Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship

Join us for a day of grit, reinvention, and purpose-driven success stories that will challenge your thinking and energize your next move.

Join the Center for Entrepreneurship on  Friday, November 14, for the 23rd Annual Entrepreneur Summit for a full day of insight, connection, and real-world inspiration. After canceling last year’s summit due to Hurricane Helene, we’re back with a renewed sense of purpose and a theme that couldn’t be more timely: Resiliency.

This year’s lineup features Natalie Johnson, Paul Storm, and Gaurav “G” Patel, entrepreneurs and leaders who know firsthand what it means to face setbacks, rethink everything, and come back stronger. Their stories span industries and continents, but all center on the power of staying grounded, thinking boldly, and leading with clarity and conviction.

Whether you're launching your first idea, growing a business, or simply figuring out what’s next, the Summit is your chance to recharge your mindset, grow your network, and gain real tools for the entrepreneurial road ahead.

Want to be the first to know when registration opens? Click here to sign up for email updates.

Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 9:30 a.m. Doors Open (coffee, scones, and networking) | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Welcome and Speakers

Fueling the Fire Within: Energy, Courage, and Culture in Resilient Leadership 

Natalie Johnson knows resilient leaders don’t just bounce back; they build systems that do.

Natalie brings over 30 years of global coaching and consulting experience to this high-energy session focused on sustainable performance. You’ll learn how to unlock team potential by managing energy (not just time), lead with courage during uncertainty, and shape an intentional culture that supports growth from the inside out.

Whether you’re leading a company or launching a student venture, Natalie’s insights will help you stay grounded, connected, and fired up for the long game.

Reboot and Reinvent: Scaling Across Disciplines in a Rapidly Changing World

Paul Storm doesn’t just build companies, he builds what’s next.

With a career spanning industrial engineering, cybersecurity, and AI-powered startups, Paul understands the importance of pivoting quickly and scaling effectively. In this talk, he unpacks how to navigate shifting landscapes, lead through technical complexity, and stay resilient when the rules of the game keep changing.

For founders, engineers, and future disruptors alike, this is your front-row seat to entrepreneurial evolution in action.

From Rock Bottom to Real Estate: The Entrepreneurial Power of Starting Over

Gaurav “G” Patel’s story isn’t a highlight reel; it’s a comeback story.

From the depths of personal loss and bankruptcy to building a portfolio of thriving businesses in hospitality, consulting, and real estate, G shares what it really takes to rebuild when everything falls apart. This candid session dives into the mindset shifts, tactical pivots, and daily disciplines that fueled his rise—and offers a blueprint for anyone facing hard resets in life or business.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you can start over, this talk is for you.

Parkway Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 12:30 to 2 p.m.

LUNCHEON SPEAKER: TBA

Good things come to those who wait – and those who register early.

Stay tuned for details on our luncheon keynote, where insight and inspiration will be served alongside your entrée.

Grandfather Mtn. Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 2 to 3:30 p.m.  

WORKSHOP: Step Zero with Erich Schlenker, Managing Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship: 

We all have hopes, dreams, and expectations for our life. To achieve our goals, we know we need to plan, prioritize, and work hard. But before all that, we need clarity on who we are and what we want. We need to feel empowered. We need motivation to get us up and moving. That’s where Step 0 comes in.

This workshop has helped nearly 100 students, staff, faculty, and community members begin their journey of setting out to accomplish their own compelling goals!

Parkway Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union | 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

The Big Idea Pitch is an energizing showcase of entrepreneurial thinking at its earliest stage!

Ten student finalists, from any major across campus, will take the stage to pitch creative, scalable ideas in three minutes or less.

Whether they plan to pursue the idea or not, each student will receive feedback from a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and compete for cash prizes, including an Audience Choice Award!

We’re looking for bold thinkers and creative problem-solvers with ideas worth sharing. Learn more and apply to pitch HERE.