Lakeland University Celebrates Alumni Success: Eric Kriete’s Journey from Student to Entrepreneur
Building a Foundation at Lakeland University
In 1999, Eric Kriete entered Lakeland University’s undergraduate business program with a clear goal: earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration and eventually take the helm of his family trucking company, The Kriete Group. What started as a typical business‑school trajectory evolved into a transformative odyssey, illustrating how the skills and values learned at Lakeland can shape a career that extends far beyond a traditional corporate role.
Hands‑On Learning and Leadership Opportunities
During his time on campus, Eric didn’t limit himself to classroom work. He chaired the student government, joined the Zeta Chi fraternity, and participated in a variety of campus‑wide service projects. These activities developed his leadership style, sharpened his communication skills, and grounded him in a culture of community service – traits that would later define his entrepreneurial ventures.
Academic Rigor Meets Real‑World Insight
Lakeland’s undergraduate curriculum stresses case studies, internships, and experiential learning. Eric leveraged these elements by securing a summer internship with a logistics firm in the Midwest, gaining insight into supply‑chain dynamics that would prove invaluable when he later joined the family business. The faculty’s mentorship, especially that of Professor April Arvan who later recruited him for the Lakeland golf team, also helped shape his strategic thinking and networking acumen.
From the Classroom to New Zealand: A Search for Purpose
After graduation, Eric entered the family trucking business. Initially, he felt he had “knew everything,” but his father’s humility pushed him to acknowledge the gaps in his knowledge. Instead of immediately returning to the familiar rhythm of trucking, he chose an unconventional path: a cross‑continental drive to New Zealand.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
During his four‑month journey across New Zealand, Eric slept in spare rooms, accepted free meals from strangers, and engaged in random conversations that left a lasting impression. The repeated kindness he received from locals helped shift his mindset from entitlement to appreciation for human connection. These encounters highlighted the importance of building relationships – a lesson that would become central to his later business model.
Emerging Entrepreneurial Vision
Upon returning to Sheboygan, Eric purchased a bar and named it The Silver Fern, a nod to the iconic Kiwi symbol. The choice embodied the lessons learned: that lasting success hinges on hospitality, warmth, and community. Instead of chasing status and profit alone, Eric positioned the bar as a social hub where customers felt valued and connected.
Community Impact and Alma Mater Engagement
Eric’s story illustrates the powerful feedback loop between alumni experience and institutional growth. He has remained an active supporter of Lakeland via multiple channels:
- Performing in the 2014 Movers & Shakers Gala, which raised funds for campus initiatives.
- Serving as a panelist at the 2022 Lakeland Business & Entrepreneurship Colloquium, where he shared real‑world case studies with current students.
- Participating in the 2025 Opening Convocation through a keynote address, emphasizing the value of community and lifelong learning.
His visits to campus also included a heartfelt tribute to the late President Emeritus Steve Gould, underscoring the lasting influence that college leaders can have on an entire network of alumni.
What Lakeland Graduates Can Learn from Eric’s Journey
Leverage Experiential Learning Early
Internships, student‑run clubs, and service projects are more than extracurriculars; they are training grounds for leadership. Seek out opportunities that challenge you to solve real‑world problems and build tangible relationships.
Embrace Continuous Growth Outside Comfort Zones
Exploring unfamiliar environments can spark creativity and broaden your perspective. Consider traveling, volunteering abroad, or starting a side‑project that pushes you beyond your technical skill set.
Prioritize Relationships Over Revenue When Scaling
Growth based on a community of loyal customers or partners often outlasts rapid scaling driven only by numbers. Build your brand, product, or service around authentic needs and deliver an experience that customers repeatedly return for.
Stay Connected With Your Alma Mater
Alumni engagements create mutual benefits: you reinforce your professional brand and offer mentorship; the institution gains insights from real‑world success stories. Attend events, join alumni panels, and even consider speaking to new cohorts.
Action Steps for Current Students and Recent Alumni
- Identify a Real‑World Problem – Use capstone projects or internships to find a challenge that excites you.
- Develop a Network Beyond Campus – Join local chambers, start meet‑ups in your field, and attend industry conferences.
- Test Your Idea in Small Scale – Pilot a service or product in a local community to gather feedback before scaling.
- Document Your Journey – Keep a portfolio, blog, or social media record so you can share measurable impact.
- Give Back – Volunteer to mentor students, speak at events, or serve on advisory boards.
These steps, inspired by Eric’s narrative, can help you translate Lakeland’s academic training into tangible professional success while fostering community ties that echo the university’s core values.
Explore Lakeland University Programs That Foster Innovation
If you are interested in pursuing a role that combines business acumen with community impact, Lakeland’s Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Studies majors are designed to cultivate both strategic thinking and social responsibility. The university also offers cooperative education, allowing you to integrate work experience directly into your degree.
Consider enrolling in the Co‑op program to gain real‑time industry experience while still earning credit, or explore the Capstone Project courses that partner with local businesses to solve actual problems.
Key Takeaways
- Entrepreneurial success often starts with strong community ties and continuous learning.
- Experiential programs at Lakeland can prepare you for roles where you impact both business outcomes and societal well‑being.
- Alumni engagement strengthens both individual careers and the institution’s community fabric.
- Building a career path with purposeful intent requires deliberate action, mentorship, and openness to new experiences.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Submit your application today and discover how Lakeland University’s curriculum, faculty, and community can help you shape a career that merges business success with meaningful impact. Connect with admissions counselors or schedule an on‑campus visit to gain deeper insight into the programs that best align with your aspirations.
