Vancouver high school student Andrew French proves to be wise beyond his years becoming a successful entrepreneur at the age of 17. In June 2014, French founded Quarry Clothing Co. where he and a team of 30 teens across Vancouver create both Quarry-branded and customized clothing.
Producing clothing is far from the extent of French’s efforts, however. Quarry measures its success by the number of young people it is able to help by investing 25 per cent of its profits into youth-run start-ups.
Having recently turned 18, French is now in his final year of high school and plans to attend either Western for Economics or Huron for Global Studies during the first two years of his undergraduate career. Ivey has given French Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status and took note of French’s inspiring story and proven drive.
Q: What inspired you to start Quarry Clothing?
The biggest inspiration I had actually came from a few Ivey alumni and the Case Competition that Ivey put on in Vancouver. A lot of the people I met throughout the process encouraged me to push beyond the limitations of my age. I still remember leaving the competition that day over a year ago, and on the two-hour bus ride home I asked myself why I wasn't out there creating something like what was in the case we worked on. Of course I then had to consider my age, as it's rather unorthodox to start a company when you're 16 or 17, but I eventually overcame the limitation and got going just as a lot of older professionals do.
It was really cool this year going back to the competition as a mentor and actually having my team win against some of the teams that were led by Ivey alumni. It really reassured me that my experiences were applicable to the course structure at the School and that I would be comfortable in the classes at Ivey.
Q: What is it about the Ivey Business School that attracts you?
I have a strong passion for international economics and macroeconomics, and it excites me to think that, in my undergraduate program combined with the HBA, I'll be able to explore that passion and gain crucial business skills from such a reputable school. That reputation is a huge part of why I'm hoping to head to Ivey this fall.
Q: What are you looking forward to most?
The alumni and current student community has already been of huge assistance to me, so I feel really welcome. I can't wait to make use of Ivey’s network, as well as to enjoy the structure of the classes. From what I understand, the Ivey structure is very experiential, in that cases and participation make up a huge portion of the program. I think that structure will be really beneficial for me, since I'm really looking for a classroom environment in which I'll be engaged every time I go.
Q: What experiences would you hope to get from Ivey’s HBA program?
I hope that the HBA program will leave me versed in both business and my undergraduate program, and I'm excited to go and make use of the faculty at Western and at Ivey, and to explore my passions for both economics and business.
