The Innovation Center’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for the development of innovative ideas and be a guide for the entrepreneurial process. But what some may not realize is that this kind of thinking starts with the individual. According to dictionary.com, an entrepreneur is “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.”
The Innovation Center, along with supporting this mindset, is proud to cultivate it within its own team members. Graduate Assistant, Derek Drozd, exemplifies the kind of person the Center seeks to empower through its programs.
Currently he works at the Center as a Graduate Assistant, a position that allows him to be surrounded by an entrepreneurial environment, conduct market research for client companies, and learn from their experiences. He also serves as a mentor for interns and research assistants. “Drozd is thrilled to be a part of the Innovation Center team and is honored to be included amongst its staff. He feels the Innovation Center provides endless learning opportunities, and is thankful for the invaluable services offered to entrepreneurs,” states his bio on the Center’s website.
Drozd exhibits a passion for entrepreneurship as well as a desire and determination to learn and succeed. In November 2015, he was selected as one of 60 students to participate in the 2015 Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) National Elevator Pitch Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri. At the competition, Drozd scored highly and was encouraged by the judges to pursue his vision for The Mobile Fitness Network.
However, this is not Drozd’s first experience in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. In 2014, he founded his first business, BeachFit Trainers LLC. The BeachFit model included a “We bring the gym to you” mentality, which included in-home personal training. In many ways, The Mobile Fitness Network is working to achieve this on a larger scale by creating an online platform that enables the everyday working man or woman to book in-home training from qualified fitness professionals at an affordable price.
In order to make this vision a reality, Drozd applied for and received the National Society of Leadership and Success’s (NSLS) Dream Support Grant. The grant totals $2,500 and its purpose, according to the NSLS website, is “to support individuals in achieving their dream.”
“I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve received throughout my entrepreneurial journey. This grant will enable me to take the first steps to make The Mobile Fitness Network a reality,” stated Drozd.
For more information, please visit: innovation4texas.com/team