Business POV

The high-energy capitalist sold his company, Click Commerce, for $292 million to ITW in late 2006. Now he runs Merrick Ventures, a holding company with major equity stakes in several companies and a roster of big-name investors, including billionaire Lester Crown and McDonald's Chairman Andy McKenna. Herein: a pep talk for upstarts.

The segment was filmed Sept. 26 at the "Innovation Conversation," an event hosted by The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Wired NextFest at Millennium Park.

About Michael Ferro:

Michael W. Ferro, Jr. is the past chairman, CEO and founder of Click Commerce, Inc. Under Mr. Ferro’s leadership, Click Commerce posted 14 consecutive quarters of growth and profitability and acquired and integrated nine companies. During this time, the company’s stock value increased 900 percent. Because of Click Commerce’s industry reputation and proven ability to deliver results, Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a multi-billion dollar Fortune 150 company acquired Click Commerce on Oct. 24, 2006. ITW selected Click Commerce as the platform to launch their software and technology group.

Mr. Ferro is a Director on the Board of Trustees of The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Northwestern University and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He serves on the boards of Northwestern University, The Chicago Community Trust, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, Big Shoulders Foundation, and AfterSchool Matters. In addition to his civic and philanthropic activities, Mr. Ferro participates in several business organizations. He is the chairman of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and a board member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Mr. Ferro is also a member of Young Presidents’ Organization and The Commercial Club of Chicago. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois."