By Gabe Berke
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation announces that Logan Nash and Matthew Rogien are 2022’s Kaufman Family Scholars. Nash (’23, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) and Rogien (’24, Broad College of Business) are co-founders and co-CEOs of Triple4s, an advanced solution for common pepper spray with a vision of convenience, style, and integrated location services.
Nash and Rogien are now the second-ever scholars of the new Kaufman Family Endowment Scholarship. Established in 2021 by Michigan natives Brandon and Barbara Kaufman, the scholarship supports exemplary student venturers at Michigan State University.
"We wanted to create scholarship opportunities that propel changemakers toward success," said Barbara Kaufman. “Investing in Spartans who focus on generating maximum social good is exciting."
For Rogien, the Kaufman Family Scholarship is, “an opportunity and recognition for the countless hours my business partner and I have put into building this company.” Nash added that “the Kaufman Family Scholarship is a highly sought-after award for young entrepreneurs here at Michigan State University, because it truly resembles what it means to be a Spartan. That is, to give back to Michigan communities with the vision of helping others reach their goals.”
The Burgess Institute's programs and resources allow student venturers to build their skills, hone their entrepreneurial mindset, and gain the tools necessary for reaching their goals. When asked about the Burgess Institute’s impact on his life, Nash noted that “the Burgess Institute has gone far and above my expectations for help and guidance throughout our journey. From pitch competitions, trips all over the country, mechanical and electrical engineering connections, legal guidance, app and website design, personal experience, funding . . . the list goes on and on. The Burgess Institute has it all. We would not be in the position we are in now without the help.”
For young entrepreneurs, an award such as the Kaufman Family Scholarship means the world. Starting your own business often means facing countless obstacles and bumps along the way. Nash and Rogien both were clear that earning this scholarship means more than merely receiving extra funding. Rather, the confidence they gained in themselves from this scholarship is what is motivating them to keep going today.
Now that they have earned this scholarship, what is next for Triple4s? Well, they are expecting to represent Michigan State at pitch competitions across the Midwest.
“With our product being finalized, sales and profits will soon take our company toward new horizons with the vision of endless innovation. Through our success, we will have the opportunity to help future Michigan State students achieve their dreams by donating back to the Burgess Institute,” says Nash.
Rogien adds that, “In the near future, you can expect us to launch our product and start being competitors in this industry. We are currently in the development stages working with multiple different companies to bring this product to life.”