Fireside Chat Series #2

Monday night we embarked into the world of entrepreneurship with second Fireside Chat of the fall season! Students met with local entrepreneurs Donnie Barnes and Julie Gavaghan. Donnie told his story about the early days of Red Hat and the struggles they experienced getting the business off the ground. It was a group of men who believed in an idea, all the while being told there was nothing to come of it. Donnie also shared with us what he believes in as a modern day entrepreneur: "aha" moments. His "aha" moments essentially began in the beginning days at Red Hat. However, now the moments occur less often but he experienced them through his hobbies or reading about new ideas. He expanded his interests beyond Red Hat and made his work more well rounded. Donnie claimed "aha" moments are truly important throughout a lifetime as a student and as a working adult. Julie spoke about the beginning of her entrepreneurial career in the cleaning business. While in high-school Julie started a cleaning business which she managed all the way through college until she sold it to a national brand. The business was challenging at times, and managing people older than her was a struggle. However, Julie conquered the business and its troubles with a positive attitude and help from mentors along the way. Now, Julie is working as a developer for Keystone Corporation here in the Triangle area. Her job requires some entrepreneurial thinking, but her position on the Entrepreneurial Advisory Board is truly what keeps her connected to the mindset. Both speakers tonight are current members of the Entrepreneurial Initiative Advisory Board that meets twice a year to discuss ideas, events, and fundraising  We truly appreciated listening to both Julie and Donnie's insight this evening beside a lovely digitally provided fire. It was a relaxing way to enter the week. Stay tuned for more exciting events later in the week! G