Dr. Fretz & 223
CFE Faculty Fandom: Eric Fretz
This article profiles Dr. Eric Fretz, a Lecturer at the University of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) and a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander. With a background that includes starting two medical clinics and two charities, Dr. Fretz brings practical entrepreneurial experience to his teaching. He developed the core course for the Minor in Entrepreneurship within 60 days and currently teaches “Interpersonal Skills: Leveling Up to Leadership” (ENTR 550). His teaching philosophy emphasizes engaging students deeply in projects they care about, fostering both personal and professional growth.
How to Inspire Entrepreneurial Thinking in Your Students
This article from Harvard Business Publishing Education explores strategies for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among students, regardless of their field of study. It emphasizes the importance of project-based learning, encouraging students to navigate their own paths and develop critical thinking skills. The piece also highlights the role of educators in creating environments that promote creativity, risk-taking, and innovation, preparing students to tackle complex real-world challenges.
U-M Entrepreneurial Creativity Course Challenges Students to ‘Do Epic Sh*t’
This article from The Michigan Daily highlights the University of Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Creativity course, led by Dr. Eric Fretz. The course encourages students to undertake ambitious projects, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. Dr. Fretz motivates students by emphasizing that achieving remarkable outcomes—”epic sh*t”—is a key component of their success in the class.
Be Epic: University of Michigan Lecturer Helps Students with Business Ideas
This article from MLive profiles Dr. Eric Fretz and his Entrepreneurial Creativity course at the University of Michigan. It highlights how Dr. Fretz inspires students to pursue ambitious projects, providing guidance and support as they develop their business ideas. The piece showcases the course’s emphasis on creativity, leadership, and real-world application, illustrating how students are empowered to transform their concepts into tangible ventures.
Studentpreneur Podcast – Professor Fretz from University of Michigan
In this episode of The Studentpreneur Show, Dr. Eric Fretz joins host Taegan Thomas to share insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and student innovation at the University of Michigan. Dr. Fretz offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, discussing how students can navigate limited resources, take bold risks, and build impactful ventures during their college years. The episode also spotlights the unique entrepreneurial culture at U-M and some of the standout successes that have emerged from the Entrepreneurial Creativity course.
Projects & Teams
BoostedMoo: An Idea for a University of Michigan Class Project Turns into a Unique Health Supplement
Three University of Michigan economics students—Eric Settineri, Benjamin Duncan, and Jack Lipkind—transformed a classroom assignment into a tangible product with the creation of BoostedMoo. Originating from the PSYCH/ALA 223 course, their project aimed to emulate the benefits of raw milk in a supplement form. Collaborating with experts and a supplement manufacturer, they developed a powder designed to enhance energy, digestion, and cognitive function. The team launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring BoostedMoo to market, exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit fostered within the course.
GoNanas: From Dorm Room Startup to Forbes Recognition
University of Michigan students Morgan Lerner and Anne Slabotsky transformed a class project into GoNanas, a health-conscious banana bread mix company. Founded in 2017 from their dorm room, GoNanas offers vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly banana bread mixes. Their innovative approach to a classic comfort food garnered national attention, leading to their inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Food & Drink category. GoNanas exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit and creativity cultivated at the University of Michigan can lead to successful, real-world ventures.
U-M Students Work to Bring Michigan’s First Waffle House to Ann Arbor
A group of University of Michigan students initiated a campaign to bring the first Waffle House to Michigan, aiming to establish a location in Ann Arbor. Their efforts included launching a petition and engaging with the community to garner support. The initiative gained significant attention, highlighting the students’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to enhancing the local dining scene.
More on the way!