1. Connolly Center Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program Set for Fall Term

By Brian Laubscher
September 11, 2025

The J. Lawrence Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at Washington and Lee University has announced the four alumni who will serve as entrepreneurs in residence for the Fall Term.

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program was rebooted during the 2024-25 year to connect enterprising W&L students with successful alumni from a variety of professional fields and academic disciplines. EIR's work directly with students, faculty and alumni to mentor, coach and become involved in both the academic side of the Entrepreneurship Program and its extracurricular activities. The program strives to spark innovation, share real-world insights and build a community of entrepreneurs that continues to grow and support its members long after graduation.

"An EIR program is a cornerstone of any entrepreneurship initiative. At W&L, we're fortunate to have highly experienced alumni from a diverse array of fields who return to campus to share their insights," said Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship. "Last year, our rebooted program brought entrepreneurs directly into classrooms, mentoring sessions and community conversations, creating opportunities for students to engage with professionals in the field. This year, we're building on that foundation by continuing to connect students, faculty and the wider W&L community with alumni who can inspire, advise and help shape the next generation of innovators."

EIRs are available for students to contact for questions and advice throughout the year, and they will visit campus for a four-day period to interact with students, faculty and local community leaders and observe university classes. During their time on campus, they will also hold specific office hours to meet with and advise students.

Four alumni will travel to campus during the Fall Term, while several others are expected to participate in the program during Winter Term. For more information about the EIR program, the Spring Term EIRs or general information at entrepreneurship at W&L, visit the Connolly Center website.

2025-26 Fall Entrepreneurs-in-Residence

Sept. 24-27
Byron Burns '98
Burns is president of Carolina Recording Systems, LLC, a leading distributor, integrator and support provider of communication recording systems primarily used in emergency response (911) call centers. He is the founder of RaaS, a subscription-based Recording as a Service for mission-critical communication and is the co-founder of Red Iron Partners, a private investment firm seeking opportunities in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Ellen Boyle '01
Boyle is the founder and executive advisor for ERB Advisory, LLC. ERB is an advisor to private equity firms, CEOs, chief operating officers and chief commercial/revenue officers, specializing in sales process and revenue operations transformation, client retention strategy and go-to-market. ERB engages with executive teams to accelerate new business activity, open up new markets and enhance client renewal rates. It also assists with talent selection and organizational design to prepare companies to scale for next phase of growth.

Oct. 22-25
Greg Barrow '87
Barrow is the founder and managing director of General Capital Partners LLC, a company focused on the health and wellness industry, including natural food, beverages and fitness. He also serves as chief financial officer and a member of the board of directors at ResTech, Inc. and is a member of the board of directors at Black River Caviar. Barrow also founded Peak Resources, where he also served as the company's chairman.

Nov. 19-22
Matt Bartini '12
Bartini is the founder and CEO of Mayor Clothing. Mayor creates custom prints on men's polos for golf clubs, resorts, colleges, boutiques and corporations. In a subtle microprint, we illustrate what a specific audience loves most.