Ignite 2.0

November 8-10, 2024

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact quinnt@txstate.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

Friday, November 8, 2024

Welcome Address
5:30 pm · McCoy Hall 126

Teresa Quinn, Director
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
McCoy College of Business at Texas State University


Entrepreneurial Journey in Wellness

Headshot of Lauren Fleming

6 pm · McCoy Hall 124

» For Grads, Faculty, Staff, Alumni
Lauren Fleming is the founder of Hem Support Wear, a company dedicated to empowering women through thoughtful, beautiful pelvic floor support garments. Her journey began after being diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) following the birth of her first child. Frustrated with the lack of effective support options, Lauren was inspired to create solutions that truly help women feel supported and confident in their pelvic health journeys.


Global Accelerator

Headshot of Samantha Brown

6 pm · McCoy Hall 127

» For: Undergrads
Samantha Browncurrently serves as the Chief of Staff and Chief Partnership Officer for Q-Branch, a Global Accelerator in Austin, Texas. Q-Branch is focused on soft landing international scale-ups with a strong focus on dual-use tech. Through her work at Q-Branch, she has worked with a multitude of foreign governments and founders to de-risk market entry and provide hand-on guidance in navigating the US and Texas markets.

SESSION #1: From Corporate to Founder - 6:00pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of Pam Nemac

Pam Nemac worked for Whataburger as their head of HR, but now runs her own consulting firm focused on leadership and communication. She leads and cultivates a world-class culture for a multi-billion-dollar restaurant brand. She guides leaders through the challenges and opportunities of scaling a growing business, engaging and retaining talent, and delivering exceptional customer service.

For: Business Owners

Interpreneurship: Create a Job Out of Thin Air - 6:00pm - McCoy 105

Headshot of Breanna Deculus

Breanna Deculus is an Amazon Account Manager in digital commerce and marketing analytics. Currently serving on The Emerson Group's Digital Commerce Team, Breanna specializes in enhancing brand growth and consumer engagement across Amazon and other e-commerce and social commerce platforms.

For: Entrepreneur Learning Group

SESSION #2: Franchising, Business Plans, and Law - 7:00pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of John Gold

John Glode's professional experiences include practicing law at two large law firms as well as owning small businesses. John’s legal experience includes business planning and corporate law, serving as Guardian Ad Litem for seniors, non-profit law, oil and gas royalty/tax litigation, and commercial real estate and tax-exempt bond financing transactions.

For: Grads, Faculty, Staff, Alumni

SESSION #2: ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY IN Wellness - 7:00pm - McCoy 127

Headshot of Lauren Fleming

Lauren Fleming is the founder of Hem Support Wear, a company dedicated to empowering women through thoughtful, beautiful pelvic floor support garments. Her journey began after being diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) following the birth of her first child. Frustrated with the lack of effective support options, Lauren was inspired to create solutions that truly help women feel supported and confident in their pelvic health journeys.

For: Undergrads

SESSION #2: Mutts Canine Cantina - 7:00pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of Laura and Lisa Ludwig

Laura and Lisa Ladewig, twins and Texans for life, these sisters have combined their professional strengths and personal passions into a business venture, certain to capture the hearts of dog lovers. Their extensive sales and marketing experience, and years of entrepreneurial and community service know-how make this a special experience for both dog and owner.

For: Business Owners

SESSION #2: Global Accelerator - 7:00pm - McCoy 105

Headshot of Samantha Brown

Samantha Brown currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Chief Partnership Officer for Q-Branch, a Global Accelerator in Austin, Texas. Q-Branch is focused on soft landing international scale-ups with a strong focus on dual-use tech. Through her work at Q-Branch, she has worked with a multitude of foreign governments and founders to de-risk market entry and provide hand-on guidance in navigating the US and Texas markets. 

For: Entrepreneur Learning Group

Saturday, November 9, 2024

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Max Feber - 12:00pm - McCoy 126

Headshot of Max Feber

Max Feber, a student entrepreneur and innovator, whose experience offers a practical and inspiring look at what it takes to balance classes with a growing business, leveraging college life to fuel entrepreneurial success, and the invaluable network of supporters that make the entrepreneurial ecosystem work. Feber is founder of Bruw & Bellweather and was a successful contestant on Shark Tank.

Session #3: Tech Start-up - 1:30pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of Edwardo Galindo

Edwardo Galindo, is motivated to bring technology, through the creation of STEM programs, to all children and young students, from preschool to university. He has set up companies in different countries such as EGB4 Technologies, and is a founding member of the American Association of Robotics and Technology A.C.

For: Grads, Faculty, Staff, Alumni

Session #3: COO and Founder of Teakeasy Tea - 1:30pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of Tara Godby

Tara Godby is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Co-Founder of Teakeasy Tea, an upscale tea company that combines luxury, innovation, and music-inspired flavors. With over 25 years in corporate America, Tara transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in 2018, bringing her vision for Teakeasy to life.

For: Undergrads

Session #3: The Power of Branding and Packaging - 1:30pm - McCoy 124

Headshot of Mason Espedal

Mason Espedal is the founder and owner of three successful businesses. He launched his first venture, Velocity Patches, at age 15, and continues to lead it today. In 2023, Mason founded Espedal Creative, a freelance design agency catering to local clients on single-engagement projects. His latest venture, DigiMade Studios, is a full-service design and advertising agency focusing on CPG brands and products

For: Business Owners

Session #3: Being Remarkable: Power of Doing Anything Better than Everyone - 1:30pm - McCoy 105

Headshot of Elijah May

Elijah May served as a PR specialist & special liaison to the film industry & transitioned to healthcare startups & helped launch the Austin Entrepreneur Network. In 2014, he co-founded The Experience Firm. The firm has developed high-impact, word-of-mouth marketing experiences for major

For: Entrepreneur Learning Group

Group Session: The Art of the Pitch - 2:30pm

Headshot of Teresa Quinn

Teresa Quinn, director of the CIE, and award-winning pitch competitor and center director. She is a partner in 4Quinns Farms.

Sandbox Session - 3:30pm - Various Locations

Sandbox #1 (McCoy 126) Quinn: Pitch workshop  

Sandbox #2 (McCoy 127) Feber: Marketing and distribution 

Sandbox #3 (Makerspace) Elijah: Makerspace 

Sandbox #4 (McCoy 113): Sean Bauld

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Optional: Pitch Showcase - 1pm - McCoy 126

Put your pitch skills to work. Pitch your business or idea to judges and compete to win!

Optional: Pitch Awards - 3:30pm - McCoy 126

Judges: Max Feber, Elijah May, Pam Nemec, Tara Godby, Aaron Barker, and Breanna Deculus