EO Pulse: How EO Helped Me Buy a College
As a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP), I had the pleasure of attending the program’s 20th anniversary in 2012. I went in expecting to learn more about leadership, and left inspired to make an even bigger mark through entrepreneurship. I own an insurance brokerage firm, but it hasn’t been my lifelong passion. My heart has always been in giving back to children through education.
Several years ago, I researched “sleep away” camps for my kids, and found myself wading into an exciting industry. I was astounded by how much children learn at these camps. I knew deep down that I wanted to give young people the support they need to push their boundaries, grow their potential and excel academically. So with my EMP learning, I embarked on a new adventure— creating my own camp for children to expand their talents.
As I did the legwork, I was reminded of something EO Vancouver’s Brian Scudamore once told me. He advised taking a blank sheet of paper and filling it out with what your business could be without any limitations. I did that for my camp, and then researched locations for a place where entrepreneurs of tomorrow could be encouraged. I realized that a college campus was the best fit for my vision, and came across a property located in Owatonna, Minnesota, USA. In true EO fashion, I figured out a way to buy Pillsbury College with no money down. I didn’t have time to waste. I had less than eight weeks to reach my goal of opening the doors to “Camp Pillsbury.”
In June 2014, I realized my dream. That summer, 240 kids from 20 countries attended the camp. Ridgely Goldsborough, an EOer of 18 years who sent his children to Camp Pillsbury, said: “It was a priceless experience that my kids talk about frequently. To this day, they communicate with friends from multiple continents.” Rounding out my vision is the opening of Pillsbury College Prep in September 2015, which will offer an entrepreneurial environment and teach students to thrive. Thanks to EMP, I was able to fulfill my dreams. And thanks to EO, I’m changing the world, one camper and student at a time.
