BYU Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!!!

Jenny Beth Stenquist is a recent graduate in Marketing with an emphasis in Market Research & Data Analytics. She is currently participating in the Founders Launchpad as part of the Miller New Venture Challenge!

Jenny Beth, with her husband Ryan, started ReCloset which is a software developer that maintains a localized community marketplace app for second-hand clothing. This peer-to-peer marketplace is unlike other platforms--like Facebook Marketplace--because it is tailored to customer needs, standardizing and simplifying the listing process for sellers and streamlining the search effort for buyers. ReCloset eliminated the traditional and antiquated commission model by charging pennies for a listing and made the need for expensive shipping obsolete by localizing searches and providing easy meet-up, drop-off, and pick-up locations.

Jenny Beth explained that they got their inspiration for their business because she had TOO many clothes that she didn't wear and wanted to sell them. She noticed that there weren't any platforms that were actually worth her time or effort, so she created her own!

"I believe that entrepreneurship gives me the greatest capacity to do good. It is the best way that I know how to leave the world better than I found it."

"The Rollins Center has encouraged me to pursue my potential, chase after success, and learn unendingly. IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA, participate in the competitions, put in the work to place, and win funding for it! You'll only regret it if you never try."

Take Jenny Beth's advice and stop by the Rollins Center to learn more about mentoring opportunities, competitions, and more that can help jumpstart your idea!

In a blog post called 18 Habits of Highly Productive People, there are suggestions given that can help us stay productive:
- Focus on most important tasks first.
- Cultivate deep work.
- Keep a distraction list to stay focused.
- Break tasks into smaller pieces.
- Take breaks.
- Make fewer decisions.

"Most of the time, the most efficient people you meet have managed to find ways to overcome procrastination and other challenges."
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What are some ways that you stay productive during spring and summer terms?!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!

Alex Thompson is a recent graduate in Entrepreneurial Management and is currently participating in the Founders Launchpad as part of the Miller New Venture Challenge!

Alex Thompson, with his co-founder Derek Shields, came up with a way to bring clean water and peace of mind to pool and spa owners everywhere called Amano.

Alex explained that they got their inspiration for their business by surveying over 100 pool owners and then watched a video about how to clean a swimming pool. Their idea budded from there!

"Entrepreneurship is fun! In my opinion it’s a lot more work then a regular 8-5 job and sometimes it can be quite exhausting. But I love the process of learning that comes with innovation."

"Jeff Brown and Corbin Church have helped us refine our business pitches for competitions and the Rollins Center has provided us with FANTASTIC opportunities to get early stage funding without having to give out equity. I’ve always been impressed with the Rollins Center! They do a great job of inspiring students."

Visit our office or the Rollins Center website to learn more about the Founders Launchpad and how the Rollins Center can help your business take off!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!

Alex Thompson is a recent graduate in Entrepreneurial Management and is currently participating in the Founders Launchpad as part of the Miller New Venture Challenge!

Alex Thompson, with his co-founder Derek Shields, came up with a way to bring clean water and peace of mind to pool and spa owners everywhere called Amano.

Alex explained that they got their inspiration for their business by surveying over 100 pool owners and then watched a video about how to clean a swimming pool. Their idea budded from there!

"Entrepreneurship is fun! In my opinion it’s a lot more work then a regular 8-5 job and sometimes it can be quite exhausting. But I love the process of learning that comes with innovation."

"Jeff Brown and Corbin Church have helped us refine our business pitches for competitions and the Rollins Center has provided us with FANTASTIC opportunities to get early stage funding without having to give out equity. I’ve always been impressed with the Rollins Center! They do a great job of inspiring students."

Visit our office or the Rollins Center website to learn more about the Miller New Venture Challenge and how the Rollins Center can help your business take off!

Congrats Class of 2021!

Good luck on all your future endeavours!

Need a study break? Listen to one of our podcasts featuring a recent BYU grad and outdoor adventure company!

In this episode of The Student Entrepreneur we feature Nathan Allen, a recent graduate in the BYU marketing program, a former BYU athlete, and owner of Big Rock Adventure. Unlike many of our guests, Nathan didn't start his company, but instead tells the story of how he bought and grew his outdoor adventure company. Overcoming poor economic times, a dishonest original founder, and the challenges associated with a weather dependent company Nathan proves that you just don't have to start a business to be a tough, capable entrepreneur.

Listen NOW at the link in our bio!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT! Sarah Ferrell is a senior in the finance program AND has started her own business!

Pressed Floral is a flower preservation company that specializes in pressing, preserving, and framing sentimental floral arrangements, mostly wedding bouquets.

"I have always had a mind for business and I knew I wanted to start something of my own someday . . . I remember so clearly the evening that I had the idea. I instantly went full throttle in learning how to be a professional at the art and later that summer launched Pressed Floral. It has been quite the journey and I am inspired every day to keep on moving forward."

"I believe that everyone has the potential to succeed in entrepreneurship. I love it because it allows me to be creative and work for my own dream. Being an entrepreneur has pushed me to my limits, has taught me and has helped me grow more than anything else."

"I have met with mentors through the Rollin Center and have received endless support from the center. They truly want to do anything they can to help my business grow."

Sign up to meet with a student mentor today at the link in our bio to help your business idea grow!

You don't want to miss the WE end of the year banquet tomorrow, April 8th at 7 PM-8:30 PM via Zoom.

Join the end of year virtual banquet to celebrate the girls of WE and learn from the amazing Jeanette Bennett, Owner of Utah Valley Magazine, Utah Valley Bride, etc.

Come share how WE has impacted your BYU experience with other attendees and take photos at our red carpet upon picking up your FREE meal! Dress will be business professional/fancy attire.

You must RSVP to receive FREE ZUPAS from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at The Rollins Center, 470 TNRB.

RSVP at the link in our bio!

IN 2 DAYS on Friday, April 2nd at 3pm the BYU Miller New Venture Challenge Final Event will be broadcast live (link will be sent to you soon).

This event will showcase the top 8 student startups that have formed this year on campus and is the culminating event of the Miller Competition Series. Your attendance will also help us determine the $2,000 Audience Choice Award and get you entered to win a hammock in the door prize giveaway! You must RSVP to be entered into the drawing for the hammock.

RSVP now at the link in our bio!

NEW PODCST EPISODE OUT NOW!

On today's episode of The Student Entrepreneur we feature Elizabeth Jeffrey, a junior in the entrepreneurship program, mother of six, and social entrepreneur. After years away from school, she decided to return and pursue some of her entrepreneurial dreams. Armed with the skills and tenacity only a mother can have, Elizabeth tells us the story of her company and how she balances school, family, and work to lead a fulfilling life.

You don't want to miss it! Listen at the link in our bio!