The InNOLEvation® Mindset

#39 - From Arcade Games to Global Impact: Dr. Mark McNees' Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, student host Rosella Cruz turns the tables on the usual host, Dr. Mark McNees, to shed light on his entrepreneurial journey beginning from his childhood. Dr. McNees shares his first business experience at the age of 10, renting out video games to friends, and discusses various ventures leading up to and including his impactful venture, RedEye Coffee, which focuses on sustainability and ethical business practices. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. McNees reflects on his extensive educational background, touching upon the importance of education for entrepreneurs and the role of mentorship and coaching in fostering entrepreneurial success. The conversation delves into the challenges and learnings from failures, the significance of local entrepreneurs in enriching communities, and Dr. McNees' advice for upcoming entrepreneurs, emphasizing the diverse paths in entrepreneurship and the importance of ethical considerations in business operations.

 

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:19 A Unique Faculty Spotlight Dr. Mark McNees Entrepreneurial Journey 00:35 The Early Days: From Video Games Rentals to Entrepreneurship 02:40 Transitioning from Gaming to Diverse Ventures

04:43 Founding Red Eye Coffee: A Journey Towards Sustainability 09:34 From Heavy Equipment to Coffee: A Varied Entrepreneurial Path 13:48 The Value of Education in Entrepreneurship

18:14 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Embrace Failure and Drive 28:04 Concluding Thoughts and Outro

#38 - Esperance Therapeutics: Tackling Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU) with Synthetic Biology

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, we explore the groundbreaking work of Zachary Asarnow and Ava Polly from the FSU iGEM team, Esperance. Discover how this team is developing a cell-based therapeutic to address Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU), a rare genetic disorder. Learn about the impact of TMAU on patients' lives, the team's innovative approach using FDA-approved E. coli bacteria, and their journey through the iGEM international synthetic biology competition. The episode also highlights the support from their advisors, the hurdles they face, and their ambitious goals for the future.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Understanding iGEM and Esperance

01:09 Exploring Fish Odor Syndrome (TMAU)

02:50 Personal Experience with TMAU

04:16 Challenges Faced by TMAU Patients

05:07 Therapeutic Treatment Development

07:02 iGEM Team Structure and Roles

11:46 InNOLEvation® Challenge Experience

14:42 Student Journeys and Future Goals

17:53 Preparing for the iGEM Competition

21:07 Overcoming Obstacles and Defining Success

24:05 Support and Acknowledgements

27:41 Conclusion and Farewell

#37 - Navigating Career Paths and Embracing Entrepreneurship: An Interview with Tara Hackett

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, hosted by spotlight student host Totu Seitieva from the podcast class at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Tara Hackett, a seasoned faculty member with a rich background in retail and children's wear, shares her journey. Mrs. Hackett discusses transitioning from corporate retail to academia, the impact of having an entrepreneurial mindset, and the importance of connections and experiences in shaping one's career. She provides insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning, effective communication, and the importance of trying new things despite fearing failure. Hackett also touches on the unique opportunities and trends for young entrepreneurs, urging students to take advantage of college resources to confidently navigate their paths.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:48 Getting to Know Tara Hackett: Career Journey and Teaching Entrepreneurship

02:05 The Spark of Entrepreneurship and Transition to Teaching

03:52 From Retail to Entrepreneurship: A Professional Journey

17:25 Reflecting on Failures and Learning from Them

21:45 The Importance of Transparency and Seeking Help

23:01 Transitioning into Teaching: Expectations vs. Reality

28:00 The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education

36:28 Mentoring Young Entrepreneurs: A Personal Approach

40:30 Opportunities and Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

43:59 Continuing to Impact Students and Personal Growth

47:07 Final Thoughts: Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Fear

#36 - Innovation Through Entrepreneurship: The Gas Money Story with Robert Walker

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees sits down with Robert Walker, co-founder of the app Gas Money, discussing his entrepreneurial journey and the development of Gas Money. Walker explains how Gas Money, a freelance platform for high school and college students to perform simple tasks for homeowners, was conceived during high school and grown into a business with over 2,500 jobs. The podcast covers Walker's background, the challenges of starting and scaling a tech startup, marketing strategies, and quality control methods. It also delves into the importance of mindset in innovation and entrepreneurship, with Walker sharing his personal and business philosophy. Walker's journey from moving to Florida for college, changing his major after engaging with entrepreneurship, to Gas Money's current success and future aspirations illustrates a real-world example of developing a business idea from a simple concept to a functional model providing value to communities.

 

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:15 Introducing Robert Walker and Gas Money

00:29 The Origins of Gas Money

01:06 From High School Idea to College Entrepreneurship

02:36 Expanding Gas Money: Growth and Challenges

05:49 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition

10:06 Ensuring Quality and Building Trust

12:52 Future Aspirations and Expanding Horizons

15:33 Reflecting on the FSU Experience and InNOLEvation® Challenge

22:04 The Power of an Innovation Mindset

30:58 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

33:06 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

#35 - Behind the Scenes with Jim Moran College's Academic Advisors

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, student host Kailee Gordon talks with three staff members from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship: Lisha Stafford, the mapping coordinator; Erin Jones, an academic advisor for freshmen and sophomores; and Wil Joiner, the advisor for juniors and seniors. They discuss their roles in guiding students through their academic journeys, from selecting the right courses and majors to graduate certification. The guests also shared their paths to working at the College of Entrepreneurship. They advised students to make the most of their college experience, emphasizing the importance of research, engagement, and not fearing to miss out.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:23 Meet the Team: Roles and Responsibilities

02:29 Journeys to Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

04:51 The Advisor Experience: Challenges and Rewards

08:57 Mentoring Future Entrepreneurs: Strategies and Stories

15:28 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Students

19:01 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

#34 - Innovating Female Firefighter Gear: A Deep Dive with Dr. Meredith McQuerry

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees speaks with Dr. Meredith McQuerry, Carol E. Avery associate professor at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, about her groundbreaking research in textile science, particularly focusing on enhancing the design, comfort, and safety of personal protective equipment (PPE) for female firefighters. McQuerry discusses her journey in academia and research, detailing her contributions to developing market-ready prototypes for women in the fire service, addressing the unique challenges female firefighters face with current PPE, and her work with the dynamic sweating thermal manikin named ANDI. As someone passionate about improving firefighter safety through better gear design, Dr. McQuerry shares insights into the challenges and successes of her research, including securing federal grants for her projects and the impact of her work on industry standards and practices.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:14 Meet Dr. Meredith McQuerry: Textile Science and Firefighting Gear Expert

01:16 The Evolution of Female Firefighting Gear: Challenges and Innovations

04:52 The Importance of Anthropometrics in Designing PPE

09:56 From Research to Real-World Impact: Meredith's Journey in Textile Science

15:10 Funding the Future of Firefighting Gear: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

21:44 Meredith's Personal Journey: From Kentucky Farms to Textile Science

27:50 Entrepreneurship and Education: Shaping the Future of Textile Science

30:15 Advice to Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

#33 Finding Your Niche: A Journey in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast by Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, host Jamie Cantone interviews Totu Sativa, a finalist in the InNOLEvation® Challenge. Totu discusses her startup, Highlighter Cosmetics, emphasizing its focus on high-quality neon makeup for niche markets like the rave and music festival communities. She shares her journey through the InNOLEvation® Challenge, from initial application spurred by a friend’s encouragement to becoming a finalist and winning funding. Despite initial doubts and the challenge of presenting her business to judges, Totu emphasizes the growth in confidence she experienced throughout the competition. She plans to use the prize money to work with a chemist on her product formulas, aiming to eventually reach a wider market through strategic partnerships and influencer marketing. Totu’s story is a testament to the power of confidence, passion, and persistence in turning an innovative idea into a potential business success.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:28 Introducing Totu Sativa: A Journey from Makeup Artist to Entrepreneur

00:42 The Birth of Highlighter Cosmetics: Filling a Gap in the Neon Makeup Market

01:53 Targeting Niche Markets: From Rave Enthusiasts to Art Museums

03:29 Navigating the InNOLE®vation Challenge: A Surprise Journey to the Finals

05:10 The Pitch: Presenting Highlighter Cosmetics to the Judges

09:51 Future Plans: From Formula Development to Market Expansion

14:01 Empowering Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

16:59 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

#32 Innovating Entrepreneurship Education: A Conversation with Dr. Eric Liguori

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees welcomed Dr. Eric Liguori, Associate Dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU, to discuss entrepreneurship education, research, and practical experiences. Eric shared his academic journey, his role in enhancing entrepreneurship education through his previous position as the president of USASBE, and his research focus on entrepreneurship pedagogy, ecosystems, and public policy. He also talked about the unique structure and opportunities at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, his entrepreneurial experiences, and best practices in teaching entrepreneurship. Eric's perspective on the importance of community support, policy-friendly environments for entrepreneurship, and the advantages of interdisciplinary collaboration in entrepreneurship education were highlighted. The conversation also covered personal motivations and advice for students interested in entrepreneurship.

 

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:30 Meet Eric Liguori: The Journey to Jim Moran College

01:39 Exploring the World of Entrepreneurship Education

03:05 Diving Deep into Entrepreneurship Research

04:42 The Impact of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

11:54 Eric's Entrepreneurial Ventures and Insights

18:01 Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Insights from FSU

20:20 The Future of Entrepreneurship Education at FSU

21:51 Getting Personal: Life Beyond Academia

23:23 Advice for Students and Future Entrepreneurs

25:09 Parting Wisdom: A Message to Younger Self

26:37 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Tease

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Wild Hippie Cosmetics

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur Jeannie Castro shares the story behind her business, Wild Hippie Cosmetics. Founded in March 2023, Wild Hippie Cosmetics offers a range of all-organic, locally-made beauty products, including candles, bath salts, soaps, and a popular stretch mark oil. Jeannie discusses the origins of her business name, her business model, her experience selling in various markets and online platforms, and the challenges and successes she has faced. She also delves into her journey as a senior in commercial entrepreneurship at the Jim Moran College, highlighting the significant support from faculty members and valuable resources such as microgrants that have helped her business grow. Furthermore, Jeannie shares her plans for the future and offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:17 Introducing Jeannie Castro and Wild Hippie Cosmetics

00:30 The Origins and Products of Wild Hippie Cosmetics

01:48 Business Model and Customer Engagement

03:48 Popular Products and Customer Favorites

06:30 Jeannie's Journey: Student, Mom, and Entrepreneur

07:17 Leveraging Jim Moran College Resources

14:52 Exploring Future Plans and New Ventures

17:08 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

 

Empowering Student Entrepreneurs: The Student Made Journey

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, we dive into the inspiring world of Student Made. This organization supports student entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to sell their products and organize pop-up events. Co-managers Kara Artz and Natalie Medina share their experiences of launching and managing the organization at Florida State University, detailing their challenges and successes. From assisting creators with sales strategies to navigating the complexities of product licensing, the discussion sheds light on the incredible support system Student Made offers to budding entrepreneurs across various campuses in the United States. The hosts also explore future aspirations for the organization, including community outreach and further expansion. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring student entrepreneurs looking for guidance, inspiration, and a community that champions creativity and business acumen.

00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

00:43 Introducing Student Made: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs

03:00 The Roles and Impact of Managers in Student Made

03:59 Diverse Backgrounds of Student Made Creators

06:19 Expanding Student Made Across Universities

13:11 The Founding Story of Student Made

14:35 Marketing Strategies and Community Outreach

26:28 Joining Student Made: A Guide for Student Entrepreneurs

30:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs