Hayward Local entrepreneur Wins Prestigious National Business Award

Hayward Wisconson - ​Local entrepreneur and LCO Tribal Member, Curtis DeCora, recently received the prestigious honor of being named one of Native American 40 Under 40 Award winners for 2020. Curtis is the owner of Superior Marketing.

DeCora has been involved in several projects throughout the state of Wisconsin in recent years.  In 2010, DeCora established roots with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development by providing services ot people with significant disabilities.  The work included created integrated work environments and putting people with disabilities into the workforce through a process called, "Job Development." After 6 years of performing in the 10% of all state-wide contractors, DeCora steps away to focus on Superior Marketing.

From 2016 to 2022, Superior Marketing has worked with over 500 businesses in all 50 U.S. States, and 4 foreign countries, helping clients increase sales an average of 27% within the first 90 days.  Clients ranged from Financial Advisors, Maid Services, Mold Remediation, Mexican Restaurants, Lawn Care, Condo Rentals, Hotels, Fuel Stations, Youth Sports Clubs, Insurance Agents, Realtors, Roofing Companies, and many others.  

In 2018, the Tribal Business League, DeCora brought to a dozen tribes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan a concept of group purchasing, improved vendor relations, supply chain management and collaboration.  The Tribal Business League was born as a non-profit organization and helping tribes save $800,000 per year annually on the costs of C-Store items, simply by streamlining purchasing power. Additional initiatives are in development for tribal casinos, administration bulidings, schools, and youth organizations. "I founded the Tribal Business League which is a 501(c)6 tribally-led, non-profit buying club, which LCO is part of. The TBL leverages the buying power between six tribes to negotiate deals between vendors of C-Store, grocery, cleaning supplies, paper products, and I'm in negotiations with DraftKings to bring sports betting lounges to our TBL member tribes whereas DraftKings provides a plug and play revenue producing lounge for us to take advantage of," DeCora said.

In 2019, the LCO Child Support Services program enlisted DeCora to help secure funds for a Digital Media Marketing Grant. The LCO Child Support Digital Marketing Grant Project proposal was developed with new-age technology and strategies to (1) improve the engagement of program participants, and (2) increase enrollment into the tribal program.  This was the first ever grant rewarded to a Native American tribe, and was rewarded based on the proposed project outlines crafted by DeCora.

"This was the first time ever a tribal program had received a 'special projects' grant from the office of child support," DeCora explained.

Also in 2019, a new non-profit organization was formed in Hayward Wisconsin.  The organization was Rising Stars Basketball Club.  Rising Stars is a 501(c)7 sports recreation club for children aged 6-17.  The group holds year-round skills workouts, basketball camps, and skill development programs.  In the summer months, athletes aged between 12-17 participate in the AAU (amateur athletic union) circuit which travels around the midwest playing against the best basketball players in the region through competitive tournament play.  

In 2020, DeCora also helped Denny Reyes, manager at the Landing over the past two years with marketing and promotions. Reyes reported in September 2020 having the most money in the bank ever, and was already booked up through August 2021 for cabins and RV park.

The award selection process was granted on the work, accomplishments and contributions through Tourism Marketing, and Business Development in Native American communities throughout the United States. 

The 2020 class of Native American 40 Under 40 award recipients has been announced. The Native American 40 Under 40 recognizes 40 emerging American Indian and Alaska Native leaders under the age of 40 from across the country. Nominated by their peers, the 2020 40 Under 40 winners have exemplified leadership, initiative, and, especially during COVID-19, resiliency and dedication towards their communities and businesses. This year's 40 Under 40 represent the best from business and enterprise.

The 2020 Award Winners will be presented on-stage at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES 2021) in Las Vegas, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.  

“The Native American 40 Under 40 awards recognize the hard-work, dedication, and perseverance of our best and brightest,” said National Center President and CEO Chris James. “Every year I am impressed by the wide range of accomplishments of our 40 Under 40 winners.  The 2020 class shows us what young Native American and Alaska Native leaders are capable of – and what they are already accomplishing. Just as the 40 Under 40 honorees continually inspire all of us here at the National Center, we hope the award continues to inspire generations of Indian Country leaders who will one day be a part of this esteemed group.

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