With smiles and handshakes, Roy Reiman personally greeted his audience before giving a presentation on entrepreneurship.

Iowa State President Martin Jischke introduced Reiman, owner of Reiman Publications, as “Roy Reiman, entrepreneur and giver” Friday afternoon in Benton Auditorium of the Scheman Building.

Jischke said Reiman “is absolutely a remarkable individual.” He said he has “taken the fruits of his success” to help others. Reiman has made many contributions to ISU, including scholarships and an internship program at Reiman Publications, Jischke said.

“I think today someone who can’t find a job is just someone who can’t find a job they want to do,” Reiman said. He said “you don’t have to be a brain surgeon to be an entrepreneur.”

Reiman grew up on a farm near Auburn and graduated from ISU in agriculture journalism. He said his background has played a “major role” in his success.

His success includes his company, Reiman Publications, which produces 10 magazines, 1997’s leading cook book and a variety of other inventions.

Reiman said Iowa has “good, honest people” who work for “good honest pay.”

“One of the best crops you have here is people,” Reiman said. Iowa teaches individuals to “get out of bed and get on with your day,” he said.

Reiman said most of his best ideas come to him early in the morning. He said he likes the early morning when people are not up and moving. It gives him a chance to have “a little of that world” to himself, he said.

Some of Reiman’s best ideas also come to him during his sleep. He sleeps with a note pad and pen near his bed so that he can write down any ideas he may get while he’s sleeping. “I’ve dreamt entire campaigns,” he said.

To become an entrepreneur, Reiman said people must “create a need and fulfill a need.”

Jischke reminded his audience to not look at problems negatively, but rather creatively. He said sometimes the smallest ideas and the biggest of problems can produce the best inventions.

As he continued to tell stories about how he achieved his success, Reiman also told some stories of problems he’s had during his career.

One of those problems included a magazine for kids entitled Country Kids, by Reiman Publications.

He said the magazine was “the biggest bomb” they’ve ever had.

“We lost money for three to four years after that,” Reiman said.

The main idea that has influenced Reiman Publications’ success is “the fact that we really listen to our viewers,” Reiman said.

He said most of the articles are written by readers and “a lot of our ideas come from our viewers.”

Another benefit to his success is the fact that Reiman Publications has never worked in a budget, he said.

“Budgets put limits on creativity,” he said.

One innovative entrepreneur idea Reiman gave to the audience was the need for a car built especially for women “so they have a place to put their purse.”

Other ideas included his-and-her rearview mirrors and a boat odometer.

Reiman ended his speech by saying he wouldn’t change anything about his life and success.

“I loved every minute of it,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Reiman was presented with a framed picture of the miniature Campanile in the Reiman Gardens by Benjamin Allen, dean of the College of Business.

The gardens were dedicated to Reiman in 1995.

A time capsule, including pictures of Reiman’s visit to ISU and of his speech, will also be given to Reiman at a later date.