Lakeland University is at the forefront of transforming higher education and making a positive impact on society through its focus on cultivating the next generation of capable and skilled leaders. With a rich heritage of fostering innovation and offering unparalleled entrepreneurial prospects, the university is leading the way in preparing students for the future.
In 2020, Lakeland University introduced Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses, a venture that empowers students to take charge of their own entrepreneurial journeys. Through Launch, students are provided with the tools and support to create, develop, and manage income-generating businesses. These experiences offer a paid opportunity for students and serve as a platform to cultivate cooperative skills and develop strong leadership capabilities.
Engaging in these immersive and impactful ventures, Launch instills an entrepreneurial mindset that transcends individual majors and fields of study. Students are encouraged to think innovatively, solve problems effectively, and collaborate with others to achieve success. By offering these powerful experiential learning opportunities, Lakeland University equips its students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in diverse professional environments inspiring students to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors beyond their time at the university, contributing to the growth of the local and global economy.
Launch is where a dedicated team of students takes charge of creating, developing, and efficiently managing both on-campus and off-campus business ventures. With the guidance and support of our experienced staff and mentors, we have successfully established and operate four thriving businesses.
At Launch, we believe in equipping our student leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed for post-graduation success. By immersing themselves in the everyday financial and operational aspects of running a business, our students gain invaluable experience that sets them apart in the job market and cultivates the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
If you have the passion and drive to start or manage a business, we want to join forces with you. As a student at Lakeland University, you have the opportunity to embark on this exciting journey today. Discover the world of entrepreneurship and make your mark with Launch!
Currently, Launch students are actively managing and operating the following businesses:
Musko's Campus Shop
Musko's Campus Shop is committed to serving the Lakeland community by offering high-quality branded merchandise and exceptional service through our on-campus and online store. Our merchandise selection is carefully curated by students to ensure we stay current with the latest trends for both current students and alumni. As the financial backbone of Launch, the Campus Shop enables us to fuel the growth of all our businesses.
For the latest updates follow Musko's Campus Shop's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LUCampusShop and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lu_campusshop/
Email https://muskosshop.lakeland.edu/
for any questions.
Elementastic
Elementastic specializes in providing a range of educational offerings, including after-school programs, interactive science shows, in-school field trips, and public and company events. These captivating experiences are conducted by our dedicated team of Launch student workers. Our programs are carefully crafted to nurture children's curiosity through hands-on and engaging experiments. We strive to create an enjoyable and entertaining environment while imparting valuable insights and understanding to young minds.
Book a workshop today! To book an event or for any questions about Elementastic, please email elementastic@lakeland.edu
Event Planning
We specialize in delivering exceptional and unforgettable organizational experiences for university and community events, surpassing what could be achieved independently. Our expertise lies in meticulously planning various events such as parades, camps, conferences, professional training programs, golf outings, and pop-up food stands. With our dedicated team, we ensure seamless execution and create lasting memories for your attendees. Contact Launch Event Planning for additional information at launch@lakeland.edu.
Nonprofit Collaborative Grant
The Nonprofit Support Group offers a valuable service to local nonprofit agencies by providing them with temporary staff at minimal or no cost. Our primary objective is to enhance the effectiveness of these organizations by supplying exceptional students who can fill various administrative, professional, or project-based roles. Through this initiative, Launch actively contributes to the financial support of our community.
We have established partnerships with more than 16 local nonprofits, including The Above & Beyond Children's Museum, The Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Nonprofits that are interested in securing a grant to hire a Lakeland student can submit their applications through the provided link below.
Content Writers
We’re the Lakeland Content Writers, a team of student writers channeling our college-fresh skills into killer content. Our mission? Decode your writing needs and cook up content that makes your brand shine.
From blog posts to annual reports, we write marketing and informative content that resonates. Are grammar glitches haunting your existing material? Our editing prowess has you covered!
As writing majors and minors, we're committed to engaging your audience, building credibility, and enhancing brand visibility. Count on us to craft the top-tier content that tells your brand's story.
We offer a complimentary initial meeting, of up to an hour, to discuss your project, expectations, deadline goals, and customized pricing options.
Lakeland Content Writers Flyer
Introducing Launch's student executives, who are acquiring unmatched skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, and innovative problem-solving as they enthusiastically manage thriving businesses that generate substantial income.
John A. Putnam
Chief Executive Officer
John A. Putnam, of Plymouth, Wis., serves as President of the Nonprofit Division and Develop U and manages day-to-day operations of Lakeland’s nonprofit relationships and manages professional development workshops offered to local businesses as part of Launch.
John plans to graduate in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and he hopes to become a forensic accountant for the U.S. Government.
John brings to his role knowledge in finances/accounting and problem-solving skills. His main goal is to achieve excellence through investing in Lakeland students and the surrounding communities by providing consistent, positive experiences and services through Launch.
John is involved in the Lakeland Jazz Band, Accounting Club and the Forensic Accounting Club. In his free time, he loves to read, play his instruments (he can play six different instruments), learn and hunt.
Aidan Hager
President
Aidan Hager, of Sheboygan, Wis., served Launch during the 2022-2033 school year as Musko’s Campus Shop Online Store & Analytics Specialist and is currently moving into the role Launch President. In his role with the online store, he developed goals, strategies, and plans to execute comprehensive online sales and analyzed analytics to understand buying trends. In his new role as In-Coming President, Aidan is learning to manage all Launch business operations, developing his leadership goals, and strategies, and identifying new business opportunities.
Aidan plans to graduate in May 2025, with a bachelor’s degree in marketing sales management and business administration with an emphasis on finance. Following graduation, he wishes to remain in Sheboygan and be part of a company’s sales or data or financial analytics team.
While working with Launch, Aidan plans to continue his understanding of sales trends, analytics, and efficiencies while developing his leadership style and mentoring abilities.
Aidan is a Lakeland University Sheboygan County Scholar and very involved in growing the university student culture and engagement. In his free time, he enjoys working out, reading, and playing video games with his friends. Aidan’s family relationship is the center in his life, especially attending church together.
Zak Keegan
Chief Financial Officer
Zak Keegan, of Frankfort, Ill., serves as the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for day-to-day business operations, analysis, strategy, and growing Launch’s financial position. Additionally, Zak assesses financial risks and new business opportunities, helps the business managers set and track financial goals, objectives and budgets and lead the development and use of best-practice policies, practices and tools that ensure a well-controlled organization with strong fiscal management.
Zak plans to graduate in May 2025, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Following graduation, he plans to work for an accounting firm with the ultimate goal of working in the accounting or financial department of a professional sports organization.
His main reason for working with Launch is that he sees he can gain outstanding knowledge and real-world experience while learning to support a team and help the businesses thrive.
At Lakeland, Zak is a middle infielder on the LU baseball team. He enjoyed success during the 2022-2023 season by starting in 36 games with a total of 32 hits, of which 3 were doubles and a team-leading 4 triples. He also holds an officer position with the LU accounting club. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as the video games MLB and Madden.
Nidal Farah
Musko's Campus Shop Procurement Manager
Nidal Farah, of Ventura, Cali., serves as the Campus Shop Procurement Manager. The responsibility of this position is to understand purchasing trends and effectively manage procurement operations to optimize sales. Nidal plans to graduate in May of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he would like to own his own business.
Nidal brings a level of retail experience to the team through the start of his own clothing company. His main goal in the position is to gain real-world experience to help him succeed in his future goals.
Nidal is a member of the Lakeland men’s wrestling team. In his free time, he enjoys thrifting, listening to music, and working on cars.
Kelsie Toay
Musko's Campus Shop On-Campus Manager
Kelsie Toay, of Mineral Point, Wis, serves as the Campus Shop On-Campus Manager. The responsibility of this position is to oversee the day-to-day operations of our vibrant on campus shop, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Kelsie plans to graduate in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Kelsie hopes to bring a fresh wave of creativity and organization to her Launch. Her goal is to make Launch a positive brand to customers and staff alike using a combination of her previous experience and feedback.
She is a member of Residence Life, Esports, Roteract, NSLS, and Greek life. In her free time, Kelsie enjoys painting, playing video games, binging new shows, looking at fashion and interior design trends, and spending time with friends.
Jordan August
Musko’s Campus Shop Online Store & Analytics Specialist
Jordan August, of Schererville, Ind, serves as Musko’s Campus Shop Online Store & Analytics Specialist. The responsibility of her role is to develop goals, strategies, and implementation plans to execute comprehensive online, analyze analytics in order to understand buying trends, manage all aspects of the online campus shop. Jordan plans to graduate in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and art.
Jordan hopes to bring her organizational skills to her position and her abilities to unite a team toward common goals and financial success.
She is a member of the Lakeland softball team and in her free time she enjoys painting and watching movies.
Sarah Stege
Lakeland Content Writers Manager
Sarah Stege, of Hartford, Wis, serves as the Lakeland Content Writers Manager. In this capacity, her primary objective is to meticulously grasp the goals and requirements of clients, ensuring the creation of written content that not only meets but surpasses their expectations. Sarah also takes on the crucial responsibilities of guiding and overseeing her team members and their contributions. Sarah plans to graduate in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and creative writing.
Sarah goal is working with Launch is twofold: gain valuable writing experience and to assist fellow writing students in their journey. Furthermore, she hopes to provide local, small businesses with access to quality content, all the while promoting Launch, the co-op program, and Lakeland’s writing degrees.
She is a member of Lakeland’s Cru and the M.U.S.K.I.E.S. Writing Club. Sarah enjoys reading, art, the company of friends, hiking, and working with her Icelandic sheet and cats on her family’s hobby farm.
Are you entrepreneurial? Are you self-motivated, accountable, and eager? Do you want a professional experience that will set you apart from your peers?
Check out the great positions and apply today,
Elementastic Manager
Elementastic
The business leader accountable for all aspects of the business - financial results, workshop creation, talent acquisition, customer service, staff management and training, and campus relations all in an effort to grow revenue.
Responsibilites:
Elementastic Workshop Instructor
Elementastic
Perform science demonstrations to groups of children in after-school programs, in-school classroom visits, birthday parties, and summer programs.
This is a sporadic position, meaning you may have another primary on-campus paid position and work occasionally for Elementastic, as long as you stay within 20-hours (school year) or 40-hours (summer). Remember, you may also hold an off-campus job, which allows this job to be a great additional income opportunity.
Work 2-3 1-hour sessions per month based on your schedule. Note: positions available all year.
Wage: $20/hr PLUS paid drive time!
Event Director
Launch
The Event Director will enthusiastically prospect, organize, and produce events from conception to completion. This individual will accomplish this goal with outstanding customer service, exceptional organization, and clear communication.
Some events in which the Director will participate or lead:
Responsibilities:
Requirements:
This is a 12-month position with expected 15-20 school-year hours per week and 20-40 summer hours of work per week depending on contracted events.
Musko's Campus Shop Procurement Manager
Musko's Campus Shop
The Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement and inventory management functions for Musko’s Campus Shop. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the shop's merchandise is stocked, up-to-date, and aligns with the university's brand image and values. The Procurement Manager will collaborate with vendors, analyze purchasing trends, and manage inventory levels to meet the demands of students, alumni, and university supporters.
Responsibilities
Requirements
Five students from Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses recently joined some of the top universities in the country in Boston Mass., for the Student Run Business Association’s national conference. Read all about it!
Our mission is to empower Lakeland students to become visionary trailblazers, equipping them with transformative experiences and entrepreneurial skills that propel them as future leaders. Through immersive learning opportunities, we foster a dynamic environment that prepares students for a multitude of diverse careers in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Ownership
Launch imparts responsibility & cultivates independence in individuals across all roles.
Growth Opportunities
Launch establishes an environment that encourages individuals to explore professional learning opportunities that ignite their personal interests.
Schedule Flexibility
Launch recognizes the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance & empowers every employee to craft their own schedule.
Collaboration
Launch incorporates both team collaboration & a diverse range of independent tasks within every position.
Goal #1
10% of University Jobs
Prepare Launch student team members for a multi-faceted world by funding 10% of university paid experiential learning opportunities.
Goal #2
Increase Revenue
Increase the Launch revenue by 15% compared to FY2223 fiscal year.
Goal #3
New Business
Develop a comprehensive business plan for the upcoming fiscal year, laying the foundation for the successful launch and operation of a new business venture under the umbrella of Launch.
The annual report for FY2223 offers a retrospective of Launch's third year in operation, highlighting our expanded business ventures and the development of our organizational culture. As we move forward into FY2324, Launch is poised for further growth and success.
Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our mission, values, and achievements. We encourage you to reach out with any inquiries, business proposals, or financial contributions you may have.
View Annual Report
June 2022 - July 2023
Click the button below to view the latest annual report.
Financially Support Launch
Join us as our financial partner and have faith in our commitment to responsibly manage your support, whether it be to propel our existing business ventures or embark on exciting new opportunities. Click HERE to donate, then under "Please direct my gift go" select Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses.
This opportunity is open to all students of Lakeland University who possess a business idea or are currently operating a business and seek assistance or support.
Depending on the students' preferences, there are two pathways available to aid them in fostering their entrepreneurial concepts or enhancing their existing small businesses.
Jake's, A Lakeland Community
Jake’s is an inclusive co-working space owned by Lakeland University and is on a mission to break down the barriers to entrepreneurship for the Lakeland community and surrounding areas. But it’s more than just a coworking space. Jake’s is an epicenter of opportunities. Our hub for entrepreneurship. Their mission is to foster a culture of innovation, empowerment, and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and educators within Sheboygan County and across the state of Wisconsin.
The primary advantages of this pathway include:
Upon graduating from Lakeland University, students will have the following options available to them:
Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses
This particular route is designed for students who have a business idea or are currently running a small business that can thrive within the protective environment provided by the University.
The primary advantages of this pathway include:
Upon graduating from Lakeland University, students will have the following options available to them:
"LAUNCH – Lakeland’s commitment to experiential learning in action! Simply put, the best way to learn is to combine theory with practice and reflection. Our students are doing just that as they seize innovative business opportunities, improving the university operations while earning academic credits and paying down their tuition. The university is fully committed to our student run enterprises and looks forward to seeing where LAUNCH takes us."
“The Elementastic Workshop Instructor position has provided me with numerous opportunities to teach first-hand in a classroom. As an education major, during Covid, there are not many opportunities to go out and work in schools. I knew that accepting this position would help me gain valuable work experience in a school that enhances my teaching skills in a live classroom. This experience builds my skills and confidence in teaching future classes.”
“One of the best things about working for a nonprofit is that they are solely focused on helping other people and giving back to the community. More students should take advantage of what the Launch program offers. I encourage every student at Lakeland to go out of their comfort zone and to jump on every opportunity that they can. You never know what you could get yourself into or what you could learn and who knows, maybe you’ll love it.”
Board of Advisors
Updated June 2023
Name | Title/Position | Employer/Nonprofit |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jaber | Coordinator of Instructional Technology | Sheboygan Area School District |
| Jennifer Krugel | HR Business Partner | Rockline Industries |
| Ryan Kauth | Senior Vice-President of Lending | Green Leaf Bank |
| Nick O'Brien | Entrepreneur | Self-Employed |
| Kristin Stearns | CEO | Lakeshore Community Health Care |
| Donna Wendlandt | CEO | Sheboygan County YMCA |
| Dante Williams | High-Level Operations | Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) |
| Ray York | Business Counselor / Entrepreneurship Specialist | Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) |
| Stephanie Hoskins | Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. Chair in Business and Enterprise | Lakeland University |
We are open to hearing your ideas for new business ventures, providing leadership mentoring, offering financial support, or simply engaging in a conversation about entrepreneurialism. Additionally, if you're interested, we can arrange for a member of our Launch team to speak to your group or organization. Let's establish a connection and collaborate.
