Thiel Happenings

Thiel Players staging production of Iphigenia in Tauris at Thiel College’s Robinson Theater

The Thiel Players will open their production of Iphigenia in Tauris on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Thiel College’s William A. Robinson Theater.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Enrollment up for third straight year at Thiel College in contrast to continued national decline

For the third straight year, Thiel College’s total enrollment has grown according to its recently completed census. Total enrollment has increased by 7 percent over 2021.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel College women’s volleyball earns top seed in PAC championship tournament

For the first time in program history, the Thiel College women’s volleyball team has earned the top seed for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference women’s volleyball championship tournament.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Student News

Arbanas shares his entrepreneurial and business insights with the Entrepreneurship Seminar

Bill Arbanas was the featured speaker at the October 26 Entrepreneurship Seminar. Arbanas is the owner and of VP of Operations at Powered Aire, Inc. in Greenville, Pa.

“Another week, and another stalwart member of the Thiel community. Bill Arbanas is a local businessman, born in the area, and a former Thiel student.” Trey Wilt ’23

“Bill Arbanas is the owner of Powered Aire, Inc. a company in the Reynolds Business Park that designs air curtains. Air curtains are used to separate environments and are used in various airports, grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and so much more. Bill created this company 25 years ago with two of his friends; they had previously worked for another air curtain business but decided to branch out and make something of their own.” Ashley Wolford ’23

“He also happened to be a Reynolds High School wrestler, this stuck out to me because I’ve lived with two different Reynolds High School graduates who have won state wrestling titles. He also wrestled at Thiel his one year here and he earned his way to the national championship tournament as a freshman which is highly impressive.” Devyn Giovengo ’23

“Bill started out his speech with how Professor Miller made a student feel the need to be ready for class because he would call people up to the board. This is the second time the class has heard this fact of Professor Miller and it is nice to hear how Professor Miller has touched so many lives.” Hayley Phillips ’23

“Arbanas also mentioned that he had Prof. Miller as a professor for a class, and he really made him learn. Arbanas described Prof. Miller’s teaching style was really forcing him to learn. If you were called to the board, or randomly called on you wanted to have your stuff done to avoid the embarrassment, and Prof. Miller's voice was the kind that would stick with you.” Justina Jenkins ’23

“One of the big concepts he spoke about was the struggle when starting a business. He explained that he and his partners did not take a paycheck for the first few years because they would not have been able to afford to pay their employees.” Brycen Dorfmeister ’23

“The first two years of Powered Aire was not easy, they did not get a paycheck, but despite the rough start they pushed through and now have become one of the leading companies that manufacture air curtains. Powered Aire started in a small rental space in 1997, but in 2004 they had built their first building and have continued to grow from there.” Justina Jenkins ’23

“After many years all the hard work finally started paying off, by the year 2000 the company started turning a profit. Bill’s company now has many national clients like McDonalds, General Motors, and Ford.” Sydney Hipps ’23

“Bill and his business partners have grown that business very well from 1997 to now. The first year they were open they had only $130,000 in sales and this year alone they are looking at $20 million in sales.” Ian Yahner ’23

“Bill currently has 50 employees that he looks at as a family. Something that I took away from Bill is that he is a man of high character and cares about the people that work for him.” Matt Castles ’23

“I think my biggest takeaway for becoming an entrepreneur is to ‘treat everyone right’ as Bill said when talking about having a high retention rate of employees.” Brycen Dorfmeister ’23

“First, although it might not be easy, keep driving. It means that we should not give up and keep up the work. Secondly, make sure I am financially ready. He shared a story of meeting a smart banker who told him to ask for double the amount of money which he planned for his business, and how fast he used it all.” Chaeeun Lee ’23

“Keep driving even if you have difficulty in proceeding. However, your plan must be firmly established. Always have a perfect big plan for business and be a prepared entrepreneur.” Seoyeon Choo ’23

“Some people become entrepreneurs so they can be their own boss, but Bill quickly learned that your boss will become the bank, the customers and the government.” Jakob Misencik ’23

“Finally, he reiterated the advice we get every week, to never give up on the dreams we have even when things seem darkest. If you really believe in your idea, and you think it is going to work out, stick with it no matter what and it will.” Trey Wilt ’23

”Mr. Arbanas continues to generously give back to the community and Thiel. His persistence amidst challenges and kindness throughout success should inspire young, local entrepreneurs to have the same qualities.” Ava Kavulla ’25

Lessons Learned

• “If you are going to start a business make sure you are financially ready.” Ian Yahner ’23
• “When first starting your business and asking for loans, ask for double as you may think you will have enough money, but you probably will not.” Justina Jenkins ’23
• “You are not just providing for 50 people you are providing for 50 families.” Matt Castles ’23
• “Keep plugging away, keep driving because it won’t be easy.” Nevaeh Arnold ’23
• “Hard work eventually leads to going into work stress-free.” Autumn Gourley ’24
• “Always know your numbers and be aware of things amiss within your business finances.” Ava Kavulla ’25
• “You will always have a boss whether it be the conventional type, a bank, the government, or customers.” Hayley Phillips ’23
• “You might think you have it all figured out, but you don’t and that’s okay. There is always going to be something waiting down the road that you never expected.” Ashley Wolford ’23
• “If you are going to start your own business, keep plugging away.” Siwon Lee ’23

Dinner Dishing

• “The dinner served tonight included endive salad, veal schnitzel, brown butter spaetzle with mushroom gravy, roasted Brussel sprouts for main dish and Bananas Foster for dessert. I really enjoyed it, especially the Bananas Foster.” Chaeeun Lee ’23
• “This week’s dinner was by far one of the best we have had. The starter salad was a different touch and I have never had a salad displayed like that. The main course was delicious with the bread crumb coated meat paired with creamy Brussel sprouts and a pasta. This was the first time I have tried Brussel sprouts and was not disappointed.” Hayley Phillips ’23
• “Over the past couple weeks, we have had various meals that are inspired by countries around the world, and this week was no different. Tonight, we had a German inspired meal that did not disappoint. I was lucky enough to be seated with Bill Arbanas tonight at dinner and get to know him and various aspects of his company better. It is very interesting to hear about the many accomplishments that this company has achieved over the years, but yet Bill still has this very genuine and humble personality to him.” Ashley Wolford ’23

Etc.

Tomcat Tributes

Tomcat Tributes recognize the teamwork Thiel College employees exhibit each day. Employees can nominate co-workers for recognition in four categories (Random Act of Kindness, Going the Extra Mile, Had a Great Idea, Just Because).

• To nominate a fellow employee, visit the Campus Resources link on the Thiel Hub.

Publishing Schedule

T-Notes is published weekly. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out November 9. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, November 7 to be published in that week’s edition.