We’re excited to share that HelloCollege founder Kevin Krebs was recently featured on American Entrepreneur, the national interview series hosted by original Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington. The episode highlights HelloCollege’s mission, growth, and the powerful story behind its founding.
About Kevin Harrington and American Entrepreneur
American Entrepreneur is a nationally recognized interview series hosted by Kevin Harrington, one of the original investors on Shark Tank and a pioneer of the infomercial industry. Harrington has launched more than 500 products and built over $5 billion in sales, earning a reputation as a trailblazer in business and marketing.
Through American Entrepreneur, Harrington highlights the stories of founders who are making an impact—sharing their journeys, insights, and the missions behind their companies. We’re honored that HelloCollege and our founder, Kevin Krebs, were selected to be part of this series.
“When I saw what HelloCollege was doing to help families simplify the college process, I knew this was a service worth highlighting,” Harrington said. “Kevin’s personal journey and passion for helping students succeed really stood out.”
Interview Recap: Kevin Krebs on the Mission Behind HelloCollege
In his interview, Kevin Krebs offered a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired him to start HelloCollege, how the company supports students, and what sets the experience apart from other services.
Q: What inspired you to start HelloCollege?
As a first-generation college student whose parents were WWII refugees, Kevin shared, “They never finished middle school, but they valued education deeply.” Earning a football scholarship to Northwestern changed the course of his life. After working with inner-city students in Chicago and later exiting a successful business, Kevin launched HelloCollege in 2012 to help students and families navigate college admissions with expert support.
Q: What does working with HelloCollege look like?
Each student receives a customized team that includes a college counselor, academic tutors, test prep tutors, essay coaches, and financial aid experts. “We build a clear action plan tailored to the student’s goals,” Kevin explained, noting that HelloCollege’s proprietary S.A.F.E. framework helps families choose schools that are Socially, Academically, Financially, and Employment-wise the right fit.
Q: What makes HelloCollege different?
“We’re a true one-stop shop,” Kevin said. Unlike other services, all counseling, tutoring, and support services are in-house. More importantly, HelloCollege emphasizes long-term relationships, often staying connected with families well into their students’ college years.
Q: Who do you typically work with?
HelloCollege supports a wide range of families—those targeting top-tier universities, those with first-gen students, or those simply looking to stay on track in a complex process. “With admission rates often in the single digits, expert guidance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Kevin noted.
Q: Why invest in college counseling?
“97% of our students get into one of their top three schools,” Kevin said. But beyond admissions, students graduate with direction—choosing the right major, avoiding costly detours, and finishing on time. “It’s not just about getting in—it’s about thriving.”
Q: A success story that stuck with you?
Kevin highlighted Caesar Almeida, a first-gen student who thought Northwestern was out of reach due to its $80K price tag. With HelloCollege’s help, Caesar got in—paying just $8,000 per year—and went on to become a Fulbright Scholar. “That’s why I started this company,” Kevin said.
Looking Ahead
Being featured on American Entrepreneur is a proud moment for our team—and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Kevin’s story is a testament to the power of education and the impact the right support can make. His interview on American Entrepreneur shines a light on HelloCollege’s mission to guide students with heart, strategy, and purpose. Look out for the full interview coming soon!
To dive deeper into why expert guidance matters in today’s competitive admissions landscape, check out our FREE companion guide, Why Families Need Expert Help with College Admissions. It’s packed with valuable insights to help families make informed decisions during every stage of the college journey.
Interested in personalized college admissions support? Schedule a free consultation to learn how HelloCollege can help your student succeed—from application to graduation.
