At Endicott, entrepreneurship isn’t something students wait to pursue after graduation—it’s something they build in real time.
Across campus, Gulls are launching ventures, testing ideas, and turning classroom concepts into real-world businesses, supported by a culture that values innovation, mentorship, and hands-on learning. From the classroom to competitions like Spark Tank, that entrepreneurial mindset is part of the fabric of the Endicott experience.
Jeremy Adner M’26 is one of those students already in motion. He’s growing DIY Drinkware, a mobile custom printing business that brings on-site creative experiences to places like the Boston Calling Music Festival, North Shore Magazine’s annual BONS Awards, Endicott’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, and also to corporate events.
We recently caught up with Adner to learn more about his entrepreneurial journey at Endicott and how he plans to keep building momentum.
Interview has been edited for clarity and length.
How did DIY Drinkware come to be?
I worked for a company called Inkcups in Danvers, Mass., as a technician on their printing machines. I had interned there before, so I learned how these inkjet machines work. The company set up a customization process for one of their trade shows to demonstrate the capabilities of their machines. I thought it was a fantastic idea, and one that had the potential to expand beyond just a demo. I approached them about this, and luckily, they were excited to hear about the new venture.
When did you know you wanted to start your own business?
I have always been interested in business, and a big inspiration is my father, who started one himself. This made me want to be an entrepreneur and be involved since I can remember. There is a freedom you get when you can make decisions or pursue deals that feel good. However, growing up, I also saw the other side of entrepreneurship. There is no clocking out, so you always take your work home with you. There are some restless nights before events or before big meetings, but that is what makes it exciting and worth it. When you secure a big deal that you have been working on for months, it feels amazing.
What brought you to Endicott College?
After working for a few years, I decided to head out west to work at Vail Mountain in Colorado. I was there for one winter, and after I came back, I was looking to expand my education. I thought Endicott was a great fit as it was local. I knew one professor, and I had heard great things about the school.
How has your time at Endicott shaped your path to entrepreneurship?
Endicott has been a great resource for my business, as the problems I was tackling in class were the same ones I was dealing with in the working world. For example, I recently joined a CEO group to network with other business owners, and I had to present my business at the first meeting. This seemed like an intimidating task and one that I would need to spend a lot of prep time on. Coincidentally, in one of my entrepreneurship classes, I essentially had to do the same thing for my final project.
We were tasked with creating an in-depth look at a company, its inner workings, and its finances. I chose to do it on my business, which, first of all, is a really good exercise, as it gave me a chance to pull my head out and look at my business from a macro view, and it also just happened to be exactly what I needed to present. The final project I had made gave me a head start, and the presentation went phenomenally well. I can thank Endicott for that!
What has been your favorite part of running your business?
My favorite part of running my business is seeing the faces of people who get to see their creation come to life! It is also the conversation this facilitates at corporate events, galas, weddings, and more.
What has surprised you most about being a young entrepreneur while in college/grad school?
There is no rule book! Everyone works differently, but you need to find your own strategy for dealing with problems and holding yourself accountable in a productive way. I have heard that for entrepreneurs, there is no clocking out, and I have found that to be very true.
What is your dream event to attend and where you would hand out DIY Drinkware?
A dream collaboration would be with the New England Patriots. I imagine us setting up the machine somewhere in the stadium and allowing people to make their own official Patriots drinkware.
In what ways have Endicott’s entrepreneurship resources or mentors supported your business journey?
I have had great professors who, through their assignments, have made me step back and look at the business from a bigger perspective. It is easy to get lost in the weeds as an entrepreneur, since every part of the business is your responsibility, but it is important to step back and remind yourself of the bigger goal.
What advice would you give to Endicott students who are thinking about starting their own business?
Go for it! However, you need to be realistic about your expectations, the work that has to be done, and the fact that things take time. You will find that in the working world, you need to work around everyone else’s schedules, not just your own. To do this, you need to be very organized and always ready when a big opportunity comes along, as you never know when it will happen.