Posted on Friday, December 02, 2022
Starting a business and keeping it afloat requires a certain skillset that the college’s Marketing program is teaching budding entrepreneurs. Among them is Jacob Jeffords ’23, whose passion for design inspired him to start building 3D-printed key chains he can sell on campus.
“I have always loved creating things and coming up with creative solutions to problems,” he said. “I learned this about myself from my time as a Boy Scout where I was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.”
After some members of LC’s Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity were interested in having a customized item, Jeffords jumped on the chance to build a clientele for his 3D-printed key chains.
“By working with organizations, I can market my business through them,” said the Political Science/Marketing & Entrepreneurship double major. “Greek life has been my biggest customer base, but I hope to work with other student groups.”
He said his business began as an assignment in Dr. Brian Hunter’s (Marketing & Entrepreneurship Assistant Professor) Entrepreneurial Finance course. He teamed up with classmates Dana Lucas ’24 and M. Jason Simmons ’23.
“The class has a project called Minnow Tank (Like ABC's Shark Tank) where students create a business with $20 where they are expected to have sales and break even within three weeks,” Dr. Hunter said. “This allows students to practice testing or validating an idea for a business with a team, with low stakes, and then project the growth of a company at the point of start-up.”
Lucas and Simmons said this assignment helped prepare them for their future careers.
“I learned that starting up a business can be difficult, but if you put your mind and effort into it then it can be done,” Lucas said. “This project gave me a sense of what to expect, because I am looking to start a business, and now, I feel my knowledge has grown.”
“This project showed me the importance of working on a team,” Simmons said. “While teamwork has its pros and cons, most people will end up working with others in some way in their careers.”
Jeffords said the experience he gained from Dr. Hunter’s class has been invaluable.
“This course helped me learn how companies operate and what is needed for them to function and survive,” he said. “I have learned the importance of simple accounting practices and keeping your customers happy.”
When he is not working on his products, Jeffords enjoys playing lacrosse and socializing with his Alpha Delta Gamma brothers.
After graduation, he said he would like to pursue a master’s degree and begin his own start-up company.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions
Tuesday, Dec. 6
A Guide to Film Production: A Panel with the Production Team for "A Guide To Murder"
11:10 a.m., Beason Recital Hall, West Side A 100
Tuesday, Dec. 6
WAV Music Recital
7 p.m., West Side Recording Studio A110
If your next stop after graduation is professional school, remember that LaGrange College faculty advisors can help you choose an undergraduate program of study, choose the right postgraduate school, help with the application process and prep for the seemingly endless number of interviews. For more information, visit kongtiao11.com.
Men’s Basketball
The Panthers boosted their record to 5-2 with two wins this past week. The team won a close contest with Mississippi University for Women Sunday, 70-67. Then, for the second time this season, they defeated Birmingham-Southern on Wednesday. Senior Bershard Edwards scored a career-high 30 points in the contest. Freshman Guard Brodie Scott also was named Collegiate Conference of the South Rookie of the Week.
Women’s Basketball
LC (4-2) emerged victorious in an exciting game against Oglethorpe Sunday, 69-65. After battling back from a first-half slump, a Zyhia Johnson steal and layup put the team ahead with under 30 seconds remaining.
Men’s Soccer
Enrique Hernandez (21 goals, 8 assists) was named to the 1st Team of the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team this week. Also recognized was Blake Webb (4 goals, 11 assists), who was named to the 3rd Team.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Saturday, Dec. 3 – Women’s Basketball vs. Asbury, 2 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Women’s Basketball vs. Point University, 5:30 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Men’s Basketball vs. Emory University, 7:30 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Category: Academics, Students
Keywords: Entrepreneur, Film, Marketing
