Ben Kaufman Goes to the White House

Published March 6, 2009 at 12:59 p.m.

Former Champlain College student Ben Kaufman has been invited to the White House today to talk with "senior administration officials" about the economic crisis, according to an email I just received from his PR people. I'm guessing that Kaufman's meeting is the same one that will include Twitter co-founder Evan Williams.

You may remember Kaufman as the young lad who launched mophie (a company that made iPod accessories, which he sold) and kluster (a web-based idea-sharing platform). That's him in a photo from last year's "Burlington Brainstorm," an event designed to road-test kluster.

Not sure what exactly what Kaufman's got to say to Obama's economic team. And apparently, he's not sure, either — according to the email I got, he's currently seeking advice on what to say via kluster.

Speaking of, does anyone use kluster? As far as I can tell, it never really went anywhere, despite all the buzz. The only recent press I can find on Kaufman via Google is this random article from a media outlet in Arkansas, in which he disputes the value of a college education.

Ben Kaufman, a business owner says, "I learn more a day out of the classroom working in my business than I could learn in an entire semester.

Kaufman dropped out of college after one semester to start his own business selling iPod accessories. The 22-year-old is now starting a second business, with no regrets.

Ouch! Sorry, Champlain College.