About Us
The Entrepreneurial Youth Experience
Students in EYE face some of the largest wealth and education gaps in the city of Chicago.1 in 3 CPS students went unaccounted for in 2020 in many of the same neighborhoods we pull from, but not one EYE student is ever left out.
Founded by John Vaile and Bob Muzikowski and co-chaired by Michael Broccolino, the program seeks to provide the young minds of today with the tools to build the world-class businesses of tomorrow. Wyatt Baker and Ike Muzikowski were the original class instructors.
Young entrepreneurs get real hands-on experience, pitch real investors, get real loans and make real money and we get to be a part of their process. They learn from experts around the world about successful brands and business models.
How does EYE work?
At EYE we combine best practices from academia and business to train the CEO's of tomorrow. Our program affords each entrepreneur the opportunity to critically engage with experts and executives from Chicago's business community and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
We slot in guest speakers to emphasize one of the skills listed in each of the thematic blocks. If the class isn't hosting a speaker or shadowing at a local business, they are expected to work with EYE's program facilitator to accomplish a personal or class-related daily goal. Students work through StrengthsFinders 2.0, resume creation, interviewing and creating a digital profile in addition to building a group business.
The first semester is used to develop student's soft skills and business acumen. During that time, they host a fundraiser in which all revenue will be used as seed money to offset startup costs during the second semester. Each team launches a federally recognized business upon returning from winter break. After students create businesses they are paired with a mentor for the duration of the program that has relevant experience in whichever field the student chooses to pursue.
The class culminates with a trade show and shark tank with students showing off their hard work. The setting provides the perfect venue for like-minded leaders and business to mix and mingle and expand their professional network.
Board Members
Young Executive
Board Highlight
Jeremy Lee
"In the US, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times that of a typical Black family. Whether it's African-Americans or other communities of color, the stark economic gaps that have defined our society truly reveal the effects of both racial inequality and inequity. Our brothers and sisters need access to the same opportunities, networks, and experiences that their white counterparts enjoy. I have always believed that opportunity favors the prepared mind and through EYE's focus on training, development, and harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of its participants, they will be ready to compete and lead in a changing world where disruption surrounds us."
"My business partner Jay Leonard (Board Member) and I work with entrepreneurs. I am thankful he introduced me to John Vaile, Chair of EYE, with whom I really clicked with. My first EYE event was a Spikeball Tournament at the Chicago Hope Academy. From the moment I walked in I knew it to be a special place. I was moved by the spirit and energy of the students and the fun. I also loved the scripture on the walls. So it wasn’t the 3rd place finish in the Spikeball Tournament that had me wanting to come back for more. After the tournament, I read Safe at Home by Bob Muzikowski and it confirmed everything that I felt that day – and inspired me to get more involved. Since, I have been a guest speaker in the classroom and was invited (on Zoom) to watch the 2020 EYE class graduate. Growing up, I had both parents and mentors in the community. I know how important it is to have every day role models. That’s why I support EYE, to serve kids and their families and show them that anything is possible through the grace of God."
Nolan Hart
Board Members
Wyatt Baker (Founding Instructor)
Chas Bellock
Michael Broccolino
Richard Doermer
Kevin Drewyer
Kathy Hagstrom
Jay Leonard
Bart Marchant
Donna More
Tina Muzikowski
Charles Myart
Abe Thompson
John Vaile (Co-Founder)
Duane Oest
Young Executive Board Members
Mike Cimmerusti (Startup)
Christian Ebersol (Insurance)
Nolan Hart (Finance - Wealth Mgt)
Jeremy Lee (Finance - (Investing)
Rachel Cram - (Law)
Charlie Palmer (Finance - Real Estate)
Jake Rodrigues (Finance - Wealth Mgt)
Ram Sivalingam (Finance - Investing)
EYE board members are united by one sentiment -- that we are tired of seeing our beloved city bleed. Chicago's primary problem is economic. The income inequality in Chicago is rampant. Would there be as many deaths in Chicago if those doing the shooting had a good chance at an internship that paid well?
Turner supports EYE as a former Chicago Hope Academy physics teacher now working in Austin, Texas at Serent Capital. He's always had a heart for helping students of all backgrounds gain access to opportunities that allow them to grow as leaders and hopes to do this through EYE. He’s seen the impact quality education can have not only on students but also their families and communities and is passionate about helping provide quality education, particularly to those that might not have access otherwise. He’s witnessed how finance and business have helped countless entrepreneurs break the cycles of generational poverty and believes there are many more entrepreneurs that can do the same with the right support and resources. As a technology investor, Turner is also interested in how entrepreneurs can leverage technology to improve education systems and tackle education and economic inequality.
Turner DeMuth
EYE's High-Level Flight Path
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StrengthsFinders test & modules
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Entrepreneurial Pillars: Marketing, Finance, Risk, Fundraising, Idea Generation, Brick and Mortar v Online, Overcoming Objections, Storytelling
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Class fundraiser & group project
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Each team generates a viable business idea by the end of the first semester
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Students are paired with a well-suited mentor
Semester 1
Semester 2
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Live "Shark Tank" presentation in February with high-level business executives
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Students execute on web design, social media and business strategy
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Trade show in April helps students to generate revenue
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Each team executes on their business for the duration of the semester to recoup the program loan
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Continued individual mentoring and team coaching
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EYE graduation occurs in May
At EYE we combine best practices from academia and business to train the CEO's of tomorrow. Our program affords each entrepreneur the opportunity to critically engage with experts and executives from Chicago's business and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Speakers are slotted into our course to emphasize one of the skills listed in each of the thematic blocks. If the class isn't hosting a speaker or shadowing at a local business; they are expected to work with EYE's program facilitator to set their own individual daily agenda regarding what they Hope to accomplish that day.
Students journal throughout the process and write a weekly analysis of how their week went, including a reflection about time management, lessons learned, and areas that need to be improved for the next week.
The first semester is used to develop student's soft skills and business acumen. During that time, they will host a fundraiser in which all revenue will be used as seed money to offset startup costs during the second semester. Each student team launches a federally recognized business upon returning from winter break. After students create businesses they are paired with a mentor for the duration of the program that has relevant experience in whichever field the student chooses to pursue.
The class culminates with a trade show and shark tank with students showing off their hard work. The setting provides the perfect venue for like-minded leaders and business to mix and mingle and expand their professional network.