Never underestimate the mentality of an entrepreneur—especially the ones at Babson, says Louis Joseph MBA’05. He should know.
The founder of Alps & Meters, a luxury line of ski jackets and alpine sportswear, has been hands on with the Management Consulting Field Experience (MCFE) program for about four years, and says, “It’s very clear the kids at Babson exude entrepreneurship through every pore.”
Run by Arline MacCormack, associate director for Experiential Education, and management professor Joseph Weintraub, MCFE offers teams of students the chance to gain experience working with Boston-area business professionals.
As a professional with years of brand and creative experience in multiple global fashion companies, Joseph has been helping students learn experientially through MCFE while they provide his company with the latest innovation tools and resources.
Louis Joseph MBA’05
In the past, students have contributed by assessing and developing Alps & Meters market entry strategy for women, as well as the company’s luxury customer experience approach.
Joseph says the students’ research methodologies drive insight and action, delivering positive return on investment.
“Babson’s MCFE teams are armed with cutting-edge research abilities, tools, and passion,” he says.
Joseph previously worked at K-Swiss as vice president of global marketing, at New Balance as global brand manager for running, and at Puma as global director of strategy and innovation.
In 2014, Joseph established Alps & Meters, which was inspired by a trip to Sweden. Products include polo shirts, vests, parkas, and backpacks.
Joseph says Babson students are adept when it comes to research and describes their approach as “incredibly sophisticated.” He attributes that mindset to faculty and leadership who have a wealth of entrepreneurial experience.
“It’s been a fantastic extended relationship. I continue to be impressed with the student body, who are effectively on the cutting edge of the next wave of entrepreneurial endeavors.”
Joseph considers Babson a continuous partner and resource for his success.
“Mentorship for me is a virtuous cycle,” Joseph says, adding that he has acquired research skills, financial model possibilities, and improved marketing frameworks from working with the students. “I’ve learned legitimately as much from the students as they’ve learned from me.” – Bryan Lipiner