CENTRAL ALUMNA ENTERS THE SHARK TANK

WRITTEN BY KANDACE TAYLOR, PHOTOS PROVIDED

ALUMNA JESSICA JACOBS THOMPSON

(BS ‘12) has had an exciting post-graduate life. She spent some time in Costa Rica for language school, worked for several companies using her kinesiology degree and got married. Now, she’s on to the most thrilling pursuit yet – helping her family grow a business. Luckily, her family got just the jumpstart they needed after an appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Thompson and her family created First Saturday Lime, a company that specializes in eco-friendly insect repellent. The business venture stems from the Okarche, Oklahoma, family’s farming roots that date back generations. First Saturday Lime was developed after the family saw the need to create a pesticide that was tough on pests but not on humans and pets. Thompson and her family are looking forward to the next steps for First Saturday Lime, following their appearance and resulting investment on “Shark Tank.” Before things get too crazy, the UCO Alumni Association had a chance to talk with her and find out more about her “Shark Tank” experience, as well as her cherished days at Central.

Q: Why did you choose UCO?

A: My mother is a professor in the psychology department, so UCO has always been a part of my family. I wanted to get a great education and knew the kinesiology program was for me.

Q: What were you involved with at Central?

A: I was on the Women’s Track team and in the Kinesiology and Health Studies Club. I also joined the Delta Zeta sorority for a year.

Q: What was the outcome of your “Shark Tank” appearance?

A: We got a deal with Mr. Wonderful (Kevin O’Leary). We are so grateful for the opportunity and excited we got to participate.

Q: How were the Sharks in person?

A: The Sharks were everything you see and more. The entire pitch and questions lasted about two hours and it gets edited down to five minutes for TV. It was intense!

Q: What advice do you have for student entrepreneurs?

A: It’s all about being brave enough to get started and never giving up. Everything after that falls into place.

Q: How did UCO help you along your newfound entrepreneurial journey?

A: Juggling school, track, work and a social life taught me to be tenacious. All my wonderful professors pushed me to work hard and challenged me daily. I love UCO, and I always love meeting alumni and sharing stories about my time there.

Q: What are the next steps for First Saturday Lime?

A: We have set out to provide the world with an alternative to pesticide. We have our work cut out for us, but we are excited to see where the journey takes us. We hope to make the world a better place and grow the company.

Q: Do you have any parting words for students?

A: Enjoy your time at UCO. It goes by in a moment. I am so appreciative of the lessons I learned and the friends I made while attending the university.