Business, Marketing Students Learn Commodification On Farm Of NU Alumnus
A group of Niagara University MBA students joined members of the Niagara University Marketing Association (NUMA) for a “field trip” to the family farm of 1978 alumnus Ed Brennan on Oct. 24.
Brennan, the retired CEO of DFS Group and founder of Hand in Hand for Haiti, manages the farm and its recently launched product line of hard cider/spirits, 1911 Established. The award-winning products are handcrafted and produced in small amounts. The bottle label reads “100 years of heritage in every bottle.”
The students were given a tour of the farm and its manufacturing facilities, which are located at the Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard in LaFayette, N.Y. Brennan spent a great deal of time sharing with the students his insight on how to effectively turn a commodity into a profit.
“Brennan is an outstanding individual whose passion for his family’s business is replicated by each and every employee,” remarked Alex Popiela, a Niagara University MBA student who participated in the experience.
Dr. Peggy Choong, associate dean of NU’s College of Business Administration, Ed Kowalewski, MBA professor, and Bernadette Brennen, director of international relations, also attended.