Ben Kaufman Goes to the White House

March 06, 2009

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.