Alumni, Family and Friends
by Katie Dugan
“Entrepreneurship is the most challenging career path you can take,” said Erik Wheeler ’90. By the time Wheeler found his way to New Hampshire College, he was newly married and working full time at First New Hampshire Banks Treasury Group as the Head Capital Markets Trader. His dream was to be a successful entrepreneur engaged in capital marketing, but just needed the formal academics to get there.
“A lot of folks who end up at SNHU are not wired for a traditional college experience,” said Wheeler. Wheeler studied economics and finance at NHC, an academic experience he describes as having immediate, practical implications for the real world. “It was illuminating to learn about the banking system while I was working full-time,” he said.
Between working full time and going to class during nights and weekends, Wheeler did not have much free time for student activities. Years later, as an alumnus, he had the opportunity to judge the 7th Annual Tory C. Marandos Entrepreneurship Challenge.
The challenge began in 2012 in honor of the late Tory Marandos, a young entrepreneur who was a caring young man who went above and beyond for his friends, family, and anyone who came into this life.
The annual challenge called upon local business professionals to submit a written business concept. The five finalists moved on to the final competition, followed by an awards ceremony. The first place award of $5,900 went to QuadraSquare in Derry, NH. The company is designing a medical imaging device suitable for dense breast screenings. The device will detect cancer with reduced radiation exposure compared to standard mammography.
Wheeler was drawn to the Marandos Challenge because he had missed the opportunity to “engage with like-minded individuals” during his time at New Hampshire College.
“I had to say yes,” said Wheeler, discussing the importance of the challenge. “It demonstrates how SNHU has thought more globally to accommodate non-traditional pathways. We can create a bigger community for professionals.”
Wheeler went on to explain how the Marandos Challenge allows young professionals to practice their entrepreneurial skillset and have an “understanding on how to develop meaningful business plans” in a safe space. “Access to capital markets is critical when starting any business,” explained Wheeler.
Encouraging creativity and passion creates a network of support for aspiring business professionals, he continued. “As a kid growing up in a single-parent house, you are often told that things aren’t possible. I was the geeky kid that wanted to work in finance,” said Wheeler, “SNHU focuses on the possible, not the probable."
Office Hours:Mon - Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm
Give Now