At Averett University, innovation goes well beyond the classroom. More students than ever are tapping into their entrepreneurial drive, launching businesses before they even graduate. Max Gaudry, a sophomore from Paris, France, is a prime example of this entrepreneurial spirit. While studying finance and playing on the University’s men’s soccer team, Gaudry found himself inspired by a simple problem: the lack of a campus delivery service. With this, he hatched a solution: AU-Livery; delivering products to students and staff from 9am-10pm every day.
“We had a competition for class and I was trying to think all day. At night I got hungry and realized the cafe was closed, all was closed, it was raining outside, and there is no delivery system here. So, I presented this idea for the competition. I lost it, but I really believed in this idea, so I worked on it for one month and presented it to the president,” Gaudry said, addressing the perseverance it took to bring his idea to life.
Averett University works to foster student’s creativity, aiding in turning an idea into reality. Gaudry got to work and with the help of Chief Entrepreneurship and Innovation Officer John Vigouroux and former University President, Tiffany Franks, his idea took off.
“We started off with only delivering the coffee from Jut’s. Deliveries were going well so we started the sandwiches, special shop, and now the Cougar Den Cafe. It’s really cheap and really easy to order from anywhere on and off campus,” Gaudry said.
While the entrepreneurial drive at Averett is strong, it isn’t without its challenges of balancing the business and juggling other responsibilities that come with being a college student: academic workload, extracurriculars, and social life.
“With balancing it all, I have to be organized; I spend 2 hours in class, 2 hours with homework, and have soccer practice, but still it isn’t hard you just have to stay organized,” Gaudry said.
Jennifer Hughes, an assistant professor of English, remains one of Gaudry’s biggest supporters and customers. After being approached by Gaudry with his idea, and some simple encouragement, Hughes made an impact that fueled Gaudry’s determination.
“Max is bright and unafraid to try new things. Aren’t those wonderful qualities for an entrepreneur?” Hughes acknowledged.
Continued praise and a marketing technique crafted by Gaudry and Amelie Schroeder, a fellow student at Averett, keeps the business and orders rolling. Together they worked to create social media platforms, content promotion, and the website. Marketing strategy, along with consistent orders from loyal customers have contributed to the business’s success.
“I was pleased I could order well in advance of delivery, planning to have a coffee delivered in my office hours. Every time I ordered it came right on time and was delicious,” Hughes said regarding her consistent orders with AU-Livery.
So what’s coming next? A good trait in an entrepreneur is the want and drive to continue to progress. Looking forward, Gaudry has already planned the next steps of his business. He is constantly attempting to find improvements and making service convenient is a priority.
“Big things are coming, I have a lot of ideas… hopefully soon we can start using the big fridge in the cafe, so that when cafe is closed, and I am not available, I can do the orders and put them in the fridge for students to pick up,” Gaudry said.
Averett University has become more than just a place to learn; with thousands of ideas, and a supportive community, it has transformed into a place for students to launch their creativity and aid the growth of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
