Brandon Iglesias has a lot on his plate this semester. The23-year-old chemical engineering major is the CEO of his owninformation technology company and is planning to launch a uniquesoftware package in 2005.
Iglesias got the idea for his Web site, FamilyXL.com, while hewas on a national student exchange in Hawaii two years ago. Thesite, which will launch in the first quarter of next year, providesa way for families to stay in close contact despite vastdistances.
Iglesias started the site while he was hospitalized on hisexchange.
“It provides a single virtual home for your family and friendsto stay in touch with one another if they are on exchanges, ifparents are abroad or if you’re in the military,” Iglesiassaid.
When the site launches, it will give up to 25 family memberscapabilities to share photos and recipes, remember birthdays andchat on the Internet.
Iglesias’ business is housed in the Louisiana Business andTechnology Center, an on-campus business incubator that facilitates25 small businesses.
Iglesias funds the development of FamilyXL.com through theconsulting work he does for a host of local companies.
“The site pretty much runs itself,” Iglesias said. “Then on theside, I do graphic design and general IT consulting for localbusinesses.”
His clientele includes several local chemical and engineeringcompanies.
The LBTC, which is part of an LSU entrepreneurship programrecently ranked third in the nation, assists Iglesias in marketinghis product.
Iglesias recently got an opportunity to test his product withsoldiers at Camp Pendleton, the largest marine base in the nation.He said military families would be a target market with so manysoldiers on assignments across the globe.
Charles D’Agostino, director of the LBTC, said Iglesias’business could turn into a full-time job after he graduates.
Iglesias said that, besides his business, he is just a “typicalguy.”
Those who know him disagree.
“He’s definitely not typical,” said Matt Desmond, a chemicalengineering junior. “He’s one of the busiest guys I know. I don’tknow how he does what he does.”
Iglesias said he wakes up around 6 a.m. every day, but he triesto make time to relax when he can.
Kenneth Easley, a network engineer who shares an office withIglesias, said he never has seen a young person with suchimpressive skills.
“I would give him about 10 years of experience over anyone elsehis age,” Easley said.
Desmond said Iglesias’ business mannerisms put him on a muchhigher playing field than anyone his age.
“He seems to get along and make deals with people a lot olderthan him,” Desmond said.