Our Team
Scott Schaeffer: Director, Jump Start Incubator
As its first Director, Scott was responsible for developing the Jump Start Incubator program and now supervises its daily operations. Prior to joining the Incubator, Scott worked for the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, which he joined as a Business Consultant in 2007 before becoming the organization’s Business Financial Manager in 2009. In his new role, Scott continues to maintain oversight over the SBDC’s grant funds. Scott has over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry with a focus on food and beverage management. After graduating from Wyomissing Area High School, Scott spent over five years living abroad, where his experiences include owning a bed & breakfast hotel in Amsterdam, Holland; selling time share in Ibiza, Spain; and working as a foreign currency consultant in Cape Town, South Africa. After returning to the States, Scott earned a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and an MBA from Kutztown University. He is currently pursuing the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) credential through the Institute of Management Accountants.
Edward Feiner: Digital Media and Marketing Graduate Assistant
Edward Feiner was born in New York, New York. He received his BA in Film and Media Arts from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2006.
Edward worked for three years in New York City as a Freelance Video Editor before returning to school. He enrolled in the Electronic Media Master’s program at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, PA and expects to graduate in May of 2013.
Edward’s experience includes video production, video editing, social media and website development. At the Jump Start Incubator he is a part of the marketing team, where he develops website and video materials, including client success stories and interviews.
Thomas Schu: Graduate Assistant
Tom Schu was born in Pottsville, PA. He graduated in 2007 from Blue Mountain High School in Schuylkill Haven, PA. He graduated from Kutztown University in December 2011 with a B.S.B.A degree with a concentration in finance. Tom is currently a Graduate Assistant at KU’s Small Business Development Center and Jump Start Incubator. At the incubator, Tom assists small business owners with financial and accounting support. He also helps clients with business plan development and general consulting advice.
This is Tom’s second year in the MBA program at Kutztown University and he expects to graduate in May of 2013. After graduation, Tom hopes to take his skills learned at the SBDC and apply them to pursuing a career in banking or a related financial field.
Scott Everly: Graduate Assistant
Scott is originally from Orwigsburg, PA and graduated from Blue Mountain High School in 2007. He received his B.S.B.A. degree with a concentration in Finance from Kutztown University in May 2011. After graduation, Scott worked as a bank teller for Wells Fargo for a little over a year before deciding to further his education and enrolling in Kutztown University’s MBA Program. Scott joined the Jump Start Incubator as a Graduate Assistant in January 2013. At the Incubator, Scott is currently a part of the Finance and Client-Intake Team and assists business owners with financial and accounting issues, as well as, with Business and Marketing Plan development.
He plans on completing his MBA in the Fall of 2013 and hopes to pursue a career in commercial banking.
Ashley Tomasko: Graduate Assistant
Ashley Tomasko is originally from Tamaqua, PA and graduated from Tamaqua High School in 2008. She received her B.S.B.A degree in Marketing with a certificate in Advertising from Kutztown University in May 2012. She has been an intern with the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center from 2011-2012. After graduating with her bachelor's degree, she decided to enroll in the MBA program at Kutztown University and became a graduate assistant with the Kutztown Small Business Development Center and its associated Jump Start Incubator this Fall.
Ashley is currently part of the Marketing team at the Jump Start Incubator. She consults clients with marketing plan development and marketing material assistance. She also works internally to develop marketing materials for the Kutztown Small Business Development Center and the Jump Start Incubator.
After completing her MBA, Ashley hopes to work at an advertising firm and eventually open her own marketing/design firm.
Daniel Murphy: Graduate Assistant
Daniel Murphy is originally from Washington Township, New Jersey. In May of 2012, he received a B.S.B.A. from Kutztown University with a concentration in accounting. Immediately after graduation, Daniel enrolled in the MBA program at Kutztown University and began working with the Jump Start Incubator and Kutztown Small Business Development Center in August.
Daniel interned at the KU SBDC in the Spring of 2012 and decided to take advantage of their Graduate Assistant opportunities. He is currently part of the finance team and the client-intake team. Daniel focuses on reviewing business plans, financial projections, loan packages, and setting-up/assisting clients with QuickBooks.
Upon completion of his MBA, Daniel hopes to work with a CPA firm and obtain his CPA license. He hopes to gain real world business experience at the Jump Start Incubator that will help him pursue a long and successful business career.
Marie Schmieg: Graduate Assistant
Marie Schmieg was born in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania and graduated from Upper Moreland High School in June of 2008. She attended Kutztown University for her undergraduate degree in accounting. She graduated in May of 2012 Cum Laude and as a member of the Honor Program. In the fall of 2012, she enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration Program at KU. She expects to graduate in December of 2013.
Marie is currently a graduate assistant with the Kutztown University’s Small Business Development Center and Jump Start Incubator focusing on accounting and financial work. She hopes to earn her QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification this year. She also works at the Kutztown University Foundation as a student supervisor.
Upon graduation from the MBA program, she would like to work for a public accounting firm. Her goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Charlene Yardley: Intern
Charlene Yardley was born on Travis Air force base in California. She graduated in 2010 from Schuylkill Valley high school, where she participated in a variety of clubs and activities. Currently she is studying civil engineering at Penn State University, expecting to graduate in the spring of 2014. Following graduation she plans on starting her master’s degree in structural engineering. Charlene is currently working as an intern at the Kutztown University’s Small Business Development Center and Jump Start Incubator.
Past experiences include interning for the Trec Group Inc. where she gained experience with computer aided design software programs as well as putting together job projections and packages. Future plans for Charlene include using her degrees to help the infrastructure of major cities as well as building design work.