If you have been in Talley Student Union — or seen clips floating around Instagram — you have probably come across him. He asks people one simple question: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Then, not long after, he comes back with that same scoop.

That is Indio Skinner, graduating senior majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. While most people know him through those short clips or quick interactions on campus, his time at NC State is really part of a much longer story — one shaped by an early drive to build things, sell things and turn ideas into something real.

Growth through the Wolfpack

As a kid, Indio started selling gum and lemonade early on, eventually moving into selling terrariums and plants to local businesses across Asheville in middle school. That drive was always within him, but coming into NC State put it into perspective. Surrounded by his ambitious peers who were already building, pitching and creating, he realized how much there was to learn — and that pushed him to lean in, not feel discouraged.

NC State gave Indio opportunities that he had not had before: pitch competitions, mentors and peers that were doing the same kind of work alongside him. During his time with the Wolfpack, he started several businesses, a few of which generated thousands of dollars. 

“I’ve grown here more than anywhere else in my life,” said Indio.

Entrepreneurship Pipeline

For Indio, being immersed in NC State’s entrepreneurship ecosystem gave him the opportunity to grow immensely. From Minute to Pitch it and VenturePack Challenge to LaunchPad and the Silicon Valley trip, each experience added another layer to how he thinks about building and what it actually takes to become a successful entrepreneur. One moment that stands out in particular is winning Minute to Pitch it just two weeks into his freshman year. 

Going into it, he and his partner made a decision: they would put in whatever hours it took to build the best pitch they could, and then let go of the outcome. “Walking up to that stage, I was literally shaking,” Indio said. “But we had done the work, and we trusted that.”

Winning that competition became a turning point. It taught him something he still carries with him: when he fully commits to something, he is capable of more than he expects. 

Where community became the catalyst

More than any singular program, the people around him were the biggest factor in his growth. Being surrounded by people who were chasing their best selves pushed Indio to do the same. “That energy is contagious, and it changed how I carry myself.” 

He noted that so much of what shaped him came from the people. Professors took the time to talk and give him practical advice, including his sales professor, who taught him how to negotiate — a skill he still leans on in every venture he has pursued since. 

Beyond the classroom, Indio was also pulled into experiences through other students who were building their own projects. Those connections led him to events in Chapel Hill, international gatherings and opportunities he says he never would have found on his own. Over time, that exposure showed him just how large the NC State network really is, far bigger than he expected upon first arrival.

“More than anything, it taught me that making genuine connections everywhere you go is one of the most powerful skills you can ever develop. That is something I will carry with me long after graduation,” noted Indio.

Life after graduation 

These experiences ultimately shaped the path that Indio is taking after graduation. They gave him the courage to pursue a career path that deviates from the traditional route, choosing instead to focus on stability and impact rather than a predictable paycheck. 

“A lot of people play it safe after graduation,” he said. “These experiences showed me it is worth taking the risk if it means chasing something you truly love and making a bigger impact.”

After graduation, he plans to use social media and content to help people learn how to lead their lives with love. Day to day, that means creating content, planning events and continuing his work with a mental health organization he has been involved in during his time at NC State. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a speaker, host retreats and travel the world connecting with people and inspiring them to think differently about their lives.