BUS101 challenges students to create their own companies

Sara Larrabee ’13 (Cranston, RI) admits that she was not exactly looking forward to “Business 101,” a course that challenges first-year students to create a business plan. The communication major spent the fall semester hearing war stories from her classmates about the project, and she knew that it would be a challenge to complete such a large-scale project in only her second semester at college.

By the end of the class, though, all of the hard work paid off as Larrabee and her team successfully completed the plan for a business they hope to launch one day.

“I learned leadership strategies, and I now have an entirely different understanding of how a business operates in order to prosper,” says Larrabee, who served as her group’s CEO. “From accounting and finance to marketing, ethics, and teamwork, I learned a little bit of everything.”

Larrabee and her team created “Bands for Fans,” which sells silicone wristbands – similar to the famous LIVESTRONG bracelets – that allow students to show their school spirit. The team is currently looking at the viability of trying to start this company.

In addition to writing a business and marketing plan, each of the 66 “Business 101” teams composed a 90-second “elevator pitch.” Larrabee presented “Bands for Fans” to a panel of professors and local business people and captured the award for the best pitch.

“We had a great team, kept a positive attitude, and absorbed so much,” says Larrabee. “We learned how to take a daunting project and break it down into smaller parts, and how to work equally to create a 155-page document.”

James Huber ’13 (Ansonia, CT) credits Management Lecturer Adam Rubin for encouraging the team to consider opening “Bands for Fans.” “None of this could even be possible without the coaching of Professor Rubin,” he says.

Creating a business, building a team
Brian Gowen ’13 (Lincroft, NJ) and his teammates created uSnatch.com, a book-listing, selling, and buying Web site for college students.

“I gained tremendous insight into the components of a business plan, current trends in business, and the economy, and how to sell yourself and company,” says Gowen. “I also learned so much about myself, from how I fit into the group and team dynamics to managing work on a time-intensive project.”

“The knowledge I gained is important not only for business majors, but any person entering the work world,” continues Gowen, a global studies and economics double major.

He credits Management Lecturer Dave Greenan for fueling his group’s enthusiasm. “He is one of the best Bryant has to offer and was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and accessible throughout the entire project,” says Gowen.  

Trevor DeVitto ’13 (Atkinson, NH) and his team created Tie Dyenamics, a retail/service that allows customers to tie dye their own clothing or buy tie-dyed apparel. The team of five students devised this idea by taking the top idea voted on by the team and expanding upon it to include ideas from each of the team members.

“We decided that since it was a group project, everyone should be able to contribute and completely support the business,” he says.  

The project provided a good introduction to many different concepts that students will delve into deeper throughout their college career. “I honestly feel that this was a perfect project to do as a first-year student because it really gives you a good feel for what areas in business you enjoy most,” says DeVitto.

An insider’s view
Vanessa Cayer ’13 (Rumford, ME) says the most rewarding aspect of the project was learning to work effectively and efficiently as a team. “Our team consisted of five very different people, and the best part for me was how well we put all of our strengths together to form the best team possible.”

Cayer, whose team created “Blend-Aids,” bandages that come in a variety of skin tones, encourages future “Business 101” students to fully immerse themselves in the project. “If you put in all your effort, it makes completing the project much more gratifying.”

John Fosberry ’13 (Gloucester, MA), who was a member of the “Bands for Fans” team, says future “Business 101” students shouldn’t be intimidated by the project. “You may think that the project will be impossible, but it is far from it,” he says. “If you do what you have to do and really put a lot of effort into it, you can get an A.”

Another member of “Bands for Fans,” Brian Gomola ’13 (Fairfield, CT), says the key to success was planning, organization, and time management. “I believe our team was successful because of our emphasis on setting realistic goals and giving a consistent effort.”

The chief marketing officer for “Bands for Fans,” Paul Russo ’13 (Gloucester, MA), says he was unfamiliar with the four “Ps” of marketing – product, price, place, and promotion – before the project. But by the end he developed a new interest in the discipline. “Not only did we learn the textbook terms, but also the real-world aspect of business.”