Faculty Spotlight

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

JIM MORAN COLLEGE FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

The College features undergraduate and graduate faculty to give our readers a chance to meet and learn more of the individuals who shape JMC students' minds. These spotlights give you a chance to learn about what some of our faculty are up to inside and outside the classroom.

TRAE HACKETT | TEACHING FACULTY |

AUTOMOTIVE , COMMERCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is your role within JMC, and what courses are you teaching?

I am the Program Coordinator for the Automotive Franchise Entrepreneurship cohort. I am currently teaching courses in Experiences in Entrepreneurship, Automotive Accounting, and Leadership Development. I also oversee the Automotive Franchise Entrepreneurship Internship facilitated by Peter Boulware Toyota. What has been your favorite part of teaching entrepreneurship students? My favorite part of teaching entrepreneurship students has been seeing the growth of their entrepreneurial abilities once they ' re exposed to certain concepts and witnessing them apply what they ' ve learned to their own businesses. It ' s very fulfilling to experience young entrepreneurs going through the process of becoming business owners. I' m appreciative of students allowing me to assist them during this process.

Can you briefly tell us a little about your background?

My background started in sales and marketing with several reputable companies including Black & Decker, DeWalt, Aramark Uniforms, and ITC communications. Shortly after that, I ventured into car sales at Saturn in Charlotte, NC where I became salesman of the month six out of my first twelve months with the organization. Several job opportunities opened up for my wife and me over the course of the years that allowed us to move to various areas in the South and Midwest. I eventually transitioned into athletics, facilitating player development initiatives for several different universities. This brought me to Florida State University. I assisted student-athletes transitioning into college and prepared them for their life after sports by facilitating activities through exposure, education, and experience. Since I' ve been in Tallahassee, I started the SouthWood Street Market, which encourages entrepreneurs to market their local products, produce, and services to Tallahassee and surrounding areas.

Could you tell us about the new Automotive Franchising program and what kind of courses or opportunities there are within the track?

The Automotive Franchising program is a track of the Commercial Entrepreneurship major. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Peter Boulware and Peter Boulware Toyota to engage students to literally revolutionize the automobile industry through this program. Students will receive hands-on experience in every area of running a dealership including management, marketing, service, e-commerce, human resources, and supply chain just to name a few. The training students receive in this fast-paced environment is directly transferrable to any business endeavor they would like to

pursue.

The courses specific to this track are in auto sales, customer financing, auto accounting, auto operations, and other designated courses within the Commercial Entrepreneurship major. The opportunities that exist are endless because the automotive industry is ready to burst with industry advancements in technology. The antiquated methods of the auto industry must catch up with the evolving economy. This provides opportunities for fresh ideas and enterprising students to affect the car buying and service experience. In addition, they are working with Peter Boulware and his staff, who are rising stars in the automotive industry. As the organization evolves and grows through acquisition, there will be opportunities to contribute in various areas.