Steeda Autosports hosted 13 Young Entrepreneurs Academy students in grades six to 12 on October 10 for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a thriving manufacturing business.

Scott Boda, Director of Manufacturing and Plant Manager shared tips about breaking into the industry, how to overcome challenges, and what skills it takes to keep business growing. “I’m happy to do whatever I can to help young entrepreneurs develop their leadership skills and help guide them toward the path to success,” said Boda. “Our company is so excited to have these talented young entrepreneurs visit with us. YEA! provides a terrific opportunity for the young people in our community.”

Steeda Autosports offered the tour to YEA! students as part of their mission to help educate youth in the community. Founded in 1988, Steeda Autosports is the leader in Ford performance products specializing in the engineering and manufacturing of parts for the Ford Mustang, Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, and Ford Trucks. Steeda offers the largest complete line of Ford based parts and accessories and is considered the largest privately owned Ford performance based operation in the world.

YEA!, a program provided by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, introduces students to all types of businesses through field trips as well as a variety of executive leaders through guest lectures and business mentorship in addition to lessons inside the classroom.

By engaging in this hands-on approach to learning through field trips such as this, students gain a real-world understanding of the dedication it takes to be a business owner.

YEA! is a 30-week program that teaches students how to launch and run their own, real businesses. By the end of class, students will be the CEOs of their legally formed businesses or social movements. For more information, visit yeausa.org.