The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship hosted a Launchpad Series mentor networking event Friday afternoon from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship offers the event online and in-person for students at the University of Memphis who have entrepreneurial aspirations and need the resources to bring their business ideas to life. Students at the had the opportunity to speak directly with entrepreneurs around Memphis and get information about what challenges they have faced in their journey.
Among the three mentors was Johnny Lervolino. Lervolino, 66, is an entertainment entrepreneur from the Bronx, New York. Growing up, Lervolino did not have the opportunity to attend college, so he taught himself the knowledge needed to build five successful companies.
Despite not getting a degree, Lervolino believes it is essential for the youth to get a proper education.
“Even though I never went to college, I believe college is important because you need to learn the basic fundamentals of how to work with people.” Lervolino said. “I had to teach myself how to write a letter and how to listen, but I think getting an education is the best way to do those things.”
The networking event gave University of Memphis students valuable insight into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. For those whose business ideas are still developing, the Crews Center provides support and resources to help students turn their concepts into reality.
University of Memphis student Nazareth Lampkin, 24, has dreams of owning his own construction company and after he graduates.
“My dad and my uncles taught me a lot of skills growing up, which I think inspired my dream to one day own my own construction company,” said Lampkin. Set to graduate in May 2026, Lampkin said he wants to learn as much as possible about entrepreneurship before leaving college.
“After graduation, I really want to use the skills I’ve learned here to grow my future business,” Lampkin said. “I really do think the University of Memphis is putting aspiring business owners in the best position to succeed post-graduation and this event has given me more insight into what it takes to build my company successful once I graduate.”
The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship hosts these mentor networking events every two weeks on Fridays through November, according to their event schedule. Their next event is their Design & Code Meet-Up on Oct. 15.
Carter Burton can be contacted at cmbrton4@memphis.edu.
