UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With more than 31.7 million small businesses across the United States, it is increasingly important to understand how small businesses create a remarkable impact on local economies and communities.
On Wednesday, April 6, join fellow students and others for a special discussion as part of Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC, “Cultivating Communities: Entrepreneurship’s Role in our Economy.” The presentation will be led by Penn State alumnus JT Marino, who holds a degree in mathematics and computer science from the Eberly College of Science, and will take place from 6-7 p.m. in Room 603 of the Penn State Innovation Hub, located at 123 S. Burrowes St. in State College.
Marino helped disrupt the sleep industry with a $6,000 personal investment in 2012 in the creation of Tuft & Needle, a direct-to-consumer mattress and bedding brand now owned by Serta Simmons Bedding. His initial investment and leadership has helped spark more than $200 million in annual revenue for the brand.
“The rise of the Tuft & Needle brand under JT’s leadership is a testament to entrepreneurial grit,” said Derek Gross, program manager for Penn State Startup Week. “His example and commitment to developing a disruptive brand, which has also remained focused on enabling and empowering communities, is vital for the future of how small businesses can impact lives.”
Marino has been featured in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., Recode, Buzzfeed and Mashable, among others, and he is a frequent keynote speaker at startup and industry events, such as SXSW, Startup Grind and ShopTalk. Marino has been named as one of The Recode 100, Arizona Republic’s 35 Under 35, received eTail West’s Visionary of the Year Award, and appeared in McGraw Hill’s curriculum.
About Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC
An integral part of the broader Invent Penn State initiative, Startup Week powered by PNC is a University-wide event that connects students with innovative alumni and pioneers who are achieving success in a variety of industries and disciplines. Throughout the week, students discover, explore, experience and celebrate entrepreneurship.
For more information on Startup Week, including a full schedule of events, visit startupweek.psu.edu. Participants can engage with and follow Startup Week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @PSUStartupWeek and #PennStateStartup.