Category: Student Stories

When you meet Lindsey Brooks, you immediately sense someone who is both grounded and in motion – a person who thrives by doing, learning, stretching, and stepping into whatever the moment demands.

Lindsey graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Lacy School of Business in May 2024, and today, she’s the Operations Associate at King Lou Pets, a fast-growing, real-life-inspired pet nutrition company that makes super treats for dogs and cats. The Butler alum oversees warehouse flow, fulfillment, inventory, packaging, and anything else that keeps a young, nimble business running.

“Anything that would affect how we go about our day-to-day is what I handle,” she said. “And then some other overlap things. I help with our live streams, a little bit of marketing, whatever the business needs.” It’s the exact kind of environment she’s always quietly gravitated toward: hands-on, human-sized, and full of things to figure out.

Her journey to that spot started long before graduation – back when she was just a high schooler in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she heard about a small, private university in Indianapolis. “I knew I did well in 30-person classes,” she remembered. “But a 500-person lecture hall? That sounded like the death of me.”

LSB checked every box she didn’t know she had: intimate classes, a campus that felt big enough but not overwhelming. “And it was super dog friendly, which – huge animal person over here,” she laughed.

Even still, it wasn’t until she was invited to the Lacy Business Scholars Day that everything clicked into place. “The sessions, the alumni, what the program offered – everything aligned.” She came in as an Exploratory Business major, drawn to business but not yet to a single lane. And then she won the scholarship. “That was the difference between me needing student loans and not.”

Once at Butler, she didn’t just join campus life – she dove straight into it. Honors. Lacy Scholars. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Club. Stencil. Dawgs Serving Dogs. Club soccer. Coaching. Volunteering. “I’m someone who works better busy,” she said. “The more I have to do, the less I procrastinate. And everything I joined gave me an outlet that wasn’t academic.”

Inside the classroom, she found the professors who helped shape her path. Early on, it was Professor Kristi Mitchell, lecturer of entrepreneurship and innovation, in First-Year Business Experience. “That class made me realize I wanted to do entrepreneurship and innovation,” she recalled. “I loved problem solving – that feeling of having a million obstacles and figuring out how to get through them.”

Later, in Operations Management with Professor Matthew Caito, lecturer in operations management, something even more surprising happened. “I’m very black-and-white, type A – and operations just made sense to me. But it still had room for creativity. That balance felt right.” Professor Caito would also become one of the first people she turned to when she realized her first job out of college wasn’t for her. “He helped me think through what I liked, what I didn’t, what to look for, even what to say in interviews. That openness – it changed everything.”

Which brought her to the pivot she didn’t see coming. “I always said I didn’t want to do supply chain,” she admitted. But during a rough stretch in a sales role, she knew wasn’t the right fit, she reached out to Professor Caito.

“I told him, ‘I like talking to people, but I don’t like hounding people.’ I had no idea what was next.” He asked questions she hadn’t considered. What did she enjoy? What parts of her last job did she want to keep? Was she willing to trade the comfort of stability for the learning curve of a small business? “He basically said, ‘Worst case scenario, it’s not glamorous. Are you okay with that?’ And I realized… yes, I am.” She smiled. “Small business is exactly what I wanted. And he helped me understand how my experiences fit into that world.”

She took the leap – from an almost Fortune 500 company to a startup – and everything changed. “You don’t have to find your perfect fit first, second, or even third,” she said. “Just getting into an area or company you like is already a win. I was freaking out back then, but now? I’m 24 and I love my job. That’s already such a blessing.” Her advice to students feeling the pressure to have it all figured out: “Take the pressure off yourself. Be open to risks. Don’t worry what it looks like from the outside. Every step is a steppingstone.”

Looking ahead, she sees a future rooted in operations. “I love the raw materials side, I love relationships, I love the backend,” she said. Her long-term dream is clear: Director of Operations. Not just running the systems, but shaping them – sourcing new farms for ingredients, managing teams, building structure, being the person who keeps everything moving. She knows she’s ambitious. And she knows she’s in the right place to grow. “My old job had a clear track,” Lindsey said. “This job has a clear purpose. And that matters more.”

When she reflects on her time at LSB, one thing stands above the rest: the power of a network. “They emphasized it so much – and now I’m like, okay, I get it. The bigger your network, the more potential you have.” She remembers building a LinkedIn profile in class, talking to peers in Real Business Experience, meeting guest speakers, and staying connected with professors. “After speaking at an event recently, my LinkedIn was flooded with requests. That wouldn’t have happened if LSB hadn’t taught me how to show up.”

Her final words to current students are simple, honest, and lived: “Keep your mind open. Be willing to take risks. Every internship, every job, even the ones you don’t like, teaches you something. You’re not going to know what you want out of a career until you test things out. And that’s okay.”

Written by Brad Seehausen
Marketing and Communications Intern, Lacy School of Business ’26

Becoming the state champion of anything doesn’t just fall into someone’s lap – but for Seth Raymond, becoming the Indiana State Champion in Microsoft Excel wasn’t the goal. Instead, it
was the byproduct of hours of hard work spent watching tutorials and taking practice exams in pursuit of his Excel certification. As a result, Seth ended up getting slightly more than he bargained for.

“I wasn’t trying to be the state champion in Excel,” said the senior finance and business technology & analytics double major, “A lot of workforces use Excel, so I was just hoping to
better myself in different aspects that I would be getting in the workplace.”

Entering the Lacy School of Business as a finance major, Seth was soon exposed to the world of Business Technology & Analytics, where he found a niche working with software applicable to real-world settings. In addition to his natural curiosity, Seth accredits much of his success to his
professors, especially Jason Davidson, an assistant professor of management information systems at LSB, as well as Seth’s academic advisor. “Professor Davidson recommended that we
take our [Excel] certifications and I just happened to score high enough to where it ended up qualifying for state champion,” he added.

However, Seth didn’t just score “high enough” to qualify for state champion, he scored a perfect 1000/1000 on his certification, bringing home Butler University’s second Microsoft Excel State Championship within the last three years.

But how does one become so well-versed in Microsoft Excel? Seth places an emphasis on doing the dirty work, but to have fun at the same time. “Just get in there and get reps in,” the senior commented. “Watching practice videos can be very helpful, but also just getting in the program itself and messing around with all of the cool different things that you can do.” He believes people shouldn’t learn Excel with the goal of winning competitions, but rather with a genuine desire to build knowledge and become familiar with the software.

In addition to being Excel State Champ, the Fishers native is involved in numerous clubs and organizations on campus, having served as Vice President of his fraternity, Sigma Nu as a sophomore, as well as a part of the Management Information Systems and Technology Association. As a self-proclaimed sports fan, Seth has also participated in the Final Four Analytics Challenge, in which he competed to present a cohesive visualization of key data supplemented by NCAA Tournament. His goal? To utilize these experiences and certifications as he pursues a career in financial planning and data analytics.

The desire to compete and excel academically isn’t the only driving factor for Seth; he’s also driven by a passion for sharing his knowledge with others who are interested in strengthening their technical skills in the workplace.

Seth’s Excel journey doesn’t end at the state level. His next stop is Nashville, Tennessee, where he will compete at the Microsoft Excel National Championship, representing Indiana and Butler on the national stage, accompanied by Professor Jason Davidson in June. Professor Davidson is confident in Seth, who commented, “I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow over the past four years. His dedication and hard work earned him the top spot in the state, and I have no doubt he will carry the Butler Way with him to the national championship in Nashville this summer.”

Although there are some nerves surrounding the competition, Seth is all smiles. “Yeah, it’s nerve-wracking, but I’m honored to be able to have this opportunity and attempt to place high,” he gleefully shared, “I’m definitely excited to compete.”

Jenna Burd didn’t just grow up around business – she lived it.

From her earliest memories, she watched her mother build an advertising agency from scratch while caring for her as a newborn. “I grew up absorbing everything my mom was doing – her drive, creativity, and resilience,” Jenna recalled. “That entrepreneurial spirit stuck with me.”

By the time she was 10, her father had started his own business as well. Watching both parents juggle professional ambition and family life gave Jenna a vision of the kind of future she wanted: one where she could chase her passions, build her own path, and still maintain balance and flexibility. “They told me entrepreneurship was an option,” she said. “It’s not something only certain people can do. Why not me?”

That early exposure wasn’t just inspiration – it became action. At the Lacy School of Business, Jenna immersed herself in academics, internships, and personal ventures, learning to navigate the delicate balance of risk, responsibility, and opportunity. “I wanted to dive all in, commit fully, and see what would happen,” the senior marketing and entrepreneurship major said. “This was the easiest time in my life to take risks.”

A turning point came through LSB’s Real Business Experience (RBE) program. As VP of Sales and CEO for the Men of Butler calendar – a student-led project that featured campus personalities in a playful, novelty way – Jenna discovered the art of leadership. “At first, I wanted to do everything myself,” she laughed. “But I quickly learned how to delegate while staying strategic. That experience taught me how to empower others while keeping the vision on track. It prepared me to lead teams for my own business.”

Fueled by that hands-on experience and her entrepreneurial roots, Jenna launched Yalla Solutions LLC, a digital-first fractional CMO agency. The name was inspired by a backpacking trip through Morocco, where she kept hearing the word Yalla, meaning “let’s go,” echoing across markets, desert trails, and cafés. “I loved that spirit of action and momentum,” she said. “I wanted to take that energy home and help businesses move forward.”

Yalla Solutions LLC focuses on helping startups and service businesses create effective digital marketing strategies, blending creativity with cutting-edge tools like AI to deliver measurable results. Through it, Jenna combines her love of problem-solving with her drive to empower others – an extension of the values she absorbed growing up.

But Jenna credits more than her family for her growth. The Butler Entrepreneurship ecosystem, and faculty mentorship – especially from Nick Smarrelli, lecturer in entrepreneurship and innovation – played a pivotal role. “The program brings students and alumni together in a way that fosters collaboration and growth,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without it. The mentorship, resources, and support are incredible.”

Looking ahead, Jenna envisions Yalla Solutions LLC growing into the premier fractional marketing firm for service businesses in Indianapolis, with an expanded team and a wider impact on startups navigating the digital landscape. Yet she remains grounded in the principles that brought her this far: risk-taking, hands-on learning, and empowering others.

For students considering entrepreneurship, Jenna’s advice is simple but powerful: start.

“Prioritize speed over perfection,” she said. “Figure out what you’re good at, get your hands dirty, and learn by doing. Bet on yourself. You’ll never know what you can accomplish until you try.”

When Manolo Ferreres first stepped onto Butler’s campus, he carried more than a suitcase and a soccer ball – he carried a dream.

Growing up in Deltebre, Catalonia, Spain, he had already built a life steeped in discipline and ambition, balancing his studies in economics with his passion for soccer. Moving to the United States meant stepping into a world that was entirely new: a different culture, different people, and new expectations. “At the beginning, it was kind of difficult,” he recalled. “Everything was new. But over time, people here made it easier. The professors, the classmates – they were always willing to help and guide me.”

Choosing the Lacy School of Business wasn’t just about academics. For the senior economics major, Butler offered the chance to grow as a student, as an athlete, and as a future professional. “I saw the opportunity to step up my career,” he said. “To combine my studies in economics with soccer, while learning in an environment that pushed me to be my best.”

Manolo’s journey was shaped not only by those around him but also by the international perspective he brought to campus. Adapting to a new country meant embracing change while staying connected to his roots. “I realized it was important to bring your own knowledge, keep your mind sharp, and adapt to your environment,” the center-back said.

This mindset translated seamlessly to his entrepreneurial work with ESUS Soccer Company, an international company he co-founded while still a student. The company’s mission is to open doors for international players, helping them secure U.S. college soccer scholarships while combining athletic excellence with academic achievement. Through ESUS, Manolo connects young athletes with top NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA programs, matching them with opportunities that align with their skills, ambitions, and long-term goals.

“It’s about more than soccer,” he explained. “We’re helping players grow as athletes, students, and people. They improve their game, earn a degree, and experience a new culture. It’s a chance to reach their full potential on and off the field.”

ESUS also provides an elite program in Spain, where players train and compete with professional and semi-professional clubs over a 10-month season, participating in more than 35 official matches and training multiple times per week.

Recently, the company acquired an international tournament in Manolo’s hometown, giving players from around the world the chance to compete and connect within the Spanish soccer culture. “We’re creating opportunities for players to grow, to learn, and to succeed,” he said. “It’s about helping them find their path, just like Butler helped me find mine.”

The lessons Manolo has learned at LSB have been instrumental in building his business. Classes focused on communication, presentations, and practical problem-solving have helped him refine his English, convey ideas clearly, and sell his vision to others.

Balancing rigorous coursework, soccer, and entrepreneurship requires discipline and focus, but Manolo thrives on it. His days are meticulously planned, from early morning soccer practice to classes, then to managing ESUS, and finally evening study sessions. “It’s a lot, but every moment counts. You learn to focus on what’s in front of you and give it your best.”

Despite his busy schedule, Manolo finds balance through music and creativity. He writes and performs songs, plays guitar, and enjoys spending time with friends – activities that recharge him and spark new ideas. These moments of personal expression mirror the creativity he brings to both his studies and his business endeavors.

Manolo’s journey at LSB and with ESUS illustrates a powerful truth: growth happens at the intersection of challenge, curiosity, and action. He encourages others to take risks, follow their ambitions, and embrace the unknown.

“If you have an idea or a dream, you have to take the leap,” he said. “Start, learning along the way, and keep improving. You’ll never know what you can achieve until you try.”

When Carly Pitts arrived at the Lacy School of Business (LSB) in August 2023, she didn’t have a clear vision for her career – just a strong desire to learn, grow, and find the right fit. “I wanted to go somewhere that was the perfect size and somewhere decently away from home,” the Minnesota native laughed. “I was looking for a good business school and everyone around me kept saying LSB was one of the best.”

What sealed the deal was LSB’s hands-on approach. Carly was especially intrigued by the Real Business Experience (RBE), a program that has sophomore students start and run a business from scratch. Her RBE company, Butler Chew, created and sold dog toys. Those first steps in running a business taught her more than just marketing skills – they taught her how to take initiative, collaborate with a team, and see a project through from idea to execution.

“It’s one thing to learn about business in class, but it’s another to actually build one from the ground up,” the Marketing and Economics student said. “And I loved that we had to complete two internships. It guaranteed I’d get real experience before graduating.”

Her curiosity for marketing, though, had begun in high school, through classes and DECA competitions. But it wasn’t until she took Principles of Microeconomics with Dr. Whitney Bross that she discovered a complementary passion.

“Economics tied into my analytical brain and complemented marketing really well,” the senior said.

This combination of marketing and economics would shape the kind of professional – and person – she wanted to become, guiding the choices she made during internships and beyond.

In May 2024, Carly began her Digital Marketing internship with Banner Engineering, an automation company that designs sensors to help machines streamline processes. Although she didn’t know much about the industry, her brother had once interned there, and her father built part of his career with the organization – making it a natural fit.

She dove into digital marketing, handling competitive research and analytics, including a 12-company competitive analysis that became the centerpiece of her internship. “I learned how to work in an office, lead meetings, and present findings to senior leaders. I also discovered that I love research and analytics – but maybe not sitting in a cubicle all day,” she admitted with a laugh. Banner gave her a solid foundation in professional discipline and strategy, but it also made her think: what did it mean to use these skills in a way that truly mattered to her?

That question followed her overseas, where she returned to GO Ministries in the Dominican Republic – a place that had first captured her heart during a summer trip. GO Ministries empowers local leaders through Church Planting, Medical, and Sports initiatives, supporting communities with mentorship, ministries, mobile clinics, and sports programs that develop the next generation of leaders.

When the opportunity arose to intern with them in July 2024, she didn’t hesitate. She spent five weeks initially and then returned for a 12-week internship in the summer of 2025, focusing on storytelling, donor engagement, and volunteer marketing

 “Nonprofit marketing is really different,” she explained. “You’re not marketing a product – you’re marketing a purpose. You’re telling stories that inspire people to give, serve, and be part of something bigger.”

In this role, Carly found a place where her professional skills could serve a bigger mission, and her heart could fully engage.

By fall 2025, Carly made a decision that would define the next chapter of her journey: she accepted a full-time role with GO Ministries, headquartered in Louisville, as Coordinator of Media Marketing, beginning right after graduation.

“I loved my time at Banner – it taught me so much – but I realized I needed to be a little uncomfortable to stay interested,” she said. “With GO, I found something I’m passionate about. If you love your work, you’re not really working.”

In this role, she’ll manage social media accounts, share stories from local and international teams, and even launch a podcast – all while traveling regularly to the Dominican Republic.

Looking back, Carly credits LSB with preparing her for both corporate and nonprofit worlds.

“I didn’t expect my Digital Marketing class with Dr. Chi Zhang to help inform my life trajectory as much as it did,” she said. “We partnered with a nonprofit called COIN and created social media campaigns for them. That project helped me understand nonprofit marketing before I even interned abroad.”

That combination of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and real-world exploration gave Carly the confidence to chart her own path – one that connects business with purpose.

When asked what advice she’d give other students still figuring out their paths, her answer was clear:

“Take the risky internship – the nontraditional one. College is the time to experiment and try something different. You’ll learn what you like and what you don’t, and that’s just as valuable.”

And if she could talk to her first-year self? “Don’t worry so much,” she said. “If you get involved and try new things, you’ll figure it out. It takes time, but it all works out the way it’s supposed to.”

Stepping onto a college campus for the first time can feel intimidating – the unfamiliar buildings, the bustle of students, the sense of possibility all at once. But for high school students attending Butler University’s BU: BeReal camp, those initial nerves can quickly transform into curiosity, excitement, and a chance to imagine themselves thriving in a future they might never have considered.

Zaiah Crites, a first-year Lacy School of Business (LSB) Finance major, remembers that feeling vividly.

BU: BeReal was her first-ever camp experience. Encouraged by her great-grandmother, who had spotted the camp’s call-out on Facebook, Zaiah decided to take a leap into the unknown. “It was kind of like speed dating – but for friends,” she laughs. “By the end of the week, we had created a family out of complete strangers.”

Supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative, and developed in collaborations across the university, BU: BeReal included business- and leadership-focused programming shaped in part by LSB.

It gently eased Zaiah into college life – helping her adjust to dorm routines and navigate daily schedules. But the real magic came from the hands-on business experiences led by LSB faculty,  she got a taste of real college classes and even earned a college credit through LSB, giving her a tangible step toward higher education while building confidence and practical skills.

The first-generation college student got to see what it meant to build a business, explore marketing, and understand basic finance – all lessons that directly connected to what she’s learning now in her first-year business classes. “It was like a pre-prep for college coursework,” she says. The experience gave her both confidence and a sense of preparedness that few first-year students have, and it sparked a deeper curiosity about her potential in business.

Beyond academics, BU: BeReal emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and personal growth. Zaiah discovered a newfound self confidence, and she learned to communicate, work with others, and step into leadership roles in ways she hadn’t before. “I realized I could be a leader in situations,” she says, reflecting on the week’s impact.

Since its launch, BU: BeReal has more than tripled in size – growing from just over 60 students in 2023 to nearly 140 in 2025, with more than 325 participants so far.

Part of what makes the camp so transformative is its commitment to accessibility. Scholarships are offered to students from low-income backgrounds or those who will be first-generation college students, giving every camper the chance to experience life on Butler’s campus. For a full week, they live on campus and immerse themselves in both academic and co-curricular opportunities – building the skills and confidence to not just attend college, but thrive there.

For Jessica Stoltzfus, Director of Camps & Community Programs, the college immersion program is about more than just early exposure to business concepts – it’s about bringing those ideas to life. “High school students need to see what business and other industries look like in action,” she explains. “We want them to feel empowered to take risks, test ideas, and see themselves as capable leaders.”

That vision is echoed by Emily Hawk, Assistant Dean of Innovation and Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, who sees the camp as a turning point for many. Students often arrive unsure; unsure of what business really is, unsure if college is for them. By the end of the week, she says, something shifts. “It’s about creating a safe place for students to explore, fail, pivot, and ultimately discover their strengths.”

Zaiah is living proof of that shift. She describes the week as transformative – an experience that gave her not only practical skills but also a new sense of excitement for the journey ahead. “I’m starting from zero in my major, so I’m excited to grow, join clubs, network, and build a strong resume. The camp gave me a head start in understanding what it takes to succeed in business.”

Her advice to future campers is simple but powerful: “Put yourself out there, try new things, and go into it with an open mind.”

Registration for the 2026 summer session opens in December. The Lacy School of Business is committed to reaching students who may never have imagined college or a career in business, which is why BU: BeReal will expand to include a fully business-focused program in 2026. The pre-college program runs a full week, with intensive academic programming in the mornings and leadership, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities in the afternoons.

“Whether or not they choose Butler or the Lacy School of Business after high school is not the goal,” Hawk says. “The goal is to touch students’ lives in meaningful ways, helping them grow into confident, independent, and innovative leaders.”

To learn more about Bu: BeReal, click here.