Contributed by Lee Iapalucci, UNCW Cameron School of Business Web Developer & Digital Marketing Coordinator

Landon Hill graduated from the UNCW Cameron School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Spring 2021. Always knowing he wanted a career centered around “something fishing-related,”, Hill launched his entrepreneurial journey by becoming the owner, operator, and creator of Local Catch following his UNCW graduation. 
 
Local Catch is a subscription-based app that allows for commercial fisherman to connect with restaurants, seafood markets, and individuals to buy and sell fresh, locally sourced seafood. The company relies on sustainable, local, and community-based seafood to leave a positive impact on the earth. The idea came to Hill during one of his courses in the EBD program, called Entrepreneurship Analytics. Dr. Neumeyer, assistant professor of management at the Cameron School of Business, challenged students to come up with a data-oriented business concept that leverages Wilmington’s strengths as a coastal location. From there, the idea grew and became a full-fledged company. “Without Dr. Neumeyer, I would not be where I am today!” shared Hill.
 
Building a company from the ground up requires more skills than initially might meet the eye.  When asked about any challenges faced in beginning a company like this, Hill said, “everybody looks at the big features of a business, but do not consider all of the small details that go into it. Marketing, graphic design, and vocabulary are just a couple of everyday things I encounter.”
 
This past Business Week, Hill attended and presented in a session. He mentioned that he felt honored to be invited and hopes to inspire current UNCW students to chase any idea that they may have. Business Week is a great opportunity for students to speak with CSB alumni and successful business professionals to hear about their journeys and perspectives on different industries within the work force. This two-day event provides students insight on what the world looks like post graduation, and it even provides guidance to those looking to follow down the entrepreneurial path, like Hill.
 
“Graduating from Cameron is a massive accomplishment alone,” Hill encourages recent graduates. To those students desiring taking the leap on starting a business, Hill recommends, “if you have any idea or businessplan I suggest you reach out to any experienced people within that industry and run with it!” 
 
Those interested in connecting with Local Catch can visit the app website: https://www.localcatch.app/