Devyn Mikell

Operations and Supply Chain Management Alumnus

When Devyn Mikell, ’17, was soaring through the air as a jumper for the Indiana State University men’s track and field team, few would have expected that his greatest leaps would take place far from the field of college athletics. Now an operations and supply chain management alumnus from Avon, Indiana, as a student-athlete Mikell thrived on the camaraderie of a winning team and was supported by coaches and peers who helped him hone his skills.

But even then, his eyes were set on a future beyond athletics – a future fueled by entrepreneurship, innovation, and a deep desire to make a positive impact in the world.

Today, Mikell stands as a trailblazer in the world of recruitment technology. As the co-founder of Qualifi, a cutting-edge software company designed to streamline the hiring process, Mikell is transforming the way companies connect with job candidates. The platform allows recruiters to conduct pre-recorded voice interviews, saving time and enabling them to engage with more candidates quickly and efficiently.

“Recruiters are usually underserved as a business unit, and they’re still using old methods of hiring,” Mikell explains. “Candidates are no longer waiting around for recruiters to make a move. They’re taking opportunities elsewhere. If we can speed up the hiring process and make it more efficient, everyone benefits.”

But Mikell’s journey to success began long before Qualifi. His entrepreneurial roots were planted while he was a student at Indiana State. In 2016, during his junior year, he co-founded Twisted Fry, a mobile food truck offering late-night snacks to college students. The idea was sparked by a simple yet crucial observation: students needed a convenient and safe food option late at night, without having to drive across town.

With his fellow track athlete, DeSean Prentice, Mikell not only recognized the business opportunity in meeting this need but also saw a chance to promote safety by reducing drunk driving. Successfully navigating city regulations, Mikell and Prentice launched Twisted Fry, the first mobile food experience in Terre Haute.

“Twisted Fry was our opportunity to follow through on an idea and learn more about managing a business. We wanted to create a unique atmosphere in the city and on campus. It resonated with people,” Mikell says.

Twisted Fry has since closed, but at its peak, it was the most-followed food establishment on social media in Terre Haute. The truck’s menu, featuring fan favorites like the Dark Knight angus cheeseburger, Total Chaos buffalo fries, Knockout Wings, and deep-fried Oreos, attracted long lines of customers and gave Mikell invaluable lessons in business management, customer relations, and community engagement.

The Sycamore also credits his education at Indiana State’s Scott College of Business for helping him navigate the business world.

“I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and my degree helped me explore my career plans in a close-knit program,” he says. “As an entrepreneur, you have to think differently and solve problems pretty quickly. My career started when I was a college student. I received a lot of support from my professors. The connections I made at Indiana State played a huge role in helping me stay motivated.”

After graduating in 2017, Mikell was ready for the next challenge. His vision shifted from feeding late-night cravings to technology innovation. Alongside his brother, he founded Qualifi. Mikell is proud that the company efficiently connects candidates with career opportunities. He learned from experience how to achieve goals, even during challenges.

“I always listen first if a problem comes up. Every wall is just a hurdle. You have to take baby steps and keep going,” he says.

Under Mikell’s leadership, Qualifi has earned such accolades as the TechPoint Exceptional Employer Mira Award and multiple Best Places to Work in Indiana honors. In 2024, Mikell was named one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “20 in Their Twenties” recipients – an honor recognizing his contributions to the tech industry and his forward-thinking approach to business innovation.

“It was a blessing to be honored for the work I’ve done so far, and it lets me know that I’m heading in the right direction in my career,” Mikell comments. “It was nice to meet other recipients who are business managers and CEOs. I’ve known past recipients, so it’s nice to be a part of that group. I’m on the right path.”

Mikell’s journey is far from over. As he looks to the future, his next goal is to purchase and lead a business alongside his father, all while continuing to inspire others to push for personal growth. “I want to motivate others to become better versions of themselves, just as I strive to do every day,” he says.

Outside of running Qualifi and other business ventures, Mikell is also deeply involved in mentoring student-athletes as the assistant track and field coach at Marian University. His passion for track remains strong, and he is dedicated to passing on the guidance and mentorship he received during his time at Indiana State.

“Track has always been an important part of my life. I’m grateful for the coaches who mentored me at Indiana State, and I want to be a similar mentor to my student-athletes,” he says. “It’s my turn to give back. I want to make a positive impact on them.”

Though Mikell’s early success is impressive, he understands that entrepreneurship is a journey full of risks. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Don’t be afraid to fail.

“It’s easy to fail when you’re just starting out because there’s less pressure. There’s a safety net to fail. No one judges you, so go for it,” Mikell shares. That, he explained, is why he felt comfortable starting a business, Twisted Fry, in college. That success led him to bigger things.

“Try something new. Start a business. Take the leap and see where it takes you,” he advises.

For Mikell, it’s all about embracing the unknown and remaining committed to continuous growth. Whether he’s building a tech company or guiding future athletes, he goes ALL IN and then some, proving that with boldness, determination, and a willingness to take risks, the possibilities are boundless.