GERALD LUDWICK:
 




 
 
 
 
 
President and CEO of Rural Communications Inc., a Three Rivers-based Internet service and telecommunications provider. Responsible for the overall direction of the company, its goals and objectives, as well as community leadership and involvement. Rural Communications is responsible for bringing broadband Internet service to several St. Joseph County communities that did not have it previously.


WHERE BORN: Detroit, Michigan.

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON: “I have had several throughout my life. My grandmother on my mother’s side shaped me to be who I am today. Helen Rahaim, grandma, taught me what it meant to be proud of who you are. She taught me to be strong. After college I met a gentleman by the name of Greg Slagon, a developer in Oakland County. Greg taught me many things over the next 10 years. I learned what it takes to be a good business person. I discovered islands and ports that most people never see. I learned about wine. My most recent influential person is Tom Meyer. Tom, by opening up his personal life, has helped me become a very good father, a person committed to the community that we live in, and a better business person.”

LAST BOOK READ: “I’ve read a few thanks to my wife who taught me to let go of business while traveling: ‘Deception Point’ and ‘Rule of Four.’”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: “Hardworking, determined, generous, well rounded, proud.”

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: “Believe it or not, back to where it was before the Telecom Act, only with Internet Protocol competing with circuit switching with a few of the original Bell companies and some newcomers.”

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: “Connectivity.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “Four Seasons, Nevis (a Caribbean hotel).”

FAVORITE HOBBY: “Water skiing, working out, and most recently snowboarding.”

FAVORITE FOOD: “Grape leaves.”

MY HIDDEN TALENT: “None. I am pretty much an open book.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: “As a great father and husband, and someone who made a positive impact on the persons he touched and the community he served.”

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.