Alumnus Beatty London learned valuable life lessons at UK

Beatty London ’00 BE says majoring in business at the University of Kentucky gave him his first taste of the business world. “I knew all along I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “College proved to me I have what it takes to be disciplined, manage my time, and complete oftentimes difficult tasks that I don’t like.”

London, owner of Stolo Inc., says playing soccer at UK also contributed to his success after graduation. “Being a student-athlete was like having a job. The leadership, team, and people skills carry over to everyday life.”

It was his background in business, and his tenacity to see a dream become reality that led to his current business venture. Around 2002, while still in grad school, London had the idea to start his own clothing line and put each state on the chest and call it Stolo: The Official State Polo. “I knew it was a simple yet powerful idea that was unique and people would relate to it,” he says.

In 2009, he began work to turn his idea into a business, with best friend Renauld Davis, and later Chase Feldman. Today they are owners of Stolo Inc., representing Kentucky in style. Now, he says, the hard work is paying off. “I love choosing who I want to work with, where, and when. I basically enjoy the opportunity to control my time,” says London. “It always humbles me and just makes me smile that I’m going after my dream … and also help the economy.”

London recalls several favorite professors who inspired his career, including Larry Grubeau, whose passionate interest in his subject matter (plants and agriculture) made the class interesting and fun. “Also, in graduate school, Dr. Weiner first introduced me to the importance of emotional intelligence and how that plays a role in our daily lives and how to use it to your advantage in goal achievement,” says London.

His goals for the future are both personal and business related. He wants to travel more, and also expand the Stolo line of clothing. In his free time, London loves to dance. A personal trainer by day, he puts staying healthy and working out at the top of his list. He is also a big reader, citing Ernest Holmes, Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay as some of his favorite authors.

While a student, London became interested in recycling through the UK Recycling Club, and to this day he is an avid recycler. “It taught me how something as simple as recycling can impact our local economy, living standards, and future generations,” he says. And that’s just the kind of guy London is — concerned about the welfare of others and helping to impact future generations.

London says his special memories of being a student include winning the conference championship for the first time and being on the first UK soccer team to make it to the NCAA tournament. He added that he gained some of his best friends there and learned important lessons about life.

Also during his time at UK, the men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA Championship game three times. “The celebration at Woodland & Euclid avenues was one I will never forget,” says London. “I was kind of a spoiled Cats fan early on!”

London is active in the Fayette County UK Alumni Club and plans to donate a percentage of profits from his company to its scholarship fund.