THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO HAVE DREAMS, IDEAS AND GOALS COME TO FRUITION, IS THE CORE OF WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF THE FREEDOMS THAT ARE OURS IN AMERICA.

- Denise Burnett Stewart

SMALL BUSINESS DRIVES THE AMERICAN ECONOMY. IT THRIVES AND SURVIVES NO MATTER WHAT MAY BE GOING ON IN THE MAIN ECONOMY.

- Dick Gadomski

UNLESS WE PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE WILL NOT HAVE AN EXCITING BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

- Allen B. Morgan, Jr.

RICHARD GADOMSKI

PSI GROUP OF COMPANIES (LURGI)
FOUNDER AND CEO (RETIRED)
Entrepreneur

In 1974, Richard Gadomski bid for and was awarded his first contract-a $50 million corn processing plant for Cargill before his company was even founded. After successfully building his company around that first job he proceeded to buy out his original backers so that he could continue to build the company as he saw fit. PSI, an engineering and construction contracting firm, built international recognition in processing food, chemicals and package handling. In 1998, Gadomski sold PSI to the German corporation Lurgi and retired from the merged companies in 2001. Richard’s vision for PSI, from inception, was to build an industry-leading company that spearheaded innovation in the food processing industry. PSI became that industry leader, engineering and constructing projects for Cargill, FedEx, and all the major processors of corn, soybeans, sugars, vegetable oils, and ethanol. These projects were built in 35 states, Canada, France, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Netherlands, China, Mexico, and other foreign locations.

Active in the Memphis community, Gadomski has been involved with Christian Brothers University, Catholic Diocese of Memphis, United Way, Church of the Holy Spirit, March of Dimes, Memphis Regional Chamber, Renewable Fuels Association, Memphis Bioworks Foundation and a variety of youth sports programs. He has served three different terms on the CBU board of trustees.

Description of Business:

Engineering and construction company specializing in design/build projects in processing food, chemicals and package handling. Became largest Engineering and General Contractor in this region of the country and established a world wide reputation in processing of cereal grains, oil seeds, and sugars into higher value added food products and renewable fuels such as fuel ethanol and biodiesel

Year Business Founded:

1974

Year Inducted:

2009

Thoughts on Entrepreneurship:

“Small business drives the American Economy. It thrives and survives no matter what may be going on in the main economy. It survives bad politics, bad bureaucracies, and wars. Individual entrepreneurship shines and rises in the most difficult times. Today’s difficult economic times will make for a new generation of entrepreneurs as they rise from failed corporations, laid off job positions, defaulted mortgages, lost enterprises, etc. and overcome these challenges using their spirit, creativity and American way to shine!”