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After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in history, Jeremy Neren now runs his own small business out of an office in Madison, serving the late-night needs of students.

What began as Neren's plan for personal financial support after he found himself disgruntled with his first job out of college, Madtown Muncies hasbecome a steadily growing business and in the process, given campus area residents new options instead of heading outside late at night.Neren, a December 2005 UW graduate, said he was inspired to start the business in part due to his own frustration with what he perceived to be a lack of availability of "random stuff" late at night.

Neren was introduced to a similar venture while visiting friends in Washington, D.C., and said his plan to start a similar service in Madison came together over the course of a single day.

Frustrated with his post-graduate job teaching for AmeriCorps, Neren wanted to move back to Madison to be near his girlfriend, Sivan Levaton, a UW senior and co-owner of Madtown Munchies. Neren said he felt "really good and excited" about starting the project and had enough money saved to finance the business in its initial stages.

Remarkably, Neren does not have a business background — he majored in history and wanted to be a teacher after college.

His lack of business experience was not a frightening prospect when starting the venture, Neren said.

"I didn't really have time to think about being scared," he said.

Madtown Munchies opened for business in September 2006, with Neren conducting the operation out of his apartment and delivering orders to customers on his bike.

Neren now employs seven people and typicall adds new products every week.

"We always look for new products when we go shopping," Levaton said.

Neren said ice cream is by far his biggest seller, and Madison Munchies carries all but two flavors of Ben and Jerry's. He added most orders will typically include a drink, and if people can't find what they need on his site, he is happy to take requests for new items.

With his growing business geared toward a younger, late-night clientele, Neren joked that boredom is rarely a problem when he is on the job.

"I've definitely seen some funny things on delivery," he said.

According to Neren, one house he frequently delivered to was home to a group of men who made a tradition of always including a Trojan Magnum Condom with their order, along with a pack of cigarettes. He said the same group would insist he take a shot with them when he arrived with their items.

"They were the nicest group of guys you could ever meet," Neren said.

Levaton added making deliveries is not a prerequisite for amusement when working at Madtown Munchies. She said on Saturday night a female customer requested, along with 34 condoms, a dildo and a butt plug. Levaton was forced to break the news to the customer that while the business could help her out with the condoms, she would have to look elsewhere for the sex toys. The customer expressed disappointment, Levaton said, that she would have to brave the inclement weather and visit a hawker of more distinctive wares.

Customers receiving their orders commonly expressed appreciation of Madtown Munchies for the speed and convenience it offers.

"They're, like, really fast," said Annette Rodriguez, a UW freshman, as she stood in the entrance to College Library. She added Madtown Munchies is available through the meal plan at her residence hall, making the service even more attractive.

Daniel Resig, UW freshman and Towers resident, said his typical order from Madtown Munchies includes beef jerky, New York Bagel Chips, V8 Juice and cigarettes.

"Maybe it's me," he said, "but it's the only healthy thing to do."

Neren said satisfied customers such as these are a reason why his business continues to grow. He plans to increase his office space in the coming months, and said during finals Madtown Munchies will stay open until 4 a.m. to cater to the needs of diligent students — needs that often include No Doz, flash cards and energy drinks.

He added he would like to continue to see his business grow, but he wants it to happen on his terms.

"We want to grow and expand, but only within our own mold," he said.