The Huntington High School Virtual Enterprise course firm, BioSol bills itself as the producer of the “first-ever” biodegradable sunscreen wipes. The company is sparkling as it goes about impressing everyone in the metropolitan area.
“We at BioSol are striving to make sun protection a quick, easy and environmentally-friendly process,” company CEO Charles O’Rourke said. “We produce our sunscreen wipes using only 100 per cent all-natural ingredients that are healthier for the skin and can be safely returned to the environment after use.”
BioSol donates five percent of its profits toward environmental research and another five percent to help those who have fallen victim to skin cancer. “Here at BioSol we care about protecting the planet on which we live and the people with whom we share it,” Mr. O’Rourke said.
A full-year, one credit business course available to juniors and seniors, “Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set-up and run by students to prepare them for working in a real business environment,” according to the high school’s course bulletin.
“I see my role as BioSol’s CEO as not to be the smartest in the room, but to have the ability to make sure the smartest people can work together efficiently,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Luckily, my class is filled with motivated, bright students who are excited to be productive. I truly couldn’t ask for a better team at BioSol.
Virtual Enterprise was first offered last year. Three sections of the class are running this year. BioSol’s fellow VE companies are Snooz³ and Titan.
BioSol’s chief operating officer is Matt Gennarelli. “Working with Matt is a privilege,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “He is one of the most brilliant minded individuals I’ve ever met and his intelligence serves our firm every day in countless ways.”
Alex Gonzalez, the chief financial officer of BioSol is another budding business executive. “Having Alex in charge of all financial affairs makes my life a lot easier,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “He is not only gifted in mathematics, but has a genius mind for visualizing various numerical aspects of our firm.”
Ivy League-bound senior Marissa Stafford is serving as BioSol’s vice president of marketing.
“Marissa is truly a superstar,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Her proficient abilities to lead and work hard, which fostered her commitment to Cornell University, shine through every day as she and the rest of the marketing team excel at every task they are given to complete.”
BioSol’s human resources administrator is also top-notch. “Sarah Giarriaputo proves every day that she is the right person for the job,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “She is committed to ensuring every employee in BioSol is happy and that BioSol’s brand is presented in a good light.”
As BioSol’s chief sales officer, John Holly never has a dull day. “Mr.Holly is an irreplaceable piece of BioSol,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “John’s natural ability to sell combined with his immense dedication to BioSol’s prosperity continues to impress me. John spends countless hours out of the VE room, contacting other firms to collaborate and do business with.”
The three Huntington High School Virtual Enterprise companies will be participating in the East End networking luncheon on December 19 at East Wind Caterers in Wading River. Participants will deliver company sales pitches, network with other firms and converse with mentors and business partners.
BioSol’s office manager is Isaiah James, who also happens to be president of the high school’s junior class. “Isaiah plays a pivotal role in creating an ideal working environment,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “His charismatic personality, as well as his determination to succeed, allow for a motivated yet enjoyable work environment.”
Andreas Seferian, BioSol’s vice president of design needs to be at his creative best daily.
“Andreas is another extremely bright kid,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “His creative ability combined with his strong attention to detail makes him an outstanding leader.”
The Huntington teenagers will also be participating in the Long Island Regional Virtual Enterprise Conference & Exhibition at LIU Post on January 19. The event will bring together more than 2,000 students, teachers and business leaders. About 90 companies are expected to be on hand representing the virtual economy. Firms will compete for their booth designs, salesmanship impact marketing and more.
“I would also like to mention a couple of other key employees at BioSol,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “First, the brain behind the billion-dollar idea is Harry Cozine. Harry’s creative abilities are unparalleled and his logical thinking continues to benefit BioSol. Next, Mackenzie Eccles deserves a lot of recognition. She is a tremendous artist and provides various blueprints for BioSol’s design. Last, but certainly not least is Nick Lomler, who is a master at [Adobe] Photoshop and digital design; concepts way beyond my ability. I couldn’t imagine BioSol without Nick.”
BioSol considers their teacher and company advisor Paige Tyree to be “amazing.” Ms. Tyree is overseeing two of the three Virtual Enterprise class sections with faculty colleague Suzi Biagi handling the third one.
“Ms. Tyree creates a perfect balance between allowing us to take control and guiding us along our way,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Her successful background in business and her brilliance in communicating ideas allows every student to appreciate and learn every day.”
BioSol is also depending on company team members Alexa Amorison, Ben Collins, Jack Flores, Aiden Franznick, Liam Hassett, Owen Husselbeck, Charles Kiviat, Marcus Maerz, Eunice-Bonita Ramos, Cameron Santa-Maria and Christopher Weber.
