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"At ASU, I gained the confidence and skills needed to realize my dreams early. Within 2 years after graduation I used the business plan I created under Bryan Toney's guidance to assist with the purchase of Footsloggers in Boone"

Jason Berry, BSBA in Management and Marketing (2002)

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Young Entrepreneurs Symposium

February 25, 2008

YES panelists presented to a full house on Monday, February 25th, 2008. Over 75 students and community members were in attendance. Panelists shared their success stories with the audience as well as their challenges with starting a business as a student, marketing strategies, business growth plans, and how they built their capital.

Young Entrepreneurs Symposium - February 25th, 2008

The ASU Center for Entrepreneurship will be hosting the Young Entrepreneurs Symposium (YES), Monday, February 25th, 2008, from 3:30 – 5:30 in Raley Hall, Room 1020. YES is sponsored by Backyard Burgers.

This event will feature current students and recent ASU alumni who own their own businesses. They come from a range of backgrounds, including biology, interdisciplinary studies, music and dance, marketing and management. These young entrepreneurs will individually tell their stories as well as entertain questions from the audience.

Here's a quick introduction of the panelists:

Nick David is a current ASU student, majoring in biology, and is the president and founder of the Boone, NC based technology firm Theoryshare (Theoryshare). While in high school Nick perfected a poorly documented process to increase speeds for cable broadband users. In May 2003 Theoryshare, a website dedicated to this process became a reality. Shortly after its inception, it became obvious there was a demand for broadband optimization services, and Theoryshare the business was born. Today Theoryshare has reached $100,000 in annual sales, and is the second largest company worldwide specializing in cable broadband optimization for end users.

Elise Sigmon graduated in May 2006 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She designed her own major and concentrated in Business and Dance. Elise and friend Ashley Payne started Appalachian Rhythm in August 2006. Appalachian Rhythm offers clogging classes for all ages and all levels as well as hip hop and Pilates. (Appalachian Rhythm).

Jay Kramer is a current Interdisciplinary Studies Major, concentrating in entrepreneurship in music industry, and has recently started High Country Booking. His website is currently under construction, but Jay's focus is on connecting artists and audiences, and promoting local talent - read more about Jay and his business at High Country Booking

Burton Buffaloe, the founding father of the ASU Association of Student Entrepreneurs Club and a 2003 graduate, double majored in Marketing and Management. In 2006, Burton founded Capital City Sedan & Limousine, a global transportation company, providing ground transportation in every city across the globe. Plans are in the works to begin providing Air Transportation via chartered jets in the summer of 2008. “Our goal in '08 to become a "one-stop shop" for our corporate clients.” Visit Capital City Sedan for more information.

Jason Berry, a 2002 ASU graduate, now owns Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel (Footsloggers). Jason will also be a panelist for the upcoming Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour on February 29th.

Free snacks, beverages and give-aways! For more information, contact the Center for Entrepreneurship, 262-8325 or rowlandja@appstate.edu.

Contact Us

entrepreneur@appstate.edu
828-262-6196