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Slava Menn
Principal at The Present Hotels
Professional Background
Slava Menn is a passionate entrepreneur and the principal of Labrador Real Estate, where he seeks innovative opportunities in real estate development. As part of a dedicated team, he engages in revitalizing neighborhoods and transforming tired buildings into vibrant living spaces. Emphasizing the importance of community and financial freedom, Slava believes in the idea that real estate investing is not merely a profession but a way to help individuals achieve their New American Dream. This concept reflects a shift in perspective, away from the traditional focus on hard work for mere survival, towards the pursuit of happiness, passion, and fulfilling lifestyles.
In addition to his work in real estate, Slava is the CEO of Fortified Bicycle, a design-focused company aiming to enhance the safety of urban cycling. Their mission embodies Slava's belief that better cities are shaped by efficient transportation solutions and educated citizens. With a successful Kickstarter launch, Fortified Bicycle continues to innovate in the realm of bicycle safety and urban mobility.
Slava's entrepreneurial journey includes a significant achievement as the co-founder of Socrative, an education technology firm that has made a profound impact on classrooms worldwide. The software developed by Socrative is used by approximately 800,000 students and teachers, showcasing Slava's commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology.
In his community engagement efforts, he dedicates time to teaching entrepreneurship to students in the Boston Public School System, specifically through the BUILD Boston initiative. This program inspires young minds to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable path toward achieving their goals, reinforcing Slava's dedication to education and community development.
Education and Achievements
Slava Menn is academically accomplished, holding three advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) from Boston University. Following that, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His educational journey has been complemented by his role as a guest lecturer at both Boston University and the MIT Sloan School, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship with the next generation of leaders.
Slava's entrepreneurial spirit was evident even during his college years. He successfully bootstrapped BarFrog.com, an online nightlife marketing company that expanded to include 12 employees and service 30 clients, including well-known brands like Bacardi, Universal Music Group, and the Boston Celtics. This early venture laid the groundwork for his future success and showcases his ability to build and grow scalable business models.
Slava's leadership and contributions to various organizations further demonstrate his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. He previously served as a principal at The Present Hotels and is recognized for his strategic and creative thinking as the former co-president of the MIT Sloan Entrepreneurship Club. Other notable roles include his position as the Director of Product Marketing at Boston Micromachines Corporation and as a co-founder of MIT IdeaStorm, where he facilitated entrepreneurial discussions and initiatives.
Notable Achievements
- Labrador Real Estate: As the principal, Slava plays a pivotal role in establishing innovative real estate ventures that contribute to community revitalization and personal freedom.
- Fortified Bicycle: Under his leadership, the company emphasizes safety and design for urban cyclists, reflecting a commitment to improving city infrastructure.
- Socrative: The education technology company he co-founded significantly enhanced live classroom experiences for nearly 800,000 users worldwide.
- Teaching Contributions: Dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among students, Slava teaches at Boston Public School System and supports initiatives that align education with real-world business applications.
- BarFrog.com: Slava bootstrapped this successful nightlife marketing company during his college years, showcasing his early entrepreneurial skills.
- Academic Engagement: He serves as a guest lecturer at respected institutions like MIT Sloan and Boston University, sharing his extensive knowledge and real-world experiences with aspiring entrepreneurs.
In summary, Slava Menn is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur whose experience spans multiple industries, with a clear focus on educational impact, community development, and real estate investment. His impressive background in technology and commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem plays a vital role in shaping a better future for both individuals and communities. His passion for finding opportunities, along with his educational dedication, provides a model for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to balance life, liberty, and the pursuit of their dreams.
