Kolby Girrens knows the difference a good leader can make. Following his graduation from Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kansas, he set out to take his passion for baseball to the collegiate level. He wound up with two very different experiences under two very different leaders. After initially landing in unpleasant and defeating circumstances, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to train under the type of leader who inspired resilience and determination. He soon came to realize that baseball was about more than being in the limelight.

“Playing college baseball drastically changed my outlook on who I want to be as a person, and it made me realize that being a good friend and good leader and uplifting those around me is more important,” Girrens said. “I was immature, but I had a coach that took a chance on me and showed me what it meant to be a man.”

With his newfound focus on community, Girrens coaches youth baseball and is volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manhattan. He’s grateful to have the support and connection of the Gentlemen Leadership Society, especially after an initial struggle to integrate as a transfer student.

“It’s been incredibly helpful to be able to join the other students, many of whom are business focused, but all of whom are focused on personal development and growth,” he said.

Education

As a participant in the College of Business Administration’s National Strategic Selling Institute, Girrens has taken part in numerous sales competitions and other applied learning experiences. They’ve helped him hone his skills in sales techniques, professional communications and problem solving, which have proven helpful in his role as operator of Manhattan flooring company Evergreen Epoxy.

Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in professional strategic selling, Girrens plans to kick off his career in commercial insurance sales and ultimately establish his own real estate business.

Thank you!

“I'm beyond grateful to be chosen to join this organization and have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other talented young men with similar goals and aspirations,” Girrens said. “Learning under the guidance of our great mentors is something that I believe will pay great dividends to my future.”