Every Saint Has a Story: Blake Demianenko '27

Blake Demianenko '27 had a bunch of ideas, but it took an actual light bulb for the proverbial light bulb to go off.

"If you want to make what you're worth, work for yourself."

Blake already had an entrepreneur's spirit, but his uncle's wisdom (the quote above) certainly resonated. Maybe it's genetics. Blake's uncle runs the construction company that Blake's grandfather, Phil Kingsley, started more than 50 years ago.

"My grandfather moved out of his house when he was 14 and got involved with construction doing drilling and blasting. He started his own company in his mid-20s, and he grew it into a successful business."

Blake and his older brother, Luke, know that story by heart, and they spent their teenage years brainstorming what their big idea might be. It was actually their dad who suggested what would become Hyper Connected Framework.

"My dad is really skilled with electrical work, and he's the one who said, 'Boys, this is something you can do.' He showed us how to install lights in and around our own landscaping at home. And after that, my brother and I started going door to door."

Hyper Connected Framework offers "premium landscape lighting services designed to showcase your property's natural beauty while enhancing its value and aesthetic appeal." The brothers co-own the LLC and can generate tens of thousands of dollars per job, depending on the scope and scale (see examples, below). Blake's been working full-time at their business since freshman year; Luke graduated last spring from Marist. Next summer, they plan to expand into the Naples, Florida market while also adding new services. Not yet a college graduate, and Blake has already found a way to make what he's worth, and he's committed to giving at least 10 percent of it away.

"I've always wanted to make the Earth a better place. A lot of my invention ideas are related to alternative energy sources."

Two years ago, randomly in a hallway, Blake bumped into Br. Michael Perry, O.F.M., director of the the Laudato Si' Center for Integral Ecology (until his recent appointment to Provincial Minister of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe), and they struck up a conversation. That conversation lasted for almost two hours. They talked about religion, spirituality, and sustainability, and Blake left the conversation with a chance to work in the the Laudato Si' Center. He recorded an interview with President Seifert earlier this year, and currently, he's one of two students serving on the organizing committee for next spring's integral ecology symposium. Blake and Luke also donate 10 percent of every job to a charity of their choosing, often related to ocean cleanup or environmental protection.

"Blake has made significant contributions to the Laudato Si' Center for Integral Ecology," said Br. Jacek Orzechowski, O.F.M., associate director of the the Laudato Si' Center. "As one of its student assistants, he has been very involved in helping to promote the recent Siena symposium carried out in collaboration with the School of Business. He's also been very invested in promoting energy transitions at Siena. Blake's interview with President Seifert demonstrates not only Siena students' keen interest in sustainability, but also a self-starter, go-getter approach to life. I admire Blake's desire to grow in knowledge and understanding, to make a positive difference in the world, to dare to think big, to seek justice, act with compassion, and lead with hope. Blake is also an outspoken member of the 2027 Siena Symposium Organizing Committee."

Blake, a business major with a double concentration in entrepreneurship and marketing, also credits Dan Robeson, Ph.D., director of the Stack Center and readily available access to Siena alumni entrepreneurs for sharpening his business sense. In three years, Blake has made enough money to put a significant dent into his college debt, if there was any debt. There won't be.

"My grandfather would say to me and Luke, 'Did you boys close any sales today? If not, why are you sitting on your butts?' He instilled a great work ethic in us."

Their grandfather also picked up the college tab for both boys, plus their sister and cousins. He told them, "I don't need this money, let me get rid of your debt."

The spirit of an entrepreneur can pass through the generations. Generosity is contagious too. The more money Blake makes, the more he intends to put back into saving the planet.