Young business owners visited Florida State University to share their tales of perseverance and success at the second annual 7 Under 30 speakers’ event, part of Entrepreneurship Month, or eMonth, a series of events that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit.
Hosted by The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, eMonth reflects the university’s emphasis on creating a culture that embraces entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
“Florida State students have innovative ideas, and eMonth encourages them to move forward with their ‘big ideas’ and learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur in today’s highly competitive marketplace,” said Florida State business professor Randy Blass, director of The Jim Moran Institute. “We hope our students will be inspired by the successful entrepreneurs who have agreed to share their stories and experiences with our students during eMonth.”
Seven successful entrepreneurs under the age of 30 spoke for seven minutes each at 7 Under 30 on Nov. 13 at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Conference Center. The majority of the speakers are Florida State alumni.
The seven entrepreneurs at 7 Under 30 were Kate Pankoke, CEO and creative director of Elaya Vaughn Bridal and reality TV personality on Lifetime’s hit show “Project Runway”; Bibb Beale, owner and president of Tree Source of Texas, HCD Auto Body and BW Construction; Ray Di Nizo, co-founder and CEO of LaunchPlan Inc.; Casey Henry, owner of South Tampa Paintball; Michael Loudis, president and CEO of ProFi Facility Maintenance Services; Carley Ochs, founder and designer at Bourbon and Boweries; and Jake Stauch, CEO and founder of NeuroSpire.
The culminating event of eMonth, the Progressive Luncheon, is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the University Center Club’s Tom and Ginny Futch Ballroom. The luncheon is open to Florida State College of Business students only.
Learn more by visiting www.jmi.fsu.edu/emonth.