Tag: Entrepreneurship

ENT Buzz | Patsy Norman

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Patsy Norman, Associate Professor Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation

 

WHO IS PATSY NORMAN?

Did you know… I am the shortest person in the Entrepreneurship department, but I tower over my mother. That’s just a fun Patsy fact. Before coming to Baylor, I served in the United States Air Force as a Contracting/Acquisition Officer where I ended up meeting my husband, Mike Farr. Mike and I enjoy travelling and have been very fortunate to be able to travel widely both in the U.S. and abroad.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I came to Baylor in 1997 after completing my PhD at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. I am an Associate Professor with a focus on strategy. I teach strategy classes in our on-campus MBA program and in our Executive MBA programs in Dallas and Austin. I also sometimes teach undergraduate students in summer study abroad programs, as well as coach the MBA case competition team. My research covers a variety of topics including alliances, innovation and downsizing.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

One of the things I enjoy about our department is that it’s full of hard-working and fun-loving people. Many of us like to think we are a lot funnier than we actually are. When we get together as a department, the jokes and barbs are unleashed. The term “don’t quit your day job” definitely applies. This certainly makes our department fun, but it doesn’t stop us from accomplishing whatever we are there to do.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

I look forward to Baylor graduation every semester. It’s such a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of my students. Meeting student family members who are in town for graduation is always such a treat. At one graduation a father of one of my students approached me and it was then that I realized that the student was the son of a former Air Force colleague.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

I actually have three tips. 1) Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. The Entrepreneurship classes are great. They’re phenomenal.  But there are so many other things available that can enhance the student experience like living in the Business & Innovation LLC, attending speaker sessions and studying abroad. 2) Don’t be afraid to take risks. Try something uncomfortable, something hard. The more you do this, the more comfortable you’ll be and the more you will learn. 3) Have fun! Hard work and fun can, and should, co-exist.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Kendall Artz

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Kendall Artz, Director Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

 

WHO IS KENDALL ARTZ?

I grew up on a remote cattle ranch in Eastern Montana in the small town of Jordan (pop. 400). It took me a long time to decide what I really wanted to do; which led me first to getting an undergraduate degree in Finance from Montana State University, then an MBA from Arizona State, and finally, a PhD from Purdue. I married my hometown sweetheart, Colene, and we have been blessed to be together for nearly 30 years. We have one daughter, Alona, who lives in Seattle.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I started working at Baylor in 1995 and have held a number of different positions. For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about entrepreneurship. At Baylor I had the opportunity to help build a world-class entrepreneurship program when I became the Chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (before Entrepreneurship was its own separate department) from 2000 to 2013, and then as Chair of the Entrepreneurship Department from 2013 to 2016. Since 2016, I’ve served as the Director of the Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise and as the Associate Chair of the department. It’s been so rewarding to work with everyone in the Entrepreneurship department to create new and impactful educational opportunities for our students.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

All it takes is a single email or text from a student who graduated a decade ago, telling me what an impact Baylor made in their life, and I am reenergized and reminded of  how blessed we all are to have this opportunity.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Diadeloso, hands down. It’s an April “holiday” so the weather is usually perfect, not too hot and not too cold. It’s close enough to the end of the semester, but far enough from finals that students, faculty and staff are all relaxed. Plus, since it’s scheduled in the middle of the week, it kind of feels like you’re playing hooky for the day!


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Launch a business as soon as possible! Set aside excuses and fears and just do it. The initial business may not be successful from a financial point of view, but the lessons learned will be invaluable. The Entrepreneurship department provides fantastic tools like classes and mentoring, but nothing beats actual hands-on experience.

 

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Marlene Reed

kathy_carrB.E.S.T.

Marlene Reed, Senior Lecturer, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation

 

WHO IS MARLENE REED?

I am a proud Baylor graduate. Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would end up getting my PhD and teaching at my alma mater. I’ve had the privilege of teaching students and faculty in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Armenia, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Zambia and Rwanda. God has blessed me richly!


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

At Baylor I’ve taught the Business Excellence Scholarship Team (BEST) and Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. I love teaching these courses. I previously owned a Christian book store and I feel my first-hand experience as a business owner helps me understand problems that managers may run into while operating a business.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

A funny and kind of weird thing that happened while working in the Entrepreneurship department is the time Mary Abrahams (former Associate Director of the Baugh Center) and I went to Europe to plan the first Entrepreneurship European Experience. Late one night while in Milan, we couldn’t find our way back to our hotel. To make things worse, a drunk young man kept following us telling us he would help us find our way. We finally lost him and wandered around for an hour until we found our hotel.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

I can’t pick just one favorite. I have two — Homecoming and Sing. I think I love Homecoming so much because I get to reconnect with friends from the past. Something that a lot of folks don’t know is I was actually a Baylor Homecoming Queen nominee. Unfortunately, the Asian flu was going around that year, and I got it. After appearing on the football field at halftime, my parents whisked me away to Houston because we had all been asked to leave school if we could. I also love Sing, and I just happen to be on the Sing Faculty Committee.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

My advice to a new Entrepreneurship major is to enjoy every minute of your time at Baylor and get involved in everything that appeals to you. The time spent at Baylor is so short, and students need to get the very most out of. I certainly did.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Kathy Carr

kathy_carrBaylor Grad

Kathy Carr, Program Manager Baugh Center Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

 

WHO IS KATHY CARR?

I am a Baylor grad with a BBA in Marketing. My daughter, Emily, is a Nutrition Sciences major and she just wrapped up her freshman year here at Baylor. I love living in Waco. For me, the perfect Saturday morning in Waco is a long walk in Cameron Park and a stop by the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, followed up by coffee at one of the local coffee shops. I may or may not drink a little too much coffee, but thankfully Waco is full of locally owned coffee shops!


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I’ve been working in the Entrepreneurship department for almost five years. For most of my career, I worked in marketing and communications within franchising organizations. As a Program Manager in the Entrepreneurship department, I’ve been able to blend my past experiences within an academia setting. One of my favorite things is managing the Confessions of an Entrepreneur speaker series. I love getting to know local business owners and giving them a platform to talk about their entrepreneurial journey… a platform to confess. I feel that these business owners have so much insight to offer and that Baylor students can learn so much from them.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I was used to working with executives and business owners so the transition to working with professors has definitely been an adjustment. Who knew that stuffy business school professors could actually be quirky and cool! One Entrepreneurship professor rides his Razor Scooter to the office each day and another actually had his five-minutes-of-fame while unwittingly walking in the background of a TikTok video that was filmed in the business school. Good times!


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

The Baylor Line is such an incredible experience that is unique to Baylor. It was so much fun watching my daughter run the line this past football season. I was never able to actually find her on the field in the sea of gold jerseys, but fortunately I did get a “Mom, I didn’t fall!” text each game.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Get to know the Entrepreneurship department faculty and staff! They may be quirky and cool, but they also have a ton of experience and know-how. 

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Boris Nikolaev

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

Boris Nikolaev, Assistant Professor, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation

 

WHO IS BORIS NIKOLAEV?

I’m originally from Bulgaria, but I came to the United States right after high school with plans to get a college degree, become a marine biologist and eventually study whales in Kauai. But that’s not exactly how things worked out. I ended up changing my major at least five times, and finally graduated with degrees in Economics, Mathematics and Philosophy. What was I thinking trading the sandy shores of Kauai for an office? I went to Florida for a few years where I earned my PhD degree and helped out with a family business. Then I was off to Emory University to work as an economist for a bit before coming to the Entrepreneurship department at Baylor. I now live in Waco with my wife, Tabitha, and our two kids, Theo and Kennedy.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I teach and research entrepreneurship. The research part can be a little lonely at times while spending hour after hour in front of the computer. But Baylor students more than make up for it. They are so creative and inspiring. I love what I do. I have a job that allows me to be curious, discover new knowledge, research obscure topics and continue to learn. I think this is where I would do a Sic’Em Bears, right?


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I don’t necessarily have one specific favorite memory that stands out because working in the Entrepreneurship department is full of fun and unexpected moments. It’s kind of like watching The Office, but in real time. My coworkers are definitely an interesting cast of diverse characters. I never know what’s going to come up in a conversation.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Truth be told, I’m still learning the Baylor traditions. If I had to pick just one, off the top of my head it would definitely have to be the Baylor Line. It’s so unique. I am excited to keep discovering new traditions!


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Of course I would recommend taking my Entrepreneurship classes! Then I would say to take action and not overthink. So many students feel they have to have the perfect plan from beginning to end in order to start a business. That’s not really how entrepreneurship works. It’s not a straight arrow process. It’s more of a zig-zag, but the most difficult part is actually just getting started.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Priscilla James

kathy_carrBaylor Grad

 

Priscilla James, Program Manager John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

 

WHO IS PRISCILLA JAMES?

I am a small-business owner from Houston. In 2018 I received a Baylor MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. My goal was to use my new-found, entrepreneurship know-how to grow my business, Priscilla’s Joyful Events. I also thought that my new business savviness would come in handy with the business I co-founded with my mom, Hephzibah Online Evangelistic Ministries. I stay busy. In my downtime I like to relax with my Chiweenie, Jack. He recently learned to tap a bell to go outside and he’s also learning to jump on command. Should I nickname him Jumping Jack?


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I’ve now been on staff at Baylor for two years as the program manager in the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise. I actually started working at Baylor just two days after graduating with my MBA. My main focus as program manager is to manage and develop the Baylor New Venture Competition. I really enjoy networking with successful business leaders and connecting them with young entrepreneurs. I like to think I have a small part in helping dreams become a reality for these budding entrepreneurs.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

One word…treats! Deana Steele makes the best treats ever. We can always count on Deana to bake birthday goodies every month. She even bakes between celebrations. Deana really doesn’t need a special occasion to bake. The entrepreneurship-15 may become a real thing.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

I love the sound of the McLane Carillon at Pat Neff Hall! I smile every time I hear the bells toll. I especially enjoy hymns and Christmas carols during the holidays. 


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

The folks in the Entrepreneurship department can be a great source of advice and support. Getting to know the faculty and staff in the Entrepreneurship department can certainly open the door for a deeper learning experience.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Matthew Wood

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

Matthew Wood, Ben Williams Professor of Entrepreneurship

 

WHO IS MATTHEW WOOD?

I am Midwesterner by birth but Texan by choice. I lived most of my life in Decatur, Illinois, a mid-size town in central Illinois. My grandfather founded Wood Printing Services in 1954, so I grew up in the family business. In 1997 I took on the role of Owner and President. I sold the business in 2006 to pursue my PhD degree at Southern Illinois University, which eventually led me to Baylor. I am married to my highschool sweetheart, Pam, and she has put up with me for 27 years. I have two amazing children. My son, Collin, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is now in the Baylor MBA program. My daughter, Mariah, is a senior at Baylor and will graduate in May 2020. Pam and I spend most of our free time hanging out with our kids and traveling the country in our RV. Next up on my bucket list is to take our RV to Alaska; I might not come back!


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I have been at Baylor since 2012 and I basically do whatever Deana Steele and Kathy Carr tell me to do! I research how entrepreneurs evaluate and make decisions about pursuing various opportunities for new businesses and teach students how to do the same. I also serve as Director of the Entrepreneurship PhD program. I am passionate about the program and I enjoy training PhD students to become faculty members at leading universities. I just really love university life.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I remember when I was recruited to come to Baylor the faculty described the environment in such positive terms it seemed too good to be true. To be honest, I was actually a little skeptical. I have to say that the faculty were spot on in their descriptions of life at Baylor. It’s an amazing place. I am continually impressed by the talent and work ethic of my colleagues. In one word, working in the Entrepreneurship department is fun. And then there’s the laughing… It’s pretty common to hear several of us in an office joking and laughing about pretty much anything. If our spouses knew how much fun we have we would no longer be able to say “I am going to work.” 


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Dr Pepper Floats – whoever came up with the idea to combine vanilla ice-cream and Dr Pepper should be in the hall of fame! It’s brilliant.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

My advice is to embrace all of the opportunities the Entrepreneurship department provides for out-of-the classroom learning. Programs like the New Venture Competition and the Entrepreneurship Incubator allow students to team up with other students and work on entrepreneurial projects, often with the guidance of mentors and coaches. Entrepreneurship is so unique in that it’s a study where the classroom is a starting point (rather than ending point) of chances to learn and engage.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Deana Steele

kathy_carrENT Buzz

 

Deana Steele, Office Manager Department of Entrepreneurship

 

WHO IS DEANA STEELE?

I’m from Tomball, a small Texas town that my family helped found in the 1800s. I was raised in the oldest Lutheran church in Texas, Salem Lutheran Church. I’ve been married to my husband, JonL, for 30 years. We have one son, Dustin; a daughter-in-law, Danielle; and a grandson, Logan.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I’ve been the Office Manager in the Entrepreneurship Department at Baylor for almost three years. I kind of think of myself as a Jack of all trades in the business school, and I love it.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I love working in the Entrepreneurship department! I am a people person and have had the privilege of meeting so many interesting people from all walks of life that visit Baylor.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Although I am not a Baylor grad, I love all of the Baylor traditions. I especially love everything about the Baylor Line. I think it’s an awesome way for the University, upperclassmen and the entire Baylor family to welcome the new freshmen to Baylor.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

My advice for all students is to reach out to your professors! Each day, I see first-hand how much these professors enjoy and love their students.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Peter Klein

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

Peter Klein, Chairman Department of Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation

 

WHO IS PETER KLEIN?

I grew up in an academic household and always loved being around a university setting. My wife (who teaches Economics at Baylor) and I met at an academic conference so yes, we’re somewhat nerdy. We have three kids, one living in Dallas after graduating from Baylor last year, one about to start as a freshman at Baylor and one in middle school. I love to travel – my Mom is from Scotland and I spent summers there as a kid; at last count I have visited 39 countries!


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I came to Baylor in 2015 to join the faculty in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation and to work with the Baugh Center’s Free Enterprise Program. I love being a professor. I basically get paid to read, think, write and argue with people — most of which I’d do for free anyway! To research and teach is hard work but it’s also very rewarding. You really feel like you can make an influence on people’s lives.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I started at Baylor in Fall 2015, just as the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation opened. Everything was fresh and new. The hallways still had that “new building smell.” I was assigned an office right next to the Department Chair, but I wanted to be as far away from the boss as possible. Since everyone was moving into offices, it was easy for me to switch. Four years later and now I’m the Department Chair and everyone wants to get away from me! Turnabout is fair play, I suppose.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

It’s hard to pick one favorite, but I love Christmas at Baylor – the decorations, music, Christmas on 5th, everything. The flash mob Christmas carols in the Foster building are amazing.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Get involved! Besides our classes and other “official” activities the Entrepreneurship department has so many extra, after-hours, fun and interesting things going on: outside speakers from industry, academia, and popular culture; our student incubator and new venture competition; the Baylor Angel Network; and so much more. Attend as many activities as you can, get to know our faculty and staff and your fellow students, and get involved in the Waco entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

Jeremiah Allison, 2020 Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship

kathy_carrBaylor Grad

 

“You have to enjoy everything God has planned for you along your journey, and remember it’s not just about the final destination.“

-Jeremiah Allison

Jeremiah Allison has a history of forging his own path. Taking the road less traveled, he was often met with twists and turns and even a few detours. So, how does this non-traditional student go from barely squeaking out a high school diploma to being recognized as the Hankamer School of Business 2020 Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship?

Growing up, Jeremiah was surrounded by a spirit of entrepreneurship, even though he didn’t realize it at the time. Jeremiah’s dad was self-employed; his grandma operated her own music agency; one uncle made a living working in lawn-care and landscaping; another uncle ran a successful IT company. As Jeremiah puts it, “I can clearly see now that there is definitely some entrepreneurial DNA in me.”

Jeremiah graduated Round Rock High School in 2009 through a program called Success. On the verge of dropping out, the self-paced program allowed Jeremiah to take evening classes to fulfill his graduation requirements while working full time during the day.

Throughout his early adult years, the self described partier jumped around from job to job. Jeremiah explains that he was always a hard worker, but just lacked purpose. He was searching for a sort of inner peace to ground him.

By the time he was twenty-two, Jeremiah had several outstanding warrants for his arrest and had a suspended driver’s license. Low on money and out of options, Jeremiah and a friend hopped on a Greyhound bus for a one-way trip to California to work on a cannabis farm. In California Jeremiah was able to save enough cash so that he could return to Texas and settle his legal issues. This was a turning point for Jeremiah. Back in Texas, he got a full-time job, paid off his debts and even enrolled in a local community college. There was still something missing. Jeremiah lacked a vision. He was missing purpose.

During the fall of 2014 Jeremiah’s life veered in a completely new direction. He started going to church and even joined a life group. By November, Jeremiah gave his life to Jesus and felt a passion to be a man of God in the marketplace. Jeremiah found his purpose.

As Jeremiah wrapped up his course work at the local community college, his plan was to transfer to University of Houston to continue his studies, but a mentor planted the seed to pursue a degree at Baylor University. With prayer, scholarships and a few twists and turns, Jeremiah started class as a Baylor Bear in the fall of 2017.

Jeremiah had two options for his Baylor degree plan. He could select one major and graduate in two years, or a dual-major and graduate in two and a half to three years. Jeremiah chose a single Finance major. That was a solid plan until Entrepreneurship Professor Tyler Self told Jeremiah about an opportunity for entrepreneurship majors/minors to earn additional scholarship monies. Jeremiah felt God asking, who have I made you to be? 

With his entrepreneurial DNA becoming more apparent, Jeremiah changed directions to pursue a dual-major of Finance and Entrepreneurship. Jeremiah jumped in feet first in the Entrepreneurship department by serving on the Entrepreneurship Student Advisory board and also volunteering with departmental events such as the New Venture Competition and Texas Family Business Awards. 

Jeremiah was recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship during his final semester at Baylor. A semester full of promises of new beginnings, however, took a very odd turn when COVID-19 changed everything. There were no final handshakes or goodbyes and even graduation was postponed to a later date. But to Jeremiah, what really matters is that he found his calling and his passion. He found his purpose. Jeremiah sums up his experience, “You have to enjoy everything God has planned for you along your journey, and remember it’s not just about the final destination.”

After Jeremiah completes his coursework at Baylor, he and his wife will follow an entrepreneurial path to join his dad at Intralife in Houston, Texas. Jeremiah is excited to use his classwork experience in real-time situations. Ultimately, the duo feels a calling for long-term mission work overseas. But Jeremiah explains, “For now, we are going to enjoy our journey and everything that God has planned for us in Houston.”

Following a road less traveled, indeed. Sic ‘em!

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.