Sophomore Maxwell Bushong ‘26 is sparking innovation as a business major, volleyball athlete, and full-time executive.
Maxwell Bushong ’26 juggles responsibilities with the agility of an athlete - quite literally, as the libero for Eastern’s Men’s Volleyball team. But his game doesn’t end there. He is a full-time student here at Eastern and full-time Director of Technology and Warehouse Operations at Keystone Novelties Distributors, a fireworks retailer in Lancaster, PA. Although his schedule is packed with responsibilities, he knows that every obstacle will burst into an opportunity for growth.
Starting at Keystone Novelties Distributors in an entry level position as a teenager, Max was able to quickly climb the ladder in the company, leading him to an executive position by his freshman year of college. He holds a pivotal role in the company, overseeing point-of-sale devices, managing warehouse operations, and working directly with the president to ensure goals are being met and high-level problems are being solved.
“To play a large role in the success achieved throughout an operation of 450 locations across 10 different states up and down the East Coast is truly the most rewarding experience that I could have asked for at this stage in my life,” says Max. “But balancing a full-time position while also being a full-time student is no easy feat. I arrange my class schedule so that I can make the hour drive into the office multiple days a week, take business calls between classes, pull late nights of both studies and work, and plan my days around crucial meetings I have to attend.”
As a current sophomore in the College of Business & Leadership at Eastern, Max credits his drive for business to his father’s successes. “I grew up in an entrepreneurial household,” he describes. “My dad has worked hard to build his own successful real estate business from the ground up, and watching him work hard for something that he takes pride in has been my inspiration and motivation to work tirelessly to have my own business someday.” Watching from a young age, Max’s passions were ignited through his father’s hardwork and dedication to creating a bright future for his family. “I am making sacrifices now, so I can pave the path for a successful future for myself and my own family one day.”
Max describes Eastern as a community that encourages him to achieve what he has set out to do and supports his goals, offering him the schedule flexibility and opportunities he needs to thrive on his journey to entrepreneurship.
“One of the main reasons why I chose Eastern is because I knew I would not just be a number in a big lecture hall,” Maxwell states. “My professors show genuine care and support towards me and my future. I have the unique ability to be able to take what I have learned in the classroom and combine that with real-world application.”
Max’s drive for success, innovation, and passion for entrepreneurship mirrors the exact mission of Eastern’s College of Business & Leadership. He acts as a transformational change-agent in both business and on campus day in and day out, living out Eastern’s values in every aspect of his life.
