With Bulldog Supply Co., students learn how to run a business

By Audrey Posten | Times-Register

High school students in MFL MarMac’s business management class are gaining real-world experience in what it takes to run a business through the Bulldog Supply Co. 

Through the clothing store, students oversee the ordering, design, creation, delivery and financial aspect of making and selling quality apparel. So far, products have largely been Bulldog-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats, but the class is looking to grow its offerings. They’ve also created custom apparel requested by several local businesses and organizations—and even another school.

“Postville School has been huge with supporting us. They bought 15 different sweatshirts from us, so we created Pirate stuff for them,” shared teacher Stephanie Wikner. “So others are reaching out to us too.”

Wikner came up with the idea for the Bulldog Supply Co. after attending a class over the summer. She liked the idea of having a business within the school.

A shirt press and hat press were purchased using Perkins funds for career and technical education programs.

“You can ask for it if that would enhance a class. I asked for both presses and they were approved,” she said.

The presses were first used for an FBLA fundraiser this fall, according to student Emme Wikner, but have been implemented regularly since the business management class began second semester.

“We’ve made a lot of things, and I think the response has been really good,” said Emme Wikner. “A lot of people like the idea of it and how it’s student run.”

People can order apparel online through MFL MarMac’s page on gobound.com. Clothing options are listed under the “Stores” tab. 

Bulldog Supply Co. also has its own Facebook page with examples of their work. Email the students at bulldogsupplyco@mflmm.k12.ia.us to order, or complete the process in person. 

“Once we get the orders, we fill out a form with the size and design they want, then we can press it if we have it, or we order it. Once we get it pressed, we get it to them,” explained student Bryce Jones.

Creating a shirt or sweatshirt—laying it on the press, aligning the design and pressing it for 20 seconds—is a simple process. 

“If we have everything in stock, it takes five minutes,” Jones added.

It can take a few days to receive items that aren’t in stock, but once received, the turnaround is quick, the students said.

Bulldog Supply Co. utilizes software to create designs. Pre-made options are available, but a lot has been created through trial and error, according to student Will Howes. 

“We’re all trying to make our own things and get creative. We like to have a wide variety of designs,” he said. 

If someone wants a custom design, they can give the students an idea and they will work to make it happen.

“With our software, the sky is the limit. We can basically do any design that’s requested,” Howes added. 

Students say Bulldog Supply Co. helps them learn how to work together and be accountable to one another. Organization is key too.

“We have to keep our expenses in order and what we make off the shirts—the pricing,” noted Emme Wikner.

They also like that it’s hands-on.

“You’re really learning how to run a business,” Wikner mentioned.

“I like that it’s not a traditional class, but we’re still gaining a lot of real world knowledge,” said Howes. “We’re still learning.”

He and Jones, through their participation in MFL MarMac’s M.O.R.E. authentic learning class, are even investigating how to grow the business and partner with the middle school on creating items.

Teacher Stephanie Wikner is also considering ways to enhance Bulldog Supply Co., potentially adding another heat press or embroidery machine. Financial software like QuickBooks would go beyond Excel or Google Sheets.

Sustainability is important too. Students are managing their inventory and working to make sales. 

“Money goes back into the business,” she said.