Nashville State Grads Use Entrepreneurial Spirit to Launch New Venture

Jas and Dre Whitson are living examples of the entrepreneurial spirit. With drive and determination, the husband-and-wife team have embarked on their newest venture and building on a foundation that began as Nashville State graduates.

Dre came to Nashville State first, where he studied Business Information Systems and graduated in 2009.

Jas came to Nashville State to pursue a second degree. This one in Computer Networking; she graduated in 2016.

Though attending at different times, they worked full-time during their Nashville State journey. and said the ease of working as adult learners was key.

“I love the model for adult learners,” Jas said. “The flexibility and staff are awesome.”

Having previously worked in the medical field, Jas was hoping to parlay her work experience and new degree into a more lucrative career.

“Education is so important,” Jas said. “I was able to instantly translate the skills I got from Nashville State into the marketplace.”

Using her education and experience, Jas landed a new, better-paying job before she even graduated. She says the experience and opportunities gained at Nashville State helped put the couple in a position to start their businesses.

The “higher income from my Nashville State degree allowed us to start rolling in our business,” Jas said.

After years in the corporate world and working for other people, Jas said she began to look for areas where she could work for herself and be the kind of manager she always wanted. From there, she and Dre started several businesses; including a real estate company and a small cleaning business.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur most of my life and just didn’t know it,” Jas said.

While managing their early businesses, Dre came across the company DonutNV.It is an interactive food truck that serves donuts and a wide array of other treats. Once they learned more about the business, they decided to leap and started a franchise in October 2023. They received their truck in March of 2024 and officially launched in April. 

“It’s a good fit for us,” Jas said. “It pairs well with our personality and our revenue objectives. It’s really been a fun thing.”

Since opening, the business has taken off. Most recently the duo brought their donut truck to the Nashville State White Bridge campus for the first day of classes, providing the students with much-needed snacks and caffeine on their first day back.

The business has done so well that Dre recently left his previous job to focus full-time on expansion.

“We’re growing at a rapid rate,” Dre said. “I couldn’t balance both anymore.”

In his new full-time role with the food truck, Dre is using his management and operations skills.

“They (Nashville State) gave me skills I use in the business,” Dre said. “Accounting and bookkeeping I learned from Nashville State.”

When it comes to advice for future entrepreneurs, Dre and Jas share the importance of a positive attitude paired with smart planning.

“Don’t be scared. Just start,” Dre said.

“Map out backwards from your goal and just do it,” Jas added. “Learn to fail fast. Move on and get back up.”

To follow and support Jas and Dre, you can find them at facebook.com/DonutNVBrentwoodTN or on instagram.com/donutnvbrentwoodtn/. They can also be reached at (615) 212-2038.