MBA spotlight: Meet Franklin Taylor, MBA 2024, Olin Cup recipient

Hi, my name is Franklin, and I am from Oak Park, Illinois. I have always been a dreamer. I remember being younger, looking out the car window during a storm, and imagining myself in the movie “Jurassic Park.”

Even though that was a small moment, it helped me translate my dreams into reality later in life. At some point, like many children, I realized that movies and TV shows were all made by people. Someone had an idea and turned it into reality.

Since that moment, I have wanted to make my dreams a reality. My life goal is to make the largest positive impact on people I can. This goal brought me to WashU and specifically Olin.

I am not here just to get a job and make money. I am here to learn how to use business concepts to positively impact people. One of the reasons I came here is that in 2021, I founded a non-profit organization called Our Future Reads in Chicago, which redistributes donated books to those without readily available access. Knowing that I am filling a gap in society and providing luxury goods like books to those who can’t afford them or access a library is incredibly fulfilling.

I know Olin will help me take it to the next level. Additionally, while Olin as a whole is wonderful, the entrepreneurship program attracted me the most. There, I have been able to workshop ideas, culminating in winning the Olin Cup with my idea called Sustain-a-Plate. Sustain-a-Plate helps grocery stores alleviate food waste and increase profitability.

I would not have been able to achieve such a significant goal without being a dreamer, and Olin has helped me turn those dreams into reality. I am going to miss my time in school, but I know it is just the next chapter in my life toward my ultimate goal of helping as many people as possible in a positive way.