LAUNCH EVENTS

Innovation produces magical results but it is not magic. We expect students to learn creativity through writing, painting and the performing arts. That is not enough to build creative problem solving skills needed by the professions - we can and must do better.

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce was very proud to honor Joey Hudicka and Heidi Hudicka as our 2016 Amazing Kids in Business, which was part of our Annual Hunterdon County Business Awards. Heidi and Joey both exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurism, which is truly contagious when you speak to them. Their story of success at such a young age, demonstrated by launching their own business, which in turns inspires other future entrepreneurs is an incredible achievement.

3D Printlife is thrilled to be a part of Joey and Heidi's creation.  "Launch!" sends a truly powerful message to kids, that they can achieve anything by pursuing their dreams.  We are so proud that Joey and Heidi are also including sustainability in that message by using our eco-friendly 3d filaments to create their game pieces. Owning and operating a business requires so many positive attributes: creativity, vision, determination, the ability to adapt quickly to the unexpected, and belief in yourself.  We can't think of a more inspiring message to deliver to children everywhere, and we are so happy to be a small part of it.  Outstanding job guys!

“It has been really neat to see how the contagious enthusiasm of the Hudicka family inspires our students. Our kids at the Y have been bitten by the “Entrepreneurial Bug”! We’re all looking forward to staying engaged.”

"Through games and programs like Launch! and Productive Play, they teach parents and teachers how to help kids develop their dreams, and bring those dreams to life.  Students learn to take self-directed initiative and create value to make the world a better place."

“Finally!  This LAUNCH! game allows us to teach kids how business, entrepreneurship and innovation really work to make a profit and impact!”.

Joey and Heidi's work in developing the Launch! game is reflective of the innovation possible when applying a hands-on iterative design process approach in creative development. Great ideas, and great products, are born less from the eureka moment, and more so from a deliberate process of applied learning through testing, the embracing of failure as a means of problem solving, thoughtful reflection and deliberate modification. Their work in developing this unique game is a wonderful example of the cross-section between design, entrepreneurship and the values of the maker movement in creating innovative products and disruptive services.

3D printing DigiFab labs, like the MIX Lab at Montclair State University have the ability to take ideas from amazing young minds like Heidi and Joey, and make them a reality. Prototyping and testing workable solutions for their Rocket game pieces until a usable solution that intersects with their vision is an example of what is possible for motivated young entrepreneurs everywhere.

NJMEP is happy to be a part of promoting young people getting involved in STEM-related businesses.  Joey and Heidi's experience is a great example of the power of the Made in NJ Program Network to connect people to business opportunities. NJMEP couldn't be happier to see that our Made in NJ Program Network helped Joey and Heidi fulfill their goal to manufacture locally, proving time and time again that NJ can make just about anything!