Seneca CEO builds young entrepreneurs

TIFFIN — The Seneca CEO program, established in fall 2021, gives local students a hands-on entrepreneurial experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom. Through business tours, guest speakers and direct interaction with local business owners and community leaders, students gain firsthand insight into entrepreneurship and leadership, said Jamie Marinis, facilitator at Seneca CEO. By applying professional, communication, networking and accountability skills in real-world settings, students develop the confidence and experience needed to succeed, whether in college, the workforce or their own entrepreneurial ventures, Marinis said. "CEO is a unique experience where the community becomes the true teachers of the program and real world experiences become part of CEO everyday. Our local business owners and community leaders take a front seat in this transformational experience by hosting the CEO students for a visit to their business," she said. The tours are a chance to showcase local businesses while sharing insight and perspective with students. Business tours and guest speakers allow students to learn about the inner workings of different industries directly from the source and to begin building professional connections. The program is funded solely by community investors and highlights opportunities available to young people in their hometown. That local investment encourages connections with area businesses and leaders, allowing students to build a network that supports career growth within the community. A board of local volunteers oversees the program's long-term growth and community impact. Marinis said she organizes the day-to-day operations of the program by connecting participants with the community through business tours and guest speakers. The facilitator also provides guidance to participants during their class and individual business ventures, she said. The program is open to juniors and seniors attending any of the eight schools in Seneca County. Whether a student plans to attend college, attend trade school or enter the workforce, CEO offers professional experience. For the 2025-2026 year, 14 students from four Seneca County high schools participated. Marinis said the year featured: • 1.5 hours of immersive daily learning, five days a week for eight months• 13 active board members and 19 corporate investors supporting the program• 40 business tours throughout Seneca County that connected students with local industry leaders• 22 guest speakers sharing expertise on startups, leadership and innovation• Six one-on-one mentorship sessions providing personalized guidance for each student• Three businesses built: a badge business, a class business and each student's individual business Students focused on collaboration and teamwork during the first semester. In the second semester, they participated in a series of events designed to simulate real business environments. At Ask the Expert Day, students presented individual business ideas to 12 local experts for candid feedback. At Banker's Day, participants shared financial projections with six local bankers while sharpening their financial literacy and presentation skills. During the local pitch competition, students delivered two-minute pitches to nine judges. The year's capstone event was a trade show featuring all 14 entrepreneurs presenting their businesses to the broader Seneca County community. Wherever their paths take them, Marinis said, members of the CEO Class of 2026 carry with them more than business plans and pitch decks. They leave with an entrepreneurial mindset, professional skills and community connections. "This program will always be a big part of my life. I can say for a fact that CEO changed me and the way I think about the world and business in general. Not only did I learn and grow, but I met people who I became friends with. It wasn't just a class, it became our CEO family," said Karlie Summit, a member of the Seneca East High School Class of 2026. "The Seneca CEO program pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Through the connections, experiences, and challenges the program provided, I've gained confidence in myself and discovered opportunities and passions I never would have explored otherwise," said Alaina Sherman, a member of the Calvert Catholic High School Class of 2026. "The CEO program pushed me to grow as a leader by giving me real world experience, meaningful connections, and the confidence to build Hart Outdoors with purpose. It showed me what's possible when you surround yourself with driven people and step into opportunities that challenge you to level up," said Mason Reinhart, a member of the Hopewell-Loudon High School Class of 2026. The Class of 2027 includes 16 students. For more information, visit senecacountyceo.com or contact info@senecacountyceo.com.