Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Texas State University

Excited to share the seventh episode of the Start-Up Stories Podcast! ??? This week, Aaron Soltani sits down with Luke Boatman, CFO & President of Bridge Point Solutions. From humble beginnings as a trash collector on college campuses to now leading a business that supports the military, Luke’s journey is a true testament to resilience and leadership. Tune in to hear how he crafted his path to success!

Meet Lucrecia Olususi—a management sophomore making waves in leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship! ?? As an active member of NABA and ASA, she fosters inclusivity and academic success while building strong connections on campus. Beyond the classroom, Lucrecia channels her passion into her tote bag brand, blending fashion with empowerment. With bold affirmations that inspire confidence and self-love, her designs turn everyday accessories into powerful statements. We’re excited to watch her thrive in Bruce Kalmick’s program and see her business shine! McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

From the sidelines to the front office, RC Buford’s 34-season journey with Spurs Sports & Entertainment is a testament to leadership, vision, and impact. As CEO since 2019, he has guided SS&E’s teams, facilities, and staff while driving transformative projects like The Rock at La Cantera, a $500M legacy initiative shaping the future of sports and community engagement. With roots in coaching—helping Kansas win the 1988 NCAA Championship—RC transitioned to the NBA, playing a key role in building the Spurs’ dynasty and earning two NBA Executive of the Year awards. His global impact extends through Basketball Without Borders and PeacePlayers International, using sports as a tool for unity. Through innovation and purpose, RC continues to shape the game and beyond. Make sure to stop by and hear him and Lawrence Norman speak on April 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at the Alkek Teaching Theatre, Texas State University!

?? Branding & The Entrepreneurial Mindset: The Winning Campaign What does it take to build a championship-winning brand? ?? Whether in sports, business, or entrepreneurship, the key to long-term success lies in vision, values, and relentless execution. Join us for an exclusive fireside chat featuring San Antonio Spurs CEO RC Buford and former Adidas Basketball GM Lawrence Norman as they share insights into brand-building, leadership, and the mindset that fuels top-performing organizations. ?? Learn how global brands like the Spurs and Adidas build loyalty and drive success. ?? Discover strategies for crafting compelling brand stories that resonate with audiences. ?? Gain actionable leadership insights from two industry powerhouses. ?? Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders. ?? Date: April 2, 2025 ?? Location: Alkek Teaching Theatre, Texas State University ? Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, marketers, business students, and sports enthusiasts looking to elevate their understanding of branding and leadership. ?? Register now at https://lnkd.in/eRSiyBBv

Next Up: Kreestyn Okordudu—a powerhouse in leadership, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship! As a management sophomore and an active member of NABA and ASA, she’s all about culture, community, and making things happen. Her tote bag brand is where fashion meets empowerment—transforming everyday accessories into confidence boosters. With bold affirmations and a purpose-driven mission, her totes inspire self-love, mental wellness, and positivity. Designed for go-getters and changemakers, they’re not just bags; they’re statements of strength, style, and empowerment. Keep an eye on Kreestyn throughout Bruce's Program—she’s redefining fashion with purpose! McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

Next UP: Chloe Applewhite, a driven business management major at Texas State University who is passionate about entrepreneurship and turning ideas into reality. She thrives on new challenges, continuous learning, and building something from the ground up. Chloe is the founder of The KD Edit: Permanent Jewelry Lounge, a unique brand offering high-quality, trendy permanent jewelry designed for those who want their style to last. Step into a lounge experience where every piece becomes a part of you. We’re excited to watch her thrive in Bruce Kalmick’s program and see her business shine! McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

We are excited to introduce the next student Drake Johnson! As a marketing major at Texas State’s McCoy College of Business, Drake has combined his love for cars and entrepreneurship to build Central Texas Detailing LLC, a premium mobile detailing service. His passion for automotive culture, customer satisfaction, and meticulous craftsmanship has set his business apart, providing high-quality detailing for everything from daily drivers to luxury vehicles. Beyond business, Drake’s leadership skills and dedication to his craft make him a standout entrepreneur to watch. His story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and innovation. Keep an eye on his journey—big things are ahead!? McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

This is what stellar programming looks like! Thank you Lawrence Norman for bringing this exciting opportunity to Texas State University! We look forward to seeing you and RC Buford on April 2!

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Texas State University is excited to have Cole Wollak, Partner at Geekdom Fund, as our Bobcat Innovation Challenge Kickoff Dinner Keynote Speaker, on Friday, March 21. Cole has extensive experience as a giver and receiver of start-up funding which he will share in his address: Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table. Geekdom’s Community Fund as well as Geekdom Funds I and II, raised and deployed over $25 million into early-stage technology ventures. Cole actively gives back to the community through mentoring entrepreneurs and collaborating with organizations that strengthen San Antonio’s startup ecosystem. Cole graduated from Trinity University with a degree in engineering and then served as Director of Engineering at FlashScan3D, where he advanced state-of-the-art 3D imaging for biometric and forensic applications, securing government grants from IARPA, USACIL, and the NSF. We are excited to hear his insight as he preps the up and coming entrepreneurs for the Bobcat Innovation Challenge. McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

?? Episode 6 of the Start-Up Stories Podcast is OUT NOW! ??? In this episode, Aaron Soltani sits down with Milo Paciorek, a wedding DJ who turned a $200 gig from a friend into a thriving business! Hear how he built his brand, took risks, and turned his passion into a career. Catch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and our website! McCoy College of Business at Texas State University