Some people are born knowing exactly what they do when they grow up. That wasn’t the case for Brian Stearns M’17.
When he first started his undergraduate degree at Appalachian State University, Stearns became acquainted with entrepreneurship. While enrolled as a student, he started a mobile DJ business while also selling t-shirts at football games; however, after graduating with his bachelor’s in marketing, Stearns, instead of becoming an entrepreneur, made his way into the corporate world as a marketing manager for Ryobi Power Tools in Anderson while continuing his DJ business on the side. At Ryobi, he caught wind of the Clemson MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (MBAe) from some of his coworkers and decided to take advantage of the opportunity. He saw the MBAe program as a way to do something different and potentially launch himself further into his corporate career.
“I was 30 years old when I started the first semester as a part-time student, and it was probably my second class experience with Dr. Klein where everything clicked,” says Stearns. “The wheel started turning about doing something entrepreneurial, and I used the Clemson program as a launchpad to reset my life.”
It was through the Clemson MBAe Program that Stearns came up with the idea for RingoFire. Today, RingoFire creates engaging, high-quality content for clients like Lowe’s, Sharpie, The Home Depot, Elmer’s and Magic Chef. Their services range from social and community management to graphic design and website development.
Although RingoFire is now one of the top five growing advertising agencies in the world, success didn’t happen overnight. “Building up the courage and taking that leap was the most difficult decision. For me,” Stearns explains, “that leap was when I resigned from my corporate job. I had to decide that I believed in myself.”
Stearns will return to Clemson as a speaker on September 17th at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad for Entrepreneurship College of the Week, is an event where employers from startup companies and students for job fairs have the opportunity to meet, listen to speaker panels and attend networking nights. Each week features a different college, with the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business being featured on September 17th.
Stearns emphasizes the importance of supportive environments when opening a start-up. He says that spaces like the Brook T. Smith Launchpad are valuable to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Starting a business at any point in time is extremely stressful. One of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is finding a supportive network, and with places like the Launchpad, a space for collaboration and resources is already available.”
His biggest advice to young entrepreneurs is to run with an idea once you have one. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for all the stars to align. The key is to start moving forward with your idea and adapt as you go. You have to give it your all.”
About the Brook T. Smith Launchpad
The Brook T. Smith Launchpad, Clemson University’s Entrepreneurship Hub, is a 9,000 sq. ft. space in downtown Clemson offering memberships for students, faculty and staff. It provides resources for entrepreneurial education, networking and business support at local, national and global levels. It is a central hub for entrepreneurship, offering valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration, consultation and growth.
About the Clemson MBAe Program
The Clemson MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MBAe) is designed for students with a passion for innovation. The Clemson MBA faculty bring their real-world perspective to the classroom to help students understand how to be successful business owners or bring innovation to the corporate business setting. Students gain the essential business knowledge provided in the corporate program with added emphasis on topics specific to the needs of start-ups, including venture finance, intellectual property and entrepreneurial strategy.
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