Photo Courtesy of William Pfitzn
LazerEdge is a company founded by undergraduate NC State entrepreneurs that fulfills orders for laser-cut, wooden monograms and wall décor and is hoping to become sustainable and expand in order to make a difference in the community.
Will Pfitzner, a senior studying biomedical engineering, founded LazerEdge in October 2014 by trying to make gifts for others and finding the demand enough to warrant creating a business. Co-founders Brian Dawson, a senior studying mechanical engineering, and David Tillack, a freshman studying engineering, joined Pfitzner in the early production process and the trio now operates as a team for their company.
“After some time of continuous support from the NC State community and the students, we decided that it was in not only our best interests, but also the interest of our company, to try to work to expand and create a business model that focuses on social entrepreneurship and the community,” Pfitzner said.
In its beginning stages, LazerEdge was a way to make gifts for family members and loved ones. Using a laser cutter to create state cutouts of North Carolina and personalized monograms led to an increase in demand. It was this kind of demand that compelled the group to become serious in forming a business centering around artistic design.
“We use oak in our products because there’s a beautiful flow in the wood that, once finished, adds character and uniqueness to every product. What we hope to do is, as we expand, be able to get all of our wood from a recycled plant of some sort in order to incorporate recycled wood into the heart and soul of LazerEdge,” Tillack said. “We also hope that for every milestone we reach, we spend a Saturday re-planting trees with the community because Will, Brian and I feel passionate about making this startup cause-based.”
LazerEdge is run solely by Pfitzner, Dawson and Tillack and is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Etsy. Orders can be placed by visiting their Etsy page, LazerEdgeShop.
All three students are Albright Scholars and reside in the Albright Entrepreneurs Village, located in Innovation Hall on Centennial Campus. Innovation Hall is a brand new building of University Housing that opened its doors for students in the fall.
“The entrepreneurship village has been very supportive,” said Tillack. “We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this if it weren’t for their support.”
Albright Scholars live in Innovation Hall and have access to what’s called “The Garage” on the first floor. It is NC State’s cutting- edge facility for students to think and do. Entrepreneurial students who are members of The Garage, such as Pfitzner, Dawson and Tillack, have access to spaces equipped with a workshop room, laser cutters, power tools, a shopbot and a 3D printer, among others tools.
“The students are our greatest asset for resource development and partnerships. Their work, their drive, their ideas are what attract the people in our local community to want to join in and support our students,” said Ebony Hinton, director of the Albright Entrepreneurs Village. “Everybody wants to be a part of something great, right? Our students are giving them their opportunity.”
Pfitzner and Tillack spent their spring breaks on service learning trips and Dawson spent time touring businesses and learning more about his entrepreneurial aspirations. Reaching out and helping others is important to all members of LazerEdge.
“Being blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Shelton Leadership Center has taught me the importance of values-based leadership,” said Pfitzner. “This commitment is something I bring to everything I do at LazerEdge. Helping our school and local community in advancing others’ achievement in learning self-improvement and leadership skills is paramount.”
LazerEdge is not only looking to grow in size and impact, but they also hope to become a model for future entrepreneurs in the Village and help other students take the proper steps to become a company that also makes a difference in the world around it.
“They’re here on the weekends, they’re here late nights. For a first-year student in our program who is new to entrepreneurship and starting at the basic levels, LazerEdge is a great example for them to look at,” Hinton said.