Drexel's Starter's Review

People, Planet & Profit: Female Restaurateur’s Triple Bottom-Line Grows Positivity by Drexel's Starter's Review

The May edition of Starter’s Review brings us Emily Bittenbender, Founder and Managing Partner of Bittenbender Construction. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey and career as a trailblazing, woman executive in the male-dominated construction industry. Bittenbender’s professional career spans from EwingCole to the City of Philadelphia, where she managed all $3.2 billion of the city’s design and construction projects as the 29 year old capital program director. Since founding Bittenbender Construction, she has influenced major developments in Philadelphia including the National Constitution Center, Central Green at the Navy Yard and Love Park.

Karen Jehanian, founder and CEO of KMJ Consulting, believes that culture is a major differentiator for a company. Entrepreneurial spirit has always come naturally for Karen. As early as 7th grade, she knew that she wanted to start her own business. Now, Karen runs a premier transportation engineering, planning, and consulting firm. Her work and academic experience, including an undergraduate engineering degree and an MBA from Drexel, helped her envision her ideal company. That includes letting employees be independent, achieving their own goals alongside the company’s.

In the first edition of Starter’s Review, Donna DeCarolis the Founding Dean of Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, speaking with Nick Bayer, President and CEO of Saxbys Coffee, discussing his passion, motivation, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Philadelphia. Growing up, Nick knew that he wanted a job that he could truly love. With Saxbys Coffee, he has created an inclusive, positive work environment that his customers and team members can love too.