ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: Robert De Corah Brings an Entrepreneur’s Perspective to Junior Achievement

Image caption: Robert De Corah, entrepreneur and JAEI Corridor Community Impact Board member, supports local students through his storytelling, board service, and business initiatives.

For Robert De Corah, entrepreneurship means recognizing opportunities and taking action. As the founder of Ajax Media, Ellis House, and Rivet Rentals—and a member of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s Corridor Community Impact Board—he brings that perspective to both his businesses and his support for young people.

Robert founded video production company Ajax Media in 2018. His ventures also include Ellis House, a creative studio and event space in Cedar Rapids, and Rivet Rentals, featuring a vintage Airstream. Across these businesses, creativity and a willingness to try something different have helped shape his approach.

“In entrepreneurship, there is never a ‘right time,’” Robert shared. “You move fast and pivot faster.”

Seeing JA’s Impact Through the Camera

Robert’s connection to Junior Achievement extends beyond board meetings. Having filmed nearly every JAEI program, he has had a firsthand look at the experiences that help students connect classroom learning with their futures.

Through his camera, Robert helps JAEI tell those stories—giving families, educators, volunteers, and supporters a closer look at students exploring careers, making financial decisions, and discovering their own abilities. His work combines his professional skills with his interest in helping young people build knowledge they can use throughout their lives.

Turning Everyday Recyclables Into Student Opportunities

Robert is also finding another way to support that work. He has committed to donating all cans collected at Ellis House to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa through Can Shed.

The commitment makes giving back part of the everyday operation of his event space, turning collected cans into support for local students. It is another example of how Robert connects his businesses with his involvement in the community.

Encouraging the Next Generation

Robert believes young people benefit from learning about entrepreneurship and financial literacy early. Exploring an idea, working through challenges, and understanding how a business operates can help students prepare for a wide range of futures.

His advice to a young person considering entrepreneurship is direct: “Start now. Don’t wait. An entrepreneur finds a way.”

That willingness to begin—and learn along the way—reflects the opportunities Junior Achievement gives students to practice making decisions, solving problems, and taking initiative.

Through his board service, storytelling, and support from Ellis House, Robert is helping more young people see what is possible and take their own next steps.

Thank you, Robert, for sharing your creativity, time, and resources with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa!