"It’s necessary that I understand all aspects of business, especially how to read financial statements, as our businesses expand. After only two classes with Professor Deborah Turner, I can read my financial statements with confidence."

Profile - Elizabeth Bacon

• Global Executive MBA
• Class of 2008
• BS, Electrical Engineering,
• Georgia Institute of Technology, 1996

President,
Il Vino Imports, LLC

Vice President,
Mr. Electric of West Central Georgia

When Elizabeth Bacon sees an opportunity, she takes it. And five years ago she saw a chance to combine her loves of wine and business by establishing Il Vino Imports, an importer of fine wines from Europe. “I was in Tuscany, Italy, for a work assignment as an international engineering liaison, and I was able to study under a well-respected sommelier during my free time,” she says. “I knew I could use this knowledge when I returned to Georgia.”

Bacon also learned a lot about cross-cultural communications in business during her assignment in Tuscany. “I was raised in Italy, so I knew the culture. After spending time in the U.S., I was able to mediate between the two cultures. This resulted in successful completion of the project between our U.S. and Italian facilities,” she explains. “When I enter a new culture, it’s second nature to me to become a part of it and adapt. But I learned very quickly that this was not the way many people dealt with cross-cultural communications in business.”

Bacon and her husband, Ken, also own Mr. Electric of West Central Georgia. “We knew that the Global Executive MBA program was a business investment we needed to make,” she says. “It’s necessary that I understand all aspects of business, especially how to read financial statements, as our businesses expand. After only two classes with Professor Deborah Turner, I can read my financial statements with confidence.” Bacon says she is also benefiting from the international aspects of the program. “Our manufacturers are moving to China, and we need to gain a better understanding of this shift.”

After completing the program, Bacon hopes to continue growing her current companies and may even work as an international consultant. “Georgia Tech is allowing business leaders to step up in the global business arena, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” she says.