On October 23rd, students engaged in various programs and classes through Start Something CALS attended an inspiring dinner and discussion featuring successful local entrepreneurs. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Bj Brugman, founder and owner of Distynct, alongside Steve Goodhue, owner of Knapp Tedesco Insurance, and Adam Schonert, owner of Schonert’s Corporate Catering. 

Brugman opened the evening by sharing the story of his professional journey, which ultimately led to the creation of Distynct. The concept for Distynct emerged during his tenure with Elanco Animal Health, where he noticed a recurring challenge in livestock barns: essential data about barn conditions was being trapped on-site and underutilized. This gap was causing decreases in animal performance, labor inefficiency, and loss of product differentiation within swine and poultry barns. Seizing the opportunity to solve this issue, Brugman founded Distynct Connectivity Engine, which allows producers to remotely monitor and control barn conditions without needing extensive new wiring or probes. 

Brugman described Distynct as more than a single product; it's a platform with the potential for ongoing innovation. Drawing parallels to the evolution of the iPhone, he stressed the importance of “designing with the future in mind” while introducing incremental advancements. By continuously developing practical solutions for livestock producers, Distynct aims to balance cutting-edge technology with ease of adoption—a philosophy that Brugman believes will drive the company’s sustained impact in the industry. Students left eager to follow Distynct’s progress and excited to see what the company will achieve next. 

After Brugman’s talk, students had the chance to interact directly with all three entrepreneurs, gaining firsthand insights into their business journeys, career paths, and advice for emerging entrepreneurs. This unique networking opportunity left students inspired, motivated, and better equipped to embark on their own entrepreneurial pursuits.