For many, the hustle mentality is just a mentality. For economics major Vaughn Taylor ’25, however, hustling is a way of life.
It is that exact lifestyle of Wabash College that initially drew in Taylor.
“I was bought into the hard route,” he said. “I knew that after college, I wanted to put myself in the best spot to provide for my family, and I saw Wabash as a place to eliminate distractions, grind, and focus on what I wanted to do.”
For Taylor, hustling goes beyond wealth or recognition—it represents security, something his family lacked growing up.
“My first dream job was to become an ice cream truck driver. But when I realized that they don't make enough money, I didn't want to be an ice cream truck driver anymore,” he recalled with a laugh. “I've always been conscious of money. Even at the grocery store, I was aware of what we could and couldn't afford. That's my main motivation: security. I want to be able to care for myself and others financially in a way I never experienced growing up.”
Cassie Hagan, director of professional development and the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship (CIBE), recognized Taylor's hardworking and financially-driven mindset when she met him in his freshman year of CIBE.
“I was initially impressed with Vaughn,” Hagan said. “Coming in, I thought he carried himself well and took full advantage of all the learning and networking opportunities presented through the program.”
The CIBE program allows students to engage in real-world projects with real businesses, non-profits, and startups. Student consultants work with client partners, including many Wabash alumni, to develop leadership, communication, and professional skills.
“In a class of 20 CIBE students, there's going to be a pretty good range of different personalities. What I noticed about Vaughn is that he embodies that hustle culture of an entrepreneur, and he's willing to try things and go for it, even if it's not perfect.” Hagan noted.
So, when the opportunity for a student to intern with Wabash alumnus and venture capitalist Josh Kline ’99 at GoCode Overland arose, Hagan knew they would be a perfect fit.
Kline, co-founder of GoCode Overland, a company specializing in Mercedes Sprinter vans, was immediately impressed by Taylor.
“Vaughn's 'learn-it-all mentality' was an instant hit with the team,” Kline said, referring to Taylor's internship following his sophomore year. “He just wanted to learn all aspects of the business.”
Taylor acknowledges the value of seeking a challenge and the mentorship provided by the Wabash network.
“I owe a lot of what I learned that summer to Kline's mentorship,” said Taylor. “He was a great teacher. I learned how to communicate effectively and build trust-based relationships.”
Under Kline's guidance, Taylor honed skills that made him an effective leader both at Wabash and in the growing van industry.
“Vaughn has become part of the brand of GoCode and has even made a name for himself in the van building industry and on the West Coast,” commented Kline. “And Vaughn’s character trait of enthusiasm is what separates him. He knows how to make connections, and you can’t fake enthusiasm.”
These connections inspired Taylor to start his own marketing consulting agency, Revitalize Agency LLC, for small businesses while still a student at Wabash. He saw immense value in sharing his sales knowledge to help others achieve the financial stability he did not have growing up.
“I never realized how much I wanted to give back until I reflected on the skills I gained from Wabash and my internship with Kline,” said the young businessman.
Beyond his business ventures, Taylor's hustle sparked a desire to share opportunities with the next generation of challenge-seeking Wabash men through a new program called REVelry.
REVelry is a three-month, intern-to-hire program designed to connect high-potential Wabash graduates with early-stage companies, developing the next generation of elite sales professionals. The program is connected to Wabash Career Services to encourage students to build networking and business skill.
“The goal is to create an action-packed summer of mentorship, similar to the springboard I've experienced over the past two years,” Taylor explained. “I want to foster an environment for Wabash men to challenge themselves toward financial success.”
After graduation, Taylor plans to take on a full time position at GoCode while continuing to build the REVelry program alongside his mentor, Josh Kline, and encourage Wabash students to embrace the hustle.
“Life and Wabash are challenging,” Taylor said. “But seeking challenges is necessary to create good, spirited, driven young men. It's essential for becoming better humans and achieving a sense of security.”