>> I have a global and strategic management
degree from Penn State college of business.
When I was at Penn State I
started a company and this was just
through a entrepreneurship class I took, I
pitched an idea and it started as a project
within that class and then things moved forward
and we were encouraged to take that company
and that idea and actually pursue it further.
And Penn State was very supportive
in helping us develop that business.
And that was something that after I
graduated I was actually planning to pursue.
The team I was working with was a
little hesitant about starting right
after college working for a start up
which is completely understandable
so since I did have the whole team interested
in moving forward working with the startup
after graduation we decided
to all go and get real jobs.
So when I interviewed with the
larger consulting firms knowing
that that would provide very good training
opportunities and networking opportunities.
And I started [inaudible] Hamilton.
And great experience.
I was there for about three years and then
I got an opportunity to work for a startup.
And of course my entrepreneurial side was very
eager to take that opportunity and it allowed me
to develop a sustainability consulting firm.
So I took my consulting experience
and then applied
that to this new industry, green industry.
Due to the economy and the way things work,
didn't quite work out but
it was a great experience.
I wouldn't trade it in for anything.
It was the best learning experience.
So I think what I learned
from that was take risks.
Whenever it seems like the
right way to go, just do it.
I mean obviously take calculated risks
but I will pursue anything like that
that comes down here and comes your way.