For Jefferson finance students John Sexton and Stone Campbell, success isn’t limited to the classroom or the soccer field. As student-athletes and co-founders of Northline Digitals, they’re already applying business principles to help companies grow while building their own entrepreneurial venture.
The pair’s journey reflects the Jefferson School of Business mission of combining experiential learning, innovation and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for impactful careers, says Dean Philip Russel.
Sexton has spent years developing leadership skills through competitive soccer and youth mentoring. His experiences as a camp counselor and coach have strengthened his ability to lead teams, communicate effectively and help others achieve their goals, he says.
Campbell brings a blend of technical expertise and customer-focused business experience. Before launching Northline, he gained experience in customer service and fast-paced operations in the restaurant industry and developed web design and digital marketing skills through freelance projects for clients in the United States and Canada.
Jefferson Finance Students Use Classroom Knowledge to Launch Company
In the School of Business, experiential learning opportunities create real-world impact.
Friends, business partners and student-athletes (l-r) John Sexton and Stone Campbell founded Northline Digitals to help companies strengthen their online presence.
Discipline, preparation, teamwork, adaptability and resilience are essential whether you’re competing on the field or building a business.
Together, the two transformed their shared entrepreneurial ambitions into Northline Digitals, a web development and digital marketing company focused on helping local businesses strengthen their online presence.
“We designed Northline Digitals to provide businesses with modern websites, technical SEO optimization and digital growth strategies,” Sexton says. “Our goal is to help organizations improve online visibility, generate qualified leads and compete more effectively in today’s digital marketplace.”
Many skills required in sports directly translate to entrepreneurship, Campbell notes. “Discipline, preparation, teamwork, adaptability and resilience are essential whether you’re competing on the field or building a business.”
Their student-athlete backgrounds provide a competitive advantage, too, Sexton says. Managing demanding academic schedules, athletic commitments and business responsibilities requires time management and accountability. Those same skills help them deliver results for clients while continuing to excel at Jefferson.
By combining finance, technology, marketing and leadership, John and Stone exemplify the innovative mindset that defines the Jefferson School of Business.
“The launch of Northline Digitals demonstrates how Jefferson students leverage classroom knowledge and experiential learning opportunities to create real-world impact before graduation,” Russel says. “By combining finance, technology, marketing and leadership, John and Stone exemplify the innovative mindset that defines the Jefferson School of Business.”
As they continue growing their company and careers, the co-founders remain focused on helping businesses succeed while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience that will shape their futures.
“Entrepreneurship is more than a business venture,” Campbell says. “It’s an opportunity to turn classroom concepts into meaningful solutions and demonstrate the power of student innovation in action.”
Learn more about Jefferson’s finance program below and the new Jefferson College of Business here.