Alumni Spotlight! It's often asked if our Gateway CEO graduates continue their business after high school. Some continue those businesses that started prior to CEO, others developed during CEO and continues to grow, while some may even create something new that goes to market within a few years.

Meet Jose Varela, a 2022 graduate from Collinsville High School. During Gateway CEO, he was partnering with his dad in a landscaping business. While there, Jose developed branding and focus for V Green Lawn and Landscape Management. From managing limited clients to well over 100 clients today, Jose now supports his family full time with this business endeavor. It's been amazing over the years to watch him navigate the challenges and yet always reach for bigger goals. As a recent college graduate, the sky is the limit for this young man.

I remember several conversations during his time with CEO as he worked with his mentor Bob Eaton and they discussed what scaling a business might look like. To watch this come to a reality today is what this entire program is about. Jose is anchored in the Metro East, expanding to the St. Louis area and is one of the hardest working young men out there. If you might be needing help this summer, reach out to V Green Lawn and Landscape. Check out his story here!