Neola Wins Scholarship

Steve Neola (Class of 2014) was selected by the NCSU Entrepreneurship Initiative to participate in the Silicon Valley Spring Break Trip where he and 15 other students will meet with entrepreneurs and executives from small start-ups to large multi-national companies to prepare them for starting their own businesses. Steve was selected for the scholarship because he would like to create an automated investment solution for hard-working Americans who don’t have the time or skill to manage their own investments. The proposed solution would be more diversified and sophisticated than existing services, while simpler to use.

Prior to enrolling in the Masters of Science in Analytics (MSA) program, Steve worked as a marketing and technology consultant for five years implementing e-commerce websites for major retailers like Fossil, JoS. A Bank, LifeWay Christian Stores, and Newell Rubbermaid-DYMO. During his undergraduate studies, Steve started a music booking agency to play private gigs at country clubs and weddings, among other venues. He booked and played over 80 gigs in two years. During his senior year, he successfully started his own financial services practice as a representative intern for Northwestern Mutual. All of these experiences combined with his MSA studies have given him the foundation for starting the new venture after graduation.