By Kristen Higdon
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Students often hear experience is a useful tool in the business world.

However, getting one’s foot in the door is easier said than done, but the students of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, are already ahead of the game. YEA! students were able to receive useful, firsthand advice from local business leaders regarding their own startup ventures at the academy’s CEO Roundtable recently at J.L. Ory Magnet School.

YEA! is a program that takes eligible students in grades 6-12 through launching a real business or social movement over the course of an academic year. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried after their graduation from the program.

Students of the academy were able to ask local leaders about success, leadership and navigating the ever-changing business climate. Tristian McKinney, whose company name is Fogo Logos, asked about the panel members’ most important lesson learned over the years.

Matt Lundy, owner of REI Promos, responded, “there is only so much time in a day, and you have to prioritize. Get help with things that you don’t do well and focus on what you can do well.”

As for the secret to success in their own businesses, the community leaders all agree hard work is key.

“You must be smart and persevere, but most importantly you need integrity,” Phillip Hutches, training supervisor at DuPont Pontchartrain Works, said. “You need to be honest with your customers and yourself because ultimately you are accountable for your own actions.”

Brian Larche, of Riverland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Inc., recommended the students set goals and work toward them daily. This includes building a customer base, which a few students asked about.

Lundy said finding out exactly who your primary customer is and knowing what your business has to offer them is a good place to start.

St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom suggests emphasizing the quality of what you are offering and making sure you deliver that product or service to your customers.

Panel members said building a strong base starts with the customer being pleased with the product or service and positive word spreading throughout the community.

“Never stop learning, “Lundy told the students. “Have a road map of where you want to go because if you don’t, you are never going to get there.”

Other local business leaders who served on the panel include, Cheryl Millet of Saint Optical Inc. and Craig James of Sparkling Touch, LLC.