Name: Michael Russo
Year: 2015
Hometown: East Islip
Major: Business Management & Philosophy
What are you involved in on campus?
“I am the President of the Entrepreneurship Club which is definitely my most important role on campus. I also am a Student Ambassador, Business Peer Mentor, Vice President of Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy Honor Society) and I am hoping to play all the intramural sports this year!”
What is your business for those who don’t know you?
“My business is called Sticky Quotes, you can check it out at www.myStickyQuotes.com. Essentially, I make sticky notes with inspirational quotes on them. There are different themed pads ranging from: Lunch Box Notes, for kids; Love Letters, for that special someone; Words of Wisdom, when you need some guidance; Girl Power, fashion/womens empowerment quotes; and the traditional Motivational version. Some of the designs are featured on tee shirts that are also for sale on the website. Sticky Quotes also does custom work for businesses, colleges, charities and organizations as a promotional product.”
How many stores carry your sticky quotes?
“Sticky Quotes is now in 16 stores in five different states (NY, PA, CT, GA, MA). For a complete list of stores, visit http://www.mystickyquotes.com/pages/questions”
Can we buy them online?
“Yes! Sticky Quotes retail on our website, www.myStickyQuotes.com and also on Amazon and Etsy.”
What made you choose to create your own business?
“After going through a 14 month internship at Morgan Stanley, I knew the office life wasn’t for me. On top of that, I was in an awesome program in high school called Virtual Enterprises that essentially has you operating a real business in your senior year of college. I come from a family of entrepreneurs also: my father, grandfather and uncles all own their own construction or automotive businesses.”
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
“I see Sticky Quotes being sold to a larger stationery company, maybe a Hallmark or something of that sort. If it’s not sold, I’ll have someone hired to run the business for me while I’m working on my next project or studying at Harvard- I’m praying I get in!”
What’s next thing that you would invent?
“I have a few ideas in mind. I’m very very concerned about the environment and current climate crisis we are experiencing, so my next invention or business will be focused on solving that problem. As part of the Entrepreneurship Club this year, we have our group of almost 20 people starting a few businesses, probably 2 or 3, and I’m looking forward to them all being huge successes.”