Collin Fowler, a senior at Indian Trail Academy, didn’t expect much when he posted his English essay on LinkedIn. That was, until he got in interesting voicemail from Craig Culver, the billionaire founder of Culvers. “Hey Collin, guess who? Craig Culver calling… read you essay. I can’t talk [now]. We’re about to go out for dinner, and at not Culvers tonight by the way, but maybe tomorrow we can connect. I’d love to talk to you. I would. Thank you for your involvement with Culvers and the wonderful words you say about us. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to all of us at Culvers, so thank you.”

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Collin did make that call to the founder of the brand that now has almost 1,000 restaurants. As it happens, Collin and his buddy Matthew Ross, also a senior at ITA, were starting a podcast called “Hawk Hustle“. “I picked up the phone and asked Mr. Culver to be our first guest on the show. He agreed,” said Fowler Tuesday evening. “It was a great learning experience to hear from someone who grew a successful business from the ground up.”

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Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss was made aware of the essay and podcast and wanted to meet Fowler and Ross. Dr. Weiss allowed KCE to join and snap a few photos.

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“After reading the essay written by Collin Fowler, I was immediately impressed with his writing skills. His essay about his favorite spot to hang out after an ITA football or basketball game brought many fond memories of doing the same when I was in high school. That is what good writers do. After meeting with Collin and his friend Matthew who assisted with his podcast with Craig Culver, I have no doubt these two young men will go on to do great things after high school,” Dr. Weiss told KCE Tuesday afternoon.

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Fowler and Ross tell KCE they are in discussions with Governor Evers to interview him for their next episode. They plan to expand their podcast and interview people all over the state to gain valuable perspectives.

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“As the principal of Indian Trail, I am extremely proud of the work that is being done by students and staff here.  The work that Collin and Matthew are doing demonstrates a great way for students to learn differently.  By using our curriculum and technology to move beyond the physical walls of the classroom, they are able to engage in authentic learning opportunities with local and state leaders,” ITA Principal Scott Kennow told KCE Tuesday evening.

Fowler and Ross promise not to forget KCE when their podcast expands around the globe. Fowler’s dream interview would be with Elon Musk.