Entrepreneurship runs in Mike Young’s blood. The senior, studying real estate and finance with minors in data analytics and economics, grew up in Huntington, NY where he saw his father, a Stanley Steemer franchise owner flex his entrepreneurial muscles.
Young says, “He was a huge influence on me and is actually one of the reasons I initiatly decided to go with a EEE major coming into Syracuse.”
Although Young later changed majors, he possesses a lot of his dad’s entrepreneurial spirit. In high school he started his own t-shirt business with the help of a friend. He says, “I took an intro to business class in high school and wanted to start a clothing business with someone else.”
The business developed rapidly and Young was having fun doing it. After coming to Syracuse University, however, he learned about his passion for finance and real estate.
Currently, Young’s career aspirations involve a path that blends financial modeling, personal finance, and real estate investments.
He enjoys the creativity and problem solving associated with these areas and is something that initially drew him to the Blackstone LaunchPad. He says, “I loved being surrounded by people that are driven to solve the world’s problems. It definitely motivates me.”
Young also has a strong affinity for non-profit work. He says “over the summer I volunteer at an arts center for children with special needs specifically working on their financials and helping with mergers and financing of the building…having a mission behind your work is really motivating and rewarding.”
Young initially found the LaunchPad after being in the same class as current program manager, Sam Hollander and is now helping other LaunchPad members with any financial work. He is happy to be working with such an awesome team.
If you want to learn more about Mike or contact him about how to help with the financials of your business reach out to myoung14@syr.edu
Story by Jack Lyons ‘22, LaunchPad Global Fellow; photos and graphics supplied