Quinnipiac Business Magazine Spring 2011

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

business SPRING 2011

Bullish on QU

Wall Street wizards in G.A.M.E. at 'The Bank' In the Cloud

Fast Lane

Minding Their Businesses

When she graduated from Quinnipiac in 2007 with a BS in finance and a marketing minor, Meredith Richardson stepped right into a two-year financial leadership program with United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford.

The program was designed to develop essential executive skills by offering participants a chance to experience four different assignments within UTC’s aerospace and commercial divisions.

After completing the program, she took a position as a financial analyst for the Black Hawk military finance division.

In that role, she is responsible for planning, analysis and forecasting of cash and aircraft revenue and costs.

Working with the pricing and contracts departments, she sees all aspects of Sikorsky’s multibillion dollar business.

Richardson helps recruit and mentor new entrants into the leadership program.

Each fall, she conducts an information session and talks to Quinnipiac students.

She stays in touch with those who have entered the program, offering advice and answering questions. She recently participated in several School of Business panel discussions in which she offered job-hunting tips.

In addition to her involvement with the School of Business, Richardson returns to campus to participate in alumni weekends and attend hockey games.

Meredith Richardson ’07 financial analyst Sikorsky Military Systems Stratford, Conn. meredith.richardson@sikorsky.com

business.quinnipiac.edu

Get involved!

Sikorsky financial analyst Meredith Richardson ’07, above left, meets with Matt Lesmeister ’10 and Milagros D’Elia ’10, from United Technology’s financial leadership program. Richardson enjoys helping students adjust from college to the working world. “It’s the little things you learn on the job––anything to make the transition easier,” she says.

business Vice President for Public Affairs Lynn Mosher Bushnell Dean, School of Business Matthew L. O’Connor Editor Janet Waldman, MS ’09 Director of Publications and Design Thea Moritz

SPRING 2011

Assistant Editor Alejandra Navarro

features

Senior Graphic Designer Cynthia Greco Manager of Photographic Services Mark Stanczak Contributing Writers Steve Higgins Lawrence Mohr Donna Pintek Stephen P. Schmidt Photographers John Diroma Susan Farley Stan Godlewski Robert Lisak Gale Zucker

COVER STORY

Bullish on QU pg. 6 6

TRENDS

Working in the Cloud pg. 14 14

Quinnipiac University 275 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518-1908 Tel 203-582-8200 email: business@quinnipiac.edu Quinnipiac University Business is published twice a year— fall and spring—by the School of Business and the Office of Public Affairs.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Quinnipiac University, AH-DVP, 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518-1908.

Editorial offices are located at the Development and Public Affairs Building, Quinnipiac University.

Quinnipiac University admits students of any race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, and disability status to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Quinnipiac University does not discriminate in these areas in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Giants of financial world convene at QU’s TD Bank Sports Center for forum on global asset management BY STEVE HIGGINS

More businesses drift toward digital solutions to access data, software BY ALEJANDRA NAVARRO ENTREPRENEURS

Minding Their Own Businesses pg. 18 Four alumni relate how ideas grew into careers

18

BY LAWRENCE MOHR

Alumni share marketing strategies Honing competitive skills

pg. 4

pg. 12

Advertising grad in the fast lane

pg. 13

departments 2 Dean’s Desk

22 Current Research

School of Business ranked

Professor Osman Kilic’s survey

among the best

finds hedge funds still popular

25 Department News

24 Students Making News Professor and two students

26 GradNews & Profiles

defend microloans in D.C.

Dario Amicucci ’01 Noreen Murphy ’86

32 Making Connections

Don Block ’72

Follow Quinnipiac www.facebook.com/quinnipiacuniversity Twitter@QuinnipiacU

dean’s desk

Bloomberg Businessweek ranks Quinnipiac among top 100 business schools in the nation MATTHEW L. O’CONNOR, DEAN

The evidence is in. The School of Business

keynote speakers, panelists, workshop pre-

is one of the top undergraduate programs

senters, and student-managed portfolio

in the country. Students, parents and

judges.

employers are increasingly looking for proof of educational value, and the

attracted more than 900 attendees repre-

Bloomberg Businessweek rankings are a

senting 24 countries to the University.

primary source of information.

Alumni were encouraged to attend as well,

The School of Business was ranked

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011 2

matthew.o’connor@quinnipiac.edu

and continuing education units were avail-

among the top 100 undergraduate busi-

able. Next year’s G.A.M.E. Forum will take

ness schools. The Bloomberg Businessweek

place in New York City on March 29–31.

rankings are based on a comprehensive

We are always looking for business and industry partners for student projects.

If you have ideas for projects that might benefit your business or firm, please contact us. Who knows what our students can do for you?

In addition to the speakers, G.A.M.E.

G.A.M.E. is not the only School of

analysis of admissions criteria, student

Business conference this semester. Thanks

and faculty quality profiles, and classroom

to the hard work of marketing professors

quality measures, such as student-faculty

Blaine Branchik and Brian Jones,

ratios and average class size; student serv-

Quinnipiac University and the School of

ices; facilities; and the quality of graduate

Business are sponsoring this year’s

business programs accepting our alumni.

Conference on Historical Analysis and

Most important, they measure satisfaction through comprehensive surveys of both students and key employers. Inclu-

Research in Marketing (CHARM) on May 19–22 at the New York Helmsley Hotel.

CHARM provides a venue for leading

sion in the Businessweek Top 100 is a sig-

academics from around the world to share,

nificant recognition of the quality of our

discuss and support research in all areas

programs and of the hard work, dedication

of marketing history. Not to be outdone,

and commitment of School of Business

David Cadden, professor of management,

students, faculty and staff.

was the principle organizer of this spring’s

While rankings reflect the quality of

Association for Operations Management

our programs, they don’t capture all of the

(APICS) third annual Northeast District

wonderful accomplishments of our stu-

Student Competition that took place on

dents and faculty. One of our most exciting

April 16 on the Mount Carmel Campus.

efforts over the last year has been the

We are delighted that the School of Busi-

inaugural G.A.M.E. Forum. Led by Professor

ness is both a sponsor and a host of this

David Sauer and his team of 100 student

year’s competition.

volunteers, this year’s Global Asset Management Education Forum included 92

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our American Marketing

Association student chapter for the wonderful job it did hosting its first regional collegiate conference. The full-day conference was held in the School of Business on Feb. 18 and featured several executive guest speakers, panel discussions and networking workshops.

Marketing students from several Northeast colleges and universities attended.

Is there a better measure of educational value than the successful application of classroom learning to real-world environments? Many of you know that our business students have the opportunity to manage a microloan fund targeting residents of León, Nicaragua. Not satisfied with their work in Nicaragua last January, juniors Kristen Helms and Nicholas Marr, along with their faculty adviser, Professor

Support Quinnipiac Rising

Xiaohong He, traveled to Washington, D.C., in March. Working with the Connecticut Community Investment Corp., they met with the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, members of the Small Business Administration, and House and Senate appropriations subcommittees to lobby for continued microloan funding here in Connecticut.

Our graduate students are just as passionate about putting their knowledge to work. Students in Professor Angela Mattie’s Health Care Quality course

elp us prepare future business leaders seeking a Quinnipiac education by making a gift to the School of Business today!

H

methods and examples provided in the course to practical and important health care quality field projects. Seven successful projects were delivered by student teams

Your contribution of any amount provides exciting and essential support to deserving students who truly value your assistance.

to area health care providers making contributions in such areas as catheter safety management and in decreasing patient wait times for radiology services.

As you can imagine, we are always looking for business and industry partners for student projects. If you have ideas for projects that might benefit your business

Log on to www.quinnipiac.edu/give.xml or send your designated contribution to Melinda Formica, director of development, School of Business, 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518-1908.

or firm, please contact us. Who knows what our students can do for you?

As always, thanks to our alumni for their

melinda.formica@quinnipiac.edu; 203-582-3735.

involvement, and thanks to the faculty and staff in the School of Business for their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. They are the basis for all of our success. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

recently were asked to apply the theory,

3

career

Alumni and others share marketing, networking strategies with students

BY STEVE HIGGINS

ment starts shows what can happen when

junior Kendall Keil at February’s American

you network, said Keil, who has had three

Emily Bloomfield ’06, a strategic pro-

Marketing Association Regional Collegiate

internships already. “I’m trying to find my

posal consultant with Aetna, suggested stu-

Conference.

niche,” she said.

dents join industry organizations and go to

The Quinnipiac student chapter of the

Indeed, the five panelists strongly

American Marketing Association hosted

suggested students take on multiple intern-

the daylong event, which drew more than

ships as well as network regularly with

80 students from Quinnipiac, Eastern

industry and school contacts. “Get as much

Connecticut State University, the Univer-

experience as you can before you gradu-

sity of New Haven, Western Connecticut

ate,” said panelist Meredith Richardson ’07,

State University and Johnson and Wales

a financial analyst with Sikorsky Aircraft.

The panelists also advised students to: • Gain leadership experience and time management skills by taking on executive positions with on-campus clubs.

• Keep an open mind regarding the type of work they would be willing and able to • Realize they might not land their ideal

“We wanted to become more active,”

job right out of college.

said Julianne Aerts ’11, student marketing

The other panelists were Kimberly

chapter president. “After winning two

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

alumni events sponsored by the University.

perform.

University.

4

“Find out what’s out there.”

The benefits of networking hit home for

awards at the regional conference last

Gerdis ’07, a research analyst with

year, hosting a regional conference was

Travelers, and Bobby Emamiam ’09, co-

the next step for us.”

founder of Prolific Interactive, a newmedia company.

Keil listened to a panel of five recent

Blaine Branchik, associate professor of

Quinnipiac graduates talk about their jobs, then introduced herself afterward and

marketing and faculty adviser to the AMA

serendipitously met Janette Lopez ’08, MBA

chapter, said the regional conference was a

’09, a regional marketing manager for

“marketing reality day” for the students.

ARAMARK, the corporate food vendor.

“They are learning how they will use the things they learn here in the business

The two realized they may be working together this June—ARAMARK is providing

world, and what it’s like to get a job in

food for the Travelers Championship golf

marketing,” he said.

David Eldredge, field marketing man-

tournament in Cromwell, Conn., and Keil recently landed an internship with the

ager for Massachusetts-based Dunkin’

tournament, where she will work in

Brands Inc., the parent company of

operations.

Getting acquainted before the tourna-

Emily Bloomfield ’06 gave students some prejob hunt tips.

Dunkin’ Donuts, shared with students how the company has changed its brand iden-

Five QU alumni returned to campus to participate in a jobs panel at a regional conference hosted by QU’s American Marketing Association student chapter.

tity over the years as consumer preferences evolve.

“The word ‘donuts’ is in our name, but we’re not all about doughnuts,” he said.

Dunkin’ Donuts was established in the 1950s as a place to sit and relax while enjoying donuts, but that began to change in the early 1990s; now, 65 percent of the chain’s business comes via the drivethrough window, and coffee has become the primary product.

Eldredge showed the students how the company has changed its logo over the years, reducing the size of the logo’s cup in the 1980s, and then increasing the size of the coffee cup.

Professor Blaine Branchik with former students Meredith Richardson ’07 of Sikorsky Aircraft, center, and Janette Lopez ’08, MBA ’09 of ARAMARK.

“Marketing is about brand relevance: The program also illustrates an inter-

How will your products and services meet

ing to try new things, from offering health-

consumer needs, and how well does your

ier meals to locating within Walmart

esting aspect of globalization, the fact that

brand relate to your customers’ lives?”

stores, hospitals, military bases and even

promotions that work in one region often

Eldredge said. He noted that the com-

cinemas.

bomb in another. The $5 footlong promo-

pany’s marketing officials often refer to

“We listen to our franchisees and their

tion would never work in other countries

the “4 Ps” of marketing, which the stu-

ideas,” he said. For instance, the most

where portions are smaller, Wilker said.

dents are now learning: products, position-

effective promotion in Subway’s history,

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, for

ing, price and promotion.

the $5 footlong sub, was started independ-

instance, Subway offers a “Sub of the Day”

ently by a franchise owner in south Florida,

promotion.

Rob Wilker, director of profit building

Other conference speakers were

and local marketing for Milford, Conn.-

and Subway founder Fred DeLuca noticed

based Subway, said the sandwich maker

the promotion as he drove by the store

Debra Leipman-Yale, president of Arcade

also is guided by consumers. As Subway

one day. Since the program was rolled

Marketing, and Jill Ferrall ’94, MAT ’96,

has grown to include 35,000 franchises in

out in March 2008, Subway’s U.S. profits

assistant dean of career services at

91 countries, the company has been will-

have gone up 20 percent, Wilker said.

Quinnipiac. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

doughnut several times, adding a coffee

5

cover story

6

On their

G.A.M.E. Giants of financial world convene at Quinnipiac for forum on global asset management | BY STEVE HIGGINS

The trio of economists who opened the

National Association of Realtors. Jeffrey

cussed the economy, alternative assets,

first Global Asset Management Education

Kleintop, LPL Financial’s chief market

stock markets and corporate governance,”

Forum at Quinnipiac delivered a hard-

strategist, served as moderator.

said David Sauer, the founder, managing

They were among 14 top leaders in the

director and program chair for G.A.M.E.

financial industry to interact with students

Sauer, a professor of finance, added,

“Economic transitions are always

on March 31, the first day. On day two, stu-

“Industry support for the conference is

tough, and many of the jobs we’ve lost

dents and faculty participated in breakout

extremely strong as reflected in the 68

aren’t coming back,” said John Silvia, chief

sessions and workshop presentations on

companies that provided 92 keynote

economist of Wells Fargo Securities, in

the Mount Carmel Campus with other

speakers, panelists, presenters and judges

response to a student’s question about the

well-known investment professionals. The

for this year’s program.”

need for a social safety net. “People have

forum concluded on day three with morn-

to move on.”

ing sessions that focused on careers and

year’s forum, which will take place in New

academic program development.

York City March 29–31 at the Sheraton

Americans’ minds today––jobs.

Those who have lost jobs in industries imperiled by technology or globalization

The G.A.M.E. forum attracted an

Sauer is already busy planning next

New York Hotel and Towers.

Both Silvia and Swonk emphasized

must seek out the training and education

international group of students, faculty,

they need to transition into other areas,

alumni and business professionals, with

the need for training and education if

Silvia said.

more than 900 attendees representing 24

Americans are going to compete with the

countries. Schools in attendance included

growing middle class and working class in

conference took place in the basketball

Colorado State University; Concordia

developing countries such as China and

arena of QU’s TD Bank Sports Center. Silvia

University, Montreal, Canada; Fordham

India. Swonk noted that the United States

was joined by Diane Swonk, chief econo-

University; Rice University; Villanova; Cal

was the No. 1 country in the world in the

mist at Mesirow Financial; and Paul

State, Long Beach; Pace University; North-

1970s in terms of the percentage of high

Bishop, vice president of research for the

eastern University; University of Toronto;

school students who went on to college,

and Indiana University to name a few.

but has fallen to No. 12.

The opening panel at the three-day

From left, economists Paul Bishop, John Silvia, Jeffrey Kleintop and Diane Swonk on stage at Quinnipiac’s TD Bank Sports Center, the venue for the first G.A.M.E. forum.

“The G.A.M.E. Forum provided an inter-

Kleintop asked the panelists what

national group of students and their fac-

effect rising U.S. debt and deficits could

ulty mentors with rare access to a group of

have on the economy going forward.

well-known industry leaders as they dis-

“The debt is already impacting the business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

nosed message on the No. 1 topic on most

7

“They offered some real insights. It’s great seeing them live rather than on TV, and they had a chance to make a more in-depth presentation.”

—Anthony Salerno ’97

economy,” said Silvia. “We knew the baby

look at the recommendations of President

tax rates to bring jobs back from overseas,

boomers were going to retire––there was

Obama’s recent bipartisan National Com-

noting that the United States has one of

no bubonic plague or World War III, so a lot

mission on Fiscal Responsibility and

the highest corporate tax rates in the

of us survived! Yet no one did anything to

Reform, which last year offered a blueprint

world. The No. 1 issue for businesses,

prepare.”

for reforming the economy.

according to Silvia, is the lack of certainty

Mounting debt will require an increas-

“We have not funded the promises we

about where government spending and tax policies are headed.

ing percentage of tax revenues to pay it off,

have made, and this is an opportunity to

which will leave less money for social pro-

do so,” said Swonk, who supports lower

Bishop said housing accounts for 15

grams. All three panelists agreed it is vital

corporate and individual tax rates, the

percent of the U.S. economy, so the contin-

for the federal government to get deficits

elimination of deductions (such as the

uing fallout from the housing collapse is

under control and tackle the looming issue

mortgage tax deduction), the elimination

holding back the recovery and job growth

of entitlement spending by reforming the

of agricultural subsidies, and raising the

alike. “Until the jobless rate comes down,

Medicare and Social Security systems.

age of eligibility for Social Security benefits.

we’ll still see a poor housing market in

Silvia also supported lower corporate

many regions,” he said. “It’s improving,

Swonk suggested lawmakers take a serious

but the housing recovery is pretty fragile.”

Bishop cited a growing gap between regions of the country where the housing market is doing OK and regions marked by high foreclosure rates. “I fear there will be too many people left behind,” he said.

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Once students began asking questions,

8

the panelists took a more positive approach. For instance, Amanda Leggio from Villanova asked how the United States can compete with China, and Swonk answered that the U.S. is still strongly innovative and entrepreneurial.

“Creating new businesses is one of our strengths,” Swonk noted.

Silvia agreed that the United States remains competitive in many areas, including manufacturing. “We are exporting great stuff, but we’re not employing many more people to do it,” he said. “We are very competitive in value-added man-

Eric Belgard ’11, right, questioned panelists along with students Brian Christner of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Amanda Leggio of Villanova University.

ufacturing, finance and capital markets, and health care.”

Bishop said the long-term outlook for the U.S. economy is good because it has a growing, productive population, unlike

Pros and cons of risk explained

many other countries. “Demographics are destiny, and both China and Europe have

When times are good, investors and business owners naturally take

older populations than the U.S.,” he said.

more risks. In the short run, results can be positive; in the long run, risk

Conn., said the University assembled a

can lead to overheated markets and the economic crisis the nation has experienced over the last three years.

In his talk on “The Cost of Capitalism,” Robert Barbera explored ways

great panel of speakers for the economy

the Federal Reserve Board could lessen the effects of this boom-and-bust

session. “They offered some real insights,”

cycle on the economy.

he said. “It’s great seeing them live rather

“One of the costs of capitalism is that periodically, when everybody’s

than on TV, and they had a chance to

made a bet with a lot of leverage and it starts to come up wrong, we have

make a more in-depth presentation.”

panic in the banking system,” said Barbera, chief economist of Mount

Jessica Warden, a senior finance major

Lucas Management Corp. and a

from the University of Colorado, said she

fellow in the economics depart-

learned a lot about the overall economic

ment at Johns Hopkins University.

picture. “It was really interesting, espe-

“Risk becomes so large that all

cially the discussion about the housing

we need is a small disappoint-

market,” said Warden, who came with a

ment, and the risky finances we

group of 12.

have in place can’t handle it,”

Quinnipiac accounting major Jacqueline

he said.

Montone ’11 said the conference provided

The government cannot afford

a great chance to hear from people who

to allow the banking system to

have been successful.

fail, so lawmakers have little

That’s a major reason why Marcus

choice but to step in and rescue

Ingram, associate professor of finance at

the nation’s major financial insti-

the University of Tampa, brought two of

tutions. However, that encourages

his students to Quinnipiac. “They see how

financial firms and investors to

financial professionals speak and act,”

take on more risk because they

he said.

know the government provides a

Robert Porter, assistant professor of

safety net, a situation known as

finance, quipped, “You cannot get any

“moral hazard.”

more real-world than these people.”

Without that safety net, Wall

University of Maine finance professor Robert Strong agreed. “Maine is a rural state, and attending these conferences allows my students to rub shoulders with

Street might be more likely to

Robert Barbera of Mount Lucas Management

back away from large risks after several years of economic expansion, as recessions hit every

students from bigger schools,” said Strong,

seven to nine years, Barbera said. Human nature plays a role as

who brought 10 students.

well––investors hope they will reap the gains of expansion years before

The economy was the first of four topics to be explored, followed by

getting caught in recessionary tailwinds.

Barbera believes the Federal Reserve could help smooth these economic

alternative assets. The second panel

ups and downs by focusing on asset prices as well as inflation. “The cen-

featured Joseph Battipaglia, market

tral bank can’t pretend that all it has to target is inflation,” he said. “The

strategist at Stifel Nicolaus; Philip Guziec,

Fed was responding to asset prices when they were going down, but it

editor of Morningstar OptionInvestor; and

never did when they were going up. That’s dangerous.”

Tobias Levkovich, chief U.S. equity strategist at Citi Investment Research.

Battipaglia, a fixture on CNBC and other

The Fed should consider tightening monetary policy when asset prices rise, not just when inflation occurs, he suggested.

Barbera approvingly quoted former Fed Chairman William McChesney

media outlets, got the ball rolling by stat-

Martin Jr., who said, “I’m the fellow who takes away the punch bowl just

ing that the opening of foreign markets

when the party is getting good.”––Steve Higgins

brings “a whole new ballgame” to U.S. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Quinnipiac alumnus Anthony Salerno ’97, a financial adviser from Stamford,

9

Above right, G.A.M.E. Forum founder and managing director David Sauer, center, with panelists, from left: Tobias M. Levkovich, Philip Guziec, Sauer, Jeffrey Kleintop and Joseph V. Battipaglia.

money managers of large portfolios but are not a good bet for individual investors, he said.

One student asked what strategy investors should take over the next year in light of the political turmoil in the Middle East and the multiple crises in Japan.

Guziec said the only way to minimize the risks inherent in global investing—or any type of investing—is to think long term rather than investing with an eye toward immediate profits. Levkovich agreed, saying, “Risks are always out there, in every era.”

Another student insisted that tighter

The forum attracted 900 attendees from 24 countries.

government regulations could protect

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

investors from risk, but the panelists dis-

10

agreed. “Markets tend to find ways around investors looking for ways to increase

doesn’t pay dividends, and you have to pay

regulations, and regulations generate a

returns or hedge risks.

carrying costs. If you buy it solely for

false sense of security,” Guziec noted.

To capitalize on the expanding growth in

insurance, that’s OK.”

Mike Burke, a junior majoring in finance at Western New England

foreign markets, Battipaglia recommended

Guziec said currently, gold and silver

investing in large multinational companies.

investing “has all the characteristics of an

University in Springfield, Mass., said he

“They know how to find growing markets,

asset bubble. It’s not an investment; at

is interested in the growing importance

and they can move their facilities around

best you get an inflation hedge.”

of exchange-traded funds and in

the world,” he said. “Let them manage the

As for more exotic forms of alternative

alternative investments.

“Either you win big or you lose big,”

risks of investing in China and other

investment, the panelists warned that most

emerging markets.”

can be dangerous unless you are a profes-

he said. “I think individual stock picking

sional money manager. “You can make big-

is still the way to go. You get the exposure

students against the current craze for

win bets in the equity options market, but

that you want.”

investing in gold and silver.

you can’t do it consistently,” Guziec said.

In an afternoon session moderated by

Investment vehicles, such as options

Guziec, panelists discussed the U.S. stock

Guziec and Levkovich both warned

“Gold has been a poorly performing asset over the years,” said Levkovich. “It

and futures, provide valuable tools for

market.

“The U.S. market is a little more attractive to the world right now,” said Richard Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Bernstein Advisors, LLC. He shared the stage with Ronald H.

Economist predicts boom-and-bust cycles will persist

Muhlenkamp, CFA and founder and president of Muhlenkamp & Company,

As the world emerges from an

Inc., and Louis G. Navellier, chairman, CEO

economic downturn, students

and CIO of Navellier & Associates, Inc.

who major in finance and

While emerging markets continue to

economics will enjoy a wide

grow, so does the inflation rate in each of

range of career options,

those countries. Brazil has an inflation rate

according to Robert Goodman,

of about 5 percent, while India’s inflation

one of the keynote speakers at

rate is between 9–15 percent.

the Friday portion of the Global

“We think of inflation as the value of our money going down,” Muhlenkamp said.

Panelists also said that borrowing to

Asset Management Education Forum.

“The opportunities for

buy well-priced stock isn’t always

someone taking courses in

profitable, noting that an investor would

finance today are outstanding,”

need at least a 9 percent return to make

said Goodman, an economic

up for the 6 percent it costs to borrow.

consultant for Putnam

Panelists noted the importance of

Investments and a regular guest

continuing to learn about the market and

on CNN and CNBC. “Wall Street is

the factors that influence it. Muhlenkamp

always looking for innovative

said much of what he understands today

people, and it’s more important

was not apparent when he sat in a college

than ever for the government to

classroom.

hire economists.”

“At least half of what you’re taught will

Goodman discussed economic

Robert Goodman, Putnam Investments consultant

prove to be nonsensical,” he said. “You’ll

cycles of boom and bust in his talk,

spend the next 40 to 50 years trying to

“The Emerging Economic Environment: Renaissance or Relapse?”

figure out which half.”

“I’d say there is a better than 50 percent chance we’re in a long malaise,” he said, explaining that boom-and-bust cycles result from the incompatibility of the capitalist economic system and the democratic political system. “Capitalism tries to use resources in the most efficient manner, but we have a democracy in this country, and we try to use When the nation allows capitalism to operate freely, as it did in the 1980s and 1990s, resources are allocated efficiently and markets grow, but wealth distribution gets skewed toward the upper end. People then demand a fairer distribution of wealth, but that results in less efficiency, less growth and flat markets, according to Goodman.

“We’ve given this current government a mandate to redistribute wealth in a more socially desirable way,” Goodman said. “The outcome is predictable—less production, higher unemployment and higher inflation.

And the equities market will not do as well.”

Stimulus spending by the Bush and Obama administrations was the right response to the economic crisis and helped avert a fiscal meltdown, Goodman said. But now it’s time for policymakers to focus on the nation’s long-term economic problems—sky-high budget deficits and costly social

Louis G. Navellier speaks with QU students.

The CEO of Navellier & Associates edits four stock advisory newsletters.

entitlement programs, he said.—Steve Higgins

business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

resources in a socially desirable way,” he noted.

11

teamwork

Students hone competitive edge outside classroom

think on our toes, making high-frequency trades on the basis of a newsfeed on our laptops,” Belgard said.

QU’s team (which also included Bradley Cronister ’11, Maloney and Napolitano)

If anyone thrives on competition, it’s got to

economy to make recommendations to the

came in 17th of 50 in the algo-trading cate-

be Eric Belgard ’11. The finance and eco-

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston economics

gory, and many of the competitors fielded

nomics double major competed in four

staff about monetary policy. “It forced us

teams composed of graduate students.

major contests this academic year while

to understand how the economy works,”

Kilic described it as a “who’s who of busi-

also making time to serve as president of

Belgard said.

ness schools.”

the School of Business Investment Club.

For the Investment Research Challenge

“These opportunities give our students

sponsored in February by the New York Soci-

something to differentiate themselves both

dozen regional and national competitions

ety of Security Analysts, or NYSSA, Belgard,

on resumes and on job interviews in this

each year, going up against such universi-

Todd and teammates Ryan Maloney ’11,

competitive market. They can talk about

ties as Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth,

Nick Napolitano ’11 and Evan Pawelk ’11

competitions they’ve been in and be one

Brown and MIT.

made a presentation to Wall Street finan-

step ahead of other applicants,” Kilic said.

Business students participate in about a

“Competing gives me experience I can’t

ciers on whether to buy, sell or hold stock in

Other competitions in which students

find in a textbook,” said Belgard, citing last

a utility company. “They tried to poke holes

compete include the APICS Northeast Dis-

fall’s Fed Challenge regional contest in

in our arguments to make sure we under-

trict competition (Advancing Productivity,

Boston as an example. “We did fairly well,

stood what we were talking about,” recalled

Innovation and Competitive Success); the

losing in a preliminary round to the team

Belgard, who is considering an employment

National Student Advertising Competition;

that actually won the national champi-

offer from Morgan Stanley.

the AITP (Association of Information Tech-

Finance Professor David Sauer, their

nology Professionals) and the IT Case Com-

adviser, said, “The finance industry is very

petition. MBA students compete in the ACG

the increasing caliber of students enrolled

competitive, and these contests are good

Connecticut Cup Competition hosted by

in the School of Business. Quinnipiac was

confidence builders.”

the Connecticut chapter of the Association

onship,” he said.

The competitions also serve to spotlight

ranked No. 91 on Bloomberg Business-

Sean Reid, associate professor of

for Corporate Growth.

“When students compete, they take

week’s Best Undergraduate Business

finance and former NYSSA adviser, said,

Schools 2011 list, the only Connecticut

“People step up their game when there is a

ownership of knowledge and push their

school recognized.

perceived competition.” Belgard’s third

ideas beyond an academic exercise,” said

major competition took place in Toronto,

David Tomczyk, assistant professor of man-

mates (Eric Grabowski ’12, Tim Kurowski ’11,

Canada, in February, where Professor

agement. Tomczyk collaborated with jour-

Chris McGuire ’12 and Bridget Todd ’11) had

Osman Kilic took the team for the Interna-

nalism instructor Brett Orzechowski to

to bone up on current events affecting the

tional Trading Competition. “We had to

plan the first Media Innovation Collabora-

Belgard and his Fed Challenge team-

tive (MIC) Competition that took place April through May. In contrast to its predecessor—the QU Business Plan Competition—

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

the new contest mandated that student

12

business plans incorporate new media as a key component of their business. And, for the first time, communications students and business students were encouraged to form interdisciplinary teams.

While awaiting the MIC finals in May, the team of Ben Wald ’11 and Morgan Zollman ’12 decided to enter the Connecticut Business Plan Competition in April and walked away with the prize for the best business venture. Their business, My Kiducation, converts current events into interactive children’s stories for iPad and tablet deployment. They bested 15 other graduate

NYSSA team members, from left: Evan Pawelk, Eric Belgard, Ryan Maloney, Nick Napolitano and Bridget Todd, all Class of 2011.

and undergraduate teams from universities across the state and collected $3,500.

Advertising grad lives life in the fast lane Absolutely thrilling.

That’s how Amy Taub ’08 describes zooming from zero to 189 mph in 7.2 seconds, her record practice time in the shiny black dragster she helped to assemble.

Taub of Setauket, N.Y., will begin competing this summer for T&F Racing, traveling to National Hot Rod Association races in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

She has been involved with racing since the summer after she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in advertising. She joined the crew at T&F Racing, which was founded by her father, Timothy, who has been building race cars for years. Growing up, she and her two sisters had gas-powered go-karts “that probably went a little faster than they should have,” Taub recalls.

Although her advertising major with minors in history and management provided Taub with a great education, she chose to immerse herself in racing for a while and think about her next step. She decided she would rather sell important ideas than products and embarked on a totally different track, pursuing a graduate degree in international

Amy Taub ’08 drives a hot rod.

public service and development at Rutgers University in Camden, N.J. She fits drag racing in between classes.

Taub, a licensed race car driver, and the T&F team test and tune their Pro Mod cars at Atco Raceway and Englishtown Race-

like the finish line is running toward me,

of her degree. She will work with a non-

rather than me running after it,” she says.

governmental organization called BuildOn

But the truly impressive thing about rac-

to construct schools for communities in

ing is what happens off the track and under

need as well as other community develop-

inherent danger in the sport, she earned a

the hood. “I’m constantly learning from my

ment projects.

race car driver’s license after taking a

team members and hope to acquire the

course in Florida her sophomore year.

level of skill and precision that allows them

family business, it is also something that I

to build such fast cars,” she adds.

get to share with the people I love. I hope

way, both in New Jersey. Because of the

“It’s a really cool thing to be behind the wheel. The acceleration…it draws you into the back of your seat. On a great run it feels

In October, she will move to Nicaragua for a year to complete the last nine credits

But racing will remain a passion. “As a

to have the opportunity to keep racing for a very long time.”––Janet Waldman business.quinnipiac.edu

13

technology

14

Working in the

CLOUD More businesses drifting toward digital solutions to access data, software | ALEJANDRA NAVARRO

Cloud computing is becoming an essen-

A few days before any corporate board of

store digital stuff. As a young industry, it

directors meeting, a heavy package usually

still faces challenges—the biggest one

tial tool for many business professionals,

lands on the desks of board members. Sent

being security, but that’s changing.

including DiLandro. He works in upstate

“As directors are becoming more

New York for the Shelton, Conn.-based

includes a thick binder with hundreds of

technically savvy and younger generations

business. He and his sales team use

pages of private company information that

are becoming directors, there is a push

Cisco’s WebEx for online meetings and

executives must lug to the next meeting

to receive board materials online,” said

salesforce.com to manage client informa-

for discussion.

Joseph DiLandro ’05, eastern sales

tion. Documents remain in the cloud and

manager for North America at

accessible via the Internet, not just on one

resent different companies, are reluctant

Computershare Governance Services.

computer.

to exchange information through work or

“These companies have become more

private email accounts because the

comfortable with the security used in

prospective clients, and I need to have

accounts may have varying degrees of

cloud computing.”

quick access to information,” he said.

Directors of corporate boards, who rep-

security. Moreover, the size of documents can make sharing via email difficult.

His company offers several web-based

“I travel quite frequently, meeting with

Google Docs is one of the most widely

applications including BoardWorks.

used cloud services, providing a limited

Specifically for corporate governing boards,

amount of free storage and access to

bers are finding that they do their best

BoardWorks is an application platform

online software for general users. Google’s

thinking “in the clouds.”

designed to securely host and distribute

Apps for Business offers more advanced

documents. Instead of transporting

features for companies. Well-known cloud

are turning to “cloud computing” to store,

cumbersome documents, the service

service providers such as Google,

share and access data. Cloud computing is

provides a collaborative online portal that

Microsoft, AT&T and online sales giant

a creative way to describe work done over

allows directors to securely access board

Amazon are facing stiff competition from

the Internet as opposed to on a desktop

documents and collaborate with other

new and specialized cloud providers such

computer. Cloud service providers house

board members electronically.

as Rackspace and Terremark Worldwide.

There is a third way. Some board mem-

Companies, boards and organizations

The demand for these services is strong.

clients’ data on their servers, provide soft-

Traditionally, companies have pur-

ware clients can use online—in the cloud

chased software licenses and maintained

From corporations and colleges to

—without being installed on a local com-

the software in-house. Today, businesses

schools and the family down the street,

puter, and offer platforms that allow

have a greater comfort level using software

everyone has more data: databases,

mobile devices to access the information.

hosted by a company as a service. Nearly

videos, photos and podcasts—and the

80 percent of Computershare Governance’s

software programs to create and manipu-

for a few reasons: it’s convenient, it’s eco-

new clients use the software it hosts, said

late these files.

nomical, it increases efficiency, and it

DiLandro, who graduated with a degree in

meets companies’ ever-growing need to

entrepreneurship.

Interest in cloud computing has risen

“Companies are starting to accumulate more and more media files, and that is one business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

by overnight mail or messenger, it typically

15

of the big problems,” said Thomas Morling, father of Todd Morling, a first-year business student. Morling is based in Topanga, Calif., and is a senior account executive for North Plains, a digital asset management company specializing in managing media files.

Cloud computing is like storing data in someone else’s locked garage—one that can hold “petabytes” of data. A petabyte equals one million gigabytes and it takes about 1,000 megabytes (the size of a photo is about 1 megabyte) to make one gigabyte.

Consider this: One petabyte is equiva-

Joseph DiLandro ’05 says convenience attracts many companies to avail themselves of cloud computing services.

lent to the information held in the books of 1,000 large libraries. Although compa-

and servers became more available. Com-

used. Using cloud providers, a company

nies typically do not divulge the size of

panies began buying servers to have com-

can “rent” space on the server.

their databases, eBay’s database is

plete oversight over data. In the 1990s,

expected to reach 20 petabytes by next

business became more global, the Internet

have elasticity of usage,” said Keith Levine

year, according to ZDNet.com.

became more widely used, and mobile

’09, MBA ’10, who works in assurance serv-

devices grew in popularity. By the end of

ices at Ernst & Young in Iselin, N.J. Today,

other than a personal hard drive. People

that decade, companies were beginning to

he uses cloud computing on the job to

use Flickr and Shutterfly to store and

offer data storage accessible over the

share and simultaneously edit documents.

share photos and Digg to archive and rank

Internet, as well as platforms to access it.

“If your company grows, you have the flex-

Today, it’s easier to keep data in places

news stories. Others have ditched CDs and

“The beauty of the cloud is that anything with a browser—from an iPhone to

With its wide network of connected

Pandora, the online radio.

your computer—can access information,”

users, cloud computing makes it easier to

Morling said.

maintain software.

Likewise, many companies are turning

“The real cost is in the maintenance of

Low costs in the cloud

software—fixing bugs and producing

More than ease, companies are flocking to

enhancements,” Morling said. “In cloud

Retro technology

cloud computing because it’s cost effec-

computing, you can make those changes

The idea of renting server space is not new.

tive. Buying and maintaining servers is

once on the server, and everyone is

expensive, as is software and necessary

updated instantaneously.”

rising mountain of data.

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

ibility to increase the space you’re using.”

MP3 music files altogether and turned to

to cloud services to house and secure this

16

“You only pay for what you use; you

“Cloud computing is very similar to the old time-share model,” said Morling. He joined Intel in the mid-1970s and has seen

network security.

“Over the last 10 years, companies have

In some industries, it is critical to have current software. Some corporate legal

the technology industry transform over

looked at cutting costs in all areas,” said

departments, for example, rely on cloud

the decades.

Bruce White, professor of information sys-

software because it is regularly updated

tems management. “It makes sense to out-

for industry changes, such as new SEC

source what is not core to your business.”

regulations or tax codes.

In the 1980s, large companies had mainframe computers. People sent requests for information, and the data was

A CPA who does not have the techno-

Cloud computing can save on staffing

manipulated on the mainframe. Smaller

logical expertise to manage this area, for

costs. A company using it may need just

companies purchased space on mainframe

example, could turn to a cloud provider,

one or two IT employees, instead of a

computers.

said White.

department, to oversee the data and the

The personal computer revolution that

When a company buys a server, it is

service provider. Even as companies trim

followed moved work from the mainframe

purchasing a set amount of data space

IT positions, career opportunities exist at

to the desktop. PCs became more powerful,

regardless of whether or not that space is

cloud computing companies, as well as for

those who know how to manage data.

puting sites offer services in exchange for

Cloud computing is not only shaping

access to the information stored, which is

how people do business, but also the tools

tion Systems Strategies, a graduate course

why users should be aware of what is

we use. Desktop computers, for example,

that discusses managerial issues in cloud

stated in user agreements.

may need to have fast processers to run

This spring, White is teaching Informa-

computing. Familiarity in cloud computing should not be left to just IT professionals.

Cloud providers aimed at corporate

complicated programs, but may not need a

America are aware of this concern.

larger storage capacity as more data and

DiLandro explained that Computershare

applications move from the hard drive to

what the cloud is and understands the

employees access only the backend of

the cloud, Morling said. Will there still be a

benefits and disadvantages of using cloud

BoardWorks—the technology behind the

need for external hard drives, flash drives,

computing,” White said.

browser—and do not have access to

laptops or the already disappearing CD?

“It’s important that the CEO knows

encrypted content. Members of a corporate

Cloud computing also is influencing

Security challenges

board of directors, who are dealing with

how companies and people use the infor-

Not being able to access data—or losing it

sensitive issues, expect this level of

mation being stored. Morling said he’s

—is the most pressing concern for cloud

security.

eager to see what new ideas and solutions

users, particularly for businesses that hold

Security is one of the reasons White

personal and financial information. “Data

expects large cloud providers to prevail in

from the information sharing that now can

is the lifeblood of any organization,” said

the battle for clients.

take place. He notes that social networking

White. Last year, he worked with Levine to

“Cloud computing will continue to

—in both business and society—emerge

sites, based on cloud technology, helped

create a case example that highlighted

grow,” White explained. “The profitable

spur the uprisings in Egypt.

some of the managerial issues that emerge

players will get larger, and the small play-

“In the cloud,” he said, “people are taking

when companies move from on-site

ers will go out of business or specialize in

raw data and making it meaningful and

servers to a cloud provider. The Journal of

specific industries.”

socially active.”

Cases on Information Technology has accepted it for publication.

Companies need to find out if the cloud provider has sufficient encryption, firewalls and other security controls, said Levine, noting some of the conclusions he found in the case study with White. “If sure you do your due diligence on the service provider,” he said.

Levine recommends diversifying providers. To avoid problems if a cloud service provider goes out of business, companies could protect data by having one company store data and another company provide a disaster recovery plan or data backup, he said.

In a cloud, data from multiple companies is housed in the same area. Levine suggests asking the service provider how it keeps data segregated. Reputable companies will be up front about the security they have in place, he said.

White notes that some free cloud com-

Professor Bruce White teaches a graduate course in which he discusses managerial issues in cloud computing. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

you’re a small company, you need to make

17

entrepreneurship

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

David Katz ’75 breaks in baseball gloves by hand for customers.

18

Minding their

OWN businesses

LAWRENCE MOHR

Some 600,000 new businesses are launched in the United States annually.

Quinnipiac Business took at look at four diverse alumni businesses––from baseball gloves to new media marketing––in various stages of growth. We asked our alumni how they got started and what they can share about being entrepreneurs.

Put me in, coach

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

on technology. I have a website

David Katz ’75 is to baseball gloves what

Some years ago, I bought a small sporting

(www.katzgloves.com), but customers are

Stradivarius was to violins.

goods store from my brother and his

asked to call me for the right glove. They

friends. As an active baseball player, I

cannot order on the site; they have to talk

Katz Sport Shop in Meriden since the

focused primarily on a large inventory of

to me first. I refuse to be just another

mid-70s knows how to break in a

baseball gloves. Having broken in my own

Internet “superstore.” I treat each glove as

glove properly. For nonplayers, “breaking

gloves for years, I assumed everyone knew

if it were my own.

in” is taking a stiff piece of leather and

how to do it. As an experiment, I decided

making it supple, an extension of a

to break in a few gloves prior to selling

WHAT ARE THE UPS AND DOWNS

player’s hand.

them, and everyone loved them. Over the

OF YOUR BUSINESS?

years I’ve become something of a “well-

I get to meet some great people who love to

premium-quality gloves for serious play-

known secret” and have developed a loyal

talk baseball and sports. On the flip side, I

ers. I break in each glove completely by

following encompassing the state of Con-

have difficulty with rude people who take

hand before it is sold,” Katz says.

necticut as well as parts of Massachusetts

cell phone calls during a conversation.

“I have developed my own Katz line of

He also offers a break-in service for

and New York.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE

existing gloves. Although he markets mostly to a youth audience, he has worked

AREN’T YOU KNOWN FOR YOUR

FOR FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS?

his trade secret process for players and

UNIQUE BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

Try to do something that you really enjoy

celebrities, among them professional

I don't know if it’s unique, but it’s how I

and something at which you’re reasonably

sports agents Seth and Sam Levinson; Hol-

would like to be treated. I insist on doing

good. But mostly, be true to yourself and

lywood producer Gary Ross; and Caroline

business the old-fashioned way—person-

your own values.

Kennedy (for her son).

to-person with a minimum dependence

dkatz17@aol.com

Charlene Chiaro ’88, right, chats with Jenna Block ’11, a marketing major who recently served as an intern for Chiaro’s event-planning business. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

The marketing major and owner of

19

There’s no business like show business

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

take a risk. Even if you don’t get it right the

We do everything from securing the loca-

first time, stay with it. I believe taking a

Charlene Chiaro ’88 owns Clear Vision Pro-

tion, selling the booths, sponsors, enter-

risk is better than doing nothing. At the

ductions, LLC, a 3-year-old business that

tainment, coordinating the night’s sched-

same time, surround yourself with positive

produces popular “women-focused” expos

ule, selling tickets, planning the advertis-

people who believe in you. Have a vision

throughout New England. With more than

ing and marketing program, public rela-

and keep working toward it every day.

20 years’ experience in marketing and

tions, and then we manage everything the

Charlene@AClearVisionProduction.com

sales, the marketing major has created a

day of the show.

Field of dreams

successful business design. Prior to starting her company, she was the associate pub-

WHERE DID YOU COME UP WITH

The baseball field at Quinnipiac spawned a

lisher of New England Bride magazine for

THE IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

friendship between Bobcats catcher Bobby

10 years, during which time she produced

It was an extension of what I was doing

Emamian ’09 and pitcher Eric Weber ’08

60 bridal shows. She also has held various

as associate publisher of the magazine. I

that has morphed into a high-tech busi-

management positions with New Mass

grew up in a family-owned business, and I

ness partnership. Emamian is the CEO of

Media, the Journal Register Company and

always knew I wanted to run my own

Prolific Interactive in New York City, and

Summagraphics Corp. In 2009, Business

company. I think it must be something in

Weber is Prolific’s technical leader “on the

New Haven honored her as a “Rising Star.”

your personality. My sister, for example,

mound.” In college, they spent their off-

has a fashion accessory business in New

hours building websites for businesses

WHAT DOES YOUR

York. Owning a business is either in you

around the Hamden area. In April 2009,

COMPANY PROVIDE?

or it’s not.

they were working on websites out of their Hamden office and created the Quinnipiac

We plan and produce a full evening of entertainment, information and fun espe-

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE

cially for women. In Connecticut, we are in

TO QUINNIPIAC STUDENTS?

University Athletics iPhone application.

Next, they brought Tyler Brett ’08,

the process of producing our sixth “Fun

Without a doubt, do as many internships

another baseball teammate, on board. Hir-

Girls Night Out” event at the Oakdale The-

as possible before you graduate. You simply

ing QU student interns allows them to

atre in Wallingford, Conn. This event fea-

cannot understand a business unless you

grow their marketing and sales team, as

tures everything from a martini bar, wine

have experienced it first-hand. In fact, I

well as their design and development

tasting, food sampling, mini-beauty

now employ four to five Quinnipiac interns

efforts. They describe the business as a

makeovers and fashion to fitness, health

each semester. Being an intern in a small

full-service, new media digital agency that

and wellness, dancing and shopping. We

company allows you to gain experience

offers mobile applications, social media

also give a portion of our night’s proceeds

you would never receive elsewhere. And

marketing campaigns, websites, Facebook

to a charity that helps women and children.

don’t be afraid. I know it’s scary at first, but

fan pages, augmented reality, and digital design services. Besides Quinnipiac, their clients include Scholastic, the Big East Conference, the NBA, Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia, AOL, MTV and XXL Magazine.

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Emamian answers our queries, below.

20

HOW WAS YOUR BUSINESS IDEA CONCEIVED? We both liked technology: Eric was the techie in interactive, and I was in business.

After I graduated (Eric had been working for a year), we decided to take the risk of starting a new company in web design and development by pooling our money.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE AT FIRST? Lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Our first break came from QU Athletic Director Jack McDonald with the iPhone app. We began to work for clients beyond Quinnipiac and continued to believe in

Bobby Emamian ’09 operates a digital media agency with former baseball teammate Eric Weber ’08.

each other and our company.

AND THEN? We learned how to manage a business properly. With every challenge and failure, we became better. We learned how to build the best product possible for clients. The rule of thumb is––don’t make the same mistake twice.

WHAT WAS YOUR APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT AS YOUR COMPANY GREW? We wanted to duplicate the team feeling we had in baseball. We learned to hire the person who offered both particular expertise but also fit into the interpersonal dynamic of our team. We currently have a team of seven.

Lauren (Festo) Villecco ’88, center, president of Children’s World Languages, with Spanish instructor Marilyn Sarria, a curriculum consultant at Highland School in Cheshire, Conn.

WHAT DO YOU TELL WOULD-BE ENTREPRENEURS?

changed the way I looked at the world. I

DO YOU USE CONSULTANTS?

First, learn to trust yourself. You learn bits

believe that learning another language is

Our list of consultants includes the head of

and pieces along the way, and they come

essential to a complete education, and I

the world language department at

out when you need them. Build a team

know that early study is critical to fluency.

Cheshire High School, the head of the for-

that balances responsibilities and likes

So when I had my children, I looked

eign language department at a nearby uni-

working together. And persevere––the

around for a day care center or preschool

versity and an individual with a doctoral

game ain’t over until …well, you know.

that offered another language. There were

degree in Spanish education. We also have

bobby@prolificinteractive.com

none. It was evident that our public

developed a relationship with Programs in

schools were unable to provide elementary

International Educational Resources, or

Speaking in tongues Lauren (Festo) Villecco ’88 is president and founder of Children’s World Languages,

“First, learn to trust yourself. You learn bits and

Inc., in Cheshire, Conn. A stay-at-home

pieces along the way, and they come out when you

mother, she launched the federally desig-

need them.”—Bobby Emamian ’09

nated 501(c)(3) foreign language academy mission is to prepare students to engage in

foreign language because of time and

PIER, of the MacMillan Center in New

an increasingly global society.

budgetary constraints. After canvassing the

Haven. Equally critical, we have an excel-

community to determine interest, I joined

lent relationship with the Quinnipiac Uni-

not teach it, hires foreign language teach-

forces with a few good educators and in

versity School of Business, which has been

ers and scholars from area universities

2008, began classes.

invaluable to us in terms of providing

Villecco, who speaks French but does

highly qualified interns who assist with

who provide language instruction in Spanish, Italian, Latin, Mandarin Chinese,

YOU SEEM TO CONCENTRATE ON

marketing, communications, human

Hindi, French, Farsi and Swahili. They use

YOUNGER CHILDREN.

resources and accounting support.

a customized curriculum to present tradi-

It’s never too early—or late—to break

tional academic exercises along with song,

down cultural barriers, especially in our

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE

games, arts and crafts and cultural les-

changing world. The need is great for chil-

TO ENTREPRENEURS?

sons. Students learn both a new language

dren to learn fluency in other languages.

Surround yourself with ethical people who

and a culture.

The Spanish-speaking population is the

are well versed in the disciplines that will

fastest growing segment in the country,

contribute to your success. When consid-

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE

and international commerce is the new

ering new hires, always look for “doers”—

IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

way of life. We teach children as young as

people who have demonstrated initiative

I had great foreign language teachers in

4 years of age. They go to their language

and will go the extra mile. Networking is

middle school and high school, but a

classes right in their school, directly after

critical. Always use your resources wisely.

school-sponsored trip to France absolutely

school is dismissed.

inquiry@childrensworldlanguages.org business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

for elementary schoolchildren in 2008. Its

21

faculty research

Kilic’s survey shows hedge funds remain popular The survey found that

• Fewer than 25 percent of the

uing to invest, but also looking

investors surveyed said they

for returns that hedge funds

would increase portfolio allo-

are known to provide. Hedge

cations to common stocks or

funds are private, unregistered

fixed incomes, such as bonds

investment pools that use

and government treasuries.

strategies to protect invest-

dents said they intend to

imize profits in a strong econ-

increase their direct alloca-

omy. The hedge fund industry

tions to hedge funds, while

has the flexibility to not only

only 5 percent of respondents

“go long” and profit from an

intend to increase their allo-

profit on a short-term investment, Kilic explained.

McGuire said investors sur-

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

cations to funds of funds.

• The study indicates that of the increase in money flowing to hedge funds over the next

veyed want larger profits than

year or two, most will pour

what can be expected based on

into the Asia Pacific Rim.

the stock performances listed

The study took place before

in indexes, such as the S&P 500.

Japan’s devastating earthquake

OSMAN KILIC

Kilic, who teaches Market

“A report like this boils down to

and tsunami, but Kilic does not

PROFESSOR OF FINANCE

Microstructure and also Trading

the fact that a lot of institu-

think those events will drasti-

OSMAN.KILIC@

and Financial Analysis and

tional investors don’t want to

cally change investor decisions.

QUINNIPIAC.EDU

Decision Making at Quinnipiac.

pay money managers who are

He notes that in the future

“Almost two-thirds of respon-

just hugging their index,”

Japan will likely spend a lot of

Hedge funds have taken a beat-

dents plan to increase their

McGuire said.

money for reconstruction of its

ing in recent years: first for

asset allocation targets for

making money off the ineffi-

alternative investments over

institutional investors—who

vide opportunities for

ciencies of the market, and at

the next 12 to 24 months.”

manage large funds that invest

investors.

the same time, for not produc-

Kilic, associate director of

Kilic surveyed 107 major

for smaller funds or pensions—

damaged cities, which will pro-

Currently, no one knows for

ing enough profit during the

the Alternative Investment

from all over the globe, and

certain what will take place in

economic downturn for

Institute at Quinnipiac, joined

who manage about $2.1 trillion

Japan or the effect on invest-

investors who are accustomed

Kevin Lynch at Bank of America

in assets. In addition to the

ments, said Kilic. “These funds

to large, alpha returns.

Merrill Lynch and Bruce

electronic survey, Kilic con-

are long-term oriented, not

McGuire JD ’91, president of the

ducted 20 extensive phone

short term,” Kilic said. “Some

sor Osman Kilic, who gathered

Connecticut Hedge Fund Asso-

interviews with some of the

may panic, but overall, they will

the opinions of more than 100

ciation, to complete an investor

largest investors for specific

remain on track.”

major institutional investors in

survey in Fall 2010.

data.

Quinnipiac Finance Profes-

a survey, has uncovered good news for the hedge fund industry.

“All findings indicate they are all thinking about increasing their investment in alternative investment products,” says

22

• About 55 percent of respon-

ments in a downturn and max-

increasing equity price, but also

Osman Kilic

The survey also found:

investors were not only contin-

ADAM AIKEN

ERENI MARKOS

new faculty

New faculty winding up first year DAVID TOMCZYK

Assistant professor, marketing and advertising

Ereni Markos teaches Integrated Marketing Communications and Advertising Strategy.

She comes to QU from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where she taught courses in consumer behavior and marketing research while earning her doctorate.

Her research interests encompass consumer privacy issues, both domestic and international; social media; and sensory marketing. Her primary research has focused on consumers’ willingness to provide information in the face of new technology.

Markos earned dual bachelor’s degrees

ADAM AIKEN

in business administration and English lit-

DAVID TOMCZYK

Assistant professor of finance

erature from the University of La Verne, a

Associate professor, management

Adam Aiken teaches Financial Modeling, a

master’s in integrated marketing communi-

David Tomczyk teaches entrepreneurship

course focused on solving financial prob-

cations from Emerson College and a PhD

courses. He created and co-taught a class

lems such as firm valuation, portfolio opti-

in marketing from the University of

that integrates communications and busi-

mization and derivative pricing. Before

Massachusetts.

ness. He also advises the QU chapter of

University.

In 2010, her article, “Joe Camel: Post-

Students in Free Enterprise.

mortem of a Brand Spokesperson” (with

He earned a bachelor’s degree in phi-

Marc Weinberger and Harlan Spotts) was

losophy, political science and economics

ments and financial institutions. Currently,

published in the International Journal of

with a concentration in international justice

he is examining hedge funds, their institu-

Advertising. She has a forthcoming article

from Denison University, a master’s in eco-

tional characteristics, and their perform-

in the Journal of Interactive Marketing

nomics from Miami University and a doc-

ance as they continue to be an important

titled, “Online Personal Branding: Proc-

torate in entrepreneurship and organiza-

part of the financial system.

esses, Challenges and Implications (coau-

tional behavior from George Washington

thors Lauren Labrecque and George R.

University.

His main research interests are invest-

In August 2010, a paper Aiken coauthored on the topic of hedge funds was

Milne).

presented at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. His research shows that hedge fund returns reported to a database are greater on aver-

For his dissertation, he explored whether and how repeated exposure to

ERENI MARKOS

video games is correlated with entrepreneurial intent and traits. Before QU, he designed and taught an undergraduate

age than those not reported, and that com-

entrepreneurship course at George Wash-

mercial databases are likely missing some

ington. He also worked at NASA in Wash-

of the worst-performing funds. He points

ington, D.C., from 2004-10, most recently

out that when investors use common data

as a senior policy analyst. He developed a

sources to decide whether or not to invest

logistical program for addressing NASA’s

with hedge funds, they can underestimate

excess components from the retiring Shut-

the risks associated with their decisions.

tle program. He has published numerous

Aiken earned a bachelor’s degree in

papers and book chapters on entrepreneur-

business administration and finance from

ship. His paper, “Do Successful Entrepre-

the University of North Carolina at Chapel

neurs Hire Like-Minded People?” (with J.H.

Hill, a master’s in economics from Duke

Lee and E. Winslow), was selected as a

University and a PhD in finance from Ari-

Journal of Small Business Management

zona State University.

Best Empirical Paper finalist. business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Quinnipiac, he taught at Arizona State

23

students making news

BRIEFS MARKETING AWARDS The student chapter of the American Marketing Association built on its 2010 success at the 2011 AMA International Collegiate Conference held recently in New Orleans. The chapter won three national awards––for outstanding professional development, outstanding chapter planning and its website, http://faculty.quinnipiac.edu/AmMarkAssoc/index.html

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

APICS CONTEST Teams of undergraduate and graduate students competed in the third annual American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Student Case Competition in mid-April, hosted by the New Haven and Boston APICS chapters.

Management professor David Cadden coached QU’s teams. For the contest, the students received a fictional case problem at 8 a.m. and were given until noon to prepare a solution. The teams then made nine-minute presentations, which were evaluated by industry executives. The graduate team consisted of Christopher Connell, Kyle Sleczkowski, Christopher Swanson and Thomas Vara. The undergraduate team consisted of Frank Cirillo, Matthew Franklin, Taylor Jones and Stephen Vesce.

Each team was fifth in its class.

24

Trio defends microloans in D.C.

CROSS-CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE Senior Andrew Merrick, president of the International Business Society, presented his paper, “Cross Cultural Affects on Total Cultural Intelligence” at the 11th International Business Research Conference at the University of North Florida in February.

The paper, which was published in the conference proceedings, used subjects from the United States and France to examine the impact of personality, gender, and country of citizenship on an individual’s cultural intelligence.

Professor Xiaohong He with juniors Kristin Helms and Nicholas Marr outside the White House. They visited lawmakers to lobby for the restoration of microloan funding.

As legislators searched for items to slice

This training is what’s on the cutting

from the federal budget in March, students

block. President Barack Obama has pro-

Kristin Helms and Nicholas Marr traveled

posed slicing the SBA microloan program

to Washington, D.C., to persuade them to

budget from $25 million to $13 million.

put money back, specifically for small business microloans.

Helms, a junior marking major, and

The microloans are on average $12,000 and are given to small business owners who do not qualify for traditional loans.

Marr, a junior international business

Many loan recipients have built successful

major, joined Xiaohong He, professor of

businesses, and in several cases, their

international business, and representatives

prosperity has had a ripple effect.

from the Connecticut Community Invest-

Helms recalled one example––a busi-

ment Corp. to lobby for microlending fund-

ness owner who transformed a warehouse

ing. The Quinnipiac contingent met

in Stamford, Conn., into a successful

staffers from the offices of Connecticut

antique and artist marketplace thanks to a

congressional members Joe Courtney, Jim

CTCIC microloan. The marketplace

Himes, Rosa DeLauro and Chris Murphy.

inspired other entrepreneurs to start busi-

The group also met with SBA microlenders

nesses nearby and provided an economic

to hear concerns about the budget debate.

boost to the area.

“The people we spoke to were very

The professor said microloans have a

receptive,” Helms said. “As students, we

good track record. During the 2000-03

offered a different perspective. We were

recession, employment grew nationally in

fighting for microloans because it’s impor-

microbusinesses while it grew more slowly

tant to society. We offered an unbiased

or fell for larger employers, she noted.

opinion on microlending.”

The students researched microloans in

The Quinnipiac students got a taste of what takes place behind the budget battles

the U.S. to prepare for the discussions, but

on the Hill. “They had an opportunity to

they have seen the benefits firsthand. As

learn the political perspectives around this

participants in a School of Business inter-

issue and acted on what they believed

national service trip, both Helms and Marr,

would help,” He said.

and seven other students, worked with

Restoring the microlending funding to

these small business owners in Nicaragua.

the budget did not seem likely, but Helms

They counseled entrepreneurs on business

said the experience exposed her to possi-

strategy and provided technical assistance

ble career options in microlending that she

similar to the assistance provided by U.S.

previously had not considered.

microlending programs.

––Alejandra Navarro

had one or more research studies published since 1990 in any of 11 prestigious accounting journals.

ac

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Professor Wendy Ceccucci is vice president of the education special interest group of the Association of Information Technology Professionals and editor of the Information Systems Education Journal. She co-authored “The Role of Identification in Determining Student Attachment to Chosen Professions: An Examination of Students in IT-Related Programs” in the Journal of Academic Admin-

department news

ACCOUNTING Quinnipiac University and Professor Martin Gosman are in the Accounting Research Rankings database developed at Brigham Young University. It includes universities with faculty members who have

istration in Higher Education (Fall 2010).

Students Craig Alexander, Abby Grover and Alex Leach competed in the Association of Information Technology Professionals National Computer Conference in March in Orlando, Fla. CIS students also will compete in the Travelers’ Undergraduate IT Case Competition next fall.

Rich McCarthy, associate dean, is vice president of the International Association for Computer Information Systems and is the 2011 IACIS conference chair.

Professor Bruce Saulnier and Deborah Clark, professor of biology, authored, “Broadening the Role of the

cis

Teaching & Learning Center: From Transforming Faculty to Transforming Institutions,” in the Journal for Centers on Teaching and Learning in 2010.

Ramesh Subramanian, the Gabriel Ferrucci Professor of Computer Information Systems, serves on the board of directors of the International Information Management Association; is associate editor of the Journal of Information System Security; and is a visiting fellow of the Yale Law School Information Society Project.

Subramanian published, “Security, Privacy, and Politics in India: A Historical Review,” in the June 2010 Journal of Information System Security, and “Reproducible Research” in Computing in Science and Engineering in Fall 2010.

ECONOMICS Professor Mark Gius published, “Economic Freedom and Internet Use: A Cross-Country Comparison,” in the Journal of Business & Economic Studies in Fall 2010, and “Health Insurance and Young Adults: An Analysis Using the NLSY,” in the Atlantic Economic Journal in 2010.

Professor Matthew Rafferty and Dean Matthew O’Connor’s paper, “Corporate Governance and Innovation,” recently was listed on the Social Science Research Network e-library’s top-10 download list for ERN: knowl-

ec

edge management and innovation topics. The paper is forthcoming in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.

FINANCE Surya Chelikani, assistant professor, won the Outstanding Research Award at the Global Conferciency: Evidence from Mergers & Acquisitions Activity,” which was accepted for publication in the International Journal of Business and Finance Research.

Thomas Coe, associate professor, co-authored, “Investigation into Gender Perception toward Computing: A Comparison between the U.S. and India,” in the International Journal of Information Communication and

fin

Technology Education, and “Should Individual Investors Use Technical Trading Rules to Attempt to Beat the Market?” in the American Journal of Economics and Business Administration in Fall 2010.

MARKETING The QU American Marketing Association Chapter won three national awards for outstanding professional development, outstanding chapter planning and website at the AMA International Collegiate Conference in March.

Ereni Markos, assistant professor, co-authored, “Joe Camel: Postmortem of a Brand Spokesperson,” in

mkt

the International Journal of Advertising in 2010.

MBA In March, students Kyle Sleczkowski, Christopher Swanson, Thomas Vara and Steven Woodhull participated in the second ACG Cup Competition, in which students present an analysis of a potential merger transaction.

mba business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

ence on Business and Finance in January. He co-authored, “The Impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on Market Effi-

25

grad 1940s

news several reference books,

Dow Jones and son, Kyle, is a

second time in three years. He

AS, founder of the Branford Hall

including: “Market Warfare:

junior at the University of

also received the Highest

School of Business, celebrated

Leadership & Domination Over

Richmond majoring in

Attained Quota Award in 2010.

his 85th birthday by treating

Competitors,” which was

economics. JOANNE LEKAS ’77

DONNA (DURSO) PALMER ’89

his five grandchildren, ages 9 to

selected by the Winner’s Circle

EC owns Happy Dog Behavioral

CIS/MGT of East Haven, CT,

21, to a 10-day trip to southern

Series as the best marketing

training in Waltham, MA.

owns Sweet Creations LLC in

Italy in June 2010. All 11

work in its class for 2010. He

Joanne has been a certified,

Branford, CT. The business,

members of the Bernabucci

also was recognized by Dun &

professional dog trainer since

which opened in 1999, makes

family enjoyed the trip. He lives

Bradstreet for his innovative

2008, and offers private, in-

gourmet sweets baskets and

market programs application.

home training for clients with

candy favors for all occasions.

She and her husband, Warren,

NELSON BERNABUCCI ’47

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

in Branford, CT.

26

1950s

EDWARD LEVINE ’58 AC of Glen

DONALD BANKS ’72 AC of

new dogs or older dogs with

Allen, VA, is president of

Bethlehem, CT, is a senior

behavior problems. She also

have two children. FRANK

Edward Levine Accountant Inc.

financial analyst at NV

teaches puppy classes, and

JOSEPH RUBINO ’89 AC is vice

in Richmond, VA. He began the

Perricone, LLC, in Meriden, CT.

recently launched Puppy Coach

president at Rubino Brothers,

practice in 1963. He is a

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is known

101 iPhone app, which provides

Inc., in Stamford, CT, where he

member of the National Society

for his work in anti-aging

instruction and demonstration

lives.

of Enrolled Agents, Virginia

nutrigenomics, and NV

videos for new puppy owners.

MGT, MAT ’04 of East Haven, CT,

Society of Enrolled Agents,

Perricone, LLC is a rapidly

JOHN MCCARTHY ’79 MKT of

is a third-grade teacher at

National Association of Tax

expanding organization within

Uxbridge, MA, is vice president

Augusta Lewis Troup School in

Professionals and past

the cosmeceutical industry.

of Bristol County Savings Bank

New Haven. She has also

president of the Virginia

DANIEL BENZ ’74 AC of

with branches in southeastern

taught first grade. She made

Society of Enrolled Agents.

Stanhope, NJ, a teacher of

Massachusetts and northern

the switch seven years ago

He has lectured on the topic

educational technology at

Rhode Island.

of “Taxation of Sub-S

Morris Knolls High School in

(ROTATORI) TRAJCEVSKI ’85 MKT

JACK

Rockaway, NJ, was named 2011

of West Hartford, CT, has

FIN/AC, MBA ’93 is the owner of

SHEEHY ’69 MKT of St. Helena

Teacher of the Year. THOMAS J.

invented a new product called

Trusted Business Broker in

Island, SC, owns Southern

GRACE ’76 MKT is a retired

The Medicine Organizer. GINA

Norwalk, CT, where he lives.

Sweets in Beaufort, SC. He

senior executive with the

(TUFANO) ALFEBY ’86 AC of

In addition to business

presented “Starting a Small

Vanguard Group. He is now

North Branford, CT, is director

evaluations and business tax

Business as a Second Career”

working with the National

of Human Resources at

returns, the company

at the Osher Lifelong Learning

Philanthropic Trust, a charity

Richemont, NA, in Shelton, CT.

represents small business

Institute at the University of

that specializes in donor-

DAVID TEDFORD ’87 CIS of

owners who want to sell their

South Carolina at Beaufort.

advised funds as a tool for

Billerica, MA, is an account

business as well as investors or

1970s EDMOND HENNESSY

charitable giving. He lives in

executive at Rentsys Recovery

entrepreneurs interested in

’71 MKT of Nashua, NH, is CEO

Newtown, PA, with his wife,

Services in College Station, TX.

acquiring businesses to

of Performance Marketing

ANN (O’CONNELL) GRACE ’77.

David received the Salesperson

diversify their portfolios.

Group. He is the author of

Their daughter, Kerry, works for

of the Year Award in 2010—his

JOSEPH F. CELOTTO ’93 AC/ISM

Corporations.”

1960s

1980s

JAIME

1990s

GINA RAUCCI ’90

after 12 years in the business world. MARTIN MEZZA ’91

continued on page 29 AC Accounting ADV Advertising AS Associate’s Degree BUS Business Administration CIS Computer Information Systems EC Economics ENT Entrepreneurship FIN Finance IB International Business ISM Information Systems management MBA Master of Business Administration MGT Management MKT Marketing MOL Master of Organizational Leadership

CEO, President Cold Mix Manufacturing

GRAD PROFILE

DARIO AMICUCCI ’01

uses plant-based solvents in the place of

The product emits zero VOCs

diesel and other carcinogens that pose a

(volatile organic compounds) and is now

threat to the environment. Almost 25

using more than 50 percent recycled

combinations of plant solvents were

asphalt product in the mix. Cold Mix

tested before the “right formula” was

recently opened a larger facility in Patter-

produced in 2007. Then the real test

son, N.Y., close to I-84, which will service

To most, hitting a pothole is a low light

came from contractors themselves.

the increasing demand in the Northeast.

of the day. To Dario Amicucci ’01, it’s an

Some of them knew they were given dif-

Amicucci lives in Armonk, N.Y., with his

opportunity to expand an already boom-

ferent cold asphalt to try in various

wife, Jennifer, and their three children.

ing business.

applications, but others were given

By Stephen P. Schmidt

Amicucci serves as the CEO and president of Cold Mix Manufacturing, a

GreenPatch blindly.

“We started receiving calls from the

Reflecting on his days at Quinnipiac, he remembers Dale Jasinski, associate professor of management, commenting

Flushing, N.Y.-based operation that has

contractors in the blind test. They said,

that with a brand product, an entrepre-

blazed a trail with GreenPatch®, an eco-

‘What did you guys do to the mix? ...

neur should strive to be “the Rollerblade

friendly alternative to traditional cold

Our guys aren’t ready to pass out. There

of inline skates or the Kleenex of facial

asphalt mix for pothole repair. The diffi-

are no odors coming off the material and

tissues.”

cult winter the Northeast just experi-

the performance seemed to improve a

enced was good for business.

lot.’ Right then, we knew we had some-

of the eco-friendly cold asphalt prod-

thing,” said Amicucci.

ucts,” he said.

The company produces 1,500 tons a

“For us, it would be the GreenPatch

week and ships 35,000 bags of GreenPatch per month in the winter. In 2010, it averaged 750 tons a week and 30,000 bags per month. The Cold Mix client list includes the New York City Department of Transportation, which ordered 5,000 tons in 2008 and has refilled that order several times over.

Currently it has contracts with transportation departments and major utility companies across the Northeast. In addition, GreenPatch is available at Home Depot in the tristate area and Maryland.

“We knew we were onto something, but we didn’t think it was going to grow this quickly,” said Amicucci.

After earning his management QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

degree, Amicucci went to work for his family’s asphalt plant in Mount Vernon, N.Y., before leaving in 2006 to start Cold Mix. He also has served as the plant operations manager at Cofire Industries in Flushing, N.Y., since 2005, advancing the company’s business to a $6 million enterprise as the main production facility for GreenPatch.

Amicucci teamed with two others from his family’s Mount Vernon plant to create GreenPatch. Unlike traditional cold asphalt mixes, GreenPatch

business.quinnipiac.edu

27

ness to make faces beautiful, but a face of a different kind helps Noreen Murphy

Vice president, global special events Estée Lauder New York, NY

’86 connect with their customers.

Murphy, vice president for global

By Janet Waldman

GRAD PROFILE

NOREEN MURPHY ’86 Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder is in busi-

special events, often uses the company’s Facebook page for market research.

Recently, she posed this question: “What is your worst makeup hang-up––the one step that makes you late for work because you just can’t get it right?”

“In 10 minutes, I got 154 responses— that’s instant feedback from real customers,” says the marketing major. The majority cited eyeliner and mascara as the culprits.

Facebook also offers Murphy another platform to promote sales-related events. A few years ago, she helped plan and launch a popular program at Estée Lauder store counters around the world. Women were invited to enjoy a free makeup application and then have a photo taken and uploaded immediately to their Facebook profile page or other social media networking sites. She called it “Your Beauty, Your Style, Your Profile.”

A large navy and gold chest rests on a chair in Murphy’s office in Lauder’s corporate headquarters on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, across from Central

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Park. The chest is stocked with makeup

28

and fragrance samples for hands-on

three years. During this time, she

more focused on skin care than makeup,

inspiration as Murphy brainstorms mar-

wanted to educate herself about the

she notes. Photos of her at China’s Great

keting efforts. She remembers always

company’s products, so she took a part-

Wall and Tiananmen Square, the Eiffel

wanting to work in the makeup business.

time job in the evenings selling them at

Tower in Paris, and the Bullet Train in

She saw her opportunity shortly after

Abraham & Strauss, which is now

Tokyo adorn her memo board. Her most

Commencement, when she was a guest

Macy’s. Her next promotion came in

recent trip was to Barcelona, Spain, for

at a QU friend’s graduation party and

1990, when she was made an account

an event that introduced two new global

met a mutual acquaintance who worked

executive. In 2000, Lauder merged its

“spokesmodels” to Lauder executives

in finance at Estée Lauder.

international and domestic divisions,

from around the world.

“Miss Lauder was such a successful

and she was promoted to director of

Her travels take her far from the

woman, and I admired her entrepreneur-

global special events and vice president

Northeast, but she declares, “I made the

ial spirit,” Murphy says.

several years ago.

best friends of my life at QU and I still

Murphy began in the finance depart-

Murphy regularly travels to China,

keep in contact with them today.”

ment in the company’s Melville, N.Y.,

France, the United Kingdom, Hong

office, auditing payment invoices for

Kong, Korea and Japan to glean what is

says, “My job is to make sure that as a

Although she wears several hats, she

counter sales associates. Sixteen months

relevant to international customers and

woman walks past makeup counters,

later, she moved into sales administra-

check out competitors’ products and in-

she wants to stop at ours, and once

tion, where she worked for the next

store events. In Asia, customers are

there, we create that experience for her.”

adviser at Merrill Lynch in

Homecoming 2011

Madison, CT. KAREN (FAUST)

SAVE THE DATE October 14–16, 2011

SIM ’93 MGT/LEGAL STUDIES

was promoted to senior

Highlights include Midnight Madness, Distinguished Alumni Awards Brunch, Alumni Tailgate at TD Bank Sports Center, men’s hockey vs. Canisius and brunch at the spectacular Rocky Top Student Center on the York Hill Campus.

executive project manager at IBM in December 2010.

This promotion came after a 66-country project implementation of a catalog system for IBM. She lives in Orange, CT, with her husband, GREG SIM ’93, and their

daughter, Katie, 5. LOU COPPOLA

grad news

of Guilford, CT, is a financial

’95 AC is the owner of Under

Haven, CT, where he lives. He

doctorate in higher education

and three children: Jasmina,

Woodbridge, CT, is an associate

has been in business for 10

and leadership in 2007. He is

Selma and Deen. LEAH NANKIN

field examiner for Wells Fargo

years, performing residential

co-owner of LTE Consulting, a

’02 MKT of Quincy, MA, is

Capital Finance in New York

and commercial renovations

small leadership consulting

director of recruiting at

City. RODGER WENZEL MHA ’05 of

and additions. LAUREN E.

business that is based in the

Cbeyond in Quincy. Leah

Tampa, FL, is vice president of

ABBATE EC ’96, JD ’00 is a senior

Northeast and offers leadership

handles the Boston market

medical economics at Coventry

associate attorney at the firm

and technology training to

for the Atlanta-based

Health Care in Bethesda, MD.

of Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP, in

college students and

telecommunications company.

He directs the activities of

Stamford, CT, where she lives.

professionals. COLLEEN KIRK ’99

CHRISTOPHER M. SEMMELES ’03

Coventry’s medical economics

She was selected for inclusion

MKT has joined Nestle as a

EC of Jersey City, NJ, is assistant

and business reporting unit,

in the Connecticut Super

marketing manager, assisting

controller at Och-Ziff Capital

overseeing the independent

Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2010

in the growth of the company’s

Management in New York City.

valuation of medical expense

and 2011. RICHARD MADONNA

Gerber brand. She lives in

JEFFREY DIBARTOLOMEO ’04 EC

performance metrics and

’96 AC is CFO and vice

White Plains, NY.

of Fort Pierce, FL, teaches

valuation of management

president of finance and

DAWN CUMMINGS ’00 MGT of

economics at Indian River State

program initiatives, among

operations at Union

Hamden is a purchasing agent

College. He earned a master of

other duties. MARK ANTONUCCI

Theological, a 175-year-old

for Space-Craft Manufacturing

science in financial economics

’06 MKT of Chandler, AZ, is

academic institution in New

Inc. in New Haven. SCOTT

in August 2010 from Florida

community director at Arizona

York City, where he lives.

MOULTON ’00 MKT works at

Atlantic University in Boca

State University. He was

MICHAEL KASPAR ’97 MGT of

Capital Management Group in

Raton, FL. GREGORY BROWN ’05

selected for the 2010–11

Long Beach, NY, is regional

Milford, CT, where he lives. He

ENT is an account executive for

Dorothy Keller New

sales manager for the

was one of 280 financial

HubSpot, an inbound

Professional of the Year award

commercial building division of

advisers, estate attorneys and

marketing software company.

from the National Association

Allied Building in Hicksville,

CPAs chosen for Connecticut

Gregory helps small and mid-

of Student Personnel

NY. He has worked on several

Magazine’s “2010 Five Star

sized businesses transform

Administrators. The award is

large construction jobs

Wealth Manager.” Scott and his

their marketing strategies.

presented to a young

including Yankee Stadium, Citi

wife, Diane (Furtado) Moulton

SOKCHAN “SEAN” CHOUN ’05

professional with less than five

Field and the renovation of

’00, have three children: Claire,

AC/ISM, MBA ’06, spent more

years of service in the field of

2000s

Madison Square Garden. HANK

Avery and Reid. NERMINA

than six years working at two

higher education for superior

PARKINSON ’97 MGT of

(ORUCEVIC) KREHIC ’02 AC, MBA

top public accounting firms. He

service, dedication and

Ashburnham, MA, is director of

’05, is a supervisor in state

is now a manager of quality

contributions to the field.

student development and the

income tax compliance at

assurance and compliance at

BEATRIZ CARDONA HIDALGO ’06

campus center at Fitchburg

United Technologies in

Yale University. He also is CISA

ENT is president of SIGNARAMA

State University in Fitchburg,

Hartford. She lives in Orange,

certified and a CPA candidate.

of New Tampa, FL, a franchise

MA. He completed his

CT, with her husband, Ermin,

MICHAEL SANTORE, MBA ’05 of

she opened in February. She continued on page 31

AC Accounting ADV Advertising AS Associate’s Degree BUS Business Administration CIS Computer Information Systems EC Economics ENT Entrepreneurship FIN Finance IB International Business ISM Information Systems management MBA Master of Business Administration MGT Management MKT Marketing MOL Master of Organizational Leadership

business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

Construction, LLC, in North

29

East Electrical Distributors, joined the

President NorthEast Electrical Distributors Brockton, Mass.

electrical distribution industry, product catalogs were fairly simple. Nearly four

By Alejandra Navarro

GRAD PROFILE

DON BLOCK ’72 When Don Block, president of North-

decades later, his company offers more than 30,000 products.

Many of those products are energyefficient, from LED fixtures and lamps to lighting controls and solar panels, says Block, whose company has 32 offices in six New England states. The company also provides product and design expertise for clients, who range from electrical contractors to industrial and institutional facilities managers.

The company is becoming increasingly involved in solar and wind products. “We’re just scratching the surface,” he says. “Now that the federal government has committed to supporting clean energy, these initiatives will continue to grow.”

Block walks the walk. Last year, he relocated his company headquarters to Brockton, Mass., and renovated the building into a model of energy efficiency. In this tough economy, he wanted to help others be energy efficient as well.

NorthEast Electrical Distributors, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, started the Project Green Lights community sweep-

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

stakes. Public schools in the region vie

30

annually for a chance to win $50,000 in

“It’s an economic benefit for a

goalkeeper for the soccer team, he said

energy-efficient lighting products from

school system to save money on its

he felt prepared for the business world.

NorthEast. The schools submit an essay

electrical usage,” Block says. “It’s also a

Block began his career climb in a man-

and the winning school—which is ran-

wonderful example of a green initiative

agement-training program at Graybar

domly selected—is awarded the instal-

for young people.”

Electric Company, one of his current

lation of energy-efficient lighting that

Block also takes the time to be

competitors, and advanced to lead the

best meets the school’s needs. Project

around young people, particularly those

company’s New England division. Block

Green Lights won the 2010 Best of the

who might head into the $60 billion

had worked for 32 years at Graybar, and

Best Marketing Award from The Electri-

electrical distribution industry. He

then retired. It didn’t take long for him

cal Distributor magazine.

recently discussed the industry and the

to return to the work force and take the

challenges of operational management

helm of NorthEast Electrical Distribu-

day Night Lights,” an effort to provide

with students taking a class from Mary

tors. At 60, he has no plans to retire.

lighting to New England communities

Meixell, associate professor of manage-

for their youth football fields. Impressed

ment. Block was impressed with the

of retirement, in addition to spending

by the community response, Block

Quinnipiac students’ focus on goals.

time with his wife and grandchildren, he

The program started in 2007 as “Fri-

decided in 2009 to move the program

He embarked on his career without a

But when he discusses the possibility

rattles off a few entrepreneurial ideas he

from the playing field to the classroom.

clear grasp of his ambitions. Having

has percolating. “Even when you retire,

He is especially proud of this endeavor.

attended Quinnipiac, where he was

you really have to have a plan.”

BURDETTE ’07 MKT of Groton, CT,

management at Indiana State

of Hamden is a staff

store offers custom-designed

is a marketing specialist at S&S

University. JANETTE LOPEZ ’08

accountant at Konowitz, Kahn

banners, A-frames, vehicle

Worldwide in Colchester, CT.

MKT, MBA ’09 of Manchester, CT,

& Company, P.C. in North

wraps and digital signage and

PAUL WOLFER ’07 MKT of

is the retail marketing program

Haven, CT. While at QU, Mark

has almost 1,000 retail

Wallingford, CT, is marketing

manager at ARAMARK in

served as founding president of

locations worldwide. JOHN R.

director of Ground Up Inc. in

Bloomfield, CT, where she

the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity,

MONICO ’06 FIN of North Haven

Naugatuck, CT. Ground Up is a

manages marketing initiatives

Iota Mu Chapter. KRISTIN

recently accepted a position as

retailer of restoration and

for national accounts CIGNA

(KRAMER) MILLS MS ’10 of

vice president of sales for

performances parts for classic

and Citibank. CHRISTINA MIELE

Charleston, SC, is a technical

Pawson Brokerage in Branford,

cars. Paul is responsible for

’09 MKT of Wilmington, MA,

consultant for Blackbaud, also

CT. JASON BARRATT ’07 IB

growing the company’s

recently began as an associate

in Charleston. She began as a

completed a six-month sales

presence on Facebook and

in customer retention

conversion analyst at the

training program at AT&T in

Twitter. RHONDA DAY ’08 OL of

marketing for Vistaprint, in

software company that

Atlanta, GA, before starting his

Manchester, CT, received

Lexington, MA. RIC WALLACE ’09

develops and supports

sales career at the company’s

certification as a project

FIN of New York, NY, is an

fundraising software for

Phoenix, AZ, site. After his first

management professional in

associate at Deutsche Bank. He

nonprofit organizations.

year on the job, Jason earned

December 2010. VICTORIA

was promoted from his former

CHRISTOPHER TUCKER ’10 MKT is

two prestigious AT&T awards.

DUANE ’08 ADV of Wallingford,

position of analyst in February

a sales representative for NFP

He was a President’s Club

CT, is a marketing coordinator

2011.

winner for having top sales

at Dewberry, a leading

MBA ’10 of Sfantu Gheorghe,

results in the West region in

professional services firm in

Romania, was accepted into

VANVALKENBURG, MBA ’10 of

the third and fourth quarters

New Haven. Victoria is

Statoil’s three-year rotational

Cheshire, CT, passed Level I of

of 2010. He also was the No. 1

responsible for the preparation

corporate graduate program. In

the CFA Examination in June

seller in the AT&T sales

of statements of qualifications

January 2011, Blanka began a

2010 and has been promoted to

organization, making him a

and proposals, as well as the

rotation in the energy

investment analyst at Yale New

Diamond Club winner. MEGAN

preparation of written and

corporation’s finance and

Haven Health System. LUKE

GIRARD ’07 MKT of New York

visual materials for interviews

control department's

VIOLETTE ’10 FIN is a financial

City is a member of the

and client presentations to

governance, risk management

adviser associate at Morgan

integrated marketing team for

develop new business for the

and compliance group. LAUREN

Stanley Smith Barney in West

the Comedy Central brand at

branch. ROBERT MACCHI ’08 FIN

MAHIEU ’10 MKT of Torrington,

Hartford, CT. LUKE JASON TICHY

MTV Networks in New York

is an assistant vice president at

CT, is lead assistant manager

’11 ISM is an IT-systems

City. KEITH JANG ’07 ENT is

Merrill Lynch. He handles

of Abercrombie & Fitch in

engineer at Northeast Utilities

president of KeeClean

channel development for the

Meriden, CT. MARK MILLER ’10 AC

in Berlin, CT.

Management Inc. in Shelton,

managed-solutions group.

CT. KeeClean provides

KEVIN TOTH ’08 FIN recently was

commercial cleaning and

promoted to senior financial

janitorial services to its clients

analyst at JPMorgan Chase &

in Connecticut, New York, New

Co. in Wilmington, DE. He was

Jersey, Rhode Island and

married in August 2010 and

Massachusetts. The company

now lives in Philadelphia, PA. JESSICA GADZIK ’09 ADV of

territory by adding California

Middlebury, CT, is a manage-

and Georgia in 2011. RICHARD

ment representative for

KAIKA ’07 MGT is president of

EFC/Wesco in Waterbury, CT.

Durham Fence Company Inc.

AREZOU HARRAF, MOL ’09 is a

in Durham, CT, where he lives.

full-time business instructor

ERIC REIZIS ’06 FIN of New

for Box Hill College in Kuwait

Brunswick, NJ, is working on

City, Kuwait, a two-year

the U.S. equity sales support

Australian college. In Fall 2011,

team at Barclays Capital in New

Arezou will begin a doctoral

York City. BETH (SEMERARO)

program in technology

BLANKA BALAZS,

Property & Casualty Services in White Plains, NY. GEORGE

We’ve got the edge you need Graduate programs in the AACSB-accredited School of Business provide the skills you need to gain a competitive edge.

• Master of Business Administration ® • MBA-Chartered Financial Analyst Track ® • MBA-Supply Chain Management Track • MBA in Health Care Management • JD/MBA • MS in Information Technology • MS in Organizational Leadership • Certificate programs in health care administration, health care compliance and long-term care administration www.quinnipiac.edu/gradadmission • 800-462-1944

AC Accounting ADV Advertising AS Associate’s Degree BUS Business Administration CIS Computer Information Systems EC Economics ENT Entrepreneurship FIN Finance IB International Business ISM Information Systems management MBA Master of Business Administration MGT Management MKT Marketing MOL Master of Organizational Leadership

business.quinnipiac.edu

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

is expanding its geographical

2010s

grad news

has a background in sales. The

31

Making connections 1–Lucille (Giannini) Marottolo ’88, MBA ’92, JD ’00, and her children, Julian and Ganine, at the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March. Marottolo is QU’s associate vice president for finance.

2–From left, Maxwell “Mac” Stock ’47, Elaine Stock and Donald Santacroce ’59 at the Charter Oak Society reception before a lecture by filmmaker Spike Lee in February.

3–Tanya Huggler ’10, an executive team leader for Target, chats with Kenn Nguyen at the 2011 Career Fair hosted by the School of Business.

Both of them are MBA students.

1

4–Kimberly Gerdis ’07, right, discusses her career as a research analyst at Travelers with a marketing student at a conference the QU student chapter of the American Marketing Association hosted on the Mount Carmel Campus during the spring semester.

5–Katrina Lennon ’10, MBA ’11, left, works alongside freshman Chelsea Campo in New Haven during Quinnipiac’s Big Event on April 9.

3

2

Alumni and students teamed for a variety of community service projects in the region.

6–Nicole Findeisen ’09, MBA ’11, left, cleared and planted a garden at Christian Community Action Inc. in New Haven with Abby Gould, center, and Lindsey Kelly, both freshmen.

7–Author Daniel Pink meets Karen (Abbate) Riches ’92, left, and Nancy Abbate ’65 before

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / SPRING 2011

his April lecture on motivating creative people.

32

5

4

6

7

WIN an iPad When School of Business alumni log on to QU’Net, the Quinnipiac Alumni Online Community, and update their alumni information by June 30, 2011, they will automatically be entered into a drawing for an iPad tablet, compliments of the School of Business.

Every alumnus who submitted a Grad News event for the current issue of Quinnipiac Business already has been entered.

Update your basic contact and employment information, visit the career center, sign up for events and strengthen your professional network on QU’Net. Not a member? No problem!

Register now by following the easy steps below:

STEP 1. Go to www.quinnipiac.edu/qunet.xml and click on Register STEP 2. Read and follow the on-screen instructions.

STEP 3. If you have problems with the registration, email alumni@quinnipiac.edu or call 877-582-1929.

Grow your Quinnipiac network and take advantage of the exclusive benefits available to registered users.

Log on today!

School of Business 275 Mount Carmel Ave. Hamden, CT 06518-1908

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Burlington, VT Permit No. 151

receptions, reunions, etc.

alumni events

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

F –SU

June 24–26

F–SU

October 14–16

Reunion 2011

Homecoming 2011

Milestone reunions for the classes of 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006. All alumni welcome!

Highlights include Midnight Madness, Distinguished Alumni Awards Brunch, Alumni Tailgate at TD Bank Sports Center, men’s hockey and more.

M

July 18

Quinnipiac Classic Alumni Golf Championship

SAVE THE DATES!

New Haven Country Club, Hamden $200 per player

F –SU

June 22–24, 2012

Reunion 2012

SU

September 18

QU Day at the Boston Red Sox Fenway Park, Boston, Mass. $100 includes an 11:30 a.m. reception and 1:35 p.m. game ticket (Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays)

W

Milestone reunions for the classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007

F–SU

October 12–14, 2012

Homecoming 2012

September 21

New Jersey Alumni & Parent Golf Outing Rockaway River Country Club, Denville, N.J. 11 a.m. registration and lunch 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

Cocktails and dinner follow, $200.

Proceeds benefit Quinnipiac students.

For details, updates and to register for these events please visit www.quinnipiac.edu/events.xml or call the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs toll-free at 877-582-1929.