Innovision Spring 2021

20 | INNOVISION MAGAZ INE SPRING 2021 | 21 STUDENT PANEL On March 25 th , Entrepreneurship week presented the Student Entrepreneurship Panel. Students shared their business experiences and inspired their peers. One student, Yvonne Kanyi, shared that social media has really helped with her business. “I, now, have people who feel like my online friends and they support my business because we bonded over something beyond me trying to make money off of them.” Kanyi emphasized the importance of having a connection with customers. John Stetler, the moderator, asked the panel whether it’s beneficial to work in the field before finalizing your major or vice versa and the answers were mixed. Some said it’s better to “get your foot in the door” to get a sense of the industry but others disagreed. Laquan Drago stated that students tend to change their Madelin Holm Yvonne Kanyi Katelyn Wehr McKayla Grundahl Laquan Drago majors, in fact, nearly a third of them change it every year. Going through your major first definitely gives you a boost for future job acquisitions and/or internships. Another student chimed in and said that work experience is “overrated”, and you can learn on the go. A big factor in succeeding is time management, but sometimes it’s hard to master. Madelin Holm closed off the event by informing students that deadlines in the field are crucial. Her previous job experience, working with horses, taught her exactly that. Work gets busy and hectic, but she learned how to handle and manage it. Being an entrepreneur takes patience and time; networking, managing employees, expanding your business and other aspects, but in the end it’s all worth it. FAMILY BUSINESS PANEL Entrepreneurship Week 2021 ended on Friday, March 26th, with the Family Business Panel. The event started with honoring Mr. Jack Gottlieb for his service to Kutztown University’s College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Opening remarks were given by Congressman Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District. Meuser serves on the House Small Business Committee and Foreign Affairs Committees. He believes, “Entrepreneurs have made America great over the years” and he attributes the growth of our economy to “we are entrepreneurs, we are innovators, we are a country of small businesses.” The highlight of the event was the Family Business Panel facilitated by Ms. Kimberly O’Neill, Kutztown University Assistant Dean, College of Business. The panel consisted of three family businesses: Missy Wilson, Co-Owner and Manager of Setter Ridge Vineyard, a second-generation family business; Jamey Maack, President and Co-Owner of US Anodize, formally known as Industrial Metal Plating, a third-generation family business; and Barry Schlouch, Co-founder and President of Schlouch, Inc. Schlouch was joined by his wife, Deb, a co-founder of Schlouch, Inc. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for the business owners, but has also afforded themwith opportunities. Schlouch stated that the toppriorities for his business are “safety, quality, and delivery.” They increased their safety culture, which has given them an advantage over other businesses, as Barry Schlouch is a board-certified safety professional. Wilson stated, “the pandemic gave Setter Ridge Vineyards the opportunity to be creative…trying to refresh and renew as you are constantly thinking of new and exciting ways to do something different.” Maack shared that US Anodize adapted to the unique personal situations of family and employees by prioritizing safety, working to answer the question, “how do we make our employees feel comfortable and at the same time continue to do their job during a time when peoples’ mental health is just as important as their physical health?” He explained that US Anodize management ensured employees understood that their efforts “make a big difference” because many of US Anodize’s customers are in the medical industry. Employees were provided a flexiblework schedule, and proper personal protectionequipment was available tomaintain safety. Business leaders adjusted their leadership styles to thedemands created by the pandemic. Wilson stated that her leadership approach changed from top-down to all-inclusive. The decision-making process was better enriched because there was an understanding that everyone, including employees, have great suggestions and ideas. A group of business leaders that included Schlouch impacted the community by creating a PA 30-day fund to help small businesses during the pandemic. This fund was made available to Berks County businesses that were operational for at least a year and employed 3-20 people. Thirty-eight businesses were selected and received $3,000 to be used for overhead cost. The skill of resiliency as an entrepreneur is important in being successful in the business world, especially during the pandemic. Employers should encourage employees to develop this skill. Schlouch indicated that the best way to develop resiliency amongst your employees is to “trust them and you genuinely care for them and help them.” Maack agreed with Schlouch’s words of trust and added that you always “lead by example and stay consistent.” Barry Schlouch Jamey Maack Missy Wilson