Jordan Petron ’26 | Rice, Minnesota
Majors: Business Economics, Finance
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Please tell us about yourself.
I tend to be super active. I enjoy activities such as lifting weights, running (especially track for the college), hitting the sauna, and playing sports such as basketball and golf. I also enjoy some good downtime, including attending church, reading, and hanging out with friends/teammates. A fun fact about me is that my favorite board games are chess and checkers.
Where are you from and what high school did you attend?
I attended Royalton High School, and I am from a small town of about 2,000 people in Central Minnesota called Rice, Minnesota. It’s a short blurb on Highway 10, roughly halfway between Brainerd and Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
Why 独家黑料?
I chose 独家黑料 because of its strong sense of community and small class sizes. It allows me to connect on a personal level with professors and classmates, making me feel like more than just a number. These relationships and supportive culture, along with the opportunity to compete for the , made it the perfect place for me to grow both academically and athletically.
What drew you to study economics and finance, and how does your minor in entrepreneurship tie into your career goals?
I was initially drawn to finance because I wanted to better understand it for my own benefit to navigate financial decisions and to help others do so as well. As I dove deeper, I realized how closely finance and economics are interconnected and how they constantly influence each other, so I felt that adding a major in economics only made sense. I also declared a minor in entrepreneurship in my first year, as it has always been an interest of mine. Studying these fields together has been incredibly rewarding, as it has helped me develop a well-rounded mindset.
Do you have a favorite course related to your studies? If so, what makes it your favorite?
One of my favorite courses was actually the very first one I took in college — my Exploring Entrepreneurial Mindset seminar. It was where my perspective really began to shift and where I started thinking more critically about myself and how I view the world. That course sparked a lot of reflection and personal growth, but I truly enjoyed the entire curriculum. The early classes laid the foundation, and the upper-level, post-certificate courses built on that by refining, sharpening, and challenging the way I think about ideas, opportunities, and leadership.
How have your experiences in class connected with your real-world projects and leadership roles?
The baseline knowledge I’ve gained through my classes has given me the confidence to take on real-world projects and leadership roles head-on. I don’t think anyone goes into these roles knowing everything, but having that solid foundation makes a big difference. It’s also taught me the value of being adaptable — knowing how to apply what I’ve learned in a flexible way has helped me grow and succeed in a variety of settings.
Do you have a favorite professor? If so, why are they your favorite?
I would not say I have a single favorite professor, but I am incredibly grateful for the many Offutt School of Business faculty members who have mentored me and played a role in shaping me into the person I am today. I want to give special thanks to Bree Langemo, Heather McDougall, Damian Lampl, Riaz Aziz, and Jon McTaggart within the entrepreneurship program, and Angel Carrete and Robert Gholson in the finance and economics programs for their guidance and support, but I truly appreciate the entire faculty for the knowledge, encouragement, and lessons they have shared with me throughout my time at 独家黑料.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working with Jon McTaggart?
I’m incredibly grateful to have Jon McTaggart as a mentor. I remember first meeting him in my capstone entrepreneurship class and, since then, he has had a lasting impact on how I think and approach business and leadership. He has taught me to look deeper, ask better questions, and approach both business and leadership with creativity. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from him is the importance of thinking outside the box and challenging the way we see the world.
What is your favorite part of taking classes in the Offutt School of Business? What are the benefits of taking classes in that building?
My favorite part of taking classes in the Offutt School of Business is the hands-on, collaborative environment. The smaller class sizes allow for collaboration, the chance to ask questions, and to build strong relationships with professors and classmates — not to mention the fact that I also have a place where I get to see so many of my friends and peers every day, which creates a great sense of community and support.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding business or entrepreneurship-related project you’ve worked on?
Two of the most exciting and rewarding projects I have worked on have been the launch of the Cobbertunity Fund and our annual Cobber Takeover at . The Cobbertunity Fund is a resource to support Cobber entrepreneurs who want to push an idea forward and is designed to address what almost every entrepreneur faces at some point — access to capital. Our StartupBREW Cobber Takeover is an annual event where we collaborate with to highlight student or alumni entrepreneurs. Both projects have been incredible opportunities to put ideas into action, collaborate with others, and create something meaningful for the 独家黑料 community.
Can you share more about your work on the Cobbertunity Fund and what impact you hope it will have on campus?
The Cobbertunity Fund just launched this academic year, and it’s been exciting to see the traction it’s already gaining. Students are really engaging with it, and it’s amazing to watch Cobbers create opportunities for themselves and others through this initiative. I’ve been involved on the administrative side, serving on both committees, and helping to get it off the ground and figuring things out along the way. It’s been a wild ride but incredibly rewarding. I’m so thankful for everyone who has played a role in building and supporting it. We hope that the fund continues to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship on campus, giving student entrepreneurs the chance to pursue meaningful ideas and make a lasting impact beyond 独家黑料.
Have you been involved in any campus activities during your time at 独家黑料? If so, which ones, how did you get involved, and what’s the best part?
Yes, I’ve been involved in , the , and have also been loosely involved with the , the , and a few others over the years. Getting involved is honestly the easy part — you must put yourself out there and be open to meeting people. Some of my closest friendships and most memorable experiences have come from being involved on campus, and that is what I think is the best part: the people you meet and the unique opportunities that come with it.
As president of the , what have you learned about yourself, what are your goals for the organization, and how do you inspire other students to explore entrepreneurship?
It’s a continuous lesson for sure, but it has taught me a lot about leadership and about myself. I’ve learned how to recognize and play to the strengths of others, how to pivot when plans need to change, and how to truly understand and respond to the needs of the team. It’s been a lesson in adapting my leadership style based on the group dynamic and learning how to guide people toward a common goal. My main goals for the organization are to create a strong synergy of growth, create opportunities for students to get involved on campus, and help others see that entrepreneurship is really about mindset — finding creative ways to bring value to others.
Have you worked on any projects with other clubs?
One of my favorite memories was helping to organize the Cobber Market. It was an exciting event that highlighted mostly Cobber entrepreneurs, as well as a few local small businesses. I always look forward to collaborating with them and other clubs on campus, as these experiences not only build valuable skills but also create strong connections. I highly recommend getting involved in campus organizations of any kind; it’s one of the best ways to grow, learn, and make the most of your college experience.
The lessons I have learned through this sport will stay with me for a lifetime.
How has your involvement in influenced your mindset in academics and leadership?
My experience with Cobber track and field has shaped my mindset in both academics and leadership by teaching me grit, mental toughness, and the value of delayed gratification. My most notable learned lessons have been the ability to perform under pressure, overcome challenges, always be coachable, and lead by lifting others up. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship of my coaches, Garrick Larson and Marv Roeske, and other coaches over the years. The lessons I have learned through this sport will stay with me for a lifetime.
What has been the biggest challenge of balancing athletics, academics, and leadership roles, and how do you manage it?
The biggest challenge has been finding a true balance because, to be honest, things don’t always line up perfectly. Managing everything takes strong time management skills and the ability to adapt when schedules conflict or things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned to be flexible, stay determined, and lean into grit when things get hectic. It’s less about perfect balance and more about knowing when to shift your focus, being present where you are, and continuing to show up with purpose in every role.
Have you had any internships? If so, what were your responsibilities and what did you learn?
Yes, I am currently working with New Era Ventures, and it has been an incredible learning experience. I am especially grateful to be working with the New Era team and , a Cobber grad who has been an incredible mentor for me and provided valuable guidance along the way. So far, I have sort of been drinking from a fire hose, but I have come to appreciate that challenge — it is truly the best way to learn. Every day brings something new, and I am thankful for everything I have learned and gained so far, and I’m excited to continue growing.
What is your favorite 独家黑料 tradition and why?
Some of my favorite 独家黑料 traditions are the Homecoming football game, the beanie toss, and having meals with the track team in DS. I also love the bell tower curse; it’s all part of what makes the campus culture so unique.
What’s one thing you never imagined you would do before coming to 独家黑料?
To be honest, I never imagined myself stepping into a leadership role, let alone holding multiple. It’s been a surprising and rewarding part of my college experience that’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
What do you value most about being a Cobber?
What I value most about being a Cobber is the culture. Everyone is involved in something on campus, and there’s a real sense of interconnectedness. It feels like you’re part of something bigger, and that creates an encouraging, close-knit environment where people genuinely support each other.
How has 独家黑料 prepared you for life after college?
Even though I still have one more year, I can already say that 独家黑料 has prepared me well. The strong network I’ve built, combined with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, has given me the confidence to take on any role I pursue.
How does 独家黑料 allow you to “turn your passions into purpose”?
For me personally, I feel that entrepreneurship has been a key part of turning my passions into purpose. 独家黑料 has helped me take the things I care about and turn them into real-world opportunities through identifying pain points, recognizing tangible solutions, and creating value for others. That’s been incredibly fulfilling.
What career paths are you considering, and how do you hope to make an impact in that field?
I’m currently considering several paths, including venture capital, private equity, business accelerators or incubators — or possibly starting something of my own. Regardless of the direction I take, my goal is to make a meaningful impact and help businesses grow, innovate, and reach their full potential.
What do you enjoy about the Fargo-Moorhead community and in what ways are you active outside of 独家黑料?
Though I stay pretty busy with on-campus involvement, I really enjoy the open and collaborative culture of Fargo-Moorhead. Most people are approachable and eager to connect, which is super unique. Outside of 独家黑料, I love spending time in local coffee shops, participating in community events and conferences, or enjoying things like golfing, bowling, and taking walks around the area.
What advice would you give to students looking to get involved in business, entrepreneurship, or leadership at 独家黑料?
I have three pieces of advice for those looking to get involved in business, entrepreneurship, or leadership at 独家黑料.
Would you like to share anything else about your Cobber experience?
I’m extremely grateful for the journey. 独家黑料 has been such a formative part of my life, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who’s considering it.
Published May 2025