Back row: James Hopkins, Ronnie Hunsaker, Nate Janson, Colin McFarland
Front row: Mason Barnett, Anabella Huffhines, Lauren Roderick, Reid Schilling
Front row: Mason Barnett, Anabella Huffhines, Lauren Roderick, Reid Schilling
Class History
The class of 2020 experienced a year that will go down in history like no other. With a strong start, the students hit the ground running with similar learning activities as years prior. Then, in March 2020, the team quickly learned the importance of a growth mindset and adaptation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learning was shifted to strictly a remote setting. The annual Trade Show was replaced with students setting up their displays in their homes and sharing videos showcasing their work. Virtual meetings were held to continue the team connection and complete the required coursework. But like all challenges in startUP, no time was wasted. Instead, students were able to diversify their skills and adopt processes that will support future business operations.
Class Business
Monroe County startUP Dodgeball Tournament: After several weeks of brainstorming students decided to host a dodgeball tournament for their class business. On January 18, the event was hosted at Columbia High School and was a huge success. With a net profit of $4,500 and many lessons in teamwork, organization and business logistics, the team was financially prepared for the next step of starting their own individual businesses.
Individual Businesses
Mason Barnett - Boukali, eco-friendly solution to modern apparel such as hats, polos, and t-shirts
James Hopkins - Double Start, e-commerce business selling playing card mats and card sleeves, plus consulting for Amazon based businesses
Anabella Huffhines - Bella Empanda Co., the answer to your cravings of homemade cultural cuisine with handmade empanadas
Ronnie Hunsaker - Grime Guys, onsite siding-cleaning business for homeowners
Nate Janson - The Brisk Beaver Co., errand-running business geared toward helping working families
Colin McFarland - Colin's Pet Sitting Service, on-site pet care business that takes care of your furry friends in the comfort of their own home
Lauren Roderick - Hyper Replica 3D, custom 3D printing services that captures every detail of your cherished collectibles
Reid Schilling - Reid's Music World, business that includes the delivery of live music and beginner guitar lessons
James Hopkins - Double Start, e-commerce business selling playing card mats and card sleeves, plus consulting for Amazon based businesses
Anabella Huffhines - Bella Empanda Co., the answer to your cravings of homemade cultural cuisine with handmade empanadas
Ronnie Hunsaker - Grime Guys, onsite siding-cleaning business for homeowners
Nate Janson - The Brisk Beaver Co., errand-running business geared toward helping working families
Colin McFarland - Colin's Pet Sitting Service, on-site pet care business that takes care of your furry friends in the comfort of their own home
Lauren Roderick - Hyper Replica 3D, custom 3D printing services that captures every detail of your cherished collectibles
Reid Schilling - Reid's Music World, business that includes the delivery of live music and beginner guitar lessons
Entrepreneur of the Year
To capitalize on the angle of individual growth, the Monroe County startUP program offers the opportunity to earn Entrepreneur of the Year. All current startUP students are eligible to apply. Selected individuals for this award possess the following qualities during their entrepreneurial journey:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Integrity and Influence
- Innovation
- Intellectual Comprehension
- Perseverance
The 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year was named to James Hopkins of Waterloo High School.
When being accepted into the startUP program James already had a jump start on his business. His business's tag line quickly become "Double Start. A highly scalable business on Amazon." Through time and persistence, James grew his business to match this line.
After months of developing skills in e-commerce and product sourcing, James officially organized Double Start. This Amazon based business offers a playmat and sleeves for card enthusiasts. Because of strong product testing and positive reviews, James quickly grew to the level of Amazon's Choice for the playmat item. Capitalizing on this success he reinvested his earnings into more inventory and additional product. Along with product sales, Double Start also offers to consult aspiring Amazon sellers that seek guidance on how to be profitable within the e-commerce platform.
This award is the only the beginning of James's successful entrepreneurial journey. In the fall of 2020, James will begin his senior year at Waterloo High School, while continuing to grow Double Start.
When being accepted into the startUP program James already had a jump start on his business. His business's tag line quickly become "Double Start. A highly scalable business on Amazon." Through time and persistence, James grew his business to match this line.
After months of developing skills in e-commerce and product sourcing, James officially organized Double Start. This Amazon based business offers a playmat and sleeves for card enthusiasts. Because of strong product testing and positive reviews, James quickly grew to the level of Amazon's Choice for the playmat item. Capitalizing on this success he reinvested his earnings into more inventory and additional product. Along with product sales, Double Start also offers to consult aspiring Amazon sellers that seek guidance on how to be profitable within the e-commerce platform.
This award is the only the beginning of James's successful entrepreneurial journey. In the fall of 2020, James will begin his senior year at Waterloo High School, while continuing to grow Double Start.
"James was a real joy to mentor in the startUP program. I could see James had a keen foresight in marketing and distributing his product that I would have typically seen in a veteran more than twice his age. He has a clear plan and is not wavering from it even during
a global pandemic. James took what startUP instructed him to do and went above and beyond what was asked of him.
James has a successful life ahead of him."
- Lisa Fallon, Monroe County Circuit Clerk and mentor of James Hopkins
a global pandemic. James took what startUP instructed him to do and went above and beyond what was asked of him.
James has a successful life ahead of him."
- Lisa Fallon, Monroe County Circuit Clerk and mentor of James Hopkins
