Van Larson, a Grand Forks businessman and UND alumnus, is the featured speaker at the Entrepreneur Forum at 6 tonight at the UND Center for Innovation Idea Lab.
He will describe his transition from entrepreneur to philanthropist in his talk, "From Sure-Foot to Sunshine: Entrepreneurial Success from a Solutionist."
Larson is recognized internationally as an innovator, entrepreneur, networker and philanthropist, said Bruce Gjovig, the center's director.
In 1984, after his mother slipped on ice, Larson developed a non-slip product that led to a company, Sure-Foot, created with his brother, Jon. He was a silent partner in the Grand Forks-based company during his employment with Kinney's Shoe Corporation.
When he retired from Kinney's after 25 years, Larson took an active role providing marketing and entrepreneurial expertise for Sure-Foot, which has grown and expanded its product line. The company has more than 30 employees and markets products world-wide.
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In 2007, Larson's daughter, Shannon "Sunshine," died of heat stroke while hiking in Arizona. He formed the Sunshine Memorial Foundation, focusing on hiker awareness and health and wellness issues.
Earlier this year, the first fundraiser for Shannon's foundation, "Sunshine Walk and Fun Run," raised money for her foundation, North Dakota Special Olympics and the Choice Health and Fitness Center.
The second annual Sunshine event, "The Sunshine Fest," is set for January. Funds will go to Choice fitness center and a proposed hospitality house, similar to the Ronald McDonald House, but open to all ages and to be used for families with long-term care patients in Altru Health System.
The Center for Innovation is north of the Hilton Garden Inn on 42nd Street North.
