George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
As the Means Center continues to carry out its mission, we have been very busy creating and implementing some very exciting programs with our students, local high school students, and the local business community. With so much happening, I have added to my team to help develop our entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is my great pleasure to announce Dr. Doan Winkel as the Associate Director of Programs, Michael Somers as the Associate Director of Development, and Mike Manna as our Inaugural Means Center Entrepreneur-in-Residence. With this team, the future of the George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is bright!
- Dr. Mark Hoelscher, Director
Mike Manna, (ISU BS in Art/Art Studies '85) is a lifelong Fine Artist and Entrepreneur. As an Artist, Mike has spent several decades creating visual images that reflect his life experiences using both the abstraction of form and figure. The 2D and 3D images he creates employ an unexpected relationship between the visual elements of texture, color, shape, and line.
As an entrepreneur, Mike has 20 plus years experience working within The Arts and Technology genres, either as Founder or Consultant. Most of the various projects included Custom Web Hosting Solutions, Social Media, Data Base Development, Web Design, CMS, SEO, and Web Marketing. In addition, Mike has 20 years experience working in both Real Estate Development and General Contracting. New Construction, Mixed Use Commercial Property and Distressed Historic Preservation Rehabs, are among his specialties.
"I have always felt that my fine arts background has given me the ability to think outside the box in business. That is my competitive advantage!" - Mike Manna
Student Consulting Teams
Local businesses who are interested in engaging our Student Consulting Teams apply here.A Generous Gift
The George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies was established through a planned gift of the late George and Martha Means. The goal of the new center is twofold: to enhance academic and business experiences for students and to serve as a research and consulting resource for local businesses.