When one Kelley School of Business student discovered the entrepreneurial potential in his great-grandmother’s cherished mandel bread recipe, he knew it was something worth sharing. The result? Grandma’s Goodies—a venture that blends family tradition with business innovation and social impact.

Described as “a fusion of biscotti and a chocolate chip cookie,” mandel bread had been a treasured treat for generations. Raised by a professional baker, the student was no stranger to the kitchen. But it was his Kelley education that provided the business acumen needed to transform a family favorite into a growing enterprise.

Kelley Coursework: The Foundation of Success

The founder credits several Kelley courses with shaping the trajectory of his startup:

• Foundations of Business Information Systems and Decision Making (K201): This course equipped him with essential Excel skills—tools he now uses daily for everything from financial tracking to building analytics dashboards that support influencer partnerships.
• Financial and Managerial Accounting: These courses helped him make pivotal decisions, such as whether to manufacture the product in-house or outsource production, and how to assess and select suppliers.
• Business Presentations: Here, he developed the communication skills and on-camera confidence necessary for sales pitches and storytelling—skills he uses regularly to share both product and mission.

“It’s been this meeting of two forces,” he explains. “I had the entrepreneurial spirit, and now I have the technical knowledge to support it.”

IU Innovates: Building a Community

Although he joined late in his academic journey, the founder speaks highly of IU Innovates, a hub for student entrepreneurs at Indiana University. Walking into the space for the first time, he recalls, felt like entering “a mini Silicon Valley,” buzzing with energy and ambition.

While IU Innovates didn’t shape his initial business model, it has since provided a valuable support network and fresh perspectives, especially from other student founders in the food and beverage space.

A Mission Beyond Profit

Grandma’s Goodies is more than just a cookie business. Each bright red pouch of mandel bread supports a cause: for every dozen sold, one pound is donated to local homeless shelters.

“I believe in the product, but I also believe deeply in the mission,” he says. “That connection to philanthropy keeps me going during tough moments.”

Positive customer feedback and a sense of social purpose create a meaningful loop that fuels his passion and resilience.

Advice for Aspiring Kelley Entrepreneurs

To fellow students considering entrepreneurship, he offers two key insights:

1. Take the Risk: “It might feel risky, but you have to try. If you don’t, you’ll never know what it could have become.”
2. Bet on Yourself: “You have the resources, classes, and connections. Success starts with believing in your product—and in yourself.”

He emphasizes that Kelley provides the tools; it’s up to students to put them into action with confidence and creativity.

Looking Ahead

Though still early in his business journey, the founder maintains a growth mindset. He’s constantly asking, “How can I approach this differently? How do I reach new audiences?”

With his Kelley education, strong sense of mission, and dedication to innovation, Grandma’s Goodies is well-positioned for both expansion and impact.

His journey is a reminder that sometimes, the best business ideas start with a family recipe—and a belief that even a cookie can change the world.