Back Row: Ethan Riebeling, Landon Vollmer, Hayden Siler, Connor Missey, Aaron Teutrine, Max Souris
Front Row: Cadi Shipes, Malia Kossina, Reagan Herrmann, Alexa Vitale, Lexi Howard
Front Row: Cadi Shipes, Malia Kossina, Reagan Herrmann, Alexa Vitale, Lexi Howard
Class History
Even in the midst of a pandemic, the 2020-2021 startUP team was able to set a record and leave a lasting impression in the history of the program. With a sold out class business event, students hosted a 5Kave run at Rock City in Valmeyer, Illinois, with 350 runners and a profit of over $12,000. Several adaptations were made throughout the year because of COVID-19, but this did not stop the team from each having outstanding personal businesses, over 30 guest speakers and the most well attended trade show to date.
Individual Businesses
Reagan Herrmann - Iry Rae, handmade and fashionable mask holder key chain
Lexi Howard - Assassinz Customz, online automotive accessory retail store
Malia Kossina - Schubie Snacks, locally made beef smokies packed with flavor
Connor Missey - CM Automotive Detailing, onsite car detailing
Ethan Riebeling - Date Savers, customizable device that helps that allows clear labeling of meal leftovers
Cadi Shipes - Cadi's Cupcakes, jumbo and mini cupcakes
Hayden Siler - Soled Out Shoes, reselling of limited tennis shoes
Max Souris - KeyCleaners, detailed cleaning and disinfecting for work and home keyboards
Aaron Teutrine - Turbo Mowing, affordable lawn care for Monroe and St. Clair counties
Alexa Vitale - Interchanged, custom home decor
Landan Vollmer - Reinvent Events, event planning for businesses and non-profits
Lexi Howard - Assassinz Customz, online automotive accessory retail store
Malia Kossina - Schubie Snacks, locally made beef smokies packed with flavor
Connor Missey - CM Automotive Detailing, onsite car detailing
Ethan Riebeling - Date Savers, customizable device that helps that allows clear labeling of meal leftovers
Cadi Shipes - Cadi's Cupcakes, jumbo and mini cupcakes
Hayden Siler - Soled Out Shoes, reselling of limited tennis shoes
Max Souris - KeyCleaners, detailed cleaning and disinfecting for work and home keyboards
Aaron Teutrine - Turbo Mowing, affordable lawn care for Monroe and St. Clair counties
Alexa Vitale - Interchanged, custom home decor
Landan Vollmer - Reinvent Events, event planning for businesses and non-profits
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 for this honor. Selected individuals for this award possess the following qualities during their entrepreneurial journey:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Integrity and Influence
- Innovation
- Intellectual Comprehension
- Perseverance
The 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year was named to Reagan Herrmann of Gibault High School.
After exploring several options for her personal business and accessing the current demands of consumers, Iry Rae Accessories seemed like the perfect fit. Inspired by the pandemic and a passion for fashionable products, Reagan created handmade, leather mask holder key chains. Available in two styles, these were a big hit at the Trade Show and were quickly sold out. In addition to a successful business, Reagan also served as class CEO. Through her leadership, the team hosted a sell out crowd at the 5Kave class business event. As this year brought many new experiences for students, Reagan was often looked to as an example of how to handle the different challenges and opportunities they faced. Reagan will continue her entrepreneurial journey at the University of Arkansas while majoring in Entrepreneurship. |