1/3/2008 3:48:00 PM    
  
Tjelmeland named Readers' Choice by INC. magazine

by Rachel Wells
Breeze-Courier writer

SPRINGFIELD - Nominated last year for Inc.com's Entrepreneur of the Year award by a friend and colleague, Michelle Tjelmeland was grateful for the recognition. And now that she's been selected as one of ten Readers' Choices, she's still grateful and describes the experience as humbling.

The Readers' Choice award is given by editors of the nationally known entrepreneurial publication Inc.com as a way to distinguish the most compelling business persons from the hundreds of thousands of nominations received throughout the year for the Entrepreneur of the Year award. 

When editors selected her as a Readers' Choice along with nine other highly successful entrepreneurs, they singled Tjelmeland out for a Turning Point interview.

Available for listeners on Inc.com's website, the interview with senior editor Rod Kurtz explains Tjelmeland's inspiring story of business success despite challenges in her personal journey. She began her website development business e-websmart.com in 1999, part of a life change necessitated by total hearing loss, and since has founded the philanthropic organization ciafonline.org . 

While maintaining a happy family including two young daughters, providing counseling to countless Cochlear Implant candidates and their families, writing books and designing software, Tjelmeland has molded her business into what it is today. E-websmart.com can boast a growth rate of 734 percent since 2004. Without advertising, Tjelmeland relies on word of mouth of a job well done to boost her business. 

The Readers' Choice accolade comes with multiple rewards. The national recognition reinforces positive talk between clients and clients-to-be while also encouraging Tjelmeland's drive to move forward. 

"More than anything, to think that a publication such as 'Inc.' magazine is reading my story and seeing value and interest in what we're doing here ... it really makes me feel like we're doing the right thing. It's taken a lot of years to get momentum built up and a lot of hard work," Tjelmeland said.

Originally undercapitalized as most businesses are, Tjelmeland said, e-websmart.com required determination to see it through to where it is today in its ninth year. 

Since the original nomination, Tjelmeland has moved the business out of her home, neared completion of her own website software program and begun a second book in a series for small to medium sized business owners. 

"All of this support from my family has been huge. My husband and my kids totally get it. My entire family - my sister, my parents - without their support it's hard to do anything. They've been gracious in allowing me to follow my dreams. A lot of people don't get that." 

Michelle Tjelmeland graduated from Taylorville High School in 1991 before earning a bachelor's degree in language arts education at Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in education and computer technology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Tjelmeland, who resides in Springfield with her husband Joel and daughters Ellie and Lucy, is the daughter of Taylorville residents Max and Sheryl Klemm.

Printed with permission of the Breeze-Courier 

Comments:

Michelle is a true entrepreneur and an inspiration to all she comes in contact with.....she is very deserving of this honor.
Pete Graham - Springfield, IL

Michelle espouses a self-demanding attitude of HOW CAN versus WHY NOT. She enjoys all challenges. Resourceful, imaginative and innovative. Lead by personal example; yet, a solid team player. Committed to growth (personal and professional). Believe respect goes only where earned and remains only where appreciated.
David MacDonna - Springfield, Illinois

I have personally experienced Michelle's creativity when she and her team developed our company's website. Michelle is a joy to work with and she always makes sure her clients are satisfied with the end product. Despite all of her obstacles in life, she has always remained upbeat and determined to succeed in every aspect of her life. I would strongly recommend Michelle as the entrepeneur of the year!!
Kyle Johnson - Springfield, Illinois

I am proud to have had Michelle as a friend for over 10 years and to have worked with her for the last two. Michelle truly encompasses the definition of a true entrepreneur from starting her own company from scratch (www.e-websmart.com) to starting her own non-profit organization (www.ciafonline.org). She seems to be able to do anything she sets her mind to. Her spirit and exuberance for life are truly invigorating and it is with pleasure that I work for her and am able to call her my friend.
Kim Martin - Springfield, Illinois

michelle is an "angel" in the eyes of those she has supported and help through her foundation. what an inspiration!
molly planck - taylorville,il

Michelle Tjelmeland is a wonderful, inspiring person, always looking to help other each day. She is always searching for a way to make a positive impact on others and in her community. She has been thrown many obstacles in her life. But she never gets knocked down by the obstacles that are thrown at her. Instead she looks at them as life's little challenges. She finds a positive solution in each obstacle that is presented to her. Then she finds a way to help others through those obstacles. She is a true inspiration to not only her family, friend, co workers, and strangers but to any one that get the pleasure to meet her.
Melissa Klemm - Springfield IL

I have known Michelle for only a year, but I continue to be inspired and awed by her incredible accomplishments. I believe that Michelle is the person she is today, not in spite of, but because of, the challenges she was given. Michelle truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and lives her life doing what she loves. Every move she makes is intended to improve someone else's life. Her thoughts are never focused on how much she has accomplished but, rather, on how much more she has yet to do! As a business owner she is talented and successful; as a not-for-profit founder she is passionate and driven; as a wife and mother she is ever-present, loving and caring; as a friend, she is supportive and inspiring. Michelle does not just have a vision, she lives her vision.
Jennifer O'Hara - Springfield, IL

I am a friend and neighbor of Michelle. She is such an inspiration not only to entrepreneurs, but everyone both professionally and personally. Her many accomplishments and successes thus far more than qualify her for Entrepreneur of the Year.
Misty Hannah - Springfield Illinois

Michelle is an amazing wonderful person that inspires me and motivates me in many ways. She deserves this award and many more.
Todd Hannah - Springfield, IL

An amazing woman who goes out of her way to help people while building a thriving, respected business. I'm a fellow entrepreneur who she helped get started by offering encouragement and by sharing her knowledge of the Web Design business.
Bonnie Leedy - Mesa, Arizona

it's inspiring to see what can come from such adversity
Julie Baker - Springfield, IL

Congrats Michelle, good luck! You are extraordinary. : )
Andria - Springfield, Il

Excellent story. Great accomplishment!
Becky Hendricks - Springfield, IL

I have read many good things that Michelle has accomplished, even in the face of set-backs. What made me keep reading is the compassion she has for others and her selflessness - her website iloveellie.com was created to help others that may be going through something similar and inspire them to reach for the stars!
Lisa Williams - Springfield, IL

Michelle is a veritable hurricane of energy and enthusiasm for everything she does. She makes things happen, in her own world and in the lives of others. She is certainly a worthy nominee for Entrepeneur of the Year.
Kari Abate - Springfield, IL

Michelle is an amazing person with chilling story to tell of courage, overcoming obstacles, and striving to achieve success. Her spirit of entrepreneurism, desire to give back her community and world, and strength at overcoming adversity is remarkably inspirational. She is deserving of noteworthy praise and recognition of her astounding accomplishments.
Cindy Greene - Springfield, IL

Great Story. Great person. (I had her on a entrepreneur panel recently---just dynamite ! ! ! Richard Judd, Ph.D. National City Bank Distinguished Professor and Director, Center for Entrepreneurship at U of Illinois @ Springfield.
Richard Judd - Springfield, Illinois

I have worked with Michelle. She is truely a remarkable person and an inspiration to what is possible both in business and personally.
Doug Treadwell - Wyandotte, Michigan

I have known Michelle since her first year of teaching (we were rookies together) I have kept in touch with her over the years, even doing a bit of writing for her company. Her story is an inspiring one. I look at all she has accomplished professionally and am in awe! (She reminds me of our own down-state Oprah- smart, determined, generous) However, when you factor into her professional achievements that she has a husband, two daughters, her auditory disability and that same disability in one of her kids-- she is nothing short of miraculous! Everything in this entry plus more is true of Michelle Tjelmeland and she has earned this distinguished honor!!
Susan Pennington - Rochester, IL

I have worked with Michelle as founder of the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation. I signed on to assist with this work because of Michelle's energy and spirit. Her enthusiasm for all she does is contagious. We need more people in the world with her initiative!
Debra Nussbaum - Washington, D.C.

Michelle is very deserving of this prestigious award. Her spirit and enthusiasm is contagious and her story would be a true inspiration to people worldwide.
Lisa Ellis - Springfield, IL

To fully appreciate this remarkable woman one must have traveled the same road. I have, and made well into six figures as a direct result of receiving a cochlear implant that enabled me to function in a normal/competitive business environment. We cannot choose what life brings. Each of has has the power to choose how we live and deal with adversity! Michelle has chosen wisely and gives back much more than her peers in this competition.
Charles C. Cushman - Carterville, IL

You have never met a more vibrant vivacious personality as Michelle! Her energy is infectious and she a way of moving mountains that should be patented! She is the epitomy of entrepreneurial success!
Laurie McWilliams - Springfield, IL

I have worked with Michelle on a professional level for a number of years and her energy level and commitment to excellence are contagious and have contributed to the success of my business.
Rex Alexander - Springfield, Illinois

I have never met Michelle in person but have talked to her many times by email. I am deaf also, and with her help I got to go and get evaluated by a cochlear implant audiologist and surgeon. I want to get the implant but at this time there is no surgeon in North Dakota. Michelle has been very helpfull whenever I have needed anything that she could answer. She is an a very special person and has given very much for the deaf.
Raymond Pierce - Williston, North Dakota

I have known Michelle only a short time and I give her a 10 I could not have done it with out her and her program. My daughter is deaf and she just received the CI, and without the CIAF she would be in debt way over her head, Michelle made a way for Courtney to feel that the implant was worth it without the pain of the high bills to go with it,truley Michelle and her foundation is a heaven sent
Lorraine King - Bangor Maine

I too know Michelle and she designed my website. I have had several people comment on the high quality work that she does. I even sit on one of the NP boards and their website is AWESOME.
Lisa R. Pierce - Springfield, IL

She has done amazing things.
AnnaSophia Melgreen - Springfield, IL

she has my vote very bright, energetic,and loving young woman
Ginny Klemm - Taylorville, IL

I met Michelle about 18 months ago and immediately knew that she is one "dynamic" woman. Michelle is intelligent, funny, witty, knows how to have fun and knows how to inspire those around her. I consider it both and honor and a blessing to have Michelle as one of my friends. Words alone cannot describe what an inspiration and impact Michelle has had and continues to have on the hearing impaired. Michelle is most deserving of this award.
Sue Hines - Springfield, Illinois

Michelle is an inspiraton to me, even when I have only met her online. Her work shows her passion and dedication.
Vanessa Weller - Vancouver, BC Canada

I have known Michelle personally since we were small children. She is absolutely my hero. She has overcome so many obstacles. There is nothing this girl cannot do. We should all have a little Michelle in us!
Jill Zellers - Chatham, IL

Michelle has given her expertise to several nonprofit agencies and facilities in her community. Brother James Court--home to 98 developmentally disabled men-- benefited from her services donated to set up a website for us. She is always willing to open her caring heart to others and is extremely well respected in our community. She has overcome some obstacles in her life, but you would never know it. She moves forward to be an example for others who face challenges. I admire her very much! Barbara Turner development@brotherjamescourt.com
Barbara Turner - Springfield, IL

My business has worked closely with Michelle and her staff on designing and maintaining our web-site. Michelle is very deserving of this award for so many reasons, as stated beautifully in this nomination piece!
Julie Zara - Springfield, IL

Very inspiring. where most would give up she excelled
cloberg - Jacksonville, IL

Michelle is an extrordinary woman who, through her own life obstacles, has helped others with hearing loss realize their potential. Her tenacity facilitates success in whatever she attempts.
Lee Ann Rotz - Champaign-Urbana, IL

We recently found out that our 19-month old son is deaf and Michelle has been an amazing inspiration! Knowing only half of what she has had to go through by having a child that is deaf, she is a true inspiration of how you can overcome obstacles, turn things around and turn it in to something amazing!!! Every day I wake up and am heartbroken over the challenges and stigmas that my little baby will have to overcome, but I think of Michelle and where she is today and it helps me to make it through the day.
Stacy Luther - Omaha, NE

We need more Michelle's in this world. I happen to know firsthand of the support she has given to a dear friend whose son suddenly became deaf at 1 year old. My friend was devastated and the help and support from Michelle save her life. Michelle not only has time to help out people in need, but she started an outstanding award-winning busines. What a human being!!!!!!
Paula Hansen - Littleton, CO

My wife and I recently learned that our youngest son is deaf and Michelle has been a great resource and inspiration to our family!
Todd Luther - Omaha, NE

THIS is what America is about. What an ENTREPRENEUR. She re-educated, re-invented, re-shaped herself and her career. Add to that the work she has done helping OTHERS to have the classic "second chance". This is a person that deserves to be recognized in greater detail.
Cliff Carlson - Lincoln, NE

Michelle works extremely hard to accomplish her goals, but somehow never sacrafices important time with her family. I have known Michelle now for a few years, and there is no one who I admire more. She works tirelessly to help others. She set high standards for herself and maintains those standards. She has taught me that we can do anything we set out to do.
Vicki Hannah - Rochester, IL

This woman is AMAZING!!! I know her personally, and she has more energy than any 3 people I know. She is a wonderful advocate for her girls and provides support and information for other children and adults with cochlear implants! And her websites are AWESOME!
Nancy Rapps - Springfield, IL

Someone please bottle this womans getty up and go. She makes me proud to be a woman and makes me want to be better. Thanks for sharing this story.
Joyce Kane - Swansea, IL

Michelle is the epitome of how a person - regardless of circumstances - can capitalize on the free enterprise system and the personal freedoms that come from knowing who you are and what is your purpose. There are no limitations to her capabilities as an entrepreneur - be it business or social. She redefines life leadership and conciousness of the world around her, and is an exemplary role model for taking your game to the next level - every single day. Her business might not be one of the 'big dogs', but Michelle Tjelmeland will certainly demonstrate how to go about leading the pack. She represents what 21st century business CAN be today.
Kristin Andress - Solana Beach, California

Being Michelle's sister-in-law, I feel as though I have a special insight to this extraordinary person. Yes, running a successful business is impressive. But imagine doing it with a fraction of the hearing the rest of us are afforded. Michelle has never been one to let obstacles get in her way. Not only is she raising two daughters and managing her family, Michelle has created a non-profit organization to help other people who also suffer from hearing loss go from silence to sound. When she first started her non-profit, she was giving to many of the families out of her own pocket because she knew what a financial burden cochlear implant surgery could be on a family. Her heart has always been as large as life as I recall stories of her early teaching years where, with coupons in hand, she took low income pre-teens to the mall and, with her own money, purchased them basic clothing needs so they could attend the school dance. And, while doing all of this, she can still be room mother for her girls and spend an entire day sticking tattoos on wild and stinky third graders. I think this award should go not necessarily to the person who works the most hours and misses out on some of the most precious years of one's life. It should go to a person, who despite the obstacles they face, is successful not only in their business, but in every aspect of their lives…family, community and self. Michelle is the epitome of Entrepreneur of the Year.
Sarah Petty - Springfield, IL

I have just met Michelle.Her company just remade our companies web site .I was very impressed on how fast they responded to our needs, and how professionally we were taking care of.Michelle does what she says she will do and thats a quality hard to find this day and age.
Doug Anderson - Auburn Illinois

Michelle is an inspiration for all. She has accomplished so much and overcome so much....When we tell our children to set goals and work toward them....What an example she is.....there could be no better person for this award.
Pamela Tjelmeland - Rochester, IL

Without a doubt, Michelle is the most inspiring person I know. Time and again I have watched her embrace life challenges and and turn them into successes, both personally and professionally. This world needs more people in it like Michelle Tjelmeland.
Beth Limmer - Troy, IL

If you have ever heard of the phrase "Zest for life", you have undoubtedly met Michelle and know that it is how she approaches each day. The word can't is not in her vocabulary. She has taken lemons and made lemonade. Her personality and talents would be enough but it is the knowing and desire that she must somehow give back that earns the respect of so many in the community. I am proud to know this young woman and can't wait to see what comes next.
Valera Yazell - Springfield, IL

From the Second I met Michelle (two years ago) all I could think was WOW this girl is amazing and what great thing is she going to accomplish next? She is the most inspiring, driven, motivated and balanced person I have personally ever met. Every day I strive to be more like Michelle. The little time I have spent with Michelle has inspired me to always shoot for the stars and to not let others decide what you are capable of achieving. Thanks Michelle!
Steve Johnson - Salt Lake City, Utah

Michelle and her staff designed our website and did a fantastic job. She is an inspiring person who does so much for the non-profit organizations in our community.
Debbie Marsaglia-Haenig Electric Co., Inc. - Springfield, IL

Michelle has delivered outstanding customer service, thoughtful understanding, and fantastic results for our newly revamped website and company logo. She takes the time to fully comprehend the short and long-term goals of her clients, and utilizes a team of talented professionals to bring her clients what they need and want. I don't know where she get so much energy. I am thrilled with her professionalism, and am awed and inspired by her work with the deaf. She is amazing!
Gina Gillette - Ludlow, Illinois

Michelle constantly impresses me with her energy, creativity, dedication, honesty, and enthusiasm for whatever it is that she is doing. She attends to all aspects of her personal and professional lives with the same amount of committment, all the while smiling and wondering how to do it better. She is truly an incredible person whom I feel blessed to know and volunteer with.
Deidre Zobrist - Rochester, Illinois

I am a former high school teacher of Michelle's and her parents are our neighbors. She always has a smile on her face and a great attitude. It is very heartwarming to see my students be so successful in life. I am very proud of Michelle and feel that she is deserving of every honor that comes her way. Congrats, Michelle. Kay White and Dr. Hwa Long Chen
Kay White - Taylorville,Illinois

Michelle Tjelmeland *is* the face of entrepreneurship. She's passionate and driven, and she sees possibilities where others see a lot of work. Michelle is a savvy business owner, but her Foundation that supports families who are impacted by Deafness will be her legacy.
Joy Duling - Peoria, IL

Michelle's bottle is always half full. Regardless of the situation and/or problem that she faces, Michelle attacks the situation/problem with a positive solution. Her passion for excellence is contagious to her family, customer's and her E-Web Smart Team and the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundatioin Team. The world is full of many successful business people. Unfortunately, the world has very,very,few business people who give back as much as Michelle does to the community. When faced with deafness, she elected to conquer the handicap, not allowing the handicap to conquer her. Michelle is the posterperson for: Positive Mental Atttitude, Business Passion Community Involvement Caring Mothers Outstanding Wife. Second place to Michelle in anything is --first place in the losers column. She deserves to be Enterpeneur of the Year.
Max Klemm - Taylorville, IL

Michelle is a person of vision and integrity. She has built her business around a Committment to Excellence and 100% Customer Satisfaction.Michelle is happy only when the customer is happy. Also, she is very caring and gives back to the community by building web sites at no charge for those in need and for charties and non-profits.When faced with her deafness, she chose to overcome the handicap and not to allow the handicap to overcome her. Her passion for helping other with hearing losses through the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation is second to nonone that I know.While doing all the above, she is also a very caring wife and mother.If the world had more Michelle's there would never be a slowdown in the econonmy.She is truly the very best candidate for "Entrepreneur of the Year".
Max Klemm - Taylorville, IL

Michelle will be celebrating her 34th birthday on October 25. She lives life BIG! She has overcome obstacles that would have devasted most and successes that boggle the mind. Michelle is devoted and compassionate about everything in her life: her family, her friends,her business,her foundation, and her community. She is, also, grateful, humble and thankful for all the blessings in her life. She has accomplished more in her short life than most people accomplish in a lifetime. Michelle is an inspiration and a true entrepreneur. She has "only just begun"! I am very proud of Michelle.
Sheryl Klemm (Mom) - Taylorville, IL

MICHELLE IS SELFLESS, A WONDERFUL MOM, WIFE AND WORKER. HER FOUNDATION, OF WHICH SHE FOUNDED, IS ONE IN WHICH SHE TAKES NOTHING MONETARILY AND GIVES ALL TO OTHERS.
BOB EVANS - TAYLORVILLE, IL

All of the candidates are special people with a zeal for excellence and the gift of spirit that puts persistence and dedication to its very best use. Michelle's example raises the bar in these pursuits and shows us how opportunity is created and sustained from enormous challenge while holding dear the values of family, friends and community. There is no finer combination of commitments.
Robert Kircher - Washington, D.C.

I spent minutes meeting Michelle and days being inspired by her. She is absolutely vibrant with energy and passion. An amazing woman!
Cathy Olberding - Oklahoma City, OK

She is terrific! There is likely no one as tenacious and passionate.
Valerie Finley - Norman, OK

What a truely amazing person!!
Kelley - Riverton, IL

As Michelle's husband, I get to watch the life of a very extraordinary person from behind the stage; or even better, the front row. Michelle's unwavering perseverance, high energy, passion, and positive energy are just a few attributes that make up her winning personality, despite losing her hearing at a young age. Receiving a Cochlear Implant to help partially restore her hearing, Michelle felt so blessed that she had to help inform others of the available technology and procedure, consequently starting the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation. (A non-for-profit company, with 100% of contributions going to help offset hearing loss expenses of others) Amidst the madness of deadlines, technological issues, etc., with her web development business, the CIAF phone can ring and Michelle's world will stop, for hours if necessary, to listen, consult, and even cry with the caller on the other end, convincing them that their world is not ending. She shares both her and our daughter Ellie's amazing story of success after Michelle losing her hearing in her late teens, to Ellie's world as she knows it, never hearing before having Cochlear Implants. This balance of entrepreneurism, family, and devotion to a heartfelt cause helping others in her same situation, makes Michelle Tjelmeland the perfect candidate for Entrepreneur of the Year.
Joel Tjelmeland - Springfield, Illinois

Michelle's energy, enthusiasm and total commitment to her profession has always been above and beyond. She is a remarkable young woman, with a spirit that can't be broken!
Randi Maxfield - Chatham, IL

I first met Michelle as a patient and later retained her services to design our company's web site. She has since designed other web sites for me as well as created marketing plan for my medical practice. Michelle has great expertise and non-stop energy. She approached every business challenge that I presented with a comprehensive assessment an plan of action. She increased my medical practice and improved the visibility at the other businesses, whose web sites she has designed. She is an example of what can be accomplised with hardwork and a refuse to quit attitude she certainly derserves to be considered for Entrepreneur of the Year
Robert C. Russell MD - Springfield, Illinois

I have known Michelle since she was born and even seeing her as a young woman, I never knew she had a hearing disability until a few years ago. We lived next door to the Klemm's so we often saw Michelle and her family. WOW! What an incredible, amazing person she has grown into. I also am among those who would like to have some of her energy, compassion and zest for life that she has bestowed upon others. I cannot imagine anyone more deserving for this award! She just embodies the true meaning of ENTREPRENEUR! You go, girl!
Rosie Daugherty-Candelaria - Chandler, AZ

Michelle is very devoted to anything that she attempts.We had the honor of being present for both Michelle and little Ellie's Cocklear implants, what troopers they are. Makes us proud to have Michelle in our life. Michelle has earned this deserving award all the way. Keep on going Michelle, we are very proud of you as a person and niece.
Delores Campbell - Gilbert, AZ

I am so excited to see all the entries. Michelle is well-deserving of each and every one. I work with her on a daily basis and wouldn't have it any different. She is an amazing person - as a creative collaborator and well as a dear friend. I Love you! All the luck for Entrepreneur of the Year!!
Sharon Hewitt - Springfield, IL

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