Community-Focused Entrepreneurship: A Lesson from Maurice “Moe” Wince
Introduction
In the heart of Milwaukee, Dr. Melissa Shew, a visionary faculty director of the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, sought to transform the city into a living classroom for her students. Her goal was to showcase the transformative power of community-focused entrepreneurship, where businesses not only strive for profitability but also uplift the communities they serve.
Maurice “Moe” Wince: The Epitome of Community-Focused Entrepreneurship
To illustrate this concept, Dr. Shew’s EMBA cohort embarked on an enlightening visit to Sherman Park, a historically underserved neighborhood on Milwaukee’s north side. There, they encountered Maurice “Moe” Wince, a remarkable entrepreneur whose dedication to revitalizing his community through his cluster of local businesses serves as a shining example of community-focused entrepreneurship.
Wince’s business ecosystem is a testament to his vision. It includes a grocery store, a commercial kitchen, a community gathering space, and a laundromat – all vital resources that were once scarce in Sherman Park. These businesses provide access to fresh produce, a safe and welcoming space for community events, and essential services like laundry facilities, addressing the needs of the community while promoting economic growth.
Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Responsibility: A Guiding Principle
Wince’s approach to entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with Dr. Shew’s lessons on stakeholder theory, which emphasizes the importance of businesses considering the well-being of their employees, customers, shareholders, and the community. Wince’s businesses exemplify this principle, prioritizing the prosperity of the Sherman Park community alongside profitability.
This emphasis challenges the traditional corporate mindset that often prioritizes profits over social and environmental concerns. Dr. Shew believes that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate, going beyond mere profit-making.
Experiential Learning at Upstart Kitchen: A Culinary Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
To further underscore the impact of community-focused entrepreneurship, Dr. Shew’s students visited Upstart Kitchen, a collaborative commercial cooking and baking facility founded by Wince, Walter Harvey, and the nonprofit Prism Economic Development Corporation.
Upstart Kitchen was born from Wince’s observation that many Sherman Park residents sold food out of their homes to supplement their income. Recognizing the potential of these aspiring entrepreneurs, Wince created a space where they could access resources and transform their side jobs into thriving businesses.
Since its inception in 2020, Upstart Kitchen has become a culinary hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Over two dozen entrepreneurs currently utilize the space, and several have successfully launched brick-and-mortar locations, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Impact on EMBA Students: Inspiration and Lessons for the Future
The visit to Sherman Park and Upstart Kitchen left an indelible mark on the EMBA students. They were inspired by Wince’s unwavering dedication to his community and his innovative approach to entrepreneurship, which demonstrated the tangible benefits of businesses that prioritize social impact.
Marilka Velez, an EMBA student, reflected on the experience, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and embracing new challenges. She highlighted the value of leadership in the business community to drive innovation, spark fresh ideas, and support entrepreneurship.
Alumni Involvement and Urban Farming: Extending the Impact
The EMBA program at Marquette University fosters a spirit of collaboration and community engagement, encouraging its alumni to actively support initiatives that make a positive impact. Alumni of the program have demonstrated their commitment to Wince’s endeavors in Sherman Park.
Jim Wong, an EMBA graduate and president of Juiced!, a cold-pressed juice company, donated an urban farming pod to the Sherman Park Grocery Store. This innovative pod allows community members to grow fresh produce hydroponically, promoting healthy eating and sustainability. The pod has been a resounding success, with every space occupied with leafy greens, contributing to the community’s food security.
Wong spoke about the profound impact of Dr. Shew’s class on his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized the value of experiential learning, highlighting the opportunity to address real-world problems and engage with community leaders like Moe Wince.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Ethical and Responsible Leadership
Dr. Melissa Shew’s vision of using Milwaukee as a classroom for her EMBA students proved to be a transformative experience. By learning from community-focused entrepreneurs like Maurice “Moe” Wince, the students gained invaluable insights into the power of businesses to uplift and revitalize underserved communities.
The EMBA program at Marquette University continues to emphasize experiential learning and stakeholder theory, preparing its students to become ethical and responsible business leaders who make a positive impact on the world. This approach encourages students to think beyond traditional profit-driven models and embrace a holistic perspective that considers the well-being of all stakeholders, including the community.