Fresh Ideas for Real Entrepreneurs (FIRE)
The concept is simple, and that’s why it works so well: identify a real need of a regional entrepreneur, articulate that need in a simple message, and design a one-line objective with a hard deadline. If you meet the objective by the deadline, you’re paid a success bonus. Meet the Reh Center’s Fire Dept.
Students in the Fire Dept. gain valuable experience, and entrepreneurs get great support quickly. In spring 2011 alone, the Fire Dept. successfully completed 18 projects for small business owners served by the Reh Center and the Adirondack Business Center. Firefighters include:
Tori Budnik
Tori Budnik is a sophomore Innovation and Entrepreneurship major from Johnson City, New York. Budnik has held many roles at the Reh Center for Entrepreneurship. In addition to being a Firefighter, she serves as the student support coordinator. In that role, she trains new student interns and helps make their transition easier. On campus Tori is involved in Clarkson’s pep band. She is currently working at Johnson & Johnson through a full-time co-op until January, at which point she will spend a semester abroad in Hong Kong.
Brett Konopaske
Brett Konopaske is a sophomore Global Supply Chain Management major from Granby, Connecticut. In addition to the Fire Dept., he has also worked as a mentor with the North Country Grown Cooperative to assist farmers in developing business plans. On campus Brett is actively involved in the Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization, as well as the Clarkson Sports Car Club. This summer he has an internship in Hartford with Travelers Insurance. Brett looks forward to studying abroad in Hong Kong next spring.
Vince LaValle
Vince LaValle is a freshman Innovation and Entrepreneurship major from Niwot, Colorado. Outside of the Reh Center for Entrepreneurship, he is also the CEO of his freshman SB113/114 company. In his free time Vince participates in Clarkson’s intramural hockey league.
Ross VanNostrand
Ross VanNostrand is a freshman Business Studies major from Gloversville, New York. He was the first Firefighter to apply and be accepted to join the original Fire Dept. team. In his spare time Ross enjoys going to the local bowling alley for a few games. He also loves baseball and looks forward to watching the Red Sox play every year.
Matt Turcotte, Young Entrepreneurs
Matt Turcotte is a freshman Innovation and Entrepreneurship major from Clayton, New York. On top of being a Firefighter., Matt is the first student involved in the Center’s new Young Entrepreneurs program. At only 16 years old, Matt opened his own business called North Shore Solutions which assists businesses and municipalities with their website needs. He also wrote and published his own book on web design before entering college. On campus Matt is involved in the Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization and the themed housing that the organization has provided. Read more about Matt Turcotte.
