York College Student Entrepreneurs Awarded Weinstock Venture Investment Fund Support
Three York College of Pennsylvania students are taking the next steps in growing their businesses with support from the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship's Weinstock Venture Investment Fund (WVIF).
The latest recipients are Trey Kunkle and Doug Ringenary, co-founders of Fairway Fresh, and Shane August, founder of Always August Productions. Both ventures demonstrate the creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit of York College students as they turn innovative ideas into real-world businesses.
The Weinstock Venture Investment Fund provides student entrepreneurs with financial support and mentorship to help advance their business ventures. Through the fund, students have the opportunity to further develop their ideas, overcome early business challenges, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Fairway Fresh: Sustainability Meets Innovation
For Business Administration major Trey Kunkle ’28 and Mechanical Engineering major Doug Ringenary ’28, the idea for Fairway Fresh began in a freshman entrepreneurship class at York College. What started as a classroom concept has since developed into an innovative product that combines a passion for golf with a commitment to sustainability.
“We both share a love for golf and an interest in sustainability,” states Kunkle. “In our entrepreneurship class, we decided to combine those interests to make golf more enjoyable while helping the planet.”
Fairway Fresh is developing a compact, portable golf ball cleaner made from 92% recycled water bottles. Rather than relying on commercially produced recycled materials, Kunkle and Ringenary process discarded water bottles themselves, converting them into filament that can be used to 3D-print their product.
The result is a practical solution for golfers that also demonstrates how recycled materials can be given new life through creative product design and manufacturing.
Fairway Fresh has already participated in the Weinstock Accelerator, so the natural next step was the WVIF. Through the fund, the students will have additional resources and guidance as they continue developing Fairway Fresh and exploring opportunities to bring their product to market.
“Funding through the WVIF will help us increase production of our cleaners,” says Ringenary. “While mentorship will help us develop a stronger business model and position our company for long-term success.”
Always August Productions: Building a Creative Business
Mass Communications major Shane August ’28 is pursuing a different entrepreneurial path through Always August Productions, a media production company specializing in video, audio, and digital content.
The company works with clients on social media content, promotional projects, and storytelling, while also providing consulting services related to audiovisual and information technology solutions.
August has already taken an important step in developing his business by establishing Always August Productions within the J.D. Brown Center's business incubator.
As an incubator tenant, August has access to a professional business environment and opportunities to connect with the College's entrepreneurial community. His involvement illustrates how the Center supports student entrepreneurs not only through funding, but also through the resources and relationships available within its incubator.
The Weinstock Venture Investment Fund represents another opportunity for August to continue building his company and expanding its capabilities.
"Being part of the J.D. Brown Center has already shaped how I run Always August Productions,” says August. “The WVIF will help me upgrade our gear, reach more clients, and learn from mentors who have been where I’m trying to go."
Investing in the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
While Fairway Fresh and Always August Productions operate in very different industries, both reflect the entrepreneurial potential found within York College's student community.
From transforming a classroom idea into a sustainable physical product to building a media production company while pursuing a college education, these students are putting their creativity and ambition into action.
Through initiatives like the Weinstock Venture Investment Fund, the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship continues to help students bridge the gap between developing an idea and building a business.
Brian Biddulph-Krentar ‘97 sits on the WVIF Board, and serves as the J.D. Brown Center’s Executive-in-Residence. In this role, Biddulph-Krentar works directly with companies that receive funding, providing guidance and mentorship as they grow their businesses.
“What excites me most about Fairway Fresh and Always August Productions is that these students aren't just talking about business ideas—they're actually building companies. Both teams have demonstrated the initiative, creativity, and willingness to learn that you want to see in an entrepreneur,” says Biddulph-Krentar.
“Through the Weinstock Venture Investment Fund, we're doing more than providing capital. We're working alongside these founders to help them develop sound business models, make better decisions, and turn their early momentum into sustainable growth. That's what makes this program so valuable.”
