Marketing student, Jordan Gallant, applies his marketing skills toward entrepreneurship and service
Senior Marketing major Jordan Gallant has used lessons learned in the classroom to start his own small business here in the Springfield community. Doctor JG’s Candy with a Cause, which began operating in fall 2012, manages several three-slot candy vending machines within fraternity and sorority houses on campus. At each chapter house, 25% of the monthly proceeds go to that chapter’s charity of choice.
The complete story on Jordan’s entrepreneurial and charitable organization is provided by Missouri State University Student Spotlights
Transplant turned native
Jordan Gallant was born in Toronto and moved to Kansas City before he started high school—a slight culture shock. “I saw cows and farmland for the first time, which was very exciting,” Gallant said. “Toronto is a major city and very fast-paced, and I have grown to truly love the Midwest.”
Following high school, Gallant enrolled at Missouri State, and his aptitude for business and marketing led him to the marketing major with a sales management emphasis. “What I like about marketing is being able to promote products and services in such a way that they become more appealing to consumers, improving the sales and quality of the company,” Gallant said.
Using classroom knowledge on campus
In addition to his class work, Gallant is very involved with student life. As the current director of marketing for the Inter-Fraternity Council, Gallant handles all advertising and promotion for the entire Greek student body—more than 3,000 students. “This position gives me real-world marketing experience and allows me to practice the skills I’m most passionate about,” Gallant said. He also serves as the vice president of his fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda. In addition to the social opportunities of Greek life, Gallant appreciates the ample opportunities it provides for networking and honing his leadership skills.
Venturing into the world of small business
But that’s not all Gallant does. He puts his business and marketing skills to work in his own small business, Doctor JG’s Candy with a Cause. He recently purchased five three-slot dispensing candy machines to be placed in fraternity and sorority houses. The underlying purpose of Gallant’s business is to serve the community, which is why 25% of the monthly proceeds go to each house’s charity of choice.
“I want the machines to make a difference, give back to the community and satisfy a sweet tooth. The money donated each month from the machines will not be tremendous, but it’s my way of trying to make the world a better place, even if on a very small scale. What more enjoyable way to make a difference than by eating some candy?”
When Gallant’s not busy with school, Greek life or his small business, he enjoys seeing the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead, “the loudest stadium in the world.”