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At the Â鶹ӰԺ, where skiing and mountain biking are more than just hobbies but a way of life, business student  has found his niche. An avid skier and mountain biker, Donny's journey to CU Â鶹ӰԺ was anything but conventional. Having spent eight years of his childhood in Japan and moving around frequently, he developed a unique perspective on life and adventure.

Before transferring to CU Â鶹ӰԺ, Donny attended the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) for two years. Now in his first fall semester at Â鶹ӰԺ, he is thriving in the Leeds School of Business and immersing himself in the vibrant campus culture. But Donny is not just another student enjoying the slopes, he's also an entrepreneur with a passion project that's been years in the making.

The Birth of Shredhead

Donny's entrepreneurial journey started in high school when he and his friends, a group of rowdy mountain bikers, wanted a brand that resonated with their adventurous spirit. They came up with the name Shredhead, and Donny began designing and selling hoodies, beanies, and t-shirts. His Grim Reaper hoodie, embellished with the phrase "Shred Until You're Dead," was a hit, and the beanies out-selling major brands like Burton at the ski shop where he worked.

However, it wasn't until a few years ago that Donny saw an opportunity to take Shredhead beyond clothing. He realized there was no effective way to find people to ski or mountain bike with, leading to his idea for an app that could fill this gap in the market.

Introducing the Shredhead App

The Shredhead app is a simple yet powerful tool designed to connect skiers and snowboarders based on skill level, pass type (Epic or Ikon), and frequented resorts. Users create a profile by entering their name, age, skill level, and the resort they visit most often. The app then matches users within a 25-mile radius, allowing them to swipe right to connect or left to pass. Messaging is only enabled when both users mutually swipe right, fostering meaningful and safe connections.

A key feature of the app is its emphasis on safety. Donny is committed to ensuring that users meet at public locations such as restaurants and ski shops rather than private residences or parking lots. Future updates aim to incorporate venue recommendations for meetups, further enhancing user security.

Leveraging Campus Resources

Donny has found significant support through CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s Leeds School of Business resources, particularly the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. He has worked closely with faculty members such as Betsy Klein and Erick Mueller, who have provided guidance and encouragement. Donny has also explored opportunities to engage students through flyers and mini-internship programs, offering marketing students a chance to gain experience while promoting the app.

Through the natural obstacles of being a student entrepreneur, Donny remained determined and refined his business model through feedback and persistence. He plans to revisit conversations with mentors and continue leveraging Leeds resources to further develop his venture.

One of Donny's biggest challenges has been balancing his academic responsibilities with his entrepreneurial ambitions. He acknowledges the difficulty of managing his time and maintaining focus but has developed strategies to stay on track. By keeping aspects of his business separate from his personal life, he ensures a healthy balance while pursuing his goals.

Building a Business Model

Donny envisions several revenue-generating opportunities for the app, including partnerships with ski rental shops. For example, users needing rental gear could connect with others renting from the same shop, and in return, the rental shop could offer discounts for pre-booked gear. With Donny's extensive experience working in ski rental shops, he understands the business potential behind streamlined rental processes.

Additionally, the app is expanding to cater to mountain bikers in the summer. Recognizing that the need to find riding partners is even greater in mountain biking, Donny plans to introduce features tailored to different biking styles such as cross-country, enduro, and downhill.

Community Support and Growth

The CU Â鶹ӰԺ community has shown great enthusiasm for the Shredhead app. Donny has been in talks with , a major ski club on campus, to promote the app to its members. He is also gearing up to participate in the New Venture Challenge in April, where he aims to showcase the app and further refine his business model.

Despite the app being in its beta stage, Donny has already seen its potential firsthand. He recounts an experience where he met a skier at Keystone who later connected with him via the app, proving its utility and appeal. As more users join, Donny is focused on fine-tuning the app and managing the costs associated with running its servers.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, Donny plans to incorporate additional features such as carpool coordination to help users avoid costly parking fees at resorts. He believes that by fostering a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts, Shredhead can become an indispensable tool for skiers and mountain bikers alike.

Through his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Donny is not only making waves in the CU Â鶹ӰԺ business community but also creating a platform that enhances the experiences of fellow outdoor adventurers. With his passion and vision, the future of Shredhead looks bright.