U of S student candidate up for $10,000 national championship

There were skeptics when Jared Koehl aspired to profit $150,000 in his first year as a business owner and operator, until he surprised even himself by not only surpassing his goal but also nearly doubling that figure in only his second year as an entrepreneur.

This accomplishment isn’t the  only reason why Koehl has been selected as one of Enactus’ Student Entrepreneurs of 2015. A third-year commerce student at the University of Saskatchewan, Koehl has been studying business and has since been fortunate enough to apply his book smarts in the real world. Koehl, owner of a student-operated painting business, is being acknowledged for his ability to find, retain and nurture quality employees.

“It’s not something I was working toward, to become the entrepreneur of Saskatchewan. It just kind of came about,” Koehl said.

As detailed on their website, Enactus Canada runs the Student Entrepreneur National Competition “to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of young Canadians.” The competition recognizes those students who are both attending a Canadian university and running their own successful business. Koehl won the title for the province and will move on to compete for the regional title. If successful, he will then have a shot at the national title, which includes a $10,000 cash grand prize. At each level of the competition, Koehl must present his business to panels of Canadian industry leaders who then determine who will be named Enactus Canada’s Student Entrepreneur National Champion for 2015.

Despite his seemingly quick ascent to success, Koehl insists that it was not without its struggles.

“Running the business hasn’t been a breeze,” said Koehl. “My first year, I went through roughly 18 to 20 employees and I had a lot of customers who weren’t really happy because I had little experience. I had never run a business.”

Fortunately, Koehl is a quick learner and was determined to grow, push himself and never give up — all qualities conducive of a successful entrepreneur.

From a paper carrying 12-year-old, to “slinging coffee” at Tim Horton’s for all four years of high school, Koehl has always been driven, dedicated and open to new opportunities.

Following his first year of university, Koehl took on a summer student-painting job with College Pro, an entrepreneurial development company in the business of house painting and window cleaning. He has since branched out on his own and recently incorporated as Jared Koehl Enterprises, a name he can take with him for future business endeavors.

Despite his independence, College Pro continues to be an invaluable mentor and branding asset, sending him all over North America for various entrepreneurial training programs.

Koehl realizes the importance of “not being afraid to try new things and push yourself. If you get some kind of opportunity, take it, give it a try… get a feel for the things you don’t like doing and the things you do like doing,” he said. “It may involve stumbling and failing, but you learn the best in those situations.”

Though his first year as an independent business owner and operator proved to be a struggle, Koehl had the ability to translate those struggles into a positive learning experience and continued success. Koehl credits his current triumph to “sheer work ethic, a genuine care for people and a bit of charisma.”

Looking back on his time at the U of S thus far, Koehl said that there are some areas where he thinks he could make improvements looking forward.

“One thing I wish I had done more is gotten involved in different clubs and activities going on at the university,” he said. “That is something I will definitely do more of next year.”

Koehl believes his experience as a full-time student at the U of S has played a major role in his ability to network and connect with people. Furthermore, he acknowledges the benefits of “being around inspiring people who push you to do bigger things.”

He initially enrolled in the Edwards School of Business with the idea of graduating, obtaining a job and climbing the corporate ladder. However, Koehl was inspired by his fellow students and community. Koehl now realizes there are, “no boundaries or ceilings” to what can be achieved when you set your mind to something. Though, he cheerfully admits that his schedule sometimes gets the better of him.

“I don’t really take days off,” Koehl said.

Those interested in getting more information can contact College Pro, which is currently wrapping up recruiting for 2015 business owners with remaining availability in Regina.

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Photo: Katherine Fedoroff / Photo Editor