JAMES HAMER NAMED 2021’S ADAM M. ENFROY DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOLAR
DECEMBER 20, 2021
by Diego Fernandez, Aaryn Richard
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation announces that James Hamer is 2021’s Adam M. Enfroy Scholar in Digital Entrepreneurship.
Hamer (Economics, ’23), a junior earning his bachelor’s degree with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, is a serial entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of iAgentSuite and PictureIt, technology companies that give real estate agents the tools to compete.
iAgentSuite builds out lead-attracting websites for agents and teams, that integrate with their advanced lead management solution iAgentSuite Connect. With Connect, agents can send out automated market reports, listing search notifications and open home reports, among other features. These solutions keep clients informed and the agent top-of-mind.
Adam M. Enfroy (Media and Information, ’12) established the annual scholarship to recognize and support talented, highly motivated student venturers creating digital-based ventures. Each year, the Burgess Institute selects a scholar who demonstrates traction within the digital space and exemplary engagement within the Burgess Institute’s Discovery and Launch programs. Ideal scholars also show aptitude, passion, and commitment to academic success, and the ability to balance building a startup with the inherent demands of academic rigor.
The Adam M. Enfroy Digital Entrepreneurship Scholarship awards $2,500 for the awardee to apply toward student expenses through the Office of Financial Aid.
“It’s really great to see an alumnus supporting their alma mater in these ways,” remarks Hamer, who has been a part of the Burgess ecosystem since early 2020. “It shows that even with a school as big as MSU, there can still be an incredibly tight-knit community.”
James first joined the Burgess Institute’s Discovery Program while working on his first startup, PictureIt, a virtual staging service for real estate. “The team at the Burgess Institute makes students think about every aspect of their ventures. They push us to consider, for instance, how to grow a customer base, when to start hiring, and setting your company apart in the market.”
As with any conscientious entrepreneur, Hamer continues to apply what he learned during the launch of his first startup. “It was an awesome experience. And now, with iAgentSuite, I get to do it all again, only better. It’s important to poke holes in everything I’m doing. It’s what strengthens a startup.”
iAgentSuite is now fully launched and looking to onboard its first customers in the next few months.
“The Burgess Institute has been the biggest supporter of my ideas since day one—aside from my parents, of course. From valuable advice, connection to successful MSU alumni, and generous grants. PictureIt and iAgentSuite would not be where they are today without the help of the Burgess Institute.”
In 2019, Adam M. Enfroy established the undergraduate scholarship in his name specifically for digital entrepreneurs. Enfroy taught himself digital marketing, traveled across the country taking marketing positions for tech companies, and was promoted five times in five years. After gaining enough experience, he decided to strike out on his own, launching his marketing blog, adamenfroy.com, in 2019. Today, Enfroy’s blog reaches over 500,000 monthly readers, teaching them how to start and scale successful online businesses.
Find out about 2020’s Adam M. Enfroy Scholar in Digital Entrepreneurship here.