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For Ryan Margulis ’15, entrepreneurship means more than profit margins and event bookings—it’s about building something that lasts: a business and a community.
At Emmanuel, connections come full circle when current students land internships with alumni who once walked the same halls. This series spotlights opportunities powered by our Saint-to-Saint network.
Inspired by his love for grilled cheese and commitment to environmental causes, Margulis founded Bees and Thank You shortly after graduating from Emmanuel. The concept was simple yet powerful: sell gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with local ingredients from food trucks at festivals, fairs, and concerts—and use the platform to raise awareness about the plight of honey bees.
Since then, Bees and Thank You has grown into a mission-driven company known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, sustainability efforts, and grassroots social impact. Indeed, Margulis has gone beyond building a brand—he’s created a platform for purpose-driven work. This summer, he used that platform to invest in the next generation of Saints.
Margulis welcomed a team of Emmanuel College interns into the heart of his operation, offering mentorship, responsibility, and the kind of hands-on learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world experience.
“At Emmanuel, I had the kind of community support that helped me take risks and grow,” Margulis said. “Now I get to offer that same foundation to the next generation.”
Learning That Matters
With a core team of six full-time employees—including another Emmanuel alum—and more than two dozen contractors powering a packed summer schedule, Bees and Thank You blends hospitality, logistics, marketing, and mission. That mission—rooted in environmental stewardship and community engagement—is what drew the interns in.
“I was initially interested in applying what I’ve learned in a real-world setting,” said Grace Macmillan ’26, a Business Management major. “But what made it more appealing was the company’s commitment to the environment and giving back. The combination of hands-on experience and purpose-driven work aligned with my career goals and personal values.”
Marketing major Olivia Hardro ’26 echoed that. “What drew me to this opportunity was the company’s mission—its emphasis on sustainability and community impact," she said. "Knowing the organization is led by an Emmanuel alum made the opportunity feel both meaningful and accessible."
Madison Hinkley ’26, a Communications major, was sold after meeting Margulis at an on-campus event. "The company felt unique and close-knit—like a place where I could grow professionally while contributing to something bigger,” she said.
From social media campaigns and influencer outreach to event logistics and menu redesigns, the interns tackled meaningful projects that reflected both their majors and their aspirations. Along the way, they gained fluency with CRM tools, content management platforms, and emerging AI technologies—while sharpening communication and teamwork.
“They’re gaining marketable skills through experiential learning—they’re not fetching coffee,” Margulis said.
Hardro described the lightbulb moment when strategy turned into action:
“Designing posts for live events challenged me to think creatively under constraints—something that doesn’t always happen in the classroom. This internship affirmed my passion for social media and opened my eyes to paths I hadn’t considered.”
“Working with an Emmanuel alum has been one of the most inspiring parts of this experience,” she added. “The mentorship gave me guidance, encouragement, and insight into how to navigate early career steps.”
Hinkley said the experience gave her a well-rounded view of communications work in action. “I’ve worked on everything from social content to email campaigns and in-person outreach,” she said. “This internship showed me how the field of communications can be both dynamic and rooted in fun, especially when you're working toward something meaningful.”
“One of the main takeaways I’ll carry forward in my career is the importance of positive relationships and community building,” she added. “That’s a lesson you can only get through real experience.”
Macmillan, who focused on design, logistics, and research, said the variety of projects helped her discover new passions. “I’ve realized how much I enjoy the strategy and planning side of marketing,” she said. “This internship has given me direction—and confidence.”
“Being part of an organization that’s making a difference has shown me how fulfilling it is to align your career with your values,” she said.
From Intern to Employee
Owen Peace ’25 knows firsthand how an internship with Bees and Thank You can launch a career. After earning his Business Management degree in May, he joined the company full-time as an Event Specialist. He now plays a key role in sales, operations, and mentoring new interns.
“I met Ryan at an internship fair on campus, then worked a few events that fall, including Halloween weekend in Salem,” Peace said. “We stayed in touch, and by January I was making calls, sending emails, and helping design the new summer internship program.”
His passion and work ethic stood out.
“Ryan appreciated how dedicated I was—even with behind-the-scenes tasks like health permits and follow-ups,” he said. “I’ve always been drawn to unorthodox work environments, and his style resonated with me.”
Now he helps guide the newest interns. “It’s full circle. Ryan helped me grow, and now I’m helping others do the same.”
Margulis’s own experience as an Emmanuel intern shaped his philosophy:
“My internship taught me what it really takes—time, energy, and grit—to build something of your own,” he said. “I want to give students that same shot: to test what they love, work hard, and build something real.”
That shared experience resonated with this year’s interns.
“Having a mentor who’s also an Emmanuel grad made everything feel more personal,” said Macmillan. “He’s walked the same halls—that connection made a huge difference.”
“Internships can be intimidating,” added Hinkley. “But this one felt like a continuation of everything I’ve been learning at Emmanuel—just taken to the next level.”