Ultra Lyte Running: Turning a Startup into a Real Business
by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
Many college students work summer jobs to fund their educational experience. However, Aaron Perry, a sophomore finance major at Cedarville University, chose a different path – he created his own startup business, Ultra Lyte.
From Idea to Reality
Aaron Perry, a passionate runner from Kansas City, Missouri, faced the common issue of not having a convenient place to store his keys, wallet, and snacks while on a long run. This inspired him to design a lightweight hat with pockets to overcome these limitations. He then presented his business at Cedarville University’s “The Pitch” initiative, officially launching the preorder portion of his business on stage.
After experimenting with prototypes, Perry determined that a hat with pockets could indeed meet the needs of a runner. He continued developing the company and the hat throughout the summer and hopes to officially launch the full business in December.
Applying Classroom Knowledge to Real-Life Business
Perry emphasized the importance of learning and gaining knowledge, but also applying that knowledge outside the classroom. “If you learn the theory taught in class and then apply it outside of class, then there is a lot more benefit,” said Perry. He believes that many students capture the theory from business classes but struggle with applying the knowledge to real-life situations.
“I think people have a lot of ideas, and they don’t know how to execute them,” added Perry. “Just going out and learning is a lot. There’s a lot of professional growth that can take place once we learn how to apply theory with business principles.”
A Business with Purpose
An essential factor in starting Ultra Lyte Running was to create a lasting business designed not only to make money but also to provide a product that would be useful to consumers. Perry spent 40 hours working on his presentation for “The Pitch” and found the process enjoyable. “It wasn’t tedious or overbearing. It was just time I enjoyed because I was bringing an idea into reality,” he explained.
Perry is currently accepting preorders for his Ultra Lyte Running hat on his website.
About Cedarville University
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, such as their finance major and entrepreneurship minor, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the No. 4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.
Orginal article: Link To Article – provided by Kansas City Realtors
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