Young entrepreneurial student aims to profit from Pop-Up events and The Lope Shop ventures

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Grand Canyon University (GCU) welcomed a new innovation during Welcome Week with the introduction of Fob Mate, a device that allows students to store their fobs on their smartphones. The device was showcased at Pop-Ups on the Promenade, an event designed to help incoming students and their parents explore the various services offered by GCU groups.

Cody Bagwell, a senior entrepreneur major from Leander, Texas, is the brainchild behind Fob Mate. Bagwell, who is also a former IDEA Club president and Rebohoth ministry team leader, won the spring 2025 Canyon Challenge, GCU's entrepreneurial competition, and the People's Choice Award. The $3,500 prize money he earned enabled him to invest in the production and marketing of his product.

The Lope Shop, a campus retailer, agreed to sell Fob Mate during Welcome Week, marking the first time a student-produced product has been offered there. Garrett Miller, the Operations Manager of the Lope Shop, oversaw the sales.

Bagwell's mission is to see whether Fob Mate can sell enough to attract other schools and enable him to work full time on the product. The device targets businesses, apartment complexes, and college campuses, specifically underclassmen who might have a tendency to lose their fobs and attached ID cards or key cards.

Fob Mate was not the only attraction at Pop-Ups on the Promenade. The Collegeno College of Business had a table, featuring graduates and literature about its programs and the T.W. Lewis Center for Student Success, which is projected to be completed at GCU this fall. Katie Nelson, a talent acquisition supervisor for Human Resources at GCU, was also present, offering information about jobs on campus and at Building 71. These opportunities come with local residency and GPA minimums, but are flexible around the student's academic schedule.

Mike Fox, the intramural sports manager at GCU, was also present, highlighting the university's offerings in this area. GCU offers at least 18 intramural sports for students who are no longer pursuing an athletic career.

Kraig Barthlama, his wife, and daughter Kelsey, a first-year nursing student, used Pop-Ups on the Promenade to get an extended look at the variety of programs offered at GCU. Connor Vicary, a CCOB graduate assistant and Turnkey Industries CEO, was also present, offering his insights and experiences as a GCU alumnus.

The T.W. Lewis Center for Student Success is set to be a significant addition to GCU's campus, offering resources and support to students in their academic and personal journeys. With the introduction of innovative products like Fob Mate and the continued support of GCU's community, the university is poised for an exciting academic year.

Young entrepreneurial student aims to profit from Pop-Up events and The Lope Shop ventures