ANGOLA, NY – Students in Eagles Manufacturing, the student-run business at Lake Shore High School, met face to face with one of their customers on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Members of the Grandview Bay Community Association brought lunch and sat down with students to plan an upcoming order. The group worked with Eagles Manufacturing on a summer merchandise sale that went very well, and they came back ready to do more.

A Business Run by Students

Eagles Manufacturing runs like a real company. Students hold every job, from CEO and CFO to teams for business, marketing and web development, manufacturing, and product design. Student CEO Tyler Spencer, Class of 2027, helped lead the conversation with the visitors.

Students walked the group through how the business works, from the first design to the finished product. They showed what they make, including printed shirts, mugs, glassware and hats. They also explained how they print designs using DTF (direct-to-film) transfers, and they shared the Eagles Manufacturing online store, which is open for orders.

Learning to Work With a Real Client

Meeting a customer in person teaches something that is hard to get from a textbook. Students practiced listening to what a client wants and building a working relationship.

The two groups talked through ideas for the next order, including how much lead time students need. The more notice the team gets, the more options it can offer.

The visit also grew the students' professional network, connecting them with community members who believe in their work. Eagles Manufacturing is a Lake Shore Central School District class co-taught by Abigail Widger and Kaitlin Millen.