Bronconess Wine Project
A Student-Run Practicum.
This independent study provides students with real life experience in brand management, product development, digital marketing, product sales, event planning, relationship building, and more. Come learn by doing while operating a for purpose-driven wine brand that has generated $45K in scholarships for students at WMU.
The Wine
Business Education for Purpose and Profit.
A wine designed to create a story, an impact, and a legacy. This is a wine created by students, where 100% of profits go towards scholarships. The Leadership and Business Strategy program in the WMU Haworth College of Business is proud to bring to the world Bronconess – a wine created and operated by students to honor the spirit of Broncos everywhere. All proceeds from Bronconess go directly back to students in the form of scholarships. Western Michigan University Leadership and Business Strategy students believe the best way to learn business is by doing business, that business is about profit and purpose, and that with courage and enthusiasm, anything is possible. Bronconess exemplifies just that.
The Team
By Students, Benefitting Students.
Bronconess is a fully student ran Wine Brand out of the LBS program. In this class you learn how to lead or be on a team. You learn about Business Management and real-life experience running a small business. Students are responsible for hitting quota and this is done by working on sales, marketing, understanding the finances, and distribution. We are proud to do this with our Partnerships with St. Julian Winery and Distillery, Tremonte, and Imperial Beverage. Bronconess awards a $5,000 scholarship each semester and has awarded nearly $75,000 to students who show courage and enthusiasm when sustained.
Student Testimonials
“Originally, launching a wine brand out of the college didn’t seem real; it sounded gimmicky. My thinking quickly changed from ‘this is just for a grade’ to ‘real lives will be impacted if this goes through.’ I couldn’t tell you how many people we called to get pricing on importing, shipping and handling, storing, and distributing. Ten other groups of students were doing the same thing, if not more. Maybe it’s the atmosphere that our professors created or the overall project dynamic, but I have never seen so many students come together and care about a project like this.” – Jason Olinger; Bronconess Independent Study
“Bronconess to me means the hard work put into a product that college students took endless time & effort to produce! The LBS class impacted my life in numerous ways but most importantly in the way that even losers can win sometimes!” – Tone Capers; LBS Consulting Experience Leader
“The state of Bronconess really captures the spirit of Western students and alumni. When you find your Bronconess, it’s like a flame that ignites within you and grows as you overcome challenging situations. It’s about getting after it and not letting doubts or circumstances hold you back from accomplishing great things. We found this in our students and alumni, but anyone is capable of finding their Bronconess if they have the heart and drive to do so. This project has been an incredible experience and I’m proud to have been a part of developing this amazing brand.” – Joe Newman; LBS Independent Study
Interested?
Contact the Bronconess team leader.
Abby Kovacevich
abby.p.kovacevich@wmich.edu