News Summary
Four business students from Newberry College have partnered with Voodoo Brewing Company to address essential business challenges prior to the brewery’s new location opening in Newberry, SC. This collaboration provides the students with hands-on experience in consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and more. Voodoo Brewing owner, Kevin Rekiel, praised the students for their professionalism and the valuable insights provided. The partnership exemplifies the importance of experiential learning in preparing students for successful careers in business.
Newberry, SC – Newberry College Students Collaborate with Voodoo Brewing Company for Real-World Business Experience
Four upper-level business students from Newberry College, Jomar Lugo, Brayden Gilson, Harlan Faircloth, and Anna Hapner, have engaged in a consulting partnership with Voodoo Brewing Company. This collaboration comes as Voodoo Brewing prepares to open a new location in Newberry, SC, which is currently undergoing renovations. The students undertook this project to tackle a series of essential business challenges outlined by the brewery, aiming for a successful local launch.
This partnership provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom theories in a practical setting. The consulting project was structured around five major focus areas: Consumer Behavior and Trends, Customer Acquisition and Loyalty, Employee Retention, Financial Analysis and Side Benefits, and Marketing Strategies.
Project Structure and Phases
The consulting project was meticulously organized into five phases:
- Initiation Phase (Jan. 27–Feb. 3): Initial meetings with Voodoo Brewing and preparation of initiation papers were conducted.
- Problem Framing Phase (Feb. 10–17): Teams drafted problem statements and objectives related to the business challenges.
- Research and Analysis Phase (Feb. 17–Mar. 30): Students carried out research pertinent to their assigned topics.
- Testing and Ideation Phase (Apr. 7–14): Teams developed detailed proposals based on tested ideas and strategies.
- Presentation and Final Submission Phase (Apr. 28–May 13): The final recommendations were delivered to representatives from Voodoo Brewing.
Kevin Rekiel, the owner of Voodoo Brewing, commended the students for their professionalism and the depth of analysis presented during their consultations. The strategies developed through this collaboration are expected to provide actionable insights for Voodoo Brewing as it moves closer to its Newberry grand opening.
Voodoo Brewing’s Newberry Location
The upcoming Newberry venue from Voodoo Brewing aims to offer a unique experience characterized by world-class beer, hand-crafted cocktails, and elevated pub fare. The establishment seeks to reflect local culture and traditions, incorporating elements of Newberry College and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Voodoo Brewing Company operates almost 30 locations across 12 states, known for its innovative approach to brewing and community engagement. The consulting partnership with Newberry College students is part of a broader initiative to embed local flavors and cultural significance into its Newberry location.
Importance of Experiential Learning
Dr. Carl Wells, a business professor at Newberry College, stressed the importance of experiential learning and real-world applications for students. Such projects enable students to gain hands-on experience that enriches their collegiate education and prepares them for careers in business.
As Voodoo Brewing Company gears up for its local launch, the collaboration with Newberry College students stands as a prime example of how educational institutions can successfully partner with businesses to foster practical skills and community involvement.
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Newberry College Students Partner with Brewery
- Wikipedia: Experiential Learning
- The State: Business Collaboration Details
- Google Search: Voodoo Brewing Company
- Post and Courier: Voodoo Brewing Expansion
- Google Scholar: Business Consulting Students Projects
- WCPO: Brewery Violations Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Cola Today: New and Coming Soon Businesses
- Google News: Newberry College Voodoo Brewing
