By Ashley Bornancin 
Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University

(UWire)--For most seniors, winter is the time to add finishing touches to resumes and establish portfolios to present to companies in hopes of obtaining careers toward their future dream job.

But priorities are a bit different for Indiana University seniors Jessica Keckhaver and Aaron Lifford. They aren't looking to work for others, because they already work for themselves.

These two seniors are co-founders of their own company, Prodigy Staffing Solutions, that specializes in "food services and hospitality staffing." They have been working on developing the growth of their company since their sophomore year of college.

Keckhaver, who serves as president - owning 51 percent of the company - handles all of the administrative work and has a full staff on call to work for businesses, such as hotels and catering companies, that need extra part-time staff for events.

Working out of Bloomington through online databases and telephone appointments, the two entrepreneurs commute to Indianapolis every weekend to manage the company, taking on about 35 hours of work each week.

Keckhaver's primary responsibility lies in recruiting new members to the staff, researching new ways for future business development and running recruitment training.

Lifford, co-founder and CEO, oversees the work of their full-time employee in Indianapolis, addresses clientele problems and is always looking for new ways to improve the efficiency of the business.

Keckhaver and Lifford each bring different qualities to the table while also maintaining a relationship as high school sweethearts from Indianapolis.With only two years of college and $500 in the bank, a business was in the making.

"I'm more of the risk taker and she's more of the voice of reason," Lifford said.

Before tending to the chaos of running a business, the seniors found their inspiration from chatting with Lifford's grandfather, who had worked in the staffing industry for more than 15 years. With only two years of college and $500 in the bank, a business was in the making.

From free online posting and advertising to sending out fliers at career fairs, Prodigy Staffing Solutions took off, overcoming Keckhaver's goal of earning $60,000 in revenue with a team of 75 staff members. They have made $150,000 in revenue and employed 140 people in the first year alone.

The company now contributes its business services to well-known companies throughout the Indianapolis area, including companies like the Hilton Hotels, Oak Hill Mansion and Thomas Caterers of Distinction.

Keckhaver not only surpassed her career goals, but did so while maintaining full-time college status. She plans to graduate from the Kelley School of Business with honors in May.

But Keckhaver said there were some challenges to being young entrepreneurs. Their biggest obstacle was funding the operations. She and Lifford both contributed money earned from part-time jobs to build up the success of their business.

The distance between Indianapolis and Bloomington also threatened their daily schedules as well, sometimes making it hard to balance classes with company appointments.

Jessica's father, David Keckhaver, who helped support the young entrepreneurs and worked with them on staffing events, said he was primarily concerned that school still remains their first priority.

"Jessica is very diligent and driven to succeed in all aspects of her career and in her life," he said. 

Combining their talents, both students said they were happy with the sacrifices they made for their company, providing them with many opportunities for the future.

"I'm really excited to work for myself after I graduate," Keckhaver said.

From all the experience Keckhaver and Lifford gained over the past two years, they encourage young entrepreneurs to take time to develop a company and to take "calculated risks."

As for these seniors, their hearts remain in the food industry. As Keckhaver said, "People always have a good time around food."