Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University’s College of Business, in collaboration with the Nusenda Fintech Lab, recently hosted an event as part of its Executive Speaker Series. The event featured Justin Crowe, founder and CEO of Parting Stone, and attracted over 110 students.
Crowe shared his journey into entrepreneurship, which began with his passion for art and design. He founded Parting Stone to offer families an alternative to traditional cremated remains by turning ashes into smooth stones. This idea stemmed from a desire to create something meaningful and personal.
During his talk, Crowe discussed how combining art and entrepreneurship allowed him to challenge conventional thinking. He emphasized the importance of addressing uncomfortable conversations in industries like death care to create businesses that provide emotional value.
Crowe candidly spoke about the challenges he faced in growing his business, including developing technology, scaling operations, and securing funding. He highlighted persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving as crucial traits for entrepreneurs.
A significant part of Crowe's presentation was his experience on ABC’s Shark Tank. He offered insights into preparing for the show and navigating high-stakes negotiations with investors. His experience underscored the importance of knowing one's market and clearly articulating a value proposition.
Beyond technical aspects, Crowe stressed the importance of passion in entrepreneurship. “Being an entrepreneur is tough,” he said. “But when you’re passionate about your work, those challenges become opportunities.”
The event included a Samsung Tablet giveaway won by student Eiichiro Baba. This added an interactive element that encouraged participation.
Students left feeling inspired by Crowe’s story of transforming an unconventional idea into a successful business. The Executive Speaker Series continues to be a key event at NMSU, providing students access to industry leaders who share insights into business realities.
For more information on upcoming events, visit the Nusenda Fintech Lab or NMSU College of Business social media accounts.
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