Clear minds, full schedules, can’t lose
Former full-time student and Army ROTC and Maryland National Guard member Victor Marquart ’17 develops cognitive enhancement supplement to combat busy schedule.
By Laura Braddick on November 21, 2017
Towson University alumnus Victor Marquart ’17 wasn’t familiar with the concept of “free time” as an undergraduate.
A member of the Army ROTC and the Maryland National Guard and full-time criminal justice major, Marquart didn’t get much sleep.
“My friends and I were spending so much money on Red Bull and coffee to stay awake, and it was really cutting into our wallets and our health,” he said. “We needed a better alternative.”
Marquart researched natural energy boosters then consulted doctors and supplement manufacturers. After putting in countless hours, he developed ClearMind 4.0., an all-natural, vegan, gluten-free supplement containing vitamin B-12, L-Theanine—found in tea and used for relaxation—Alpha-GPC—European Union-approved to help prevent Alzheimer's and protect neurotransmitters— and less caffeine than two cups of coffee.
His supplement came in handy for himself when he added business owner to his already full plate.
As a senior, he competed in the Tiger Cage pitch competition modeled after ABC's “Shark Tank” and hosted by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). He gained confidence and connections to new people and resources to help move his business forward through this experience.
“The best part for me was the support from the [center’s] staff and the networking that came from it,” he said. “I was able to reach out to [director] Jan Baum, and she immediately set me up with people to talk to who could possibly help.”
After graduating in May 2017, Marquart was commissioned as an officer in the Army. But he has continued to grow his business, S.M.A.R.T. Labs LLC, which produces ClearMind 4.0. The supplement is now sold in stores across the United States from New Jersey to Texas. The product was also recently added to a subscription box company's product line. Marquart also recently presented at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit in Boston.
For other students who have business ideas but aren’t sure where to start, Marquart says the key is motivation and overcoming the fear of failure.
“You have to know that no matter what you do, it is possible to achieve your dreams,” he said. “Great things don't happen overnight so don't rush it.”
This is the third profile in a series featuring three Towson University student entrepreneurs.