Wolstein Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit
The Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit is Fisher College of Business’s premier platform for entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. Honoring the legacy of Bert and Iris Wolstein, the summit brings together students, alumni, industry leaders and innovators to exchange ideas, build connections and explore the future of business. It inspires bold thinking, celebrates collaboration and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs to create meaningful impact.
Join us for the 2025 Wolstein Summit: Leadership and Innovation in the Retail Space
Be a part of an event dedicated to discovery, connection and idea-sharing, where the spirit of innovation meets the power of partnership. Leadership and Innovation in the Retail Space, celebrates the entrepreneurial energy that defines Ohio State and Columbus, spotlighting how iconic local brands are teaming up to amplify creativity, drive popularity and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
At the heart of the event is a showcase of pioneering collaborations and unique strategies that exemplify the region’s creative entrepreneurial pulse ― and Fisher and Ohio State’s impact in shaping it. From the fashion-forward vision of Pursuit aligning with the cultural force of the Columbus Crew, to the iconic partnership between Ohio State and Nike that defines collegiate branding and performance, to Land-Grant Brewing and Jeni’s flavor-forward partnership through the years, and Homage’s never-ending chase of nostalgia, these brands are demonstrating how creative partnerships and ideas can elevate identity and impact. Attendees will gain insight into how these connections came to life, the challenges they overcame and the innovative results they’ve achieved.
The summit is a platform for Ohio State students, alumni and makers to gather and explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. A Student Entrepreneur Marketplace will highlight the very latest products, services and technology created by Ohio State students, many of whom have directly benefitted from the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Entrepreneurial Leadership Initiative.
Whether launching a first venture, scaling a startup or jumping into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Wolstein Summit offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, brand builders and creative minds who are shaping the region’s future.
Hear from the creative entrepreneurs behind the brands
Adam Benner is the president and co-founder of Land-Grant Brewing Company in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2006, Adam transformed his passion for home brewing into a thriving business.
Since founding Land-Grant in 2014, he has led the company's strategic growth and has been instrumental in creating innovative experiences that foster community engagement. Under his leadership, the brewery has grown from a team of five to 65 employees producing about 7,000 barrels annually. Adam's dedication to supporting his team and enriching the community has been fundamental to Land-Grant's success and lasting impact.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, D’Mya Clay attended the University of Louisiana, where she played four years of basketball and earned a bachelor's degree in sports management. She earned her MBA from Wagner College in New York. She has been with Nike for eight and a half years and currently is a Marketplace EKIN, residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nate DeMars grew up in northern Wisconsin, received a marketing degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and landed in Columbus in 2005 straight out of college, on assignment with Whirlpool Corporation. After four years in the corporate world, he enrolled in the MBA program at Fisher where he launched his business, Pursuit, as part of an entrepreneurship class project.
Pursuit is a modern suit company with old-fashioned customer service that launched in 2011 at the South Campus Gateway and relocated to the Short North Arts District in 2015. The company is not only known for its clothing, particularly suits, but also for its unique community partnerships with artists, musicians, nonprofits and sports entities like the Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Fury and dozens of Ohio State student athletes. Since launching his business, Nate has spent time mentoring Ohio State students and occasionally teaching entrepreneurship at Fisher. He lives just south of campus with his wife, Melonia, and dog, Bruce.
Lexi Edwards is the Nike Marketing Coordinator at The Ohio State University, leading all Nike community engagement initiatives, notably the signature Nike U Move Program. Acting as a liaison between Nike and Ohio State, she manages the day-to-day operations of the partnership.
Lexi has been with the Department of Athletics since 2023, serving as a member of the inaugural Next Gen program that prepares student-athletes for careers in the sports industry. She was a program coordinator in communications, the Student Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) and the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute before transitioning to her current role in Brand Engagement Services & Partnerships.
Lexi is a former NCAA All-American Ohio State gymnast and two-time graduate of The Ohio State University. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology in 2023 and a master's degree in sport management in 2025.
Donta Ingram is the inaugural Nike Partnership Coordinator at The Ohio State University, spearheading all Nike community engagement initiatives, notably the signature Nike U Move Program. Acting as the primary liaison between Nike and Ohio State, he orchestrates the day-to-day operations of the partnership.
Prior to this role, Donta served in various capacities within the university, including overseeing compliance and life skills programs for Ohio State’s marching and athletic bands in the Office of Compliance and Integrity.
Walt Keys is the creative director and co-founder of Land-Grant Brewing Company in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2006, Walt combined his talents in design with his appreciation for craft beer to help establish Land-Grant in 2014. He oversees brand design and marketing, shaping the brewery's identity to resonate with the community.
A member of the Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Class of 2022, Walt's focus on brand and design has earned recognition for his award-winning creativity. His dedication to exceptional design continues to strengthen Land-Grant's connection to the community.
Jessica McCombs is a manager of Partnership Activation for the Columbus Crew, where she leads the strategic execution of corporate partnerships to drive revenue, brand impact and fan engagement. Prior to joining the Crew, she worked with the Columbus Fury during their inaugural season, contributing to the launch and growth of the new women’s professional volleyball franchise.
A graduate of Fisher’s MBA program, Jessica brings a strong foundation in strategic marketing and business development to her work. She also serves as vice chair of the Emerging Leaders Board for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, championing the growth of civic and community engagement through sports across Central Ohio.
Jessica’s work ethic and leadership style were shaped by her roots on her family’s farm, where she learned the value of perseverance, teamwork and integrity from an early age. A lifelong athlete who has competed in more than six sports, she brings that same drive, discipline and collaborative spirit to her professional endeavors — on and off the field.
Bethany Skaff is the director of customer experience at Homage, leading the customer service team in creating an impactful customer experience. In her 11 years with the company, Bethany has scaled the team and systems to support growth while maintaining the brand’s customer-centric mindset. She has driven the introduction of AI functions, the curation of special customer moments and the evolution of the post-purchase experience.
Prior to her role at Homage, Bethany was the founder of an adaptive clothing company specializing in clothing with discreet access for medical treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis. Aside from building the business from conception, she managed the product operations and customer experience.
Bethany earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in entrepreneurship from Miami University. She studied abroad with the Farmer School of Business at the Miami University Dolibois European Center, where she focused on international business.
A Yinzer at heart, Bethany lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she is a member of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals, a long time Pelotonia volunteer and an avid tennis player.
Dante Washington joined the Columbus Crew in 2019 and currently serves as the club’s director of player engagement. In this role, he mentors and supports the professional and personal development of the players and leads alumni relations.
During his 13-year professional soccer career, Dante spent six seasons with the Crew, including the club’s inaugural season in 1996 and returned for the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005 seasons. In all, he made 76 regular-season appearances for the Crew.
A two-time MLS All-Star, Dante also played for FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake, finishing his career with 170 MLS regular-season appearances. Prior to turning professional, he played for Radford University and is the second-leading scorer in NCAA Division I history. He earned six caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scoring two goals, and is an Olympian. Dante earned his MBA from Fisher in 2011.
Steve Werman leads operations, finance, HR and strategic initiatives to scale Homage’s growing apparel business. Under Steve’s leadership over the past 12-plus years, the company has expanded its operations, headcount and licensing partnerships, including those with major sports leagues and collegiate brands. He has also led several capital raises from strategic investors, venture capital firms and celebrity-backed funds.
Early in his career, Steve served on KPMG’s Transactions & Restructuring Advisory team, guiding clients through complex mergers, due diligence and turnaround efforts. He began his career with Homage in 2013 as chief financial officer before stepping into the COO role. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Indiana University.
A committed community leader, Steve sits on several nonprofit boards and has used his own health journey to advocate for early colon cancer screening. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his family and remains active watching, playing and coaching sports.
Discover the student innovators shaping what’s next
Ellie Katherine Bevington is a first-year Stamps Eminence Scholar at The Ohio State University, studying business and entrepreneurship. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Ellie is already making her mark on Ohio State’s entrepreneurial community through her involvement with the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship.
She is the founder of emjewelryco, a handcrafted jewelry brand she launched in 2022, which recently saw over 50 customers at the Buckeye Made Market. Ellie also owns Neat Down South, a gift boutique she started in high school, and she is the founder of Helping the Hardworking–Franklin County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports small businesses and hardworking individuals in her home community.
A passionate advocate for innovation, creativity and service-driven leadership, Ellie was named the National Female Youth Leader of the Year by the National Council on Youth Leadership in 2024. At Ohio State, she is active in the Business Builders Club and Women in Business, and she continues to build her ventures while inspiring others to pursue purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Luke Carrell is a second-year MBA student at Fisher and a left-handed pitcher on Ohio State’s baseball team. Originally from Davis, California, Luke previously played baseball at the University of Oklahoma before transferring to Ohio State. He is the founder and CEO of Side Coach Sports, a platform that connects college athletes with youth athletes for private lessons and camps. With a passion for mentorship, Luke is dedicated to building a scalable, tech-driven marketplace that elevates youth sports.
Sarah Hallock is the founder of Bazaar Collaborative, a social enterprise that brings local art into hospitality spaces. Bazaar creates sustainable textile products that feature independent artists, weaving their stories into hotel rooms. Sarah graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 with dual degrees in marketing and fashion & retail studies and was part of the President’s Buckeye Accelerator Cohort 2.
Parker Haskett is a senior at Ohio State studying management information systems. He previously served as chief operating officer at Bazaar Collaborative and now interns as a data analyst at Engie, where he develops software. Parker was an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Scholar and a previous intern at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship.