Three University students are challenging the traditional formula for success by opting to start their own businesses before they graduate.
Donald Washington, Kirk Robertson and Landon Franklin are the founders of “It’s Time Productions,” a company specializing in promotion and graphic design.
Washington said the business has been undergoing development for more than a year.
“We enjoy going to events for college students, but not a lot of companies advertise for our market,” he said.
Robertson said while others may view it as a disadvantage, the trio sees their young ages as valuable.
“What makes us different from other production teams is that we are closer to the market because we are a part of it,” he said. “We are members of the 18-25 age demographic, we are on campus everyday, and we understand students.”
Robertson said these factors often are overlooked by older business leaders.
“Our name stands for our belief,” Robertson said. “We realized it was time for our business to not only stand apart from other competitors, but also rise above that competition.”
Another possible obstacle the group is faced with is each member’s classification.
Robertson is an ISDS sophomore and Washington is a finance and accounting sophomore, but Franklin is a business marketing senior.
“My graduation does not signify the end of our business,” Franklin said. “It is actually going to be beneficial to the company, because my new place in the workforce will give us a chance to expand the company’s contacts.”
Washington said the company is not a college activity, so it will not end when they graduate.
“It’s Time Productions’ is a legitimate business that will continue to grow and prosper beyond our time at LSU,” Washington said.
The trio first met when they lived in Kirby-Smith residence hall.
“Kirk, Landon and I were having a discussion in the lobby and realized we had similar business goals,” Washington said.
From that point, Washington said they debated whether even starting a business was possible.
“But once we set our mind to it, we immediately began planning and budgeting for our company,” he said.
The three pooled their earnings from jobs and other personal revenue to create a company account and budget.
“We have allotted ourselves a certain amount to spend on the projects we have planned,” Franklin said. “As long as we stick to that budget, we will be able to realize our goals.”
Washington said the group is looking to work with LSU student organizations as well as businesses in the surrounding community.
“We have a partnership with PaperBoy Media, a printing company,” he said. “Because we are working together, our costs of production are cheaper, which allows us to provide cheaper services for our customers.”
The group finally unveiled itself, with “A Red Carpet Affair,” last Friday in the Lod Cook Alumni Center.
“This was one way for us to show the student body how serious we are in this business endeavor, and the perfect opportunity for us to promote unity among LSU, Southern and Baton Rouge Community College,” Franklin said.
Washington said they did not want to be known as “a few people who throw parties.”
“We participate in community service programs, have cosponsored Black History Month events, and are planning to provide scholarships in the future,” he said.
When Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosts Delta Week, “It’s Time Productions” will present the winner of the annual Delta Gent Scholarship Pageant with a $250 award.
The “It’s Time Productions Scholar Award” tentatively is set at $500 and will be awarded to a participant of SpringFest, a recruitment program that targets minority high school juniors.
“Giving these scholarships reinforces the legitimacy of this business,” Robertson said. “We are sending the message that we are not about personal gain, but rather reaching out to others.”
Franklin said they are blessed to be where they are and it is only right for them to pool their resources into the community.
“It’s nice to be able to call yourself a philanthropist,” Franklin said. “For a long time I have wanted to give back to the community, and our business gives us this opportunity.”