College students ordinarily have more spare time than graduates and are fortunate to have access to campus resources and creative thinkers. It’s the perfect time to become an entrepreneur. Join Jim Hunter, the Bostrom Entrepreneur-in-Residence who has taught entrepreneurship over the past three decades, as he speaks with business owners who have successfully built their businesses in college. If you’re looking to learn what it takes to make your business boom in school and beyond, this is the podcast for you, Graduate a CEO, with Jim Hunter.
Episode 06 | Part Two: Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry: A Conversation with Ryan Mason, Owner of Roast Coffee Company
Jim concludes his conversation with Ryan Mason, the visionary owner of Roast Coffee Company. Ryan's journey from recognizing a void in coffee shops near UW-Milwaukee to building a thriving coffee empire is an inspiring testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to quality. In part two, Ryan articulates the significance of assembling a team that shares his passion and values. By carefully selecting individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills but also aligned with the culture he wanted to foster, Ryan forged a team of dedicated baristas and coffee enthusiasts who became the heart and soul of Roast Coffee Company. Ryan's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, reminding us that success is not measured solely in financial gains or business expansion. Rather, it is the connections we cultivate, the communities we foster, and the positive impact we have on others that truly define our accomplishments.
26 Jun 2023
Episode 06 | Part One: Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry: A Conversation with Ryan Mason, Owner of Roast Coffee Company
Are you ready to learn from one of the most successful coffee entrepreneurs in the world? In this episode of Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter, you’ll hear from Ryan Mason, the owner of Roast Coffee Company. Ryan will share his journey from being a coffee lover to becoming a coffee innovator, and how he built his company from the ground up. You’ll discover how Ryan created a unique espresso bar catering concept that has changed the game for coffee events, and how he manages two successful brands: Roast Coffee Kiosk and Roast Coffee Catering. You’ll also get valuable insights on how to grow your business, create loyal customers, and stay ahead of the competition in the coffee industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true leader and visionary in the coffee world. Tune in now and get ready to Graduate a CEO!
12 Jun 2023
Episode 05 | Part Two: The Sourcing Genius: Unveiling the Secrets to Product Sourcing and Merchandising with Isaac Hetzroni
As we reach the inspiring conclusion of this episode of "Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter," the remarkable journey of Isaac Hetzroni, the Founder & CEO of Imprint Genius, continues to captivate and inspire. Throughout the conversation, Isaac shared invaluable insights, from his early experiences growing up and working in his family's factories to his globe-trotting adventures sourcing products from around the world. Isaac's advice to entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own businesses while in college resonates deeply. He emphasizes the immense benefits of leveraging the unique resources and opportunities available during this time, empowering aspiring CEOs to take bold steps and unleash their potential. Jim also turns his attention to a distinctive aspect of Imprint Genius—the remote nature of the business. Inquisitive about the management structure and the individuals involved in the day-to-day operations at Imprint Genius, Jim prompts Isaac to shed light on the dynamics that power the company's success. From humble beginnings to pioneering the disruptive force in the world of promotional items and custom apparel, Isaac's journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
5 Jun 2023
Episode 05 | Part One: The Sourcing Genius: Unveiling the Secrets to Product Sourcing and Merchandising with Isaac Hetzroni
In the latest episode of "Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter," prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Isaac Hetzroni, Founder & CEO of Imprint Genius. As one of the fastest growing companies in its industry, Imprint Genius has revolutionized product sourcing and merchandising under Isaac's exceptional leadership. With a passion for exploration, Isaac has traversed the globe, sourcing thousands of products and gathering a treasure trove of knowledge, which he now generously shares through thesourcingguy.com—a platform that provides free product sourcing education and resources. As Isaac joins Jim on the podcast, they delve into the incredible story behind Isaac's rise to success. They explore his early years and the invaluable lessons he learned while growing up and working in his family's factories. Isaac's upbringing laid the foundation for his unyielding dedication to excellence and innovation. Get ready to be captivated by Isaac's wisdom, experience, and passion for helping others succeed in the dynamic world of product sourcing.
15 May 2023
Episode 04 | Part Two: How a Musician Solved a Huge Problem in the Wedding Industry with Jared Judge
Welcome to the conclusion of our inspiring discussion with Jared Judge, the Co-Founder and CEO of BookLive. In the previous episode, we explored Jared's journey from musician to CEO and how his diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit led him to create BookLive, a platform that has revolutionized the wedding music industry. This week, Jared drops some fantastic advice that could help students Graduate a CEO. We'll be delving into how Jared funded the development of BookLive and what advice he has for other entrepreneurs seeking funding. Jared's insights on fundraising are particularly valuable, as he managed to bootstrap his startup and grow it into a successful company. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, hard work, and resourcefulness in achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. So, if you're looking to start your own business or are simply seeking inspiration to help you along your journey, then this episode is for you.
8 May 2023
Episode 04 | Part One: How a Musician Solved a Huge Problem in the Wedding Industry with Jared Judge
In today's episode, Jim has the pleasure of speaking with Jared Judge, the Co-Founder and CEO of BookLive. Jared is a true Renaissance man, with a background in music, education, and technology. His journey to success began as a musician, but he quickly realized that there was a need in the wedding industry for a better way to book and manage live music. With his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skillset, Jared created BookLive, a platform that has revolutionized the way couples experience wedding music. Jared will share with us his insights on how he combined his passion for music and technology to build a successful business. He will also talk about the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame them to become the CEO of a thriving company. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the journey of a true visionary.
24 Apr 2023
Episode 03 | Part Two: Empowering Student CEOs: Benny Pekala's Insights on Navigating the Startup Ecosystem
Jim continues his conversation with Benny Pekala, Co-Founder of Cryptan Labs and Founder of Birdwell Solutions, as he shares his insights on why students should consider graduating as CEOs. In this episode, we delve into the screening process employed by Cryptan Labs to determine the right fit for their advisory services. Benny sheds light on the criteria and considerations involved in identifying promising startups and how they align with Cryptan Labs' mission and expertise. He shares valuable insights on the importance of a strong fit between the advisory team and the startups they work with for successful outcomes. Join us as we explore Benny's perspective on empowering students to consider graduating as CEOs, and how his own journey in entrepreneurship has shaped his approach to helping early-stage companies. Get inspired to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams and gain practical insights on navigating the startup ecosystem in this thought-provoking episode of Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter!
17 Apr 2023
Episode 03 | Part One: Empowering Student CEOs: Benny Pekala's Insights on Navigating the Startup Ecosystem
This week, Jim welcomes special guest, Benny Pekala, a renowned blockchain expert, and Co-Founder of Cryptan Labs, and Founder of Birdwell Solutions. With his extensive experience in building 15+ web and mobile apps serving over 10,000 users, Benny is a seasoned software builder passionate about creating groundbreaking web3 apps. In this episode, we delve into Benny's entrepreneurial journey and his expertise in blockchain technology. As the Head of Development at Cryptan Labs, Benny shares valuable insights on how he's helping early-stage companies structure and execute their technical roadmap in the rapidly changing landscape of emerging technologies. With his background in software development and his focus on web3 apps through Birdwell Solutions, Benny brings a unique perspective on the potential of blockchain technology and its impact on various industries. Join us as we explore the future of blockchain with Benny Pekala, gain practical insights into navigating the world of emerging technologies, and learn from his experiences as a software builder and advisor to early-stage companies. Don't miss this engaging conversation on Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter! Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve in the world of blockchain technology.
3 Apr 2023
Episode 02 | Part Two: From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Jesse DePinto’s Journey to Creating Frontdesk
In the conclusion of Jim's conversation with Jesse DePinto, the Co-Founder and CEO of Frontdesk, Jesse shares the challenges associated with an entrepreneur's quest for a work-life balance. Running a fast-growing company while still maintaining a personal life can be a struggle, and Jesse will offer his insights and advice on how he manages to achieve balance in his own life. Jim also delves into Jesse's diverse experience in different industries and how he has leveraged it to build a successful company that is changing the travel industry. So, join us for the conclusion of this episode of Graduate a CEO, as we learn from the experiences of Jesse DePinto, the Co-Founder and CEO of Frontdesk.
27 Mar 2023
Episode 02 | Part One: From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Jesse DePinto’s Journey to Creating Frontdesk
This week's episode of the Graduate a CEO podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and insight on entrepreneurship. Our guest, Jesse DePinto, is the co-founder and CEO of Frontdesk, a company that is disrupting the travel industry. Despite facing tough competition, Jesse has succeeded in creating a thriving business that provides a unique and personalized experience to travelers. In this episode, Jesse shares his journey from studying engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He talks about the challenges he faced in starting and growing Frontdesk, as well as the lessons he learned along the way. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or just someone who loves to travel, this episode is sure to inspire and inform. So, join us as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship and travel with Jesse DePinto, the CEO of Frontdesk.
13 Mar 2023
Episode 01 | Part Two: The Story of Socket Lock-It
In this episode of Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter, we continue our conversation with Caitie Gehlhausen, the founder and CEO of Lock-It, the phone case accessory that holds your cards and works with any phone grip. Caitie tells us how she founded her company as a student at High Point University and how she overcame the challenges of the pandemic to land a deal with Walmart. She also shares how mentors have helped her along the way and what advice she has for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode of Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter.
6 Mar 2023
Episode 01 | Part One: The Story of Socket Lock-It
Do you want to learn how to start a successful business while still in school? Do you want to hear from someone who has done it and made it big? If so, you don’t want to miss this episode of Graduate a CEO with Jim Hunter. Jim interviews Caitie Gehlhausen, the Founder & CEO of Lock-It, a phone case accessory that holds your cards and works with any phone grip. Caitie invented Socket Lock-It when she was a student at High Point University and has since grown her brand into a nationwide sensation. She has won dozens of pitch competitions and landed her product in over 3,000 Walmart stores. In this episode, Caitie reveals how she came up with her idea, how she balanced her studies and her business, and what tips she has for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Tune in and get inspired by Caitie’s story of passion, perseverance, and success.
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