As the founder of Baya Bar, Billy Loesch ’08 has built a growing national brand by pairing an entrepreneurial spirit with the resilience to keep moving forward through every challenge.

After graduating from Xaverian, Billy studied business management at Monmouth University and began his career selling life insurance. His ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable quickly proved to be a strength, eventually leading him to the fast-paced world of Wall Street.

But in 2015, a downturn in the market, particularly in oil and gas, devastated his book of business.

“I lost everything,” Billy recalls. “It was the lowest point of my life.”

What followed was an unexpected turning point. Nearing burnout, Billy agreed to a last-minute trip with a friend. They had packed their bags for Austin, but after checking the weather, changed course and headed to San Diego instead.

There, a chance conversation at a restaurant changed his perspective. Billy met someone who had also experienced failure on Wall Street before taking a chance on a new venture: selling LED lightbulbs on Amazon. Within a few years, that side business had grown into an $800,000 success.

“That conversation was a wake-up call,” Billy says. “I realized I needed to take a risk on myself.”

Billy returned home ready to do just that. Recognizing an opportunity in New York’s growing health and wellness market, he began developing the concept that would become Baya Bar, a health-focused açaí bowl shop.

“There were smoothie shops everywhere, but no one was doing açaí bowls at a high level in the best city in the world.”

On December 28, 2016, Billy opened his first Baya Bar. He immersed himself in developing the concept, refining the product, and building the brand. Within a year, three locations were open.

Today, Baya Bar has grown to over 35 locations, with more than 15 additional stores in development and expansion underway in states including Florida, Utah, Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Carolina, and most recently, Mississippi. Billy’s vision is to eventually grow Baya Bar to more than 100 locations and establish it among the nation’s leading health and wellness franchises.

His entrepreneurial pursuits extend beyond Baya Bar. Billy is also the owner of Terina, a modern Italian restaurant in Bay Ridge, and is involved in real estate and content creation. His newest venture, a motivational podcast, offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, including both its opportunities and its challenges.

“It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay,” he says. “You don’t have to grind 24/7 to be fulfilled.”

Through it all, Billy continues to look back on his years at Xaverian and the lessons that helped shape his approach to both business and life.

“Whether it was sports, Model UN, or the IB program, everyone was pushing themselves,” he says. “It helped me embrace challenges instead of fearing them.”

Now a father of two and once again building a life in Bay Ridge, Billy’s journey has brought him back close to where it all began. His path has included success, setbacks, unexpected turns, and plenty of risks, but through each chapter, he has continued to move forward with the same competitive spirit, resilience, and commitment to growth that took root during his years at Xaverian.