Bill Bonnstetter (Marketing '64) has never forgotten his past. After founding Target Training International, Ltd., a leading developer and marketer of research-based, validated assessment tools that help businesses and organizations meet their human resources needs, Bill moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. However, he did not sever his Iowa roots. Instead, Bill continues to contribute to the field of science and to his hometown of Corwith.
As CEO and president of Target Training International, Bill has performed and supplied research in personal and professional development and talent management. During the past 22 years, Bill and his son, David, have created more than 20 personal development and self-management programs to help maximize the potential of people in the workplace. These assessments are used by millions of people worldwide. Additionally, Bill and David conducted vast research, obtained intellectual property and now own three patents on their software with more pending.
Bill has been a major influence in the business world and has also affected his hometown. With an aspiration to revitalize Corwith, Bill teamed with the mayor of Corwith to develop an incubator to attract entrepreneurs to the area. “My whole premise is that if we can export jobs to India, we can export jobs to Corwith. I want to energize an entrepreneurial spirit in Iowa.”
To begin this process, Bill purchased the former Corwith Bank building that was built by his grandfather in 1919. The building was transformed into the Corwith Community Center with a ribbon-cutting in September 2005. The community center recently moved to a new location as the building undergoes further remodeling.
Since then, Bill has purchased four additional buildings with revitalization in mind. His plans include supporting entrepreneurs who have “That American dream of owning a hometown business,” says Bill.
Bill has also contributed through the Bonnstetter Family Foundation. With a $1 million pledge over the next 10 years, Bill will support charitable activities by making grants for educational, religious, literary, scientific and other charitable purposes.
Bill has also kept in close connection with UNI. He actively supports the business college and donates sales assessments from Target Training International to Steve Corbin, associate professor of marketing, for use in the classroom.
Clearly, Bill has impacted his surroundings. He contributes vital knowledge to the business community, jumpstarted entrepreneurship in Corwith, aided nonprofit organizations and gives students real-life examples in the classroom. His influences will help others succeed and reach their full potential.
Updated 31-May-07
