Hickman native Carter Lawler, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, wasn’t always sure whether a four-year college was right for him.
By the time he was in his senior year of high school, he was already running his own hay baling business and was dedicated to juggling multiple large clients as top of his class. Engler at the University of Nebraska his agribusiness his entrepreneurship it seems impractical to attend his four-year college while continuing to expand his business until his father hears about his program I thought
“My father asked if I had heard of the Engler project, but I hadn’t. He thought I might be interested and told me to look it up,” Rohrer said. said. “It was the day before the deadline for the scholarship application, so I applied and was accepted.”
Headquartered at the Dinsdale Learning Commons, Engler is an entrepreneurial program where students generate business ideas, learn from experienced professionals, take courses to hone their business acumen, and focus on their ideas. The program is in his 10th year and more than 230 of his alumni live, work and grow businesses in Nebraska.
For Rohrer, being part of Engler gave him the hands-on experience and professional connections he sought in college, helping him sustain and grow his business as a college student.
“You’re not just talking to people who theorize about doing things. The people Engler brings in to talk to students are people in industry,” Rohrer said. “I want to learn about banking.” They brought in one of the owners of First State Bank Nebraska to speak to us, and they bring in the owners, people who are willing to help make connections.”
In addition to the professional network he has built, Rohrer also values the collaboration Engler fosters among its members.
“There are students here who are creating websites and social media for businesses and I know nothing about it,” he said. “I’ve been building websites for businesses with her, and she’s good at it.”
Rohrer says the Engler program has helped him think more hands-on as an entrepreneur and plan his business moves step-by-step.
Rohrer has big plans for his business (like a used limousine he bought online) VIPs client), he credits Engler with helping him think one move at a time.
“Sometimes trying to run a business can be overwhelming,” he said. “Wherever you are, they help you take the next small step.”
