Cooper Himan, a Walker College of Business student who started a business while at Appalachian State University, is featured in the Watauga Democrat article App State grad bets on momentum with energy drink business by Caylee Almeida.
JIT, or just in time, is an energy drink.
JIT worked with App State’s Marketing Association to advertise the product at Sanford Mall on App State’s campus. “Networking is everything,” Himan said.
Alex Jenkins, App State Senior, vice president of community engagement for the American Marketing Association, and founder/CEO of Summit Marketing Strategies, plays a big role in JIT Energy by pitching the brand to local businesses, filming and editing commercials, and advertising on Sanford Mall. The pair recently partnered with Boone Golf Club, which allowed them to film a commercial on the driving range to advertise the drink.
“He understands that we’re marketing students. When he comes up with an idea, we can add some tweaks to it, and he’s usually super receptive.”Jenkins said.
“I’ve learned so much, and I think the aspect of learning how to run a business, LLC, finding a way to design it, selling the product, taxes, all this stuff has been such a good learning process. So even if I fail this business, and I create another one, well then I have that information to learn for the next time,” Himan said.
Amaya Dean, Alex Jenkins, Cooper Himan, Nicholas Villavicencio and Lyla Rowe promoting JIT Energy on Sanford Mall.
Photo by Sylvia Vitner courtesy Caylee Almeida