Skyler Ramsey (Real Estate, Finance, Management, Individual Studies ‘23) was always fascinated by real estate. Growing up, Ramsey said they were heavily impacted by watching their cousin lose their mobility and independence after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease, and becoming wheelchair-bound.

“It was just always something that was on my mind when it came to real estate and barriers,” Ramsey said. “Like when it came to stairs, doorknobs or things that home buyers don’t typically think that much about."

Even then, Ramsey didn’t think they would be starting a business in college, let alone a business to help those with limited mobility. Perhaps in retirement, they thought, when they had much more free time. But when they started to get involved in entrepreneurship classes and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the Wilson College of Business, Ramsey realized there was no time like the present. They also helped train service dogs for those with disabilities, which gave them an even deeper understanding about barriers to access.

So, in 2022, Ramsey launched their business, Teal Phoenix, with their husband Kyle. It’s a for-profit real estate company that helps identify potential barriers for those with limited mobility. That could be as simple as changing out circular doorknobs to levers or adding a ramp for those in wheelchairs. So far most of the clients have been in the commercial space, but Ramsey’s goal is to move into the residential setting soon.

In addition to their business and other coursework, Ramsey is fueling their passion for innovation and entrepreneurship with an individual studies major. The major includes the same courses required for an entrepreneurship minor, but it adds an independent study at the JPEC working on a business. Balancing four majors has been a struggle, but Ramsey likens it to the idea of being an entrepreneur: juggling every part of business at once.

Ramsey also looks at the opportunity as a chance to make a difference, both personally and for others.

“It’s really like a blessing because for something who is gender diverse, being able to share my story and show others, not only the LGBTQ+ community, but also lower economic backgrounds, that there are opportunities out there, and there are people rooting for you,” Ramsey said. “You don’t have to have all the resources to succeed.”

UNI and JPEC have been foundations for Ramsey. They wouldn’t have started their business if it wasn’t for the encouragement they received at the school, and the mentorship and coursework prepared them for success when Teal Pheonix launched.

For example, after working on the Teal Pheonix logo for month, it took a passing comment by Bart Schmitz, program manager at the JPEC, for Ramsey to have the “a-ha moment” and complete the design. The message: Just simplify the logo and integrate the wings with a key.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at without UNI and especially the JPEC,” Ramsey said. “The JPEC is like my family. They have really given me the skills and confidence to be able to start a business in college, which is something I didn’t even think was possible. I think it’s just been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.”