WMU alumnus creates meaningful connections through storytelling

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—This week's Broncos Building Businesses entrepreneurship story highlights Kevin Romeo, co-founder, CEO and creative director of Rhino Media.

Romeo graduated from Western Michigan University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in business management. In his interview, he reflects on his time at WMU and offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

How would you describe your business ventures?

Rhino is a story company, and we believe that stories are a powerful way to create meaningful connections. We produce cinematic docu-style stories, 2D and 3D animated videos, and photography. A few brands we've created for are Stryker, KitchenAid, Newell, Southwest Airlines and WMU.

I also recently created a sister company to Rhino, a multi-roaster coffee shop in downtown Kalamazoo called Civil House. I wanted to create a place for people to have quality face-to-face time in an increasingly digital experience.

What was the most valuable part of your WMU experience, and how did it impact your entrepreneurial journey?

For me, my time at WMU had a huge impact on how I came to understand the value of social capital—having a community of people around you who trust that when you say you're going to do something, it actually gets done. I had ups and downs as a student, and sometimes in group projects, I would emerge as a leader, and other times, I was the kid who didn't help at all. I learned from those experiences, though, and now see the value of bringing your whole self every time to every project and every client.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Spend a lot of time and energy in discovering what it is that you're truly passionate about. Determine whether or not that passion provides value to the market. If so, try to help as many people as possible through your passion. Entrepreneurship can provide some amazing highs, but also can be lonely and tough. Find friends and mentors to help provide wisdom when you need it. And also look to do the same for others who are trying to get where you are, even if they are still in college. We should always have mentors, peers, and mentees at every stage of life. Take your time, do things right and have a purpose for everything you do.