Meet AUSTIN DEMPSEY, CEO of Batavia Enterprises, Inc., and Board President of the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center

You know this is Apex’s “Boooo! Taxes” issue.

So I’ve heard.

So let’s begin there. What are three words you would use to describe taxes?

Overbearing, unequal, necessary. What I mean is, as much as I despise paying taxes, at the end of the day, it is necessary to unite the union so that life and liberty are protected by the taxes we pay for important things like schools, police, the parks we play.

Good points. Of course, paying less tax allows people to give more. You helped launch the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center and you support many community causes. Why is giving back so important to you?

There are two reasons. One, I believe giving back to the community and volunteering complete the human spirit, the human person, that part of our reason for being here that makes the world a better place. Giving to others makes you a better human, better husband or wife, company, employee.

Second, I absolutely love the community. If someone is out there doing good for a cause I like, I always think: How can I help them and get involved?

What are some philanthropic efforts coming up that you’re excited about?

There are many, but two I’m working on right now really move the needle.

The Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center has delivered incredible results. Hundreds of people are getting jobs to strengthen the entire ecosystem through this virtual giving and advisory group. We’ve just surpassed our hundredth client.

And then there’s the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization.  We’re going to be creating a unity monument in Batavia. Dr. Bernard Cigrand was a dentist who lived in Batavia, and he loved this country. He lobbied to celebrate the flag and that’s how we came to have June 14 as flag day. No matter what class or political party we come from, we are all Americans, one nation under God. Our goal is that in 2020, this monument will be open and dedicated.

Who is your “giving” hero?

My dad. He has been my entire life. Not even knowing it, he’s always been very humble and significantly supported causes he has believed in. My entire community-minded persona comes from him. He’s volunteered for church groups and school groups; he’s always involved in something. He really believes in giving back. He’s my hero in that regard because I’ve seen how much time, talent and treasure he’s committed to local organizations.

Your thoughts are inspiring. Any tax advice so we can all give more to others in 2018?

In a complicated tax world, Jim and his team at Apex break down the barriers to understanding it and work with business owners to maximize their value. Apex helps, in a very direct way, to raise the value of a business, which spurs the economy and, in turn, allows business owners to invest their time and money in causes they believe in.