means failure.

 “I now realize that I usually learned more from my mistakes, setbacks and tough times, than I did from my successes,” he said.

Novotny opened his speech by admitting that his grades were average at CSC. With a wife, and two young daughters, he graduated in 1969 and expected to join the U.S. Air Force’s Officer Candidate School. However, recruiting levels had been reduced as the Vietnam War was winding down, and he instead continued working for the railroad in Chadron, just as he had done during college.

A 12-hour shift of switching box cars in a blizzard, he and his wife took a leap of faith and moved the family to Oregon without jobs and just $500 in savings. Thankfully, he said, a job was available as a first line supervisor of a logging operation in southwest Washington. That position became a stepping stone on the path that lead him to a position as president and CEO of a $1.6 billion public company with more than 5,000 employees around the world.

“That risky decision to move somewhere west as one of the best decisions in my life,” he said. “It also showed me that when a door closes, a window opens if you simply have faith in yourself that things will work out for the better.”

Among other points, he also told the graduates to set high goals and break them into smaller steps. He also said they should surround themselves with positive people.

 “Aim for the stars and you may hit the moon. Aim low and you’ll likely hit the dirt,” he said.

As a play on CSC’s mascot, Novotny recited the phrase, “It is hard to soar with eagles if you hang around with the buzzards.”

Lastly, he pointed out that most everyone has the choice to be happy, regardless of circumstances.

 “Finally, the most important choice of all is to choose happiness,” he said. “You have that choice every morning when you wake up.”

He told the graduates to put their knowledge and skills to good use as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

 “You have heart, you have brains, and you have courage, therefore you have determination,” he said. “If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right. Either way, it’s your choice.”

Novotny, a 1969 graduate who was a CSC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2007, is a venture partner at Telegraph Hill Partners, a San Francisco-based private equity firm investing in life science, medical device and healthcare companies. Prior to joining Telegraph Hill, Novotny worked at Central Garden & Pet for 17 years, including serving as president and chief operating officer from 1990 to 2003 and chief executive officer from 2003 through 2007.

The businessman also worked at Weyerhaeuser Corporation from 1970 to 1990 in a variety of operating, strategic planning, sales and executive management roles. He served as CEO of Weyerhaeuser Garden Supply from 1988 to 1990.

Novotny has served on both public and private boards of directors and has significant entrepreneurial experience. He is a director of Ditan Corp., Freedom Innovations, Nexus Biosystems, Pet Food Express, Reeb Millwork, and VeriTainer Corp., and an adviser to Trupanion Pet Health Insurance, Inc. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Glennhawk Vineyards.

In addition to his bachelor's degree from CSC, he graduated from the Harvard Business School Program for Executive Management Development. He is a member of the Chadron State Foundation Board of Trustees and the National Campaign Leadership Council.

Novotny and his wife, Linda, have been married 45 years. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Chadron State awarded 311 degrees Saturday during two ceremonies. Novotny spoke at the undergraduate ceremony, in which 262 of the degrees were conferred.