Chappell Hollingshead ’21 engraves company’s plans for prosperity

I saw value in Dr. Rister’s Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program due to the structure and support provided in building a business model. I was motivated to see the potential financial plan of my business play out, along with the contacts and entrepreneurs I have had the opportunity to meet.

Entrepreneurship means that a brave, driven individual had a business dream of working for themselves; a passion for a product, service, or idea; and the willingness to continually fail and eventually succeed.

My dad was an entrepreneur and built a business for himself and our family. Growing up, I watched the stress and the toll it takes on a business owner, yet I knew I wanted both the struggles and luxuries the task would entail. The largest difference between being an entrepreneur or an employee is that the entrepreneur must be hungry. Entrepreneurs must be hungry to sell and hungry for clients, top performing products, people, and an overall excellent compounding machine. 

The Mentoring Forum has been the most beneficial event thus far in the entrepreneurship program. I found the forum extremely helpful, and I enjoyed being able to ask professionals their opinions on operational issues that I am having and talk through solutions that I can implement. From this lesson, I have learned to always ask questions, find experts in the business realm, and ask for help. It honors any professional when asked, and they have a wealth of knowledge to share.

I had challenges working through the spreadsheets during the first couple years. I have had challenges with scheduling, multitasking, and time management in coordinating business meetings, sales meetings, shows, production and the entrepreneurship class. The most difficult part of the Spring semester is the lack of time I have in the week and figuring out how to prioritize that time.

I have learned that I need help in daily operations and logistics. I have also learned how to make difficult business decisions, including where and how to market the business, where and how to sell the boards, and how to manage not only my own time but the company’s time as well.

I am still learning how to prioritize with the extra obstacle of class spreadsheets and cookbook work. The spring semester has been a great period of time for me to learn how to manage a hectic career.

A few mentors I have looked to for advice this semester have been Troy Thompson, Ryan Drapela, Victor Aguilar, Allyson Tjoelker, Bryan Bracewell, as well as other A&M former student mentors whom I have met throughout the semester. These mentors have helped with operational and logistical advice in the production side of the business, along with overall support for Chap’s Choppin’ Tops.