Former Student Spotlight - Rylan Drake

Rylan Drake didn’t know where participating in his school’s Chinese classes and watching his grandpa’s interest in electronics would lead him in life. After attending Davies High School, he received a degree in International Business with a minor in Chinese from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. While a junior at Concordia, Rylan studied abroad at United International College in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. He completed an internship with Midwest Motor Express (MME), completing Chinese market research for one of their clients with a variety of other students. This internship connected him to the US Commercial Service, as MME’s Vice President of International Logistics Ron Martin serves on the North Dakota District Export Council. Rylan graduated from Concordia in May 2019 and completed his time with the US Commercial Service in December of that year. As a student, Rylan was able to meet with and learn from seasoned area businesspeople willing to share their stories and answer questions about challenges and successes encountered throughout their careers. 

While still a student at Concordia, Rylan started his own business, Red River ReCell. Using his Grandpa Clayton, who works in IT, as guide, Rylan taught himself the skills necessary to perform screen repairs, charging port repairs, home button and camera replacements, among other things. He also buys and sells refurbished cell phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and the occasional Shark vacuum. The communication skills Rylan developed as a CS student taught him to listen for what his customers are looking for so he can best provide the service that meets their needs. When asked what advice he has for students, Rylan says, “Allow yourself to think beyond your community and be open to all the opportunities that are presented to you. Learn as much as you can from every individual you encounter because everyone has a unique set of experiences and perspectives that can be used by all. Take risks while you are young, the potential benefits vastly outweigh the risks.

Rylan’s internship was supported by the North Dakota District Export Council. To read more on Rylan and Red River ReCell, click here.