KIH Invites Community to Explore ‘The Winning Mindset’ at August 24th Event
KIH Invites Community to Explore ‘The Winning Mindset’ at August 24 Event
What does it take to develop a winning mindset—in business, athletics, your career and life?
The SSU Kricker Innovation Hub (KIH) invites students, business owners, entrepreneurs, athletes, faculty, Ignite alumni and community members to explore that question during The Winning Mindset, a special networking event on Monday, August 24 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Kricker Innovation Hub, 221 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth.
Held as part of Shawnee State University's Week of Welcome, the event will bring together members of the campus and regional business communities for an evening of conversation, networking, food and inspiration. Guests will hear from three speakers whose experiences span entrepreneurship, business development, athletics, personal branding and social media.
"We wanted to create an event that brings together people at different stages of their journeys—students who are thinking about their futures, entrepreneurs who are building something new, and established business and community leaders who have experience to share," said Gina Collinsworth, Director of Entrepreneurial Programs and Community Outreach at the Kricker Innovation Hub. "A winning mindset isn't limited to sports or entrepreneurship. It's about being willing to learn, adapt, take chances and keep moving toward a goal."
Meet the Featured Guests
Pat Rigsby | Entrepreneur, Coach & Business Builder
A successful entrepreneur and Shawnee State alumnus, Rigsby has built more than two dozen businesses as CEO and co-owner, including eight million- and multimillion-dollar ventures. Two of his brands, Athletic Revolution and Fitness Revolution, were ranked No. 1 in their respective markets in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500. Rigsby will share lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, building successful businesses and developing the mindset needed for sustained success.
Matt Keeney | Entrepreneur & Owner, Keeney's Kitchen and Dreamboat Fitness
Keeney brings the perspective of a local entrepreneur who has turned his interests into growing businesses. Since launching Keeney's Kitchen in 2022, his fresh, healthy meal-prep business has expanded its reach across the region. He is also the owner of Dreamboat Fitness, where he has coached and trained clients since 2017. Keeney will discuss taking an idea from concept to reality, navigating challenges, taking calculated risks and staying focused on long-term goals.
Brittani Wolfenbarker, MBA | Athlete, Content Creator & Personal Branding Strategist
A Shawnee State MBA graduate and two-time All-Conference athlete, Wolfenbarker built a social media following of more than 75,000 while in college and successfully monetized her platforms through personal branding. She will share practical insight into developing an authentic brand, growing an audience and using social media to create professional and business opportunities.
Connecting Campus and Community
The Winning Mindset is designed to create connections between Shawnee State students and the broader regional community, including entrepreneurs and established business owners.
For local business leaders, the event offers an opportunity to network with other professionals while meeting emerging entrepreneurs and students who will become part of the region's future workforce and business community. For students and aspiring entrepreneurs, it provides an opportunity to learn directly from people who have experienced the challenges, risks and rewards that come with pursuing ambitious goals.
Attendees do not need to own a business or have plans to start one. The lessons explored throughout the evening can apply to anyone working toward a personal, professional or entrepreneurial goal.
Ignite Appalachia Registration Opens
The event will also serve as the official opening of registration for the 2026 Ignite Appalachia: Scioto County Business Bootcamp & Pitch Competition, taking place September 15–October 20.
Ignite Appalachia helps aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs develop their ideas through hands-on business education, mentorship, networking and preparation for a culminating pitch competition. The program is part of KIH's broader effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Scioto County and throughout the region by connecting people with the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to move ideas forward.
Event Details
The Winning Mindset
Monday, August 24, 2026
4:30–6:30 p.m.
SSU Kricker Innovation Hub
221 Chillicothe Street
Portsmouth, Ohio
The event is open to SSU students and athletes, faculty, Ignite alumni, entrepreneurs, business owners and community members.
Whether you're building a company, developing your career, pursuing a new goal or simply looking for some fresh inspiration, KIH invites you to come to the Hub, make a few new connections and discover what a winning mindset could mean for whatever you're building next.