Ignite Portsmouth Alumni: Trampas Nolan

Trampas Nolan is an alumni of Ignite Portsmouth 2022. Trampas is the owner of Attention to Detail, a local vehicle detailing business that focuses on cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and more.

“As a business owner, I wanted to sign up because I thought Ignite could help me expand and grow. And it did,” said Trampas. “The weekly classes were short and to the point. And the networking I did while in Ignite was really important.”

During Ignite, program participants form a cohort and are able to bounce ideas off one another during the 8-week boot camp. But participants are also matched with mentors who help them through their entrepreneurial journey.

“It was great to have a support system in place that I could touch base with and that would help me figure things out.”

“There are things I simply don’t know how to do,” said Trampas. “It was so great to have a support system in place that I could touch base with and that would help me figure things out.”

Trampas was mentored by Bonnie Barker and Kelly Gordon, members of the ECDI Women’s Business Center of Central Appalachia at SSU. The Women’s Business Center is an anchor tenant of the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub and a partner for the Ignite Appalachia Boot Camp.

“Kelly and Bonnie were great mentors. If I needed something, they were there to turn to. And the Hub was there. And they helped set me up with specialists when I needed it - like an attorney to draw up contracts.”

Since Ignite wrapped up last June, Trampas has expanded his business and is on the verge of hiring more employees.

“My business has gotten more accounts,” explained Trampas. “And I’m in the process of hiring someone. This coming Summer is all about expansion - I am also looking at buying my own space for the business.”

Ignite Portsmouth 2023 kicks off on May 11th. Local participants are encouraged to apply at https://ssuinnovation.com/apply-to-portsmouth-ignite if they have a business or product idea, or plans to grow or expand their existing business.

“What do you have to lose? I obtained so much knowledge and just a broader perspective on business as whole,” said Trampas. “This program is great and the people who run it will help connect you to people to help find answers you need to succeed. It’s been super helpful to me.”

“It’s nice to have someone in your corner for no other reason than to see you succeed.”