--- title: Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship | success stories description: success stories | Stories, news and updates from Horn Entrepreneurship, the creative engine of University of Delaware --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ### [How UD Alumnus Willem Westra Built a Multi-Industry Startup Portfolio](https://horn.udel.edu/how-ud-alumnus-willem-westra-built-a-multi-industry-startup-portfolio) For many college students, graduation marks the terrifying unknown of entering the traditional job market. But for Willem Westra, who graduated from the University of Delaware in 2022, the journey took an ambitious turn. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/how-ud-alumnus-willem-westra-built-a-multi-industry-startup-portfolio) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • September 08, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) ### [Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/advancing-innovation-and-entrepreneurship)   The University of Delaware Board of Trustees unanimously voted to establish the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at its semiannual meeting on Monday, May 11.   [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/advancing-innovation-and-entrepreneurship) by [UDaily Staff](https://horn.udel.edu/author/udaily-staff) • May 12, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [commercialization](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/commercialization) ### [EntreX Impact Talks Continue with Climate Tech Founder Jo Norris](https://horn.udel.edu/entrex-impact-talks-continue-with-climate-tech-founder-jo-norris) The EntreX Impact Talk series continued this quarter with a conversation focused on sustainability, climate innovation and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Horn Entrepreneurship, the event featured [Jo Norris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-norris/), co-founder and CEO of [Carbon Reform](https://www.carbonreform.com/), a climate technology startup working to reduce building emissions through HVAC innovation. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/entrex-impact-talks-continue-with-climate-tech-founder-jo-norris) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • January 16, 2026 Topics: [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [pre college](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-college), [entrepreneurship and science](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-science), [social entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/social-entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [technology](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/technology), [educators](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/educators), [environment](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/environment) ### [Lifelong Lerner: Nicholai Williamson](https://horn.udel.edu/lifelong-lerner-nicholai-williamson) A native of Kingston, Jamaica, before moving to New Jersey in 2019, Nicholai Williamson is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a [entrepreneurship](https://lerner.udel.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/majors/entrepreneurship-bs/) major with a minor in [professional selling and sales management](https://lerner.udel.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/minors/minor-in-professional-selling-and-sales-management/). [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/lifelong-lerner-nicholai-williamson) by [Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics](https://horn.udel.edu/author/alfred-lerner-college-of-business-economics) • August 04, 2025 Topics: [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) ### [Brian Mahon on Cyber Risk, Reinvention & Launching Igloo Insurance](https://horn.udel.edu/brian-mahon-on-cyber-risk-reinvention-launching-igloo-insurance) Meet Brian Mahon (BS in Entrepreneurship & Technology Innovation, Class of 2017), better known as *Cyber Guy Bri*, and founder of [Igloo Insurance](http://www.iglooins.com/), a modern independent agency specializing in cyber, business, and personal insurance. With a career built on entrepreneurial grit, digital marketing savvy, and a bold leap into thought leadership, Brian shares what inspired him to launch Igloo and why reinvention can be a powerful tool for building a business that’s cool, credible, and completely his own. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/brian-mahon-on-cyber-risk-reinvention-launching-igloo-insurance) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • June 23, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [internships](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/internships) ### [Fueling Innovation: Celebrating the Achievements of the Horn Community](https://horn.udel.edu/fueling-innovation-celebrating-the-achievements-of-the-horn-community) Over the past year, University of Delaware’s community of brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators continues to shine, leaving a trail of impressive achievements in their wake. From securing vital funding through investments and grants to earning top honors in awards and competitions, UD students, faculty, and alumni consistently push the boundaries of excellence. Their hard work and ingenuity have garnered well-deserved recognition from notable figures and publications alike. Below, we celebrate their remarkable accomplishments, categorized by the incredible contributions of the students, alumni, faculty & staff, and the Horn National Advisory Board. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/fueling-innovation-celebrating-the-achievements-of-the-horn-community) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 08, 2024 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [community](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [competition](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [commercialization](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/commercialization) ### [Introducing the 2023 Blue Hen 17 & 43 Award Winners](https://horn.udel.edu/introducing-the-2023-blue-hen-17-43-award-winners) Horn Entrepreneurship and the Lerner College of Business and Economics are thrilled to announce the prestigious recipients of the 2023 Blue Hen 17&43 Awards. Recognizing that economic growth depends on the creation of new businesses, this year’s Blue Hen 17&43 Awards focused strictly on the most promising new businesses. This annual accolade, which was established in 2017, celebrates the University of Delaware’s rich history of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship by recognizing exceptional early-stage startups led by Blue Hen entrepreneurs. The 17 ventures honored in this year's awards exemplify the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence within our community. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/introducing-the-2023-blue-hen-17-43-award-winners) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • November 14, 2023 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [community](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) ### [Horn After 10: Garry Johnson III](https://horn.udel.edu/horn-after-10-garry-johnson-iii) His father and stepmother, both pharmacists, wanted Garry Johnson III to have a well-paying, stable career in healthcare. His 2017 University of Delaware bachelor of science in kinesiology and exercise science, leading to a career as a physical therapist, filled the bill, but then he had to have The Talk.  He had discovered entrepreneurship and wanted to pivot. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/horn-after-10-garry-johnson-iii) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 10, 2023 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [careers](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/careers), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [10 Year Anniversary](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/10-year-anniversary) ### [University of Delaware Alumni Cleans Up on Shark Tank](https://horn.udel.edu/university-of-delaware-alumni-cleans-up-on-shark-tank) Shark Tank has evolved into a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and secure investments from seasoned investors. On February 17th, 2023, University of Delaware alumni Joelle Flynn and her childhood best friend Sonia Hounsell captured the attention of the Sharks with their revolutionary company, [FunkkOFF!®](https://funkkoff.com/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt52mBhB5EiwA05YKoxxGa-XyUTzqlzCKbdbFX9rL-4bPNOHP-vFwSBoCQUr6LvZlL_3wahoCWBYQAvD_BwE). With their environmentally friendly, reusable (30 x), all-in-one toothpaste and toothbrush combination, Flynn and Hounsell left a lasting impression on both the Sharks and viewers. They even secured a deal with one of the five Sharks, Robert Herjavec. Let's dive into their remarkable journey on Shark Tank and the growing success of FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers®. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/university-of-delaware-alumni-cleans-up-on-shark-tank) by [Alexa Bachonski](https://horn.udel.edu/author/alexa-bachonski) • August 03, 2023 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [women entrepreneurs](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/women-entrepreneurs) ### [Burn Social: Innovation In Three Dimensions](https://horn.udel.edu/burn-social-innovation-in-three-dimensions) Cute and personalized cookie cutters, hands-free door openers, and an “impossible floating” table are all imaginative ideas brought to life by the wonders of the 3D printing world. More specifically brought to life by the innovative mind of [Richard Hayburn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hayburn) and his business[Burn Social LLC.](https://www.goburnsocial.com/), who have made it a mission to bring everyone’s imagination to life, whether it's the imagination of an established engineer or an artistic 8-year-old. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/burn-social-innovation-in-three-dimensions) by [Yashlee Francois](https://horn.udel.edu/author/yashlee-francois) • June 29, 2023 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) 1 [2](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/2) [3](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/3) [4](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/4) [5](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/5) […](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/6) [9](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories/page/9) ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [entrepreneurship (244)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship) - [community (225)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community) - [students (159)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) - 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