Entrepreneurship


UConn Student Building ‘No Bad Days’ Lifestyle Brand

UConn Today – UConn junior Jack Tarca ’22 (BUS) was looking to do something positive last April as the COVID-19 pandemic began to take over the lives and minds of people throughout the world.

With that thought, and the entrepreneurial spirit he has always felt, Tarca created a website and social media channels called “No Bad Days” – a lifestyle brand that promotes mental health and well-being.


Wolff Family Philanthropy Champions UConn Entrepreneurs with ‘Unstoppable Ambition’

UConn Today – If there is one thing that alumnus Thomas John Wolff ’56 (BUS) knew well, from first-hand experience, it’s that becoming a successful entrepreneur is incredibly hard work.

Wolff, who once owned five businesses simultaneously, believed in persistence, ambition, determination and almost unstoppable drive. He also knew that a great mentor and wise advice can take a young entrepreneur a very long way.Continue Reading


UConn Startup Unlocking the Promise of Hemp

UConn Today – A lawyer and a chemist get on a plane. This isn’t the start of a corny joke, but of a successful startup.

University of Connecticut chemistry professor Greg Sotzing met attorney Peter Belsito on an airplane coming back to Connecticut from Atlanta. They soon realized they had a common interest: cannabis. During their flight, they discussed Sotzing’s innovative research related to cannabis and its business potential.


Hartford Has Become One of Top 5 Cities for Techies

Hartford Connecticut
(istockphoto.com)

Hartford is among the Top 5 cities that techies are relocating to in the wake of the global pandemic. Despite rumors that Austin and Miami are luring tech workers, Inc.com is reporting that Madison, Wisc., Cleveland, Sacramento, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Hartford are “winning the war” to attract those fleeing the traditional big-city tech hubs.Continue Reading


Top Management Scholar, Enthusiastic Entrepreneurship Mentor Evan Rawley to Join Faculty


Evan Rawley, an exceptional scholar and enthusiastic entrepreneurship mentor, has joined the School of Business faculty as an associate professor of management and entrepreneurship.

Greg Reilly, the head of the management department, said Rawley will be a tremendous asset to the school.Continue Reading


Alum Who Created ‘Merican Mule Cocktail Company Has Plenty to Celebrate

UConn Today -Sales of ‘Merican Mule premium cocktail have skyrocketed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling the good spirits of its UConn alumnus co-founder.

“Sales have been shot out of a cannon,’’ says Dean Mahoney ’09 (BUS). “The pandemic posed challenges to people who typically went to bars and restaurants. They wanted a quality cocktail at home, so they shifted their search to liquor stores.Continue Reading



A Taste of Something New! Alumnus Creates Monthly ‘Subscription Box’ Filled with Distinctive Local Goodies

Curated CT provides products from a variety of local sources. Pictured above, is a sample from a previous month. (Contrbuted Photo)
Curated CT provides products from a variety of local sources. Pictured above, is a sample from a previous month. (Contributed Photo)

For more than a decade, alumnus Donald Pendagast ’20 MBA, had been thinking about ways to introduce people to local, small food businesses that they might not try otherwise. In October, his idea came to fruition with the creation of Curated CT, a subscription food box featuring local delicacies, including cheese, coffee, chocolate and sometimes beer. The company is already turning a profit and donates some of its profits to a different local charity every month.Continue Reading


FCP Euro Surpasses $100 Million In Annual Sales

FCP Euro – Today, Connecticut-based online auto parts retailer FCP Euro announced that they have surpassed $100 million in annual sales, a milestone achieved through 20 years of consistent revenue growth. As a company recognized in Inc. magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing privately-owned companies for seven years, this milestone is a testament to the focus on customer service and the growth of the digital presence within the Automotive Aftermarket.