Two students from a South Carolina university haven’t graduated yet, but thanks to the school’s help, they’ve already started their own business.
Sean Edwards and Ross Kunmann have created LYSI U.S., which will serve as the exclusive American distributor fish oil products developed by Iceland-based LYSI. The two celebrated the launch of their company at a reception Tuesday, 19 September at the Conway Innovation Center, a business incubator in Conway, South Carolina, U.S.A.
Edwards and Kunmann are students at Coastal Carolina University and are expected to graduate next year, according to a CCU press release. They were connected to LYSI through an initiative established a fellowship program at the school’s College of Business Administration and a CCU alumni association chapter in Iceland.
“I’m excited to be visiting my alma mater, and even more excited to introduce our globally adored brand to the U.S. market,” said Adolf Ólason, executive director of marketing and sales for LYSI’s commercial products. Ólason graduated from CCU in 1989.
The student entrepreneurs’ first step will be to fight against the stereotype associated with cod liver oil. While the product is known for providing health benefits, such as fighting high cholesterol and providing omega 3 fatty acids, the fish oil is often considered to have a strong taste.
LYSI U.S. has already started market testing of fish oil products, which come in lemon and lemon-mint flavors. Edwards and Kunmann have received orders from businesses in Conway and nearby communities Florence and Myrtle Beach. They’ve created an Instagram account to promote the product, and they’re using an office at the innovation center, a public-private partnership located at the university, to execute the business plan they’ve developed.
“We are especially pleased to announce the launch of this unique new business, which is a special outcome of Coastal Carolina University’s ongoing partnership with our Icelandic alumni,” CCU President David A. DeCenzo said. “This firm, in the capable hands of two CCU student entrepreneurs, will bring particular value and impact to Conway and Horry County. We are especially grateful to Mr. Ólason and our Icelandic alumni for their desire to give back to their university and create real-world opportunities for students.”
