Venture Visionaries

High School students from Radford High School visited Radford University's Venture Lab to participate in a Junior Achievement (JA) Career Success Workshop. Students learned how to: Create their own personal brand  Be successful in a college environment and conflict resolution Getting hired - key strategies in building a powerful resume Business Model - lean business plans Keri Garnett, the President of Junior Achievement for Southwest Virginia, with the help of the Venture Lab Brand Ambassadors, management students, and Professors Andy Travers and Dr. Samantha Steidle in making the workshop come to life!  “Today was truly exciting and memorable- being able to introduce these workshops to so many kids at a facility like the Venture Lab is truly what JA is all about. Entrepreneurship is something that comes naturally to children because they’re all curious, creative, and at this point in their lives, focused on their futures. At the end of the day, I think the kids left feeling inspi

Many students need guidance on what their futures are after college. When it comes to having a full resume and applying for jobs, Lauren Gehrig was here to help. Lauren visited the Venture Lab to speak with business and entrepreneurship students to give them advice.  Lauren graduated from Radford University in 2009 and is now the Head of Marketing at NetCentrics. She is a skilled creative and technical marketing leader now focused on elevating the NetCentrics brand. She is a passionate creator, designer, and branding expert.  Here are several pieces of advice Lauren shared with the students in the Venture Lab. LinkedIn is your best friend. You can follow and find companies, jobs, RU alumni, business leaders, and more! Making connections and building your network will boost your profile and share it with potential employers. Be sure to send them your resume and a quick hello is so powerful.  Employers and Companies care about how you think, how you solve problems, and how the big things

Xavier Tramaine is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Humble Hustle coach company Inc Nonprofit, Imagine Me Mentoring, Humble Hustle Clothing, and Xavier Tremaine Creative Consulting. The nonprofit began as a simple idea in 2015 to assist with resources, exposure and equity with youth in Roanoke.  The nonprofit has three programs that promote exposure, education, and empowerment for black youth.  Tramaine began designing and producing shirts with one singular message, "keep giving." The nonprofit sold clothing at local events, festivals and pop up shops to increase awareness for their mission. They aspire to be a staple in the world of urban streetwear with an emphasis on giving back to the community that we serve through impactful messages and statements on clothing. One way that Xavier gives back to this community is through a nonprofit, Humble Heights outdoor program which provides the chance to expand horizons and experience the world in a positive and healt

Owner of Freak Athletics/I Love Basketball LLC (I Love Basketball TV), the world's largest basketball training community, and Investor and growth hacker for online companies. Adam Linkenauger is a former 7x ACC Champion high jumper at Clemson University &ACC Champion coach at Virginia Tech turned successful business owner to brands such as the world leader in basketball training, I Love Basketball, with over 2.2 million subscribers.  More of his entrepreneurial ventures include Athletic Motion Golf, a multi-million dollar leading golf instruction brand online. Urban Valor, a platform for Military Veterans to cement their legacies, share their stories and advice to current and inspiring military, and spread awareness of the struggles of military to civilian transition, military mental health, and veteran homelessness reaching over 300,000+ followers in 15 months. Adam also has consulted countless entrepreneurs helping them build their business, brand, and grow their audiences. O