In the world of education, it's not uncommon for teachers to find creative ways to engage their students and bring real-world experiences into the classroom. But few educators can claim to be teaching their students about their own successful side hustle, which brings in a staggering $3.8 million a year. Meet Kevin Corey, a 41-year-old high school teacher who is also the co-founder and president of Stall Mates, a flushable bathroom wipes brand. Corey's unique approach to teaching business courses is to use his own side hustle as a living example, sharing the highs and lows with his students. This strategy not only makes the lessons more relatable but also provides valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
What makes Corey's teaching method particularly fascinating is his ability to turn setbacks into learning opportunities. For instance, when his students ask about price increases, Corey can easily explain the situation by pulling up his invoices. This level of transparency and honesty is rare in the business world, and it's a powerful lesson for his students. Corey's willingness to share the line-item cost of each wipe, a practice many businesses follow to protect their profit model, is a refreshing change from the norm. It shows that even successful entrepreneurs are willing to be vulnerable and open about their business practices.
Corey's journey to success began with a simple 'aha moment' while working as a pool cleaner. He and his co-founder, Greg Schipf, realized the need for flushable bathroom wipes and decided to start their own business. However, the road to success was not without its challenges. They faced several dead-ends, including a failed Indiegogo campaign and minimal sales from their website. But Corey's determination and belief in his idea kept them going. He knew that they would figure out a way to make it work, and their decision to list their wipes on Amazon in November 2014 proved to be a turning point.
The success of Stall Mates is a testament to Corey's teaching philosophy. He believes that setbacks are learning opportunities rather than reasons to give up. This mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs, as it allows them to persevere through challenges and keep moving forward. Corey's students have shown enthusiasm for his business' growth and a propensity for quips about a teacher running a 'butt-wipe company,' which highlights the unique bond between teacher and students.
However, Corey's success also raises a deeper question about the role of educators in the business world. Should teachers be involved in side hustles that could potentially compete with their students' interests? Corey's answer is a resounding 'yes,' as he believes that his students can benefit from seeing the real-world applications of business principles. But this raises a concern: how can educators maintain a neutral stance when they are also business owners?
In my opinion, Corey's approach to teaching is a refreshing and innovative way to engage students. It provides a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and business, and it's a powerful lesson in transparency and vulnerability. However, it also raises questions about the boundaries between education and business. As educators, we must consider the potential impact of our side hustles on our students and strive to maintain a neutral stance. After all, the goal of education is to empower students to make informed decisions, and that includes understanding the complexities of the business world.
In conclusion, Kevin Corey's unique approach to teaching business courses is a powerful example of how educators can bring real-world experiences into the classroom. His willingness to share the highs and lows of his side hustle provides valuable insights for his students and raises important questions about the role of educators in the business world. As we continue to explore new ways to engage students, Corey's story serves as a reminder of the power of transparency and the importance of maintaining a neutral stance in the classroom.
