2023 RedHawk50 Event Program

REDHAWK50 GALA

March 15, 2024 | Music Hall

Event Program

WELCOME

Tim Holcomb, Professor and Chair, Department of Entrepreneurship Director, John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship

PRESENTATION OF THE USASBE AWARD

Julienne Shields, President and CEO of United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship

PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS

Greg Crawford, Miami University President

DINNER

REDHAWK 50 BY THE NUMBERS

David Shade, EY Partner

PRESENTATION OF THE REDHAWK50 CLASS OF 2023 CLOSING REMARKS

Tim Holcomb, Professor and Chair, Department of Entrepreneurship Director, John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship

WELCOME TO THE REDHAWK50 GALA

Honorees, Miamians, sponsors, and friends,

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the first annual RedHawk50 gala in Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall – an ideal place to celebrate Miamians making history and big moves in the business world.

You’re here because you understand the impact of great businesses and the importance of sharing your knowledge with the next generation of business leaders. Innovation is about action, and at Miami, our alumni are creating products and services that elevate society and expand job markets in their communities.

Our honorees are proof of that.

Tonight, we recognize the 50 fastest growing private companies founded or led by Miamians.

Our winners represent:

• 17 industries

• 14 cities around the world

• 12 high-growth companies featured on the Inc. 5,000 list

• 24 majors across every academic division

These companies are bringing new products and services to market, solving problems in their industries, and innovating better processes.

We’re grateful you’re here to celebrate the incredible contributions Miamians have made to the business community. Enjoy the evening, and we hope to see you again next year.

Thank you!

John W. Altman INSTITUTE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship, past winner of the Nasdaq Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence Award as the top entrepreneurship program and institute worldwide, has earned a “Top 10” ranking among public schools in The Princeton Review® and Entrepreneur Magazine annual ranking of the Top 50 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programs in the world for sixteen consecutive years (No. 7 overall and No. 5 among public institutions in 2024). Distinguishing features include small class sizes and teacher-scholars with founder experience that annually engage more than 5,000 students from every undergraduate major across campus; immersive, practice-based experiential learning opportunities in every class and in every co-curricular program; and access to entrepreneurial ecosystem builders across the U.S. and around the world.

Thank you To Our Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

James Lewis Family

Dave & Cindy Knox Family Fund

The 2023

AIFI

Steve Carlin

Software & IT Services

AiFi, a globally leading AI provider, empowers retailers worldwide to scale autonomous shopping solutions with 100% computer vision. Powered by the most cost-effective and flexible method of deploying cashier-less technology solutions, AiFi’s camera-only platform enables businesses to provide a frictionless checkout experience to their customers. AiFi’s technology works via cameras to allow efficient shopping for various store formats across multiple global retail segments.

Burlingame, California | Founded 2016

ALETA COUTURE

Manav Preenja

Consumer Goods – Apparel & Fashion

Founded in 2017, Aleta redefines high fashion by combining couture quality with affordability. Our unique approach involves handcrafting each piece with sustainable methods and rural artisanal skill, focusing on detailed hand-stitched embellishments and embroidery. Quickly becoming a global name across America, Europe, and South America, Aleta stands for luxury, sustainability, and artisanal excellence. Our collections, celebrated worldwide, embody innovative design and ethical craftsmanship, making us a favorite in boutique stores. Discover more at Aletacouture.com

Cerritos, California | Founded 2017

RedHawk50

ALIGN Jim Dooling

Software & IT Services

Align is a premier global provider of technology infrastructure solutions. For over 37 years, leading firms worldwide have relied on Align to guide them through IT challenges, delivering complete, secure solutions for business change and growth. Align is headquartered in Texas and has offices throughout the US and UK including New York, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Arizona, New Jersey, and Virginia. Learn more at www.align.com.

New York, New York | Founded 1986

ARRIVE LOGISTICS

Eric Dunigan, Matthew Pyatt

Transportation & Logistics

Arrive Logistics is a leading multimodal transportation and technology company delivering unparalleled service and custom strategic solutions. We are one of the fastest-growing freight brokerages in the nation, with exponential growth in both size and revenue each year since our founding in 2014. We are focused on one thing: defining a new standard for service in freight, pushing the limits of what’s possible for ourselves and our partners every day.

Austin, Texas | Founded 2014

The 2023

ARTICULATION LLC

Ruth Milligan

Professional Training & Coaching

Articulation is a training and coaching practice for executives in preparation of consequential communications.

Columbus, Ohio | Founded 2010

BHDM DESIGN

Daniel Mazzarini

Design – Architecture & Planning

BHDM Design is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design firm known for its “hospitality forward” approach: anticipating client needs, defining the built environment through compelling, unique and applicable narratives, and embedding elements of surprise and delight throughout the user experience. Under the leadership of founder and principal Dan Mazzarini, BHDM’s creative collective of designers, architects, artists and illustrators approach each design challenge with a fresh and discerning eye, bringing a zest for learning and excitement to each project for their clients.

New York, New York | Founded 2012

RedHawk50

BRIDGE INDUSTRIES

Jeffrey Berlin

Manufacturing – Renewables & Environment

Bridge Industries www.bridgeind.com is a private holding company founded in 2003 with a mission to buy and build manufacturing, engineering, and field services businesses while preserving a family business and entrepreneurial culture. Our products and services are used in diverse end markets such as industrial, energy, chemical, renewables, pharma, and food. Our holding company structure is designed to foster business collaboration within partner companies, while providing valuable strategic support and capital for their development and growth.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Founded 2003

CAMPBELL PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

Elizabeth Morey Campbell

Healthcare

Campbell Psychological Services provides outpatient psychotherapy and assessment to children, teens, and families in central Pennsylvania. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Liz Morey Campbell, a licensed psychologist, Campbell Psychological has grown to two office locations and provides school-based therapy in several schools. As a trauma-centered practice, we recognize and acknowledge the effects of adverse life experiences and trauma on our clients. We strive to provide effective trauma therapies in the context of caring, respectful relationships. As a Medicaid provider, we ensure individuals from all backgrounds can access high quality mental health services.

Carlisle, Pennsylvania | Founded 2016

The 2023

CLEVELAND KITCHEN

Mac Anderson

Consumer Goods – Food & Beverages

At Cleveland Kitchen, we believe in creating world-class culinary fermented foods for all. Fermented foods are regularly consumed within European and Asian cultures and we invested in finding a way for American consumers to simply and deliciously do the same.

Cleveland, Ohio | Founded 2014

COASTAL RIDGE REAL ESTATE

Jay Harkrider, Andrew Lallathin, Patrick McBride

Commercial Real Estate

Coastal Ridge is a vertically integrated real estate investment, development and property management firm exclusively focused on rented residential strategies across the United States.

Columbus, Ohio | Founded 2013

RedHawk50

COHATCH

Matt Davis

Commercial Real Estate

What started as a group of six friends wanting to find greater purpose in work and life, became COhatch. COhatch is a new way to work, meet, and live. WIth coworking space, private offices, meeting rooms, and event space, there are endless ways to use our locations.

Dublin, Ohio | Founded 2016

ELEEO BRANDS

Richard Palmer

Consumer Goods

ĕleeo brands is a collection of family-focused health & household brands that ensure a happier, healthier life is always within reach. eleeo was founded in 2020 by Richard Palmer and Mark Wuellner to attract and grow brands that deliver restoration and renewal. We are located in the heart of our city and focused on hiring individuals with barriers to employment. Our portfolio of brands includes two leading baby brands - Boogie (known for our patented Boogie Wipes) and Dapple (the #1 baby cleaning brand).

Cincinnati, Ohio | Founded 2020

The 2023

FC CINCINNATI Jeff Berding

Recreation & Travel – Sports

FC Cincinnati was founded in 2015 by Carl H. Lindner III and President and Co-CEO Jeff Berding, as family-first, community-minded, trophy-focused. The 2023 Supporters’ Shield winners play in TQL Stadium, which provides 26,000 fans with world-class soccer, creates jobs for the West End neighborhood, and hosts 300+ private events per year. The first-team, MLS NEXT Pro and youth Academy players train at Mercy Health Training Center – a $30M, 24-acre facility. The club’s commitment to serving the community shines through FC Cincinnati Foundation’s programs focused on soccer, education and character development that reach 28,000+ children annually.

Cincinnati, Ohio | Founded 2015

FIRE ROVER

Will Schmidt

Facilities Services

Fire Rover ensures the safety of your business by detecting and extinguishing fires before they start. Fire Rover remotely monitors high fire risk commercial and industrial facilities and when called to action, combats the threat with a targeted fire suppression agent. Fire Rover is a leading industrial fire prevention and protection company, dedicated to safeguarding businesses against the devastating impact of spontaneous combustion and industrial fires. Fire Rover specializes in advanced fire detection and suppression systems tailored to diverse industries, including recycling, waste management, and manufacturing.

Farmington Hills, Michigan | Founded 2015

RedHawk50

FLAHERTY & COLLINS PROPERTIES

Michael Collins

Commercial Real Estate

Founded in 1993, Flaherty & Collins Properties is a fully integrated real estate firm specializing in Development, Construction, and Management of Market Leading Multifamily Developments. Currently Flaherty & Collins operates in 9 states, employs nearly 450 team members, and oversees the homes of more than 25,000 residents. Flaherty & Collins pioneered the widespread use of public/private partnership in the Midwest beginning in 2007 and continues to work with municipalities around the country to attract young professional renters to their cities and towns.

Indianapolis, Indiana | Founded 1993

FOXEN

Jay Harkrider, Kevin Jacobson, Andy Lallathin, Patrick McBride

Insurance

Foxen provides easy-to-implement solutions that solve the challenges faced by the rental housing industry.

Columbus, Ohio | Founded 2017

The 2023

FREESTAR

Kurt Donnell

Media & Communications

Freestar engineers cutting-edge monetization solutions for websites and apps. Leveraging industry-leading technology, data science and massive scale, the company's passionate team of 200 ad tech experts enable busy website and app owners to seamlessly maximize revenue while freeing themselves of the hassles of ad operations. Freestar’s ever-expanding family of publisher and app developer partners reach over 70% of all U.S. internet users each month and provide unique opportunities for advertisers to reach their target audiences efficiently at scale. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, the company has team members spread across the world in thirteen countries.

Scottsdale, Arizona | Founded 2015

GOLDEN CERAMIC DENTAL LAB

Cydney Topaz

Manufacturing – Glass, Ceramics & Concrete

Golden Ceramic Dental Lab is a progressive full-service dental lab, specializing in manufacturing digital dental restorations to create beautiful smiles.

Prospect Heights, Illinois | Founded 2004

RedHawk50

HIDDEN HARBOR CAPITAL PARTNERS

David Block

Finance – Venture Capital & Private Equity

Hidden Harbor Capital Partners is a private equity firm which helps create business success stories by building teams focused on execution. We believe that great companies are built on a strong group of people as their foundation, and that businesses succeed when they are intensely focused on executing a small set of well-defined objectives.

Boca Raton, Florida | Founded 2016

INGOODTASTE Ryan Lindholm

Media & Communications

Our mission is simple: to make our clients more successful. Our values are Innovation, Service, Quality, and Thought and we’ve had them since the day we were founded in 2019. Our company tagline is “Change is Good.” It’s what we seek, how we push ourselves, and represents the change agents we look for in the world. We know if we fall into a pattern or a formula, we are buying into the very thing we seek to fight against; change only ends up further from reach. InGoodTaste joined the independent agency movement in 2020.

Tiburon, California | Founded 2019

The 2023

INTERLINK CLOUD ADVISORS

Matt Scherocman

Software & IT Services

Since our inception in 2011, Interlink has focused solely on providing exceptional support and solutions around Microsoft-based technologies. With our extensive knowledge, we educate and assist clients through their implementations and with improving their security posture. We coach our clients through the complexities of Microsoft, including their licensing rules, bundled offerings, incentives, and funding programs. By engaging Interlink, our clients can truly experience the Interlink Advantage.

Mason, Ohio | Founded 2011

JENNIFER MANNERS DESIGN

Jennifer Manners

Design

Jennifer Manners Design specialises in exquisite handmade rugs with a distinct focus on sustainability. The team works with the world’s most influential interior designers and architects, creating truly individual pieces for each project. The studio distinguishes itself by subtle colour use, a celebration of the handmade craft of rugs and a passion for sustainable practice and products. Eco-awareness is a driving force behind the company, resulting in a recent launch of their PURPOSE PERFORMANCE fibres, a collection of rugs made entirely from recycled water bottles.

Chelsea Harbour, London | Founded 2016

RedHawk50

KINETTIX

Chad Mattix

Software & IT Services

Kinettix, a global IT field services company founded in 2016 by Chad Mattix, focuses on innovation. Among the company's significant achievements are the creation of the Dispatch1 API-based service management platform and the establishment of the Global Operations Center in Cebu, Philippines. With over 100 employees, this center supports project coordination, marketing, accounting, and recruiting services. Kinettix has experienced remarkable growth and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in America, making the Inc. 5,000 list in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has been key to their success.

Cincinnati, Ohio | Founded 2016

KRUGER AND HODGES ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Joshua Hodges

Legal – Law Practice

Kruger and Hodges is a law firm dedicated to standing up for everyday Ohioans. Founded in 2018, and focusing on auto injury law, it has grown rapidly due to its excellent community outreach and focus on the client, many of which come from Ohio's many small and midsized towns. The firm has been at the forefront of the technological awakening occurring within the legal industry having implemented innovative processes both in case handling and marketing. This has given the communities it serves the option of hiring a local lawyer without sacrificing quality or representation.

Hamilton, Ohio | Founded 2018

The 2023

LOOP

Jonathan Poma

Software & IT Services

Loop is the post-purchase platform that enables brands, such as Allbirds, FIGS, Princess Polly and Chubbies, to transform returns into exchanges. Loop helps over 3,000 brands increase customer loyalty, retain more revenue, and lower reverse logistics costs. Through innovative features like Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, and Bonus Credit, Loop has helped merchants retain more than $900 million in revenue over the past five years.

Columbus, Ohio | Founded 2017

MAD RABBIT

Selom Agbitor, Oliver Zak

Retail – Personal Products

Founded in 2019 at Miami by two friends with a passion for ink, Oliver and Selom saw an opportunity to reinvent the tattoo aftercare and tattoo skincare space to help improve the healing process and preserve tattoos. After their own experience with the lack of efficacious products in the market, Mad Rabbit was born. Our “no nonsense” approach values clean ingredients so consumers don’t have to worry about unnecessary toxins and ingredients found in traditional tattoo skincare products. Our focus encompasses a full cycle routine from preventative + post aftercare to daily tattoo skincare solutions.

Los Angeles, California | Founded 2019

RedHawk50

MIDWEST POWER PRODUCTS

Will Angsten, Greg Jones

Manufacturing – Machinery

Midwest Power Products is a premier supplier and manufacturer of industrial power transmission equipment. Since 1992 Midwest Power Products has become a cornerstone of the power transmission industry through its support of fortune 500 companies in the fields of aerospace technology, steel manufacturing, food processing, air handling, hydro-electric power and military technologies. Representing more than 100 gearbox and electric motor manufacturers worldwide the business continues to see tremendous opportunity for growth through its in house applications engineering and onsite fabrication capabilities.

Miami, Florida | Founded 1992

MUGSY

Scott Dulany, Leo Tropeano

Retail – Apparel & Fashion

Mugsy was founded by Miami alum Leo Tropeano. Tired of the rigid and unflattering men's denim on the market, Leo set out to redesign men's jeans from scratch. Over the last decade, Mugsy has evolved into a full men's clothing brand relentlessly focused on making damn good-looking and insanely comfortable clothes.

Chicago, Illinois | Founded 2016

The 2023

NESTED SPACES

Whitney Vredenburgh-Sparks

Design – Interior Design

Founded in 2015, Nested Spaces focuses on home staging and interior design in the greater Indianapolis region. We are committed to providing the highest quality service and experience. Nested Spaces works with realtors, homeowners, builders, and investors to prepare properties and homes for the market. We also work with homeowners to design and renovate properties. Our goal is to help you get the highest return on your investment or love where you live.

Indianapolis, Indiana | Founded 2015

NO LAYING UP

Philip Landes, Todd Schuster , Chris Solomon

Media & Communications

No Laying Up is a company built around the goal of entertaining, informing and connecting a community of avid golfers around the world. What started as a group text among college friends has now grown into one of the most popular podcasts in the game of golf, and our archives include appearances from the biggest names in the sport. Outside of the podcast, No Laying Up also produces multiple video travel series, best-in-class writing about the PGA Tour and LPGA, a robust social media presence, and a thriving community of friends and fans.

Denver, Colorado | Founded 2014

RedHawk50

ORANGEWOOD PARTNERS

Alan Goldfarb, Neil Goldfarb

Finance – Venture Capital & Private Equity

Orangewood Partners is a New-York-based private investment firm that targets control investments in middle market, founder-led, family-owned businesses in non-cyclical and fragmented industries within business services and consumer services. Orangewood works to build companies into strategic assets in their industries to create long-term value for investors, companies, and communities.

New York, New York | Founded 2015

ORAZEN EXTRUDED POLYMERS

Michael Orazen

Manufacturing – Plastics

Orazen Extruded Polymers manufactures and supplies extruded polymer products for the commercial glazing and construction market. Our expertise and quality of work are unrivaled in the industry. Thirteen years ago Mike founded what is now known as Orazen Extruded Polymers. Orazen has grown to be an industry leader. The sustainable competitive advantage that Orazen has over its competitors is an incredibly strong culture that is based on valuing people and relationships and sharing the success of the organization with all the people involved in making it happen!

Aurora, Ohio | Founded 2012

The 2023

OROS

Michael Markesbery, Rithvik Venna

Manufacturing – Textiles

A material technology company that develops the most advanced thermal materials on the planet.

Portland, Oregon | Founded 2015

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE

Donn Davis

Entertainment

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.

New York, New York | Founded 2018

RedHawk50

RENOVATION SELLS

Michael Valente

Construction

In an industry known for unreliable contractors, delays, and budget overruns, Renovation Sells streamlines home renovations, offering design, construction, and financing under one roof. Our hassle-free process ensures on-time, onbudget results, often completing projects in just three weeks. As a locally owned and operated franchise, with 40+ locations nationwide, we prioritize customer satisfaction and equity maximization, with local Owners providing top-notch, personalized service tailored to each client's needs. At Renovation Sells, we're more than just contractors. We're the local, reliable renovation experts you can count on.

Chicago, Illinois | Founded 2020

REPUBLIC WIRE, INC.

Ronald Rosenbeck

Electrical & Electrical Manufacturing

Republic wire was incorporated in 1982. Our first decade we were a wire broker imported from Chile. In 1994, we built a 40,000 square foot building and started manufacturing wire with 27 people. That was the beginning of our expensive continuous growth and sales volume. We now have 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and a 320,000 square foot distribution center which is currently under construction. We currently have 200 employees, and our sales team covers the entire US and Canada. Our customers are electrical, industrial, and utilities wholesale distributors covering residential, commercial, industrial, and utility markets.

West Chester, Ohio | Founded 1982

The 2023

ROOTED GROUNDS COFFEE

Dave Knopf, Patsy Knopf

Consumer Goods – Food & Beverages

The founders of Rooted Grounds Coffee Company, Patsy and David Knopf, have always had a passion for delicious artisan coffee. After spending many years in the business world, they saw the opportunity to provide freshly crafted coffees outside the coffee shop. Kris Chari heads up national sales and led the expansion of Rooted Grounds Coffee to twenty-two states. Their mission is to be rooted in each community with local partnerships that have a meaningful impact on the people they serve. By selecting Rooted Grounds Coffee, you are helping your neighbors in need.

Mason, Ohio | Founded 2015

SAUCY BREW WORKS

Brent Zimmerman

Consumer Goods

Established in 2015, Saucy Brew Works is a craft brewery with six locations throughout Ohio. With the expansion of Saucy Coffee in 2020, they provide their guests with lifestyle options to start their day with a coffee till it's time for the happy hour beer. Recognized as the Best Brewery in Cleveland in 2019 and awarded the Outstanding Small Business Award in 2020 for pandemic efforts, Saucy Brew Works continues pushing creative and scientific boundaries while fostering growth in a positive environment.

Cleveland, Ohio | Founded 2015

RedHawk50

SEMIFY

Patrick Briggs, Amit Dixit

Media & Communications

Semify is a white-label services and software platform that helps marketing agencies, enterprise software companies, and franchises achieve digital marketing scale through on-time delivery of digital marketing services. Our superior digital marketing service fulfillment (focused on white-label SEO, white-label PPC, and white-label paid social advertising), US-based hands-on customer service, and commitment to our partners' success allows our partners to focus on their sales, nurture leads, and develop clients -- all while we handle the work behind the scenes. Our mission is to grow together and our services enable that for all who work with Semify.

Rochester, New York | Founded 2008

SPR THERAPEUTICS

Maria Bennett

Healthcare – Medical Device

SPR Therapeutics is a privately held medical device company, providing patients with a non-opioid, minimally invasive pain treatment option. Our SPRINT® PNS System fulfills a critical unmet need for a drug-free, surgery-free option for millions who suffer from chronic pain. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH SPR’s Leadership team includes experienced industry veterans with more than 200 years of collective pain market and MedTech expertise, all driven by our purpose - to improve the quality of patients’ lives by providing them with a minimally-invasive, drug-free, surgery-free solution to manage their acute and chronic pain.

Cleveland, Ohio | Founded 2010

The 2023

STENO

Dan Anderson

Legal Services

Steno is a tech-enabled court reporting company that offers exceptional court reporting services combined with purpose-built technology and deferred payment options. We were built by tech and legal experts who saw a need for a better experience. We remove financial and technical hurdles so litigators can focus on the case. From creating bespoke solutions for technical needs to providing flexible financing, Steno is revolutionizing the way court reporting is done.

Los Angeles, California | Founded 2018

TEX TICKETS

Mike Gau, Simon Landon

Entertainment

TEX Tickets is an international ticket brokerage, partnering with primary and secondary marketplaces to provide fans with tickets to the live events they love. Initially conceptualized in a Miami University dorm room nearly 22 years ago, co-founders Mike Gau and Simon Landon eventually turned their ticket sales side hustle into a business in 2018. In the six years since, TEX Tickets has grown to become one of the largest ticket brokers in the US - doubling revenue annually and growing to a team of more than 80 around the globe.

St. Louis, Missouri | Founded 2018

RedHawk50

TEXTBOOK PAINTING

Michael Murray

Construction

Professional painting, by the book! Textbook Painting is the fastest-growing and highest-rated painting company in Northeast Ohio since it was founded in 2006 by Michael Murray, immediately after graduating from Miami University. The company provides a unique "white-glove" painting experience to clients looking for a remarkable experience while updating the look of their home or business. Textbook Painting serves residential and commercial clients through interior and exterior painting services and carpentry, wallpaper installation, and power washing services.

Lakewood, Ohio | Founded 2006

TRANSACTLY

Edward "Coach" Weinhaus

Real Estate

Transactly is a real estate transaction management platform enabling transaction coordination across multiple providers. Rather than provide a software solution only, Transactly provides tech-enabled transaction coordinators as well. Once parties are engaged on the platform, Transactly assists movers with a marketplace of services required for a real estate transition. Transactly is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Louis, Missouri | Founded 2017

The 2023

UNITY SOURCING & ROASTING

Tyler Elliott

Manufacturing – Food Production

Unity is a wholesale roaster & specialty coffee subscription service, founded in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, California. We value strong relationships fostered with coffee producers across the globe, with a focus on buying vibrant coffees at higher prices from a select few families.

Vernon, California | Founded 2016

UPSHOW

Matt Gibbs, Adam Hirsen

Media & Communications

UPshow is the leading on-premise performance marketing solution powering digital screens for brick and mortar businesses. Its back and front of house platform provides interactive digital marketing, entertainment and communications to drive meaningful business outcomes. UPshow transforms your venue's TV screens into powerful and engaging digital experiences and creates a revolutionary on-premise network that drives customer, patient and employee behaviors directly from their mobile devices.

Chicago, Illinois | Founded 2015

RedHawk50

UPWEST

Jamie Schisler

Apparel & Fashion

UpWest is an apparel brand whose purpose is to provide comfort to people and planet. We do that through the clothes we design, the content we produce, and the causes we support.

Gahanna, Ohio | Founded 2020

VELLABOX

Adam Ellis

Consumer Goods – Specialty Retail

Vellabox, the first monthly candle subscription service in the U.S. and now large scale soy candle manufacturer, was founded in 2015 by Adam Ellis. The company emerged into the subscription box industry just as it was beginning to take off and is still leading the candle sector today with 750,000+ candles shipped. Evolving beyond its original concept, Vellabox now provides not only monthly subscriptions but also a curated selection of unique candle collections, home accessories, and customized product offerings for corporate clients. Every product maintains uncompromising quality standards rooted in exceptional ingredients, craftsmanship, and design.

Columbus, Ohio | Founded 2015

The 2023

XTREME XPERIENCE

Joseph Moore, Adam Olalde

Recreation & Travel

Founded in 2012, Xtreme Xperience has swiftly become an industry leader, offering access to a fleet of over 60 sought-after supercars on over 40 top national racetracks. In 2021, they introduced "Open Road" tours, allowing car and travel enthusiasts to savor unforgettable experiences on stunning routes from behind the wheel. In 2023, Xtreme Xperience diversified into in-house vehicle transportation with a trucking company. With over 400,000 experiences sold, a dedicated team of over 70 employees, and seven consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, their success is undeniable.

Chicago, Illinois | Founded 2012

RedHawk50

ZYLO

Benjamin Pippenger

Software & IT Services

As the enterprise leader in SaaS Management, Zylo enables companies to organize, optimize, and orchestrate SaaS. Organizations such as Adobe, Atlassian, Coupa, Doordash, Intuit, Slack, Salesforce, and Yahoo to control the rising costs and risks of SaaS while improving software adoption by employees and driving innovation.

Indianapolis, Indiana | Founded 2016

We don’t think our Secret Sauce should be a secret.

We believe all students deserve an educational experience that sets them up for success—beyond ready—from day one.

“Beyond thankful for the education, experiences, and incredible individuals I met. My Miami experience was nothing short of transformative, equipping me with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the 'real world' and seize numerous growth opportunities. Even following graduation, the support of our alumni community and the continued mentorship from faculty has allowed me to reach new heights that I will always be grateful for.”

Amber (Hallmann) Manna ‘18 President and General Manager L Street Collaborative, LLC

Top 10

PUBLIC UNDERGRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

16 YEARS IN A ROW

Princeton Review, 2024

No. 7

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM IN THE WORLD

Princeton Review, 2024

“I have so many friends at di erent colleges that are strictly doing busy work when I get the opportunity to create a business, invest in real companies, and connect with top talent around the country—and we call it class.”

Abigail Van Drunen ’24

Harness the power

FSB.MiamiOH.edu/GoBeyond

OUR WINNING RECIPE

INTERDISCIPLINARY

For the fourth year in a row, at least one student from every undergraduate major at the university enrolled in an entrepreneurship class. This creates a diverse, interdisciplinary environment that fosters creative creative thinking, strategic skills, and decisive action.

PRACTICE-BASED/IMMERSIVE

Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students engaging in experiential opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Through various co-curricular programs, they gain immersive experiences and actively solve practical problems.

ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATED

Last year, our students and student-led startups received mentoring, coaching, and advice from more than 800 angel investors and venture capitalists, social enterprise and accelerator directors, startup founders, social entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and other ecosystem builders.