Katie: We went through a process of electing management for me and Braeden and then we went through a process of hiring everyone else and then we started brainstorming the product idea. Which, almost was one of the hardest parts of this whole project was coming up with a product.

Katie: We’re seniors and it kind of feels like everything went by so fast and we started innovating on the idea of a time capsule idea and how we can make this better. How can we make something different in the market? And so we decided on adding in all of the experience pages and all the things that don’t actually exist [in the market] right now.

Katie: We did some market research, it was definitely I think the hardest part of the project was the container, because we needed something airtight, we needed something that could withstand the test of time being a time capsule, but we wanted something that looked good. And so, we went from a paint bucket, to a Home Depot bucket, to the concrete test mold that we use today.

Katie: I think this is definitely a product that can withstand the test of time and it’s something we’re all really excited about. I think the only thing that would really take our product to the next level, which I think I mentioned during [the thinkBIG!] competition, was some kind of QR code that could link to more copies of all the experience pages for people with bigger families, or like a bachelorette party that had more than four people. So I think that’s something that could really take our product to the next level.

One of our biggest impacts right now actually is we’re connected with an Alzheimer’s support group based out of a local church here. And I think we’ve made a really, really big impact on all of the members there. We write handwritten letters of encouragement and support and we bake fresh cookies for them and I think it’s really awesome to connect with our community while also providing a need.

Carter: One of the biggest challenges for me was basically getting along with everybody on our team and making sure everybody is on the same track and on a one-way path with the product because if everybody’s not on board then it’s not going to work.

Branden: We found the motivation as soon as we started to see the product come to fruition. That was what our whole problem was. Is this really going to catch people’s eye? Is it going to be different than our competition? Once we found out what’s inside of our time capsule that is difference between our competition.

Katie: We kind of didn’t even expect to be a finalist and then we did. We were really, really excited. We worked super hard towards it. We practiced a ton and I think it really paid off. The hard work for sure paid off.

Katie: I think it really sparked a ton of creativity. I think all of the speakers – it really got a lot of wheels turning with what I can do with my future, with what these other young entrepreneurs did with their future. And how it’s not impossible to do what they did.

Dylan: The networking [at thinkBIG! Summit] was insane.

Braeden Keyes: I used this when I got the job, I just started, a few weeks ago. I used this class for a lot of my examples whenever I was getting asked questions for my interview and I think it really benefits you not just in school but a lot more outside of school as well.

Dylan: Hard work, dedication. That is probably one of the main problems that we had at the beginning was our dedication. And it definitely gives you that dedication and hard work.

Katie: I think we learned how to work with people we wouldn’t normally work with. Not a lot of us were friends before all of this. Braeden and I kind of built a team like that on purpose. Everyone is so diverse and has such different personalities, different skillsets and I think it really blended together so nicely and I’m so happy with my whole team and am so proud of all of them.

Katie: I think the money is just a great investment tool that we can use to further look for high quality vinyl that we can use on the outside of our wraps and possibly start building a website. That’s something we’re interested in. I think it’s just an investment to all of the things we haven’t really had time for yet but we really want to get done.

Branden: I loved the whole experience. I feel like everyone there was warm and welcoming and everyone just felt connected. It felt like they just wanted to help you in the long run.

Katie: I actually really loved the coaching day we had before the presentation. I think that benefitted us a ton. Our coach was just absolutely awesome and I think she gave us insight we really didn’t think of before. She helped us a lot with what the judges questions could possibly be and to plan for those. I think that was really awesome.

Dylan: It was very interactive. Which, I’m a super hands-on guy, but I loved the interactive part of it.

Unison response from all: Do it!

Braeden Keyes: Find something everyone is passionate in and I think it’ll work out because that’s how it was for us. Find something that everyone has some sort of interest in, in some way, and run with it.

Dylan: I’m going to Kent State for Entrepreneurship

Branden: I’m going to the University of Mount Union for Management

Morgan: I’m going to Nashville Beauty College for my Cosmetology License and I’m going to eventually try to open my own salon.

Becca: I’m going to Bowling Green for Psychology, but entrepreneurship is still something that I’m interested in exploring more in the future.

Katie: I’m going to Kent for Entrepreneurship.

Carter: I’m going to the University of Kentucky for a major in Nursing and a minor in Business Administration.

Braeden: I’m going to trade school at Stark State next year for Welding and then I plan on opening my own shop in the future.

Braden: I’m going to study Finance at Walsh.