ABB OPTICAL GROUP President Brad Weinbrum understands the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s what has made ABB OPTICAL GROUP in Coral Springs, Fla., a leading distributor of optical products in the U.S.
That’s why Weinbrum participated as a judge in the recent Junior Achievement Spark Tank Competition where 10 of the 16 high school student-led companies that participated in JA Fellows, Junior Achievement’s pinnacle business and leadership program, were selected to compete for scholarships, awards and the coveted title of Company of the Year.
“For me an entrepreneur is a ‘change agent’ – someone who approaches a challenge with a mindset not of ‘how can I do this better’, but of ‘why is it done this way at all’?,” Weinbrum said. “An entrepreneur is someone who embraces risk, and the opportunity that comes with it – someone who has the courage and conviction to see and pursue a direction that is hidden to others. For seven months, these students participated in an
entrepreneurship program that inspired and taught them to innovate, incubate and accelerate a successful enterprise. Under the mentorship of business advisors they conceptualize, capitalize and manage their own small business. It’s really impressive.”
Like any successful small business startup, JA Fellows student companies must create robust business, financial management and communication plans. “This program helps students develop high level planning skills and provides them with a deep understanding of how a business works. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn and practice vital work readiness skills, such as problem solving, communication and working in teams”, said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “The students who participate in the JA Fellows program have learned the skills that employers are looking for.”
The coveted title of Company of the Year was awarded to Wov-In representing Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Second place was awarded to Alpha Necessities from University School in Davie. Additional awards were presented to Hydrowalkers from McFatter Technical High School for Best Stage Presentation; Alpha Necessities for Best Trade Booth; and Wov-In for Best Commercial and Best Annual Report. Individual awards for Outstanding Young Business Person were given to Aquilla Williams from Atlantic Technical College, Erika Alban from McFatter Technical High School and Sam Blum from University School. Abigail Hyde from Atlantic Technical College and Vanessa Zetrenne of College Academy at Broward College each won a $10,000 Horatio Alger scholarship.
“This JA program is one of the best. Students come away with business insights that help prepare them for the next step in their lives whether that’s college or the workplace,” Weinbrum adds. “Congratulations to all of the students who participated. They are all winners.”
About ABB OPTICAL GROUP
ABB OPTICAL GROUP is a leading distributor of optical products in the United States. The company supplies nearly two-thirds of eye care professionals across the country with brand name contact lenses, fully customizable gas permeable and custom specialty soft contact lenses, ophthalmic lenses and more. The company's Digital Eye Lab is a fully automated optical lab dedicated to freeform digital lens fabrication. ABB OPTICAL GROUP also offers practice building services such as pricing strategy tools, business reviews, annual supply staff training and e-commerce solutions. For additional information, visit ABBOptical.com.
About Junior Achievement of South Florida: Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 6,800 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered twenty-plus various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach Counties. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.
