Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

Steve Whitener

2024 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient, Steve Whitener, BBA 1977

Steve Whitener hasn’t forgotten the support he received as a college student at UM-Flint. He was slated to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business. He worked 32 to 40 hours a week at Kroger to help pay for school, but as a senior, he struggled to pay for college, along with basics like groceries, gasoline, and rent. But university officials helped Whitener land a series of scholarships. Several of them came from small organizations or clubs. This helped Whitener to stay in school and graduate.

Since then, Steve Whitener has carved out a long and successful business career. After graduating, Whitener purchased several real estate properties, and had a successful career at Westinghouse Electric. Co., Eaton Cutler Hammer, Pirelli International, and Anixter. Whitener founded National Systems Installers in 1993 to provide infrastructure cabling services to companies. In 1999, he founded Nuspire Networks, which offers managed IT security services to companies.

Whitener expressed his gratitude to the university by establishing two endowed scholarships: Stephen A. Whitener Scholarship for Innovators, and Whitener Merit Plus. Whitener said these are intended to leverage and support the talent on campus with 2-3 full-ride scholarships per year. Both scholarships supported more than 50 students since 2017. Whitener visits the campus on many occasions, as the chairman of the School’s business advisory board and attends many of the events, during which he talks to students about his business career and keys to entrepreneurial success.

Accomplished Alumna, Anna Church, Takes Leadership Role at Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: February aMAIZEing Alumni

In April 2023, Anna Church, a distinguished graduate of the School of Management with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, transitioned seamlessly into the position of Program Manager at the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation upon completing her academic journey. During her tenure as a student at UM-Flint, Anna actively engaged with the Center, demonstrating a profound commitment to fostering entrepreneurial initiatives among her peers and the local community.
Anna’s extensive involvement extended to various roles, including positions with 100K Ideas and the university’s Rec Center. Notably, her association with 100K Ideas, a key ecosystem partner of the Hagerman Center, has proven invaluable in shaping her professional trajectory and contributing to her future endeavors.

Q: Were you involved in any clubs or extracurriculars during your college experience? If so, what organizations/clubs?
A: I was involved in and president of Women’s Club Soccer, along with being a member of the Entrepreneurs Society, InterVarsity, and a Hagerman Scholar. Outside of that, I own(ed) my own portrait photography business.

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? 
A: I am the Program Manager for the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, within UM-Flint’s School of Management. After being a student employee, I was offered a full-time position in July of 2023.

Q: What is your job like day to day?
A: As a program manager, a typical day includes coordination, project management, and goal achievement. In this role, I work closely with the Center’s director and associate director. I often plan, market, and execute events that ignite a passion for entrepreneurship. Also, I play the role of a mentor, overseeing six talented student scholarship recipients who bring fresh perspectives and invaluable assistance to our programs and events. It’s a rewarding experience to witness their growth and contribution to the Center’s shared goals.
In the broader scope of my responsibilities, I engage in strategic dialogues with various organizations within Flint’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s about building bridges that strengthen the foundation of the shared entrepreneurial mission.
So, as a program manager, my days are a whirlwind of creativity, coordination, and collaboration.

Q: Why did you choose to attend UM-Flint for your degree(s)?
A: Choosing UM-Flint for my degree wasn’t just a decision; it was a convergence of my passions and purpose. As a budding photographer, I found myself at a crossroads where my artistic inclinations intersected with the world of business.
During orientation, I engaged in insightful conversations with various individuals who opened my eyes to the possibilities within the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The more I delved into the program’s offerings, the more convinced I became that it aligned seamlessly with my aspirations.
The encouragement and support I received from the university community solidified my decision. It wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about crafting an educational experience tailored to my passion.

Q: What is the most important thing you learned while you were at UM-Flint? 
A: During my time at UM-Flint, the most crucial lesson I learned was the importance of application. While education serves as a valuable asset, its true power is unleashed when applied in the real world. Recognizing this, I made a conscious effort to not only absorb knowledge in the classroom but to actively integrate it into my professional experiences.
One of the key strategies I employed was holding a job during each semester I pursued my degree. These employment opportunities weren’t just a means to make ends meet; they were invaluable learning environments that provided real-world contexts for the theories and concepts I studied in class. Each position became a stepping stone, contributing significantly to my journey and shaping the trajectory of my career.

Q: Who influenced you most during your time at UM-Flint and why?
A: Throughout my time at UM-Flint, Dr. Mark Simon had the biggest impact on me. He emerged as more than just a favorite professor – he became a mentor while I was a student scholar and, eventually, became my supervisor. He went beyond the role of an instructor, actively seeking opportunities to offer guidance, support, and, most importantly, avenues for personal and professional advancement.

Q: What is one of your favorite events you attended or classroom experiences at UM-Flint? Why?
A: Attending the Flint City Bucks game with the School of Management was a highlight of my time at UM-Flint. It was more than just a soccer match; it was a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow students, faculty, and staff in a dynamic and enjoyable setting.

Q: What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
A: To current students and recent graduates eager to embark on a career in business, I would encourage the following:
1. Take Chances: Embrace opportunities that might seem daunting at first. Whether it’s a new project, a challenging assignment, or an unfamiliar role, taking chances is often where you discover your true potential. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – that’s where growth happens.
2. Prioritize Your Goals: Define your professional goals and prioritize them. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, starting your own venture, or pursuing further education, understanding your objectives helps you make strategic decisions that align with your aspirations.
3. Take Breaks: Burnout is real, and it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, recharge your mind, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Sometimes stepping away for a moment allows you to come back with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
4. Build a Network: Cultivate meaningful relationships within your professional network. Attend industry events, connect with professionals in your field, and seek mentorship. Networking not only opens doors to opportunities but also provides valuable insights and guidance.
5. Continuously Learn: The professional landscape is ever-evolving. Stay curious, embrace a mindset of continuous learning, and be open to acquiring new skills. This not only keeps you relevant but also positions you as an adaptable and valuable asset in your field.

Q: What is a long-term career or professional goal you have for yourself?
A: One of my long-term career and professional goals is to establish and lead one or more small businesses with a strong focus on social impact and community involvement, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: Securing a new, full-time position right out of college stands as one of my proudest accomplishments to date. This opportunity not only opened the door to a fulfilling professional journey but also introduced me to an exceptional team. Recently, our collective efforts were honored with the prestigious Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation award, marking a significant milestone in my career.
The remarkable experience of accepting the award on stage was the culmination of countless hours of dedication. Stepping into the spotlight, I felt an immense sense of pride not just for my individual achievements but for the collaborative effort that earned our team this prestigious honor. It was a moment to celebrate not only the award but the journey and camaraderie that made it possible.

Q: Fun Facts! (Examples: sports fan, long term goals, favorite vacation, future travel plans/ideas, or come up with your own!)
A: I enjoy taking trips and exploring the great outdoors with my boyfriend. We often go to the great lakes or local trails to enjoy the outdoors.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I’m really into coffee and visiting new coffee shops! My first gig was slinging drinks as a barista at Biggby Coffee, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. Lately, I’ve been loving a hot hazelnut oat milk latte – it’s my current go-to pick-me-up!

UM-Flint’s Hagerman Center Receives USASBE’s 2024 Excellence Award

One year after being named one of only four finalists, the University of Michigan-Flint’s Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has earned the 2024 Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Founded in 1981 and with more than 700 members, USASBE is the world’s largest organization devoted to collegiate-level entrepreneurship education, making this one of the most prestigious awards a university can receive.

The center’s mission is to spread entrepreneurship throughout the university and beyond.  Participation in its activities has gained momentum throughout the university.  For example, last year 595 students, including 82 from area high schools, and dozens for each university academic unit, submitted more than 630 ideas to the Center’s innovation competition.  UM-Flint’s faculty members played a pivotal role as more than 40 actively influenced their students’ decision to enter the competition. 

Being named the 2024 USABE award winner is not a standalone achievement; it serves as a testament to the continuous and impactful support from Phil Hagerman, The Mott Foundation, and alumnus Steve Whitener. Their investment reflects a shared vision for cultivating innovation, creativity and transformative educational experiences within the entrepreneurial landscape of UM-Flint and the Flint community.”

You can view the video that was prepared as part of the school’s award selection process here or read the article posted by UM-Flint here

Authors : Anna Church, Alexis Menard, Brian Blume, Mark Simon

Melanie Scheitler: A Journey from UM-Flint to Student Enrollment Supervisor: December aMazeing Alumni

Melanie Scheitler, a 2008 graduate of UM-Flint with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, is currently the Supervisor of Student Enrollment at Rochester Community Schools. Her diverse role involves assisting families with school enrollment, collaborating with school principals, aiding exchange students, managing her team, and handling daily tasks. Melanie’s UM-Flint education equipped her with the skills to excel in this dynamic position, where she seamlessly transitions between customer service, spreadsheets, and management. Her advice to students and recent graduates considering a similar career is to find personal fulfillment in contributing to the success of students in K-12 education. Despite starting her role during a global shutdown, Melanie’s adaptability and commitment have been among her proudest accomplishments. An interesting tidbit about Melanie is that she went skydiving with her grandmother to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday, showcasing her adventurous spirit.

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? 
A: Melanie is the Supervisor of Student Enrollment at Rochester Community Schools. She started in 2020.

Q: What is your job like day to day?
A: There’s something different everyday. Tasks and focus transition throughout the year. At any given time, Melanie could be helping a family to enroll in the school, discussing a sensitive with a building principal, assisting exchange students with their entry in to the country, guiding her team, or completing her daily tasks.

Q: Why did you choose to attend UM-Flint for your degree(s)?
A: Melanie chose UM-Flint because it was a local university that provided a wonderful opportunity to receive an excellent education from a highly ranked university.

Q: How did your education at UM-Flint prepare you for what you are doing today?
A: My education gave me the tools that I needed to succeed. I’m able to transition easily between customer service, spreadsheets, and management.

Q: What is one of your favorite events you attended or classroom experiences at UM-Flint? Why?
A: Melanie enjoyed Dan Lake’s marketing class and the variety of real life scenarios that the class delved into.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: Melanie was looking for a new opportunity to diversify her experience while utilizing the skills she obtained in her career path.

Q: What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
A: Melanie believes that working in a K-12 education setting provides a deeper sense of personal fulfillment. She indirectly contributes to the success of roughly 15,000 students.

Q: What is a long-term career or professional goal you have for yourself?
A: Her advice is that no matter the career field or job that you choose, you should your personal best and strive towards continued improvement.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: Melanie started in a new field at the same time that the world was shutting down. She had to learn the job in a remote fashion that didn’t allow for a close connection to her new colleagues.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: Melanie went skydiving with her grandmother to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday!

BBA Alum becomes a well-rounded business attorney: January aMaizeing Alumni

Nicholas Goldsworthy graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) concentrating on Operations Management and Finance. As a student, he was a part of the Entrepreneurs Society, a SOM student organization. Outside of academics, he spent time at the UM-Flint Rec Center where he met his future wife! In 2021 Nick became a partner at Witt & Goldsworthy, PLLC, and has practiced law there since 2016.  As our featured alumni of the month, Nicholas gives advice on working in law, his path to becoming a lawyer, and his favorite memories about UM-Flint!

Q: Were you involved in any clubs or extracurriculars during your college experience? If so, what organizations/clubs?
A:  Entrepreneurs Society

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? 
A: I work as an attorney with Witt & Goldsworthy, PLLC. I’ve practiced law with this firm since 2016, and I became a partner in 2021.

Q: What is your job like day to day?
A: I’m usually working on a matter on behalf of my client, and the work varies depending on whether the matter involves a transaction or litigation. Transactional matters involve negotiating, drafting, and closing contracts supporting a sale, and what is sold ranges from real estate, goods, services, or businesses. In that context, my job involves supporting my client by advising them in the negotiation process, performing due diligence, preparing documents that minimize any legal exposure or risk of loss to my client, communicating with the other party’s attorney, and assisting the client with closing on the deal. For litigation matters, I spend a lot of time educating clients on the litigation process, preparing and filing motions and briefs in court, discovery, negotiating settlements with the opposing party, and attending court hearings. 

   When I’m not doing work for clients, I spend time working to generate new business for the firm and to improve how we deliver legal services. This requires networking with potential new sources of business and consulting with outside advisors.  

   I’m fortunate that I get to do most of these activities from the comfort of my home!

Q: Why did you choose to attend UM-Flint for your degree(s)?
A:  I chose UM-Flint because I had a great experience touring the campus, and UM-Flint was an affordable option for me and my family.

Q: Share your best college memory
A: My best college memory was meeting the woman I would later marry. We met at the UM-Flint Recreation Center!

Q: What is the most important thing you learned while you were at UM-Flint? 
A: The most important thing I learned at UM-Flint is to get involved. Get involved by asking questions, networking, and taking advantage of the resources you have available to you.

Q: How did your education at UM-Flint prepare you for what you are doing today?
A: Since I majored in operations management and finance, the education I received at UM-Flint has made me a well-rounded business attorney.

Q: Describe your career path.
A: I worked a lot of service jobs when I was younger. I worked various sales jobs, waited tables, and worked at a golf course in the summertime. When I started college at UM-Flint and joined the Entrepreneurs Society, I sought opportunities to work in positions where I had greater autonomy. One notable opportunity was working for a bioenergy startup company that was primarily grant funded by MDARD. While working in that position, I also clerked for a small law firm. Coincidentally, the principal investigator on the MDARD grant was also an attorney, and I introduced him to one of the attorneys at the firm I was clerking with at the time. The two attorneys eventually formed their own firm, and I ended up working for them before, during, and after I attended law school and passed the bar. Now I’m a partner at that firm.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: The main reason I chose this career path is because I know I can help people and businesses in a meaningful way. Another reason is because practicing law is what I’ve always wanted to do, as I knew I wanted to be a lawyer at a young age.

Q: What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
A: Get good at researching and writing more. Sound research and analysis are critical to success in law. If you can write well and know your way around the library and online research databases, then you can be a serious asset to any organization.
    Seek a mentor. Mentors can help you avoid common errors and connect you to other professionals. It may seem daunting but take the time to find someone working in an area of law that you’re interested in. Do some background research on that person, then contact them to learn more about what they do, why you’re interested in what they do, and if you can help them in any way. If you find that you “click” with your target mentor, ask if they would be willing to meet/call for 20-30 minutes on a monthly basis.

Q: Fun Facts! (Examples: sports fan, long-term goals, favorite vacation, future travel plans/ideas, or come up with your own!)
A: I’m looking forward to taking my 2-year-old daughter to the beach for the first time.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I love to cook, and I do my best to replicate authentic Italian cuisine.

Q & A: UM-Flint Hagerman Center Director Mark Simon

Mark Simon, PhD became director of the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation this fall. The University of Michigan-Flint School of Management center was created in 2015 thanks to a generous donation from Phil and Jocelyn Hagerman. Simon was recognized in his new role October 10 at an investiture ceremony. At the event, Simon said, “I can’t overstate how honored I feel.  I am truly humbled. But I know that with all the wonderful support I am receiving from so many, including the Hagerman’s, administration, faculty, staff, and students, I believe that together we can truly make a difference.”

Prior to Simon’s official investiture, he shared his thoughts about the center, its benefit for students, his impressions of the university community, and more in this Q&A with University Relations.

Read the full article HERE.

Hagerman Student Scholars selected for the 2016-2017 Academic Year

The Hagerman Student Scholars program has been expanded for the 2016-2017 academic year by adding two additional students to the lineup for its annual Hagerman Student Scholar Award. The Hagerman Student Scholar award was created in 2015 to support future entrepreneurs. Hagerman Student Scholars become ambassadors of the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation located inside the School of Management.

Lauren Adams, Bryan Halpin, Nolan Moore, Sean Tabor, and Emily Zoromski will step into their role of Hagerman Scholars in the Fall 2016 semester.  Along with receiving a $2,000 scholarship, they will become ambassadors of the School of Management Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Through this opportunity, the scholars will expand their networking opportunities while working one on one with School of Management professors and the community.

Adams, a senior majoring in Business Administration, expressed her excitement about being selected as a Hagerman Scholar. “It’s exciting to get involved this early on since I am only in my third year. I am excited for the networking opportunities and community involvement,” said Adams.

Adams sees entrepreneurship and innovation as ways of creating positivity in the community. As a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, she has found that traits she already possessed will suit her entrepreneur spirit. “[National Society of Leadership and Success] gave me realization of my strong traits and interests. I am embracing entrepreneurship because it will teach me to be a better leader and to take risks for positive changes,” she said.

Lauren Adams, 2016

Lauren Adams, 2016

Moore, a senior majoring in Business Administration, echoed Adams sentiments about receiving the award. “When I heard about it, I got really excited. I applied for it and I was lucky enough to get it,” said Moore. “It’s been a huge blessing to me and my family. My mom cried when I told her I got it.”

As someone who grew up just outside Flint, Moore was never unaware of the cities issues. After he graduates from college, he hopes to contribute to positive changes in the city. “I heard about the crime, the violence, the poverty, and the poor economic situations that have plagued the city for years. Hearing about these things can easily crush one’s hope for a better future. After attending the University of Michigan-Flint for four years now, I have seen things that have restored my hope for the city, and I want to be part of that,” he said.

As a senior, Moore can see the impact that it will have on his education and career outlook. “The simple fact is this will help me get though school,” he said. “This is going to be my last year and I can get through this year without a bunch of student debt. It’s going to relieve a lot of stress and help me get a jump start on my career.”

Nolan Moore, 2016

Nolan Moore, 2016

Halpin, a senior majoring in Supply Chain Management and Marketing, agrees that the financial stress of education can affect the choices students can make. He understands the financial burdens that affect college students and how they impact the time it takes to get a degree. Originally starting his college career in 2004, he took only one course each semester while working full time. He states that the sacrifices his wife and himself have made allowed him to pursue his college education full time. “I set myself up to have one year without a job to go to school full time and this award helps me achieve my goal; it helps me to get where I’m going,” said Halpin. “My wife and I have both sacrificed for me to get this degree. For the school to participate in that and help to ease our sacrifice is amazing to me.”

As a student who is already heavily involved with Entrepreneurs Society as their Vice President, Halpin understands the impact of Hagerman Student Ambassadors. “I think the ambassadorship, reaching out to the community and to other students, that’s going to be the most fun,” he said. “I look forward to helping people achieve their goals just like this scholarship helped me achieve mine. That’s going to be phenomenal.”

Bryan Haplin, 2016

Bryan Haplin, 2016

Tabor, a senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, credits Dr. Michael Witt for igniting his passion for Entrepreneurship when he joined the Entrepreneurs Society. He was elected Vice President for the 2014-15 academic year and shortly after, transitioned to President for the 2015-2016 academic year. He pursued his passion by starting his own real estate investment company while attending school full time. Shortly after, he obtained an internship with SkyPoint Ventures. He hopes his work through SkyPoint Ventures will create opportunities for students to strengthen the surrounding community.

“I think it’s [the Hagerman Student Scholar Award] going to give hope to local entrepreneurs,” said Tabor. “It’s going to give hope to college grads who want to be entrepreneurs and realize that there are people out there who want to support them— people out there that understand the importance of small business and that they’re willing to give of their fortune to help someone create their own.”

Sean Tabor, 2016

Sean Tabor, 2016

Zoromski struggled to find her place in the beginning of her college career. She discovered her love for business and joined the Entrepreneur Society. It was there that she discovered her passion for working with others.

“That has had a really big impact on my college career,” she said. “I have met a lot of really great students with the same goals and mindset that I have. That’s had a big impact. You get different viewpoints on everything and just some of the projects you do, dealing with the people you are helping is really cool.”

Zoromski believes that future Hagerman Scholars will benefit and gain opportunities that otherwise would not be available. “I think that it’s [the Hagerman Student Scholar Award] going to help other students learn and grow,” said Zoromski. “Everyone wants scholarships and having the different things you’re involved in, from getting the scholarship, is a great learning opportunity for other business majors. I’m a finance major so letting people other than entrepreneurship majors know about this scholarship will be a great opportunity for them to learn about entrepreneurship.”

Emily Zoromski, 2016

Emily Zoromski, 2016