Major: Industrial and Operations Engineering
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Year: Sophomore
Involvement: ENTR 410, ENTR 390 Instructional Aide, Debate Club Founder, Book Swap Organizer, Former Spelling Bee Entrepreneur
Hooked on Entrepreneurship
For Jack Lado, it all started at Festifall during his freshman year at the University of Michigan. A chance encounter with the Center for Entrepreneurship table sparked an interest that quickly turned into a passion. “Ever since then, I’ve been absolutely hooked.”
Just a semester later, Jack enrolled in ENTR 410: Finding Your Venture with instructors Brian Hayden and Mike McFall — a class that he describes as a turning point in his Michigan journey.
“Taking ENTR 410 had a tremendous impact on me. Despite all their success, Brian and Mike were so humble, genuine, and approachable.”
From Spelling Bee to Startup Mindset
Long before arriving in Ann Arbor, Jack was already developing the grit and drive that define his entrepreneurial mindset. In middle school, he competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee — twice.
In 8th grade, after studying 7–8 hours a day, he placed 40th out of 600 global contestants. “That experience taught me so much about perseverance, pursuing a dream, and creating something out of nothing.”
After his competing days were over, Jack didn’t walk away — he built a business. He launched a spelling bee company that offered tutoring services, hosted online competitions, and even developed custom bee software. “It was so enriching to turn my intrinsic passion into a well-performing business.”
“Entrepreneurship, to me, is all about connecting the dots.” – Jack Lado
Paying It Forward in the Classroom
Now Jack is helping other students tap into the entrepreneurial mindset as an Instructional Aide for Ted Dacko’s ENTR 390: Startup Sales course. “I would totally recommend this course to anyone who wants the mindset to become an entrepreneur.”
Whether it’s through guiding students in class or organizing student-led initiatives on campus, Jack brings a collaborative, impact-driven spirit to everything he does.
Creating Community at Michigan
Beyond the classroom, Jack is also the founder of a debate club in the Residential College designed to encourage open, honest dialogue among students — judgment-free.
He also launched a university-wide book swap through a psychology class project, partnering with the English Department, Ann Arbor District Library (AADL), and the U-M Library. Over 120 students participated. “It was a great way to bring people together and increase community on campus.”
Coffee, Curiosity, and Character
One of Jack’s most memorable CFE moments happened over coffee with ENTR 410 instructor and Biggby Coffee co-CEO Mike McFall. Jack shared his summer research with Ross’s Center for Positive Organizations, and Mike — intrigued — asked the barista for a pen and paper to take notes.
Weeks later, Jack saw Mike post about how Positive Organizational Scholarship was already impacting his company.
“It was powerful to see that even someone that successful was still learning — from students like me.”
Looking Ahead: Europe, Storytelling, and Global Connections
This summer, Jack is studying abroad in Prague and traveling to London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm to meet with international entrepreneurs. He plans to launch a YouTube channel and blog to document the journey. “I want to highlight that there is great entrepreneurial talent throughout the world — and interacting with them will only enrich us.”
Words of Advice for Fellow Students
Jack’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs at U-M is simple but powerful:
Talk to people in your CFE classes, you might be sitting next to your future co-founder. And talk to your professors! They’re approachable and want to connect. Just start the conversation.
What’s Next for Jack?
As Jack continues to blend his engineering background with his entrepreneurial mindset, he envisions applying his skills to supply chain challenges and beyond. But ultimately, his path points toward one thing:
“Down the line, I know I want to create my own business. There’s something I just love about building something from nothing.”
We can’t wait to see where Jack’s journey takes him next — but wherever it is, we know he’ll be connecting the dots along the way.
Michigan Entrepreneurs – if you’d like to collaborate with Jack you can reach him here.