The Bulldog Business Show

The Bulldog Business Show - July 31, 2024

In the latest episode of The Bulldog Business Show, host Scott Grawe, Dean of the College of Business at Mississippi State University, welcomes Ricky Clifton, the Coordinator of Career Engagement for MBA students. Ricky, a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University, shares his journey back to his alma mater after a 30-year career in manufacturing and design for medical devices. He expresses excitement about contributing to the university that played a significant role in his career and working with students, employers, faculty, and staff.Ricky discusses his role in engaging with MBA students, starting from their orientation week, and introduces them to the "MBA +" program, which offers networking opportunities with employers. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' career aspirations and supporting them in achieving their goals. Ricky also highlights his efforts to build and strengthen relationships with employers, including organizing employer business forums across the state to create new opportunities for students.The episode also explores the value that Mississippi State University MBA students bring to employers. Ricky discusses the rigorous training and diverse skills that the students possess, making them valuable additions to any organization. He shares insights into his interactions with students, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and career planning, emphasizing the importance of networking and being open to unexpected opportunities.Additionally, Ricky talks about his collaboration with the university's Career Services Office, which recently launched a new Career Center website, www.career.msstate.edu. This platform provides valuable resources for students and employers, enhancing the overall career engagement process.Employers interested in Mississippi State's MBA students can connect with Ricky Clifton via phone at 662.325.0434 or email at rclifton@business.msstate.edu for recruiting opportunities.

Bulldog Business Show - July 30, 2024

The Bulldog Business Show is a bi-monthly program dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and information from MSU’s College of Business. In this inaugural episode of the new format for the show, College of Business Dean Scott Grawe introduces an engaging lineup of conversations aimed at keeping listeners informed about the latest developments within the college. Emphasizing a fresh approach, Dean Grawe kicks off the series with Dr. Frank Adams, a seasoned professor of supply chain logistics at the college, as his first guest.Dr. Adams shares his journey as a fourth-generation Bulldog, reflecting on his diverse career path before joining Mississippi State to revitalize the supply chain program. This program, which began in the 1950s, has evolved significantly under his leadership, growing from two students to a major with consistent growth of about 8% per semester. The discussion highlights the program’s success in preparing students for the workforce through early engagement and partnerships with employers.The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of rapid growth and how the program has managed to maintain a strong connection with the business community. Dr. Adams emphasizes the importance of equipping students with analytical skills and practical problem-solving experiences through real-world projects with companies like PACCAR, Hershey's, and CAT Global.Additionally, the episode touches on the collaborative spirit within the supply chain academic community, including partnerships with universities like Auburn and participation in initiatives such as the Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence.Dr. Adams also discusses his active research pursuits, focusing on sustainable practices in supply chains and the impact of green initiatives on performance. His work is aimed at understanding the integration of sustainability into business operations and its effect on supply chain efficiency.As the Bulldog Business Show embarks on this new journey, Dean Grawe invites the audience to tune in twice a month for insightful discussions with various guests from the College of Business, promising to provide valuable updates and foster connections within the business community.

The Bulldog Business Show - June 2024

The Bulldog Business Show (formerly The Dividends Show) is a monthly program dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and information from MSU's College of Business. Each episode gives you an inside look at the College's programs and events, history, faculty, students, and alumni.
 
In the June episode of the show, host Jeffrey Rupp speaks with College of Business Dean Scott Grawe, who reflects on his first year at Mississippi State University. He shares insights from his initial listening tour, highlighting the similarities and differences from his previous tenure at Iowa State University. Dean Grawe emphasizes the importance of understanding the passion and commitment of alumni and the broader university community, which has informed the development of a strategic plan for the College of Business.
 
The show also discusses the launch of new programs and initiatives aligned with the college's mission, including the search for a new director for the Entrepreneurship Center. Additionally, the episode marks a transition as Jeffrey Rupp, the current host, prepares to pass the baton to Dean Grawe. Rupp shares memorable moments from his tenure, particularly highlighting outreach programs like i-Create Camp, The Idea Shop's Guitar Building Workshop, and the Golden Triangle Lemonade Day, which engages young students and fosters community connections.
 
Rupp also discusses his upcoming role at Glo, a company started at the university’s E-Center, reflecting his transition from academia to industry. The episode concludes with Rupp's final sign-off, marking the end of an era for "Dividends" and setting the stage for Dean Grawe's future leadership as host of the show.

The Bulldog Business Show - April 2024

In the April 2024 episode of The Bulldog Business Show (formerly The Dividends Show), host Jeffrey Rupp welcomes special guests Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan, the founders of Barefoot Wine-- the largest wine brand in the world. The two returned to Mississippi State University as keynote speakers in the College of Business for the second time, having previously visited in 2014 as part of the Leo W. Seal Jr. Distinguished Speaker Series where they inspired a large audience of student entrepreneurs. The episode explores the Barefoot Wine story, focusing on the themes of hardship, hustle, and heart, as highlighted in their best-selling book, "The Barefoot Spirit."
 
Bonnie Harvey discusses the innovative and cost-effective marketing strategies that propelled Barefoot Wines to success, emphasizing the importance of supporting community events and non-profits as a way to give back. She shares the creative origins of the Barefoot brand, including how her own footprint became the logo that symbolizes the relaxed and approachable nature of their wines.
 
Michael Houlihan joins the conversation to introduce their latest venture, Business Audio Theater. This innovative concept brings business stories to life through audio dramatizations, aiming to improve employee engagement and retention by making business principles more memorable and relatable. Houlihan explains the unique appeal of this format, which combines narration and dialogue with sound effects and music, engaging listeners in a way that traditional books cannot.
 
Harvey and Houlihan express their passion for supporting entrepreneurship and community development, reflecting on their continued involvement with Mississippi State's expanding Entrepreneurship Center. They share their philosophy of following opportunities passionately, a principle that has guided their journey from Barefoot Wines to their latest entrepreneurial endeavors.