The Van Gogh Entrepreneur: Building a Billion-Dollar Legacy from Nothing
Schedule
Tue Feb 17 2026 at 05:00 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
The Wedge Innovation Center | Alton, IL
About this Event
Imagine inheriting hundreds of "worthless" paintings. That's exactly what happened to Jo van Gogh, Vincent's sister-in-law, in the early 20th century. While everyone told her to give up, she defied the odds—and the social conventions of her time—to build a market for Vincent's art from scratch. Her radical, intuitive business genius transformed a forgotten estate into the multi-billion-dollar legacy we know today.
In this talk, Joan will dive into the 12 specific strategies Jo used to overcome obstacles familiar to every entrepreneur:
• Volatile markets & economic uncertainty
• Intense competition & market saturation
• Burnout & personal well-being
Jo's story isn't just a historical footnote; it's a practical blueprint for building a business from the ground up. You'll leave with a clear plan to find your unique niche, evangelize your brand, and turn your ideas into a valuable legacy.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Networking
Info: Chat with other attendees and enjoy light refreshments.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Author Presentation
Info: Joan will explain how and why Jo van Gogh's efforts were successful and provide attendees with 12 strategies that can be applied to your business.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 AM
Q&A with the Author and Book Signing
Info: Copies of Saving Vincent will be available for purchase and Joan will provide autographed copies upon request.
Where is it happening?
The Wedge Innovation Center, 620 East Broadway, Alton, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51





