b'ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSETsolutions to the industry and hold leadership roles.A VISIONARYS JOURNEYOsborn is set to graduate in December 2025.It takes the right individual like me to look at the situation from a different point of view, he said. IBY SARA DIEDRICHMizzou was the biggest school Id ever seen. I knew it was going personally tested the Pole Buddy on the job site. ItStudent entrepreneur turns passionto be a total change of pace, and I was craving something to get was bare bones at the time, but it worked well. for music and business into studiome out of my comfort zone, she recalled. My tour guide talked a A different path space for local musicians. lot about entrepreneurship, which was something I was interested in when I toured during my junior year of high school. I remember Osborn knew he wasntKiley Grimes didnt know the wordwalking by the storefronts in the student center and thinking, How ready for college straightentrepreneur when she was growingfreaking cool! That could be me.out of high school butup in Springfield, Illinois, but she wasGrimes was raised in a household filled with music, with her dad always sensed the timeone at heart.and brother playing together in a rock band. Although she cant would come. When theA true opportunist, Grimes saw poten- read music, she has a natural talent for playing the piano by ear. moment was right, hetial in every situation. On hot summerWhen she moved into Wolpers Hall her freshman year and discov-seized the opportunitydays, shed set up a lemonade stand.ered two upright pianos in the basement, she was thrilled to have to enroll in TrulaskesWhen her classmates craved more snack options at lunch, shea place to escape, unwind and play. online B.S.B.A. program,became the go-to source for hot Cheetos on the playground. When which has enabled himgirls swooned over Justin Bieber, she cut his pictures out of maga- However, after moving off campus, Grimes didnt have access to a to pursue his businesszines and peddled them for 25 cents.piano in her apartment, and didnt own a keyboard. Her dilemma degree while continuingsparked the idea to create a dedicated studio for local musicians, tosupporthisfamilyGrimes, a senior majoring in economics and business administra- no matter their level of expertise.financially. This flexibletion at Mizzou, is a true visionary who isnt afraid to think outsideI can remember my dad and brother talking about the challenge approach has broughtthe box. She loves startups, venture capital, marketing and music of finding practice space, she said. Its a universal problem for him closer to realizing hisThis fall, Grimes channeled her passions into opening her ownmany musicians.entrepreneurial dreams. businessSoundcheck, a dynamic practice studio for musiciansIf Soundcheck succeeds, Grimes envisions expanding its services I always have an entre- located in the heart of the North Village Arts District in Columbia,and opening similar music studios in other locations. preneurial mindset and wanted to have somethingMissouri. Musicians can rent the newly refurbished space for prac-that was mine to sell, he said. School means so muchtice sessions or private lessons. The studio is outfitted with a mixEventually, Id like to fund another company and/or ramp up a more to me now because I can tailor my educationof donated and purchased instruments and sound equipment,venture capital fund so I can keep investing in the future of better to what I want to learn. I dont want to just have amaking it ideal for musicians of all levels.music and technology, she said. I might even start a record label, degree; I want it to mean something. Grimes brought her idea to life earlier this year with $6,500 inproduce music and make my own. All I know is Im excited!BY SARA DIEDRICH Trulaske business student invents groundbreakingIn Spring 2024, Osborn was awarded the Darbyseed funding from the Entrepreneurship Alliance, an intensiveGrimes is confident that she has found her true calling as an entre-tool for linemen. Fellowship for Entrepreneurship and Innovation toeight-week program offered by the Center for Entrepreneurshippreneur.help support his entrepreneurial efforts and enter- and Innovation at the Trulaske College of Business, designed forStarting my own business feels invigorating, down right anxi-I alwaysLane Osborn isnt your typical business student atprising spirit. He received a $1,000 scholarship as wellstudents looking to develop their startup or business ideas. Sheety-inducing, magicallike this is what Im meant to do for the the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business.further secured an additional $6,000 after placing among the have anas additional mentoring, networking opportunitiestop three entrepreneurs at Missouri Startup Weekend, includingrest of my life, she said. In one word, it feels good.entrepreneurialAt 28, hes a married father of one, balancing full-timeand professional development funding to help cover$3,000 in prize money and a $3,000 match from Mizzou. work as a supervisor of distribution system opera- travel costs to conferences, membership fees, training mindset andtions at Evergya leading electric service providerand/or small grants for startup/prototype costs. Its been an incredible year for me, Grimes said. Being at Mizzou, wanted to havein the Kansas City metro areawith his studies as aThe Darby Fellowship for Entrepreneurship andmeeting other student entrepreneurs and now, opening my own something thatstudent in Trulaskes online B.S.B.A. program.Innovation programwhich is open to all studentsbusiness. I have gained so much confidence.was mine But Osborns ambitions dont stop there. Hes alsoenrolled at the Trulaske College of Businessis theIn addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Grimes serves as an emerging entrepreneur who recently secured aresult of a generous gift from Scott (B.S.B.A. 06) andthe president of Mizzous Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organiza-to sell.patent for a first-of-its-kind aerial mounted toolingStephanie (B.S.B.A. 06) Darby to support studenttion and works as a venture analyst for the Allen Angel CapitalLane device he invented and launchedthe Pole Buddy.entrepreneurs. Recipients are selected based on theirEducation (AACE) program, a hands-on, experiential course at Inspired by his own experience working on powerentrepreneurial skills and capabilities, which couldthe Trulaske College of Business where students invest in high-Osborn lines and witnessing too many tools and equipmentinclude starting a business, taking entrepreneurshipgrowth startups. [See page 10 for more about the AACE program.]fall to the ground, the Pole Buddy attaches to anclasses, participating in entrepreneurship activitiesShe also interns with Redbud VC, an early-stage venture capital aerial platform, bucket truck or pole, ensuring thator contests, or taking on leadership roles in studentfund, and EquipmentShare, a leading construction equipment and power-line workers can keep track of their tools andorganizations. tool rental company.materials.Osborn, who lives in Lees Summit, Missouri, isMarching to the beat of her own drumWith his new invention being manufactured incurrently working on several other inventions thatA first-generation college student, Grimes was not familiar with St. Louis, Osborn has already sold more than 100could benefit other industries, including automotivethe University of Missouri until someone suggested she consider units across 15 states. and aviation manufacturers.the Trulaske College of Business, home to a vibrant community Osborns experience in the field gave him the oppor- I do invest quite a bit of time in entrepreneurship,of student entrepreneurs. Grimes toured the campus, talked with tunity to see firsthand the challenges linemen face.school, work and family, he said. But I have the rightfaculty and students, and soon applied. Hes hoping to use his business degree to bringbalance that works for me. Its what I live for.14 | TRULASKE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS TRULASKE MAGAZINE 2024| 15'