90% of startups fail in their first year and only 50% of the survivors remain in business after four years. Traversing the uncharted waters of business can be a daunting endeavor. Brook Barzyk has acquired a passion for the development, launch and investment in small to multi-million dollar businesses. Having successfully incubated four startups, Brook is currently the CEO of a nationally recognized manufacturing company (Chateau Industries) and a managing partner of a professional healthcare practice specializing in wound care (Integumetrix). He also plays a critical role in several other companies throughout Tennessee. It was not always his dream to be an entrepreneur. Brook received his BS in Biology from David Lipscomb University in 1998 and was pursuing a medical degree when an opportunity arose that would change the course of his life. He purchased a small local company with one employee that has grown 40-fold in 12 years. The learning curve of running a business is steep and he learned through a trial by fire. It was through this heuristic approach that he developed a keen sense of the keys to a successful business that he enjoys sharing with others. He might tell you that he enjoys woodworking, exercising or playing with his two dogs but those who really know him will tell you it is spreadsheets. Especially when they are in the black.