Earlier this spring, Banks, Ehlman and Wills, under the mentorship of Alan Devey ’07, conceptualized Boomerang Bike, a tracking device built into the frame of a bicycle. At the LA Tank competition finale on April 9, they pitched their idea to a panel of judges including Daniel Gardner ’13, CEO and cofounder of Mesh++; John J. Hirschle ’91, sales director at Twitter; current parent Mary “Katie” Lawler, senior vice president and chief HR officer at ITW; and Stephen A. Sanger ’92, consultant at EatStreet. For their first place win, the team was awarded a week-long internship experience in Chicago.

The first stop on Monday, June 26, was a visit to Illinois Tool Works (ITW), one of the world’s leading diversified manufacturers of specialized industrial equipment, consumables and related service businesses. Here, the team walked through the company’s facilities with Charles A. Hasson ’14, Christopher J. Affinito ’15 and current parent Mary “Katie” Lawler, senior vice president and chief HR officer. They encountered a 3D printer in action and new products, including those that have yet to be released. A highlight was ITW’s test kitchen, where the company produces industrial kitchen products for chains like Jewel-Osco and Chick-fil-a.

On Tuesday, Banks, Ehlman and Wills were hosted by John J. Hirschle ’91 at the Chicago Twitter Headquarters. As the managing director at Twitter Business Messaging, Hirschle helped the budding entrepreneurs experiment with twitter and other social media to see how they could use these interfaces to make a change in the world. Hirschle also discussed how social media can be used as a marketing tactic for their own concept,  Boomerang Bike.

On Wednesday, June 28, the Ramblers visited The Lakota Group, a consulting firm known for its work in planning, urban design, landscape architecture, historic preservation and community engagement; and Geller Capital Partners, a private real estate and investment firm specializing in the high-end and luxury segment of the lodging and hospitality industry.

At The Lakota Group, students were able to see how much science, math and critical thinking is behind the process of campus planning and architecture. Notably, The Lakota Group is the firm partnering with Loyola on the development of its new master plan.

At Geller Capital Partners, team Boomerang Bike met with Kevin Bufalino ’06, director of operations and asset management. Bufalino discussed the ins and outs of this young firm that focuses on buying and selling hotels. Later that day, the students enjoyed lunch with Bufalino's classmate, Rory P. Kenny '06. Currently serving as the chair of Loyola Academy's President's Leadership Council, Kenny spoke to the students about the importance of the Loyola alumni network.

On Thursday, students headed to the Chicago Google Headquarters and spent the day with Kristin MacGregor ’98, head of global brand and measurement solutions. The team met a number of Google employees from different branches and learned that business doesn't have to be all work and no play. “The fun environment at Google showed us that the work world can be both rigorous and enjoyable,” explains Assistant Principal Charlie Heintz. At the end of the day Banks, Ehlman, and Wills got a sneak peek at some of Google's future products and how they will transform the world of business and education.  

On the last day of their internship week, the trio headed to 1871, Chicago’s center for technology and entrepreneurship. Here they met with Kevin Willer ’92, co-founder and partner of Chicago Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund. Willer, a supporter of the LA Tank program from its inception, shared his insight and expertise with students. Today, the Willer Family Accelerator Award honors Willer’s dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs by annually recognizing the commitment of a Loyola student to LA Tank program.   The group was joined by Daniel T. Kearns ’07, founder of soundBYTE and LA Tank Program mentor, and Erin M. Conroy ’07, founder of Phyt.

The week closed with a lunch and students were joined by brothers John Detjen ’04 and Connor Detjen ’06. They shared their experience of developing, trademarking and selling an app called “Selfie”—a process that the three young entrepreneurs may soon encounter.

After spending a week with some of Chicago’s most innovative thinkers, Banks, Ehlman and Wells emerged with a new perspective on the business world. And, it even changed their outlook on Loyola, too. “It made me realize that Loyola isn't just preparing you for the four years before college, or even the eight years with college included. Loyola sets you up for a lifetime of success by inserting you into an incredible network.” says Banks. “Overall the internship was fun, a great learning experience and an eye opener.”