unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
The Missouri SBDC at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) sought to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience by creating meaningful, work-based learning opportunities for students. Partnering with TeeTime, a new Webb City business with climate-controlled driving ranges and outdoor pickleball courts, presented an ideal project. TeeTime, preparing for its grand opening, needed a marketing strategy to reach its target audience and establish its brand effectively. The challenge was to craft a promotional plan that supported TeeTime's business goals while providing MSSU marketing students with hands-on, real-world experience.
Through the guidance of Professor Aaron Baker and the Missouri SBDC at MSSU, the project integrated the talents of the Integrated Marketing Communications class to design a comprehensive business launch plan for TeeTime. Students applied their skills to create a launch strategy encompassing social media, digital, and traditional marketing. This collaboration gave students an invaluable opportunity to translate classroom theory into a tangible, client-centered project. The Missouri SBDC at MSSU facilitated this partnership, ensuring the business and students benefited from the experience. The program culminates with student presentations to TeeTime's founders, showcasing their recommendations and strategies.
The collaboration yielded a dual benefit: TeeTime gained a tailored, cost-effective launch plan and strategy, while MSSU students acquired practical, resume-building experience. TeeTime co-owner Jonathan Johnson praised the partnership for providing students with insights into real-world marketing while promoting local business growth. Katie Kelly, Director of the Missouri SBDC at MSSU, emphasized that this project exemplified the SBDC's role in driving educational and economic impact within the community. The experience strengthened TeeTime's launch and prepared MSSU students for future marketing careers.
As Arctic's incoming CEO, Nathan McCartney faced the critical challenge of scaling his family business while honoring its strong foundation. With a decades-old business and a trusted reputation, Arctic was ready to expand, but Nathan encountered typical hurdles of growth: limited time for operations, expanding customer reach, and balancing sales and service. His father, the previous leader, had built Arctic over 30 years and was focused on maintaining its established reputation. Nathan, however, saw potential for strategic growth, but he needed resources and guidance to bring his vision to life effectively.
Nathan found the support he needed in the Elevate program, a Missouri SBDC initiative. Through a mix of expert consulting and CEO roundtables, Elevate provided tools to refine Arctic's growth strategy. With a consultant team, Nathan identified and targeted ideal customers, detailing specifics like job titles, company revenue, and industry needs. The program also helped him focus on increasing the value of existing customers by promoting Arctic's lesser-known services. Additionally, roundtable discussions with other Missouri CEOs gave Nathan a safe space to share and gain insights, building connections with business leaders facing similar challenges.
Elevate equipped Nathan with a robust customer prospect list worth thousands, enhancing his strategic growth efforts. He's now actively balancing Arctic's sales and service sides and effectively reaching new customer segments. The program's CEO roundtables offered valuable connections and camaraderie, addressing the isolation common among business owners. With these tools, Nathan is not only growing Arctic but also reshaping it to reflect his vision, all while building efficiencies that align with his leadership goals.