BVU Hosts Scott Burak, Co-Founder of Iowa Chill to Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
Scott Burak shared his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights on resilience, creativity, and community while inspiring students to pursue their business dreams.
Buena Vista University’s Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship (LCRE) celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week from Nov. 18-22 on campus. A standout moment occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 19, when Scott Burak, Co-Founder and President of Map Dot Media, shared his entrepreneurial journey with BVU students.
At the event, Burak shared the story of how Iowa Chill and Midwest Vs. Everybody—two highly recognized social media brands under Map Dot Media—came to life. Through real-world examples, he emphasized the critical role of resilience, creativity, and community in building a successful business. Over the past seven years, these brands have grown into staples of Iowa and Midwest culture, resonating with a broad audience and reinforcing Burak’s passion for entrepreneurship.
“Building a business doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without being all in,” Burak reflected. “If it weren’t for my partner, Bryce Bortscheller, I wouldn’t have had anything to quit my 9-to-5 for five years later. Great partners, both within the internal team and beyond, have made this all possible.”
Burak’s candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship resonated deeply with students, who were inspired by his story. His presentation underscored the value of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors, such as Katherine Cota, BVU’s newly appointed Director of the LCRE, who is already making strides in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
Beyond sharing his journey, Burak highlighted the sense of community his team has built through their online platforms. “The reason our team shows up every single day to post for our Iowa and Midwest fans is simple: we believe in making the internet better,” Burak shared. “In a social media world full of clickbait and negativity, we aim to bring people together with lighthearted, relatable content.”
The presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to dive deeper into the mindset and strategies necessary for creating and sustaining a business. Students walked away with practical advice and the inspiration to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Global Entrepreneurship Week at BVU reflects the Lamberti Center’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and direct access to successful business leaders. Scott Burak’s visit left a lasting impact, equipping students with both the confidence and the tools to transform their innovative ideas into reality.