honeygrow Founder and CEO Justin Rosenberg Serves as Scarpa Center’s Inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence
Beginning fall 2022, Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of the fast-casual restaurant, honeygrow, will serve as the inaugural entrepreneur in residence (EIR) for Villanova Law’s John F. Scarpa Center for Entrepreneurship and Law.
During his semester-long tenure in the role, Rosenberg will hold regular office hours to mentor Villanova Law students (virtually and in-person) as well as other students across campus, advise and coach for student competitions and offer guest lectures in courses aligned with his expertise.
Traditionally, EIRs hold positions in venture capital firms. However, in recent years, more universities have launched EIR programs, including the business school at Miami University, Stanford’s Graduate School of Education and Harvard’s Office of Technology Development.
“We are proud to launch the Entrepreneur in Residence program and welcome Justin Rosenberg to the Villanova Law community,” said Mark Alexander, the Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law. “This position allows our students to learn from innovators and entrepreneurs and understand how the law and attorneys play a vital role in entrepreneurial endeavors. Justin brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to this role. We are fortunate to have him with us this semester.”
Established in Philadelphia, honeygrow has 29 locations in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, with plans for additional locations as well. A hands-on CEO, Rosenberg has experience with all aspects of building and running a company, from real estate to human resources to negotiations—and he knows that attorneys can play a vital role in helping a business succeed.
“In my world, we are dealing with business agreements, partners, insurance…in all these facets we work with really great attorneys,” he said. “Outside of the legal framework—the best attorneys I’ve worked with approach things from a pragmatic standpoint. They can break things down into very simple terms for everyone involved. It’s not just technical [things] – it’s dealing with other parties and reading the room.”
A frequent visitor and guest lecturer at universities—including previous work with Villanova Law—Rosenberg is drawn to working with students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I had people like that with honeygrow,” he explained.” I think we all need to do something to give back, and I’ve found it’s a value add for both sides.”
The EIR position is key to the Scarpa Center’s vision and mission to focus on the intersection of business and law through cross-disciplinary programming, groundbreaking coursework and real-world learning opportunities. The center plans to have an EIR in residence each semester during the academic year.
“Entrepreneurs have a mindset that I believe is very helpful for attorneys,” said Center Director and John F. Scarpa Professor of Entrepreneurship MarySheila McDonald. “We want our students to understand the entrepreneurial mindset, learn how to take ownership in their own careers and how to be a partner to their future clients. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Justin as our first entrepreneur in residence.”
Justin Rosenberg will be on campus throughout the fall semester. His office is located in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Law in John F. Scarpa Hall.