Will Kitchen, StartUp Winona State | E11

The Eric Mueller Show

Today on the show, you’ll be hearing from a vibrant, optimistic spirit who possesses a keen vision for what it takes to grow as an entrepreneur. As a networking guru and innovative thinker, Will Kitchen has assisted countless individuals in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams. He currently serves as the Director of Innovative Community Engagement at Winona State University and leads an initiative called StartUp Winona State. This program provides support for new entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and connect with the people that can best help them pursue success.

Will’s career has taken him all over the world. From consulting for IBM throughout the US and Asia to serving as COO for a food manufacturing company in Belgium, he has illuminated his business skills internationally. He co-founded a company called Tele-Systems Associates and has more than 10 years of experience in distance learning, teaching and technology arenas. Additionally, Will and his wife’s philanthropic endeavors have brought numerous artistic events to Winona and surrounding areas, such as the Great River Shakespeare Festival and Frozen River Film Festival.

Highlights of the episode:

-What is an entrepreneurial ecosystem?

-Tips for networking and discovering the value of that entrepreneurial ecosystem.

-How Will co-founded a Zoom-esque company back in the 1970s (before the internet!)

-The importance of not giving up on your success journey. Keep trying and trying!

For more information about Will and his role at WSU, visit https://www.winona.edu/startup/

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