Three NIU graduates have turned a Chicago-based business development firm into their own version of DeKalb.

Alumni Vinay Mullick, David Spoeher and David O’Connor are the driving forces behind Monroestar, a business development firm that specializes in marketing, graphic design, Web site development and multimedia concepts.

“We used to joke about it,” Monroestar Media Director O’Connor said. “We always said some day we would grow old with our own company. About two years ago, Vinany called me up and said why don’t we try it? We had a pool of people that we knew from NIU and we all had different abilities and capabilities. Now we get to do the things we enjoy and that we learned at school.”

Mullick graduated from NIU in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Spoeher left in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in visual communications, while O’Connor obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1999.

The trio already has used their degrees for several projects, including the rebranding of the City Club of Chicago, a non-profit organization. Monroestar completely overhauled the company’s design with a new Web site and letterhead. They also have done work for DeKalb-based Star Properties.

O’Connor credits NIU for helping him prepare to enter the business world.

“I had some wonderful professors and was a member of so many wonderful organizations,” he said. “There were so many avenues to go down and professors that really encouraged you. There’s a big myth at Northern — there’s nothing — and that’s completely wrong.”

Monroestar Art Director Spoeher really appreciates the considerable latitude with which he operates.

“I am really excited because the economy isn’t doing that great and a lot of people in my position don’t even have a job,” he said. “I have a lot of freedom in my job and I am very excited about it.”

Spoeher encourages NIU students graduating and entering a bad economy not to give up if things don’t break your way initially.

“If you feel really strongly about what you are doing, be patient,” he said. “Some opportunities won’t come right away. If you really want to do something, don’t give up on it. Follow your dream.”