What is your story?

I grew up on a farm near Dwight, NE, where we raise cattle, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. I spent most of my time helping my dad around the farm, and in my spare time I hunted and showed horses. When I was an 8th grader, I launched Plum Creek Boer Goats; a business purposed to sell registered boer goats to breeders across the midwest. Being exposed to the pros and cons of farming my whole life sparked a desire in me to pursue a career in agriculture, and more importantly, further my education. I knew the University of Nebraska would be the best fit for me and the Engler program was the deciding factor, which brings me to where I am now.

What is your business?

Plum Creek Boer Goats, www.plumcreekboergoats.com I owned this business throughout high school primarily to raise ABGA registered boer goats to sell to breeders across the midwest. I had to sell out when I started college; thus, my plan is to reopen Plum Creek Boer Goats upon graduation from UNL. I want to have a bigger breeding herd and specialize in breeding does. The new idea I have to set my business apart is to link a universal sales website to my business. What that means is that I want to create a website where anyone in the United States can post their boer goats for sale. It'll start with my progeny that I have for sale but I intend to cold call breeders and ask them to post on my website, free of charge. The intent is to get enough sales on my website so that I can then publish a magazine. The magazine is where people will be able to purchase ads and sell their goats. You see all kinds of magazines for cars, tractors, etc., but you never see them for livestock; thus I believe if I can create one, it will benefit not only my business, but breeders throughout the U.S.

Who is your entrepreneurial inspiration OR biggest hero?

Henry Ford is my biggest entrepreneurial inspiration because he wasn't afraid to think big. Too often we limit ourselves to what the world thinks we can handle, but when we dream big and take action on our passion, anything can become successful. Henry Ford is a fine example of that because he didn't focus on making one car at a time, instead he went all out and took the risk to manufacture several different cars all at the same time.

If your story were made into a movie, what actor/actress would portray you and why?

If my story was made into a movie, Chuck Norris would definitely portray me. It wouldn't be because I am a world champion kickboxer, but because Chuck Norris defied the odds that it took to get there. Most people don't know his story, but he actually came from a very poor family and put in everything he had to succeed. He made many sacrifices along the way in order to be able to open his own studio and become a world champion. That describes me because I have that willingness to sacrifice luxury to pursue my dreams and build my business.

What advice would you give to a student starting their entrepreneurial journey?

The advice I would give to any student starting their own entrepreneurial journey would be to 'be all in.' If you are not all in on your business idea and passion, then the one doubting you the most is yourself. There is nothing worse than doing something you don't fully believe in.