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Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
A Scheller finance student who loves staying active, cooking, videography, and off-grid outdoor adventures.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue your undergraduate degree?
I do not have a specific person who influenced my decision to pursue my degree, but I have always had an interest in entrepreneurship and personal finance. I remember flipping an item on eBay and making my first $100. I realized the opportunity for value creation within business.
I later used my creative skills to start a videography business, securing clients in real estate, wedding, churches, and nonprofits. These ventures eventually led me to Scheller to further develop my knowledge.
What was your favorite business course and why?
One of my favorite business courses was Financial Institutions with Gary Jones. He was an outstanding professor and regularly brought in C-Suite speaker, giving us opportunities to gain real-world business insight.
What advice would you give to an incoming Scheller student?
I would advise an incoming Scheller student to get involved early. There are plenty of organizations to join for social and professional reasons. Join a few clubs, meet new people, and figure out what you enjoy. If you realize you don’t enjoy it, it is perfectly acceptable to leave and try something different.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
During my freshman year, I helped re-found a fraternity on campus, using my entrepreneurial mindset and business knowledge to serve as treasurer and, most recently, president. During that time, I helped grow the organization from 20 members to more than 100.
In my second year, I performed with the Georgia Tech drumline and joined Scheller Business Ambassadors, where I connected with others who share a passion for Scheller. I leveraged my finance education as sector head of industrials for the GTSF Investments Committee and served as a mentor in the Accel Program, which helps place students in high-finance roles. For the past three years, I have also served as a Scheller mentor for Craig Womack’s MGT 1100 course.
What is something unexpected you learned about Scheller College during your time as a student?
I came to college without doing much research or fully understanding the opportunities available at Scheller. I did not expect the faculty, staff, peers, and student organizations to play such an integral role in my growth and development. Looking back, I am grateful for how I have spent the past four years at Scheller.
What’s been your favorite memory so far at Scheller?
One of my favorite memories at Scheller was when we had Waffle House set up a waffle bar in the atrium during finals week. I’m pretty sure I stayed in the Undergrad Commons studying and ate five waffles that day!
Where will you be working after graduation?
After graduation, I will move to Charlotte to join Wells Fargo’s leveraged finance team as an investment banking analyst.
What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation?
To celebrate my graduation, I will be trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and skydiving in Thailand with my girlfriend!
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I would like to thank Craig Womack for my success over the last four years here at Scheller. I have gotten to interact with him closely over my college career as a Dean’s Scholar, Scheller Business Ambassador, and student turned mentor in his MGT 1100 section. Craig opened many opportunities that I cannot begin to repay, but I am even more thankful for his listening ear and constant support during my time at Scheller.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
While I excel in a lot of technical and analytical activities, I have a few creative outlets such as playing drums and videography.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
I don’t currently have top two items listed, but in November I created a list of 10 unique experiences to try before I start work in July. They are scuba certification, silent meditation retreat, pottery, backpacking, astrophotography, falconry, blade smithing, boxing class, international cooking class, and skydiving. I have already checked five off this list and have five to go.
Who is your favorite business professor?
My favorite professor is Ryan Blunck, because he always brings humorous, lighthearted energy to class and clearly loves what he does. I have taken four classes with him over the years, and I am only getting an accounting certificate.
What's your favorite place you've traveled to, and why?
My favorite place I have traveled has to be Patagonia, Argentina. I went on my first backpacking trip there in December and was blown away by the scale and raw beauty. It was nice to disconnect and be immersed in nature for four days.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
While it is not a specific accomplishment, I am proud and grateful for the opportunity to mentor others. I find great fulfillment in helping people, and being able to do so in areas I am passionate about and excel in has been a meaningful experience.
What did you want to be when you were small?
When I was small, I wanted to be a paleontologist. I was fascinated with dinosaurs. I make jokes that when I get rich, I will have a real velociraptor skeleton on display in my house entryway.
What is your latest book recommendation?
“How Will You Measure Your Life?” by Clayton Christensen, James Allworth, and Karen Dillon
Which Atlanta spot, activity, or hidden gem would you recommend to future students?
Check out RunEasy run club! They meet at Park Tavern every Thursday at 6 a.m. It’s a fun environment to meet people, get into running, and start your day off great.
