Milan Kozisek
Colorado Springs, CO
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a dedicated and globally-minded business student majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. With strong interpersonal skills and leadership experience across business, innovation, and hospitality roles, I bring a well-rounded approach to solving real-world problems. My academic foundation, complemented by a minor in Japanese, equips me to bring cross-cultural insight, analytical thinking, and creative solutions to every opportunity.
INNOVATION STATEMENT
As a student in the Bachelor of Innovation program, I have led interdisciplinary teams, collaborated with real-world clients, and organized high-impact campus events. I believe innovation thrives when strategic thinking is paired with empathy and adaptability. Through team-based client projects and event leadership, I have delivered results that reflect both professional rigor and creative execution.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Innovation in Business Administration
Emphasis in Finance, Minor in Japanese
Expected Graduation: December 2025
Relevant Coursework:
FNCE 3050 Basic Finance
FNCE 4000 Advanced Corporate Finance
FNCE 4200 Investment and Portfolio Management
QUAN2020 Quan Analysis for Business
OPTM3000 Operation and Supply Chain Management
INOV 3010 INOV Team: Research and Execute
INOV 4010 INOV Team: Design and Lead
BGSO 3300 Business, Government, and Society
INOV2500 Business Law and Innovation
OPTM 3000 Operations and Supply Chain Management
STRT 4500 Strategic Management
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
INOV 2010 – Innovation Team: Analyze and Report
Client: Hoe-Phuan Ng, Founder of AVT Inc.
Client Contact: avtinc2000@gmail.com | (719) 602-4356
Project Title: AVT Footwear Innovation – Grant Preparation and Proof-of-Concept Development
Project Scope:
Our student team collaborated with Hoe-Phuan Ng to assist his footwear startup, based on patented technology, in securing SBIR grant funding. The company aimed to develop a novel, reconfigurable shoe prototype that alleviates various foot pain issues and transitions seamlessly between therapeutic and everyday use.
Team Objective:
To assist the client in preparing for proof-of-concept development and potential grant funding through technical research, low-fidelity prototyping, and foundational business structuring.
Key Deliverables:
Conducted material sourcing and supplier research to identify affordable options for initial product development
Collaborated in designing and creating a low-fidelity prototype (Footbed insert) to demonstrate core product functionality
Analyzed manufacturing strategies and business models, including domestic vs. outsourced production
Provided guidance on pitch preparation and funding proposal structure (NSF/NIH SBIR applications)
Developed a roadmap for scaling operations and potential go-to-market pathways
Benchmarks Achieved:
Weeks 7–9: Completed research on materials and low-volume manufacturers
Weeks 9–12: Created and tested a preliminary footbed prototype
Weeks 12–14: Defined business entity options (LLC, C-Corp) and evaluated licensing versus direct production
Weeks 14–16: Identified opportunities for future collaboration (e.g., UCCS Hybl Sports Medicine Center)
INOV 3010 – Innovation Team: Research and Execute
Client: Pure Radiance MedSpa and Wellness
Client Contacts: Ryan and Dawn Reeves
Contact Email: ryan@pureradiancemedspas.com
Phone: (432) 553-8058
Website: pureradiancemedspas.com
Project Title: Strategic Market Analysis and Website Innovation for Pure Radiance MedSpa
Project Scope:
Our team partnered with Pure Radiance MedSpa, an emerging wellness and aesthetics provider, to conduct an in-depth market assessment and digital presence evaluation. As a multidisciplinary team, we aimed to deliver insights and tools that would enable the client to differentiate itself within the competitive medspa industry.
Team Objective:
To execute detailed competitive benchmarking, recommend enhancements for web usability and user engagement, and explore cutting-edge longevity trends for strategic positioning and innovation.
Key Deliverables:
Created a comprehensive competitor analysis matrix, including perceptual maps, pricing structures, service offerings, and customer reviews
Provided a pricing perceptual map that visually placed Pure Radiance within the local market landscape
Researched user experience (UX) improvements and layout suggestions for the company’s website to enhance engagement and conversion
Produced a research report evaluating modern longevity and aesthetic technologies, including industry effectiveness metrics and future relevance
Recommended strategic positioning approaches based on our findings to boost the brand’s competitive edge
Benchmarks Achieved:
October 29: Completed full competitor analysis deliverable, including service matrix, customer reviews map, and pricing analysis
November 10: Submitted UX and design improvement recommendations for the client’s website
November 24: Delivered a report on aesthetics and longevity research, with suggestions on integrating these services into client offerings
INOV 4010 – Innovation Team: Design and Lead
Client: Peak Run
Client Contact: David Wright, Owner/Founder
Contact Email: david@peakrunsalmon.com
Phone: (502) 296-2095
Website: peakrunsalmon.com
Project Title: Launch Planning and Brand Development for Peak Run Wild Alaskan Salmon
Project Scope:
Our team collaborated with Peak Run, a mission-driven startup focused on delivering premium wild Alaskan sockeye salmon through a regional CSA model while donating 25% of profits to communities in need. The company was preparing for a multi-city expansion into the Midwest and Colorado, and our task was to design and lead the planning for its official launch.
Team Objective:
To build the foundational elements of a successful launch, including brand identity, digital presence, marketing strategy, city-specific logistics, and strategic charity alignment, all in alignment with the founder’s mission to combine high-quality food with meaningful social impact.
Key Deliverables:
Conducted market research and competitor analysis across eight target cities
Led the creation of go-to-market strategy benchmarks, including market readiness, launch sequencing, and logistics management
Developed content and structural plans for a custom e-commerce website with a city-specific checkout experience
Collaborated on Peak Run’s brand messaging, including logo ideas, taglines, and merchandise concepts
Researched charity alignment opportunities in both Bristol Bay, Alaska, and Colorado cities
Outlined digital marketing recommendations and PR outreach strategies for awareness and launch campaigns
Execution and Leadership:
I co-managed team operations, meeting schedules, and client communications as a team lead. Our group met weekly on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM and held biweekly strategy calls with the client via Microsoft Teams. I coordinated meeting agendas and supported milestone delivery planning throughout the semester.
Benchmarks Achieved:
March 3, 2025: Completed audit and revision of all previous strategic planning materials
March 17, 2025: Delivered a full-scale market analysis and launch framework
April 18, 2025: Finalized product supply recommendations, digital assets, and operational launch support
INOV 2500 – Business Law and Innovation
Explored legal foundations relevant to entrepreneurship and innovation, including intellectual property, contracts, agency, and business structures. Applied legal frameworks to real-world innovation scenarios and evaluated case studies to assess strategic legal decision-making for startups.
INOV 2100 – Technical Writing, Proposals, and Presentations
Developed professional communication skills through the creation of grant proposals, technical documents, and client-focused presentations. Emphasized clarity, audience adaptation, and persuasive messaging within innovation-driven business environments.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Tekumo
Accounting Assistant, Sep 2023–Present
Prepared invoices and managed account reconciliations
Assisted with financial reporting and month-end closing
The Aviator Bar at Hotel Polaris
Hostess, Nov 2024–Mar 2025
Managed reservations and improved guest satisfaction with clear communication
TopGolf
Guest Services Representative, Aug 2021–Apr 2022
Handled front desk operations and guided guests through facility procedures
SKILLS AND KEY COMPETENCIES
Financial Analysis and Forecasting
Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, Canva, Salesforce
Fluent in Japanese and English
Project and Event Management
Written and Verbal Communication
Leadership and Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
UCCS Bachelor of Innovation Event Planning – Led the planning and coordination of the BI Celebration and Reunion event, managing logistics, artist bookings, and student engagement for 100+ attendees.
Boo for Food Chair – Organized a food drive that raised 2,000 cans for local homeless shelters, leading a team of volunteers in outreach and collection efforts.
Shadowed Wealth Management Firm – Gained hands-on experience in financial planning, client meetings, and investment management practices.
Football Team Manager (2018–2022) – Coordinated logistics and provided support for the high school football team, ensuring smooth operations on and off the field.
Street Gang Civic Member – Colorado Springs – Participate in a strategic community leadership group focused on transforming Colorado Springs into one of the most successful cities in the U.S. Serve as the youngest member by over 20 years, bringing a next-generation perspective to city development and innovation planning.
Startup Weekend Participant – Collaborated with a cross-functional team to pitch a business model in a 48-hour entrepreneurial competition, honing skills in idea generation and team collaboration.
Local Pitch Competition Volunteer – Assisted with organizing and running local pitch nights for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them prepare to present their startup ideas to potential investors.
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND CERTIFICATES
Dean’s List, University of Colorado Colorado Springs – Multiple Semesters
Rocky Mountain Youth Leadership Conference – Selected Participant for Demonstrated Leadership Potential
QuickBooks Online Certification
Microsoft Excel Certification
CPR & First Aid Certification
Certificate in Financial Modeling and Valuation, Corporate Finance Institute – In Progress
LANGUAGES
English
Japanese