Miller School Students Learn from Wilmington Business Leaders

Greg Lardner, president of Wilmington, North Carolina’s CastleBranch, speaks with Miller School students

Network. Knowledge. Capital.

Those three words, presented by Greg Lardner, president of Wilmington, North Carolina’s CastleBranch, a provider of background screening, compliance tracking and/or clinical rotation management services, set the tone for the Miller School of Entrepreneurship’s recent second, annual trip to the port city.

Thirty-five students, along with Miller School faculty and staff, were welcomed by COB alumni and COB Business Advisory Council co-chair, Scott Diggs, who arranged the Oct. 17, Wilmington trip and established the day’s itinerary.

“We structured this trip differently than last year’s visit, which focused on giving students opportunities to pitch their ideas,” said Diggs. “Last year, Miller School students pitched their ideas to Wilmington entrepreneurs. This year, students heard from four different business leaders.”

Along with Lardner, Miller School students also learned more about networking, knowledge and capital from Ryan Legg, founder and CEO of MegaCorp Logistics; Duane Hixon, co-founder and CEO of N2 Publishing; and Kurt Taylor, CEO of Untappd.

“I was glad the students heard from different leaders and successful entrepreneurs and how most of these companies have established a business millennial structure,” said Diggs.

The business leaders, added Diggs, stressed that the students should plan to work long hours early in their careers, but they should also realize the importance of maintaining a career to work-life balance.

Diggs believes the day’s messaging resonated strongly with the students.

“The Wilmington trip gave me the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and topics outside of the classroom,” said senior Landon Batten. “This allowed me the chance to network with business professionals, the Miller School and fellow students. The experience was amazing, and I’m grateful for being able to participate.”

“At the end of each visit, it was great to see the students speak individually to the presenters and ask how they can stay connected,” added Diggs.

Next up for the students, knowledge and capital, hopefully.

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