New business aims to decrease costs of high school graduation ceremonies

Seth Yon was convinced there had to be a better way for high school students to buy their caps and gowns for their graduation ceremony.

So, he launched Michigan Grads, a service that provides everything needed for students and their families to celebrate high school graduation.

Yon says it is not uncommon within the graduation industry for prices to vary widely between schools and come with unreasonable price pressure to order early.

"When graduates would have to purchase a cap and gown, we found the price would vary depending on when and where it was ordered. That shouldn't matter. Everyone should expect to pay the exact same price, no matter what school district they are in," he says. "The industry would also pressure for orders in fall and early winter. Families (were) not ready to purchase at that time, but were penalized for waiting to order closer to graduation."

With Michigan Grads, Yon says he has created a program where there is one set price, regardless of where and when it is ordered, and he also has eliminated shipping and storage costs for high schools by handling those services through his business. The end result, according to Yon, is lower costs for both students and schools.

The firm was launched in August of 2012 and currently employs 12 people. It  services the high school industry within the state of Michigan, but has plans to expand to other states in the near future. Besides caps and gowns, Michigan Grads also provides other products, such as custom invitations and branded merchandise for participating schools.

Michigan Grads is located at 678 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. To learn more about the business, you can visit their site here.

Source: Seth Yon, Michigan Grads
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor