The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. awarded its prestigious Horatio Alger Award to Greg P. Renker, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Guthy-Renker. The Horatio Alger Award is given to outstanding individuals who, despite facing adversity early in their lives, have overcome challenges to attain success.
"We are pleased to honor Greg Renker's dedication to professional success and helping others," said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association. "His story and those of his fellow 2012 New Members are testaments to what can be achieved in America with hard work and determination."
Greg Renker learned the value of adaptability and hard work at a young age. The nature of his father's work caused Greg and his eight siblings to move frequently, forcing them to adjust to new environments everywhere they went. As a teenager, Mr. Renker began to work while attending school. He quickly developed a strong work ethic and voracious appetite for learning that would balance his studies and the various jobs he worked to pay his college tuition. After college, Mr. Renker used savings from working several jobs to found the Guthy-Renker Corporation, one of the world's largest direct response marketing companies. The company has broadened its focus into every area of electronic and digital retailing and distributes its products in 60 countries throughout the world.
In addition to Mr. Renker's success as a marketing professional and entrepreneur, he is also a well-known philanthropist. Deeply involved in his local community, Mr. Renker serves on the board of directors and is vice chairman of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. He is a chairman emeritus of the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences and Chairman Emeritus of the ERA (Electronic Retailing Association). Joined by his wife Stacey, the pair's financial contributions resulted in The Renker Wellness Center on the Eisenhower Campus as well as The Greg & Stacey Renker Pavilion, a cutting-edge 24 -suite luxury in-patient facility.
"My parents were the first to show me that with perseverance and faith, success can be achieved. I am humbled to have my name be part of such an elite organization like the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and use my personal and professional history as a blueprint to help others achieve their dreams," said Renker.