Travel is a passion for Michael Szymczak ’06.

Music is equally important, which explains why Szymczak started the company OrigAudio with a friend. They developed portable audio products, including a fold-and-play speaker set powered off an iPod, and a unit that turns common objects—such as a cup—into a speaker.

The products were cited by Time in the “Top 50 Best Inventions of 2009.”

With sales in more than 500 stores across 25 countries and on QVC, Szymczak successfully pitched his company during an ABC’s Shark Tank episode earlier this year, winning the financial support of a major investor.