FORT MYERS, Fla. — Thomas Sear, a student at FGCU, spends numerous days out on the water with his friends, engaging in his passion for fishing.
As a participant in the university’s runway program, designed to support entrepreneurial students in launching successful businesses, Sear encountered a recurring challenge: transporting fishing rods without risking damage.
“I developed a rod holder to securely transport fishing rods in truck beds,” he explained.
Conducting market research, Sear discovered that many anglers resorted to makeshift rod holders. This realization inspired him to provide a solution, resulting in the creation of the Bite Belt.
“I noticed a significant gap in the market, and that’s where we began,” he remarked.
Kelly Wilson, employed at FGCU, offers guidance to students like Thomas.
“When students express interest in particular areas, we strive to link them with community members who are experts in those fields,” Wilson explained.
Her assistance in prototyping facilitated Thomas’s connections with manufacturers and participation in funding competitions.
With the school’s backing, he emerged as a finalist in entrepreneurial contests such as CEO Global and EIX. He asserts that the Runway Program is instrumental in empowering students to transform their aspirations into tangible achievements.
