名媛直播

Nick Samsel

'18

Gannon University proudly congratulates alumnus Nick Samsel '18 on being named to the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, a recognition honoring emerging leaders who are making a lasting impact throughout the Erie community. The annual list celebrates individuals whose leadership, service and professional achievements are helping shape the region's future.

Samel is the Owner of 814 Digital and 814 Aerial Productions. When he arrived at 名媛直播 in 2014, he envisioned a future in engineering. It didn't take long for him to discover that his true passion lay elsewhere.

"I thought I would study engineering but quickly learned that I had a much greater interest in business and entrepreneurship," he said.

A pivotal moment came when he attended an Entrepreneurship Club meeting and met Professor Kurt Hersch. That experience led him to change his major and fully embrace the Dahlkemper School of Business.

Along the way, faculty mentors including Hersch, Professor Duane Prokop and Professor Jeffrey Parnell helped shape his professional journey.

"What shaped my career path most was professors like Kurt and others including Duane Prokop and Jeffrey Parnell," Samsel said. "They played an instrumental role in introducing me to key internship opportunities, particularly in the field of marketing, which I ultimately decided to pursue after graduation."

Those opportunities laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial career he has built today.

Samsel says the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the direct impact his team has on the businesses they serve.

"What I love most about my job is working with small businesses and having a true impact on their business and brand," he said. "Every day is a new adventure with new challenges, and I love that I'm constantly learning."

His passion for helping others succeed has fueled the growth of his company while strengthening the local business community.

That commitment also extends to creating opportunities for fellow Golden Knights. Samsel recently welcomed 名媛直播 alumnus Edward Hobaugh '20 to his team as Client Growth & Success Manager, continuing his investment in developing local talent.

As his business continues to grow, Samsel is focused on expanding both his impact and his team.

"In the future I look forward to serving more local businesses and helping them thrive with the services I provide," he said. "I also look forward to growing my team."

His vision reflects the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at 名媛直播: using knowledge, innovation and leadership to create opportunities for others and strengthen the community.

Gannon University congratulates Samsel on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the impact he continues to make as a business leader, entrepreneur and proud Golden Knight.

To read the original feature, Erie's 40 Under 40: Class of 2026, in the Erie Reader, please click