Surfing around the Inc website, the other day I ran across an article about the “Coolest College Start-ups.” Thinking about the Rice Business Plan Competition, I clicked through.
Lo and behold there was a company from the University of Houston. Danny Klam, a senior, founded Simply Splendid Donuts & Ice Cream in 2004. He and his business partner currently have three locations in Houston and have plans to expand. Klam took several courses at UH’s Wolff Center for Entreprenuership.
I’m glad to see the national recognition for one of our young local entrepreneurs. This recognition shows one of many benefits of providing an “entrepreneurial” education. The Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship, Texas A&M’s Center for New Ventures & Entrepreneurship, and UH’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship are all producing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs today.
The Millennials are finding their seats at the “corporate table” faster than previous generations and they’re doing it their own way. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this is one of the most entrepreneurial generations we’ve seen in a long time. With award programs like 40 Under 40 and business plan competitions to recognize and encourage their achievements, they are going to continue to change the face of business for the better.