Guests Speakers Offer Advice on Different Pathways to Career Success

Local entrepreneurs recently paid a visit to Stetson Middle School's family and consumer science and technology education classes to teach students about the different pathways to career success.

Speakers included Captain Brian Burlingame, who spent 20 years as a pilot for the United States Navy, with combat missions in Kosovo and Desert Storm. He was also the commanding officer for Patrol Squadron ONE at Whidbey Island, Washington, leading a diverse workforce of over 300 personnel with worldwide national security responsibilities; and worked as the chief operating officer for the United States Naval Academy. Captain Burlingame is the founder of BlueStar Ventures, a federal- and state-recognized Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business. BlueStar Ventures offers expertise in a wide variety of disciplines, including business consulting, computer programming, general contracting - - electrical, energy efficiency assessments, change management, corporate sustainability and responsibility, communications, and diversity training.

Students also heard from Eric Seamen, a West Chester East graduate, who played football for the University of Pittsburgh, and Dominic D'Ambro. Mr. Seamen taught in the WCASD for ten years in addition to serving as a coach. He regularly volunteers his time helping student-athletes and teaching students about his business, Riggtown Pizza in West Chester.

Mr. D'Ambro is the owner of Dine Aglow Diablo- Food Service Fuels, located in Phoenixville, Pa. He spoke to students as part of the entrepreneur/personal financial growth unit in Family and Consumer Science. He shared examples of the company's products, as well as advertising and marketing strategies. He also discussed the importance of having a competitive edge to set your business apart from the competition.