By Danielle Tice
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is proud to announce that Ashutosh Lodd has been named the 2024 Adam M. Enfroy Scholar for Digital Entrepreneurship. A first-year student majoring in Marketing at the Eli Broad College of Business, Lodd is the founder of Rendray LLC. The company uses digital media, graphics, and 3D assets to bring 3D marketing solutions to existing brands.
Adam M. Enfroy, a 2012 Media and Information graduate, established this annual scholarship to support talented and motivated students entering the digital entrepreneurship space. The Burgess Institute selects recipients who demonstrate significant progress in their entrepreneurial endeavors and active participation in the Institute’s Discovery and Launch programs.
Scholars are chosen for their academic dedication, passion for their field, and ability to juggle the challenges of startup development with their studies. Lodd embodies these qualities, showing a commitment to his academic pursuits and entrepreneurial vision in digital marketing.
In Troy, Michigan, Lodd grew up in a community where academic success was highly valued. "I was surrounded by peers who excelled, which fueled my competitive spirit from an early age," Lodd recalls.
His interest in entrepreneurship was born amidst the race for grades and accolades. While his peers focused solely on excelling academically, Lodd was drawn toward problem-solving and creation beyond the classroom. "I was inspired by the notion that the things I create could solve real-world problems, and I became fascinated with the idea of entrepreneurship," Lodd explains.
This realization prompted him to explore the potential of turning innovative ideas into profitable ventures.
Lodd began his entrepreneurial journey in high school — which came with its own set of challenges. He embarked on ambitious projects, encountering numerous setbacks along the way. "The first thing I did was dream big. I believed I could pull something off by myself," he recalls. "But it was a humbling experience when my initial attempts fell apart due to various challenges." Lodd wrestled with doubts and fears, particularly about failure in an academically competitive environment. “I wasn’t public about my business because if it failed, which it did, I would become the guy who failed.”
However, influenced by his surroundings and inspired by his parents' guidance, Lodd remained committed to refining his entrepreneurial skills and mindset. "My dad taught me that business is about solving a customer's problem and testing whether or not people want your product.”
Lodd views entrepreneurship as more than just a career path; it is a mindset. "Entrepreneurship is definitely a mindset; I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is all about trusting your gut and experiences," Lodd said. "Entrepreneurs take not only logical risks but emotional ones as well. It’s these risks that make their mindset stand out.”
While Lodd may not see himself as a true entrepreneur yet, he recognizes the importance of believing in the problem you are solving so much that you inspire others to solve this complex problem with you.
In pursuit of his entrepreneurial aspirations, Lodd found solace and inspiration in the community of like-minded individuals at MSU, notably the Burgess Institute. "When I realized there was a space dedicated to entrepreneurship, I wanted to be there. I wanted to surround myself with people who shared my vision for creating solutions and building businesses," Lodd says.
“The Hatch is where the Burgess community lives. I am there all the time! The friends I meet there are brilliant people who are constantly building skills and grinding on their businesses.”
The Adam M. Enfroy Scholarship presented a significant milestone in Lodd's journey. "This scholarship means way too much," Lodd admits. "It's a game-changer for me, providing resources and opportunities previously out of reach."
Looking ahead, Lodd envisions leveraging the scholarship to refine his business strategies and accelerate the growth of his venture. "With this scholarship, my business can truly take flight.”