Accelerate July 2021 Magazine

with Arrowhead Union High School, echoed the importance of real-world experience through his discussion of Warhawk Manufacturing - a student-run business organized to teach students the real-life skills it takes to manage and run a business. Students are challenged to mass produce items to sell along with assembling and engineering products for local companies. The in-house work experience has recently evolved into more entrepreneurial opportunities due to COVID-19. Teekay Kowalewski, a recent graduate of Arrowhead, described a product he created as a solution to the increase in telemedicine appointments doctors faced during the pandemic. He in turn developed a laptop phone mount which is now available on Amazon on Etsy. With workforce continuing to be the number one challenge facing businesses, showcasing how students are being exposed to career opportunities in middle school, high school and beyond is more important than ever. While there are still challenges ahead, the Alliance remains committed to supporting the County's need for a talent development strategy. • Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH RUNNING A BUSINESS? A: My biggest lesson learned is the importance of connections. I have learned that there are many things I am not good at, but there are many people that can help fill in the gaps in my skill base. Q: WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? A: I am most proud of the 600+ phone mounts that assisted physicians during the pandemic that are now spread throughout the United States. Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU'VE FACED WITH YOUR BUSINESS? A: The most challenging part of running a business is the uncertainty. The uncertainty of sourcing materials, daily sales rates, and new opportunities. I've learned that finding a way to be agile and respond to these situations is the key to business Q: HOW HAS THIS EXPERIENCE PREPARED YOU FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE? A: Warhawk Manufacturing has allowed me to apply and evolve my technical and soft skills. This invaluable experience has made me a much more rounded individual and designer. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT TEEKAY KOWALEWSKI Arrowhead Union High School Graudate, Bridging the Gap Panelist PROGRAM SPONSORS: