How did you become interested in engineering and data science?

From a young age, my father was a big inspiration for me, and I naturally followed in his footsteps in engineering. I knew that Mathematics and Computer Science enabled biologists, physicians, scientists, and researchers to solve complex problems related to life-threatening diseases, such as cancer. I wanted to learn more and participate so I started my academic journey in computer science and often collaborated with molecular biologists, chemists, physicians, and researchers. As I came closer to finishing my Ph.D., I became more interested in engineering applications and sought opportunities in the industry. I interned at a health insurance company with its enterprise information architecture team. As part of that program, I was exposed to fascinating high-impact work that applied Deep Learning to develop innovative products to augment clinical decisions in health management. I enjoyed the work and the pace and saw the real impact of my work. I also realized that my foundational cross-disciplinary research background translated well for solving many industry problems. This realization shifted the direction of my career into engineering applications of Data Science and Machine Learning Engineering.

Why are entrepreneurship and innovation important to you?

Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to participate in research and entrepreneurial projects that advance foundational science and leverage it in applications in the healthcare domain. Entrepreneurship allows innovative ideas to be used to improve the lives of people and better the human condition. It enables me to leverage my creativity and be motivated each day.

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

I was on the path to an academic career with my doctorate program. I became increasingly interested in the engineering aspects of my work and signed up for an internship in the industry toward the end of my academic program. This financial and career risk could have impacted my chances of staying on the academic path. Looking back, it was one of my best decisions because it pushed me to learn, stretch myself further, and explore a better it in the longer term. I learned that it is always the right decision to propel your career in a direction that aligns with your interests and passion. It did not pay off in the short term, as I had to restart my career in the industry. It paid off in the long run, allowing me to stay passionate and interested in my work every day.

How did UConn prepare you for where you're at today?

UConn provided me with strong foundational knowledge and research opportunities that allowed me to be successful in the emerging field of Data Science and Computer Science. The internship opportunity that kicked of my career in the industry was obtained through the UConn career center and its established industry partnerships.

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of and why?

I am very proud of where I am today, leading an engineering team that is delivering enterprise-scale data products and machine-learning platforms for one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. I am particularly proud of the feedback from my team this year on my ability to cultivate the culture and environment that motivates them to deliver their best.

Tell us a little about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor?

I am participating in activities with the Werth Institute and find it to be a very rewarding experience. It also allows me to mentor and connect with students curious about the industry opportunities or seeking clarity on career alternatives and choices that align with their academic curriculum.

What advice do you have for today’s students or emerging entrepreneurs?

Follow your interests and passion. Seek critical feedback and a growth mindset.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?

I leverage LinkedIn and Twitter and often follow industry leaders, researchers, and academicians. It usually allows me to think differently about problems I am solving daily. I also leverage free online courses and content to refresh my technical skills.

What's your favorite UConn memory?

One of my favorite memories at UConn was moving into the new Computer Science building. I had seen that building go up and anticipated the move for many years during its construction. when the building was ready, we were excited to be in the state-of-the-art computer science laboratories, classes, and offices.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love to travel, bike, and cook with my family. I am also passionate about education and creating educational opportunities for other whenever possible.

What got you interested in entrepreneurship?

I’ve always been curious, passionate about learning, and have had a problem-solving solution-seeking mindset. I think more than anything entrepreneurship is about having that problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn and grow. I took a course in entrepreneurship, the same course I’m teaching now, Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship. There I was asked to form a team with students from different backgrounds to work on an idea, a company, which eventually grew to become Encapsulate.

What led you to cancer treatment technology?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US and worldwide. Approximately 40% of the US population will have cancer at some point in their life. That means one person per every household. At the same time, there’s been an increase in the number of drugs that are available to treat cancer. The issue in cancer treatment isn’t the unavailability of effective drugs. It’s getting the right drug to the patient, in time, to maximize their chances of having a successful treatment. 

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I get inspired by people, stories and working towards a bigger purpose.

Describe a time you took a risk. Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

Well, if there’s a risk you want to mitigate it as much as possible so that the decision you make in the end is as informed as possible and not by chance. For the risks that I’m thinking of right now, at the time I learned as much as I could about the situation. Part of this is admitting what you don’t know and are not as well-informed in, so you can seek help from outside resources (books, people, peers, mentors) to educate yourself. It all falls under identifying and filling in the gaps for the “known unknowns” of the situation – things we know that we don’t know and trying to minimize the “unknown unknowns” – things we don’t know that we don’t know – by extending our knowledge on the situation as much as possible.

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? 

I owe a huge part of where I am today to UConn. I’ve spent most of my 20s at UConn from when I first came for grad school, so it definitely has had an influence on who I am. I’ve met some incredible people here that have been mentors to me throughout my professional journey and I also started my start-up at UConn and begun my entrepreneurship journey here. My PhD definitely instilled a go getter attitude in me, to take on problems that come my way, and to do my absolute best to find a solution for them. I also learned a lot of hard and soft skills throughout my PhD, the courses that I took, and through building my own company including research, critical thinking, project and people management, resilience, empathy, independence and communication.

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

Favorite memory from UConn would be the graduation ceremony. We were fortunate to have an in-person ceremony this year where we got to wear our gowns and walk. I wasn’t able to attend my undergraduate graduation ceremony and so it was very special to me. Other than that, fun times in the lab with my lab mates.

What advice do you have for today’s students or emerging entrepreneurs? 

I would say be curious, have an open mind and question everything. Be willing to learn and grow. And stay humble. And kind.

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why? 

Hmm, there’s a lot actually. Being awarded the Technology in Space prize from the International Space Station and Boeing was a proud moment at MassChallenge Boston, especially because of everything that went into putting the application together. I, myself, am proud of my TEDx Talk and how I talk about the human behind all these accomplishments and throughout this journey.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 

Keep track of all your projects and goals, both long-term and short-term, prioritize and plan around them. Take notes from your meetings with mentors or peers who offer feedback on your work so you can go back to them. And use LinkedIn to reach out and extend your network. 

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Human rights, hiking, nature and woodworking.

What sparked your interest in policy, community affairs and construction? 

It was never lost on me that my family was in the service business although most would say that we are in the restaurant business, which is true. But our longevity stems both from our product and our service. Couple that with my attending a Jesuit high school, The Rockhurst High School, and living a life of “servant leadership” was pretty much ingrained in me during my formative years. Construction has come into play because I’ve also had a keen interest in real estate and development, watching my grandfather operate the real estate company over the course of my life. Each of his restaurants is a free-standing building, which is required to build a bar-b-q pit, and he is involved in the process from start to finish. From financing, to design, to construction, to completion. The construction industry gave me the opportunity to move out of the public sector in my career, while also providing a more tangible outcome for my work.  

You are part of a group of generous alumni matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives. Why did you choose to support The Werth Institute, and how does its mission resonate with your experiences and values?  

I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the Werth Institute, its mission, and its leadership in David Noble. As more and more of our tasks are being automated, and will continue to be automated moving forward, people who fill voids in various markets and meet consumer needs will be the driving force in our society. Entrepreneurship and small business ownership have always been the bedrock of our society and our economy and I’m happy to support Werth as it fosters that environment at the University of Connecticut. I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship, both because of the experiences of growing up in an entrepreneurial family, and because entrepreneurship gives you the opportunity to reach your full potential in many ways. It’s a growth opportunity professionally, emotionally, ethically, mentally, etc. etc. and the idea of growing and bettering myself is fundamental to my life. 

Why is giving back important to you, both personally and professionally? 

Giving back is important because I learned very early in my life that when you have more, you should do more. That doesn’t mean charity and sharing of resources should be limited to the wealthy, which I certainly am not. It does mean, that if you really care about a cause, a community, or even a person, you must consider the excess resources you may have and whether you’re really willing to share them. I’ll share a short story to help illustrate my point. When I was a young kid, let’s say 6th grade, I got a pair of basketball shoes for Christmas, among other gifts. One of my best friends, in a less fortunate position, was spending Christmas morning at my house and my mother must have noticed something in his mood or a look on his face when he saw me open that box of shoes. In that moment, my mother told (not asked) me to give him the shoes. They were now his gift. I did, and I’ll never forget it because my friend died in a tragic car accident that following spring. The point is this, if you love people, tell them. If you care about people, act like it. All of our time is limited, and we should be sharing the good things as much as we can. 

 

How has your entrepreneurial mindset influenced your approach to leadership? 

Watching my mother, grandfather, and others in my family that drive the family business on a day-to-day basis helped me understand that you must earn the right to be a leader. It involves setting a high standard, meeting it, then doing all you can to help others reach it. Leaders have to plan, teach, encourage, motivate, and act among so many other things. My mother has both an MBA and a PhD and does not let that stop her from frying French fries in one of our restaurants because she knows that ultimately, she’s responsible for the overall mission of the business. Which is to provide a high-quality product with high level service. For reasons like that, I’ve always thought about leadership as leading from the front, and planning for the success of those that are following your guidance. 

As a past guest speaker in the UNIV 1820 Conversations in Entrepreneurial Leadership course, what advice do you share with students interested in entrepreneurship or aspects of entrepreneurship?  

Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it’s worth it. Don’t get distracted by what looks like success on social media. Find something that you’re incredibly passionate about and go for it. You might fall, and you might fail, but when you go all in the lessons seem to stick. So ultimately, either you’ll end up with a successful business out the gate, or you’ll learn enough lessons to direct your steps to the business ultimately. Just don’t lose confidence and determination. Success doesn’t have a deadline.  

Can you share an instance where you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn from the experience? 

Without going into many details, prior to my time at Clark I took the chance to become a real estate investor on a large project out of state. It was the first time I probably took a large sum of money to invest in something like that and ultimately the investment was lost, and the outcome was unsuccessful. But I’d compare the lessons to about two years of undergrad in less time and for less money, so I think I still came out ahead. Perspective is important. 

How did your time at UConn prepare you for where you’re at today?  

My time at UConn prepared me for where I am today by putting me in an environment where I didn’t know anyone else. I didn’t know of anyone else that was from the same time zone I was from when I first got to UConn. So, it was very important for me to build relationships both with my peers and with faculty. The ability to create relationships has been foundationally important to any amount of professional success I have had up to this point in my life. 

What’s your favorite UConn memory and how has your connection to the university influenced your professional journey? 

My favorite UConn memory is without a doubt the time I spent as a UConn football player from 2006-09. There were plenty of highs and plenty of lows, but the relationships and bonds that grew from that experience are second to none. Half of the groomsmen in my wedding were teammates, my oldest daughter’s Godfather was a teammate, a teammate married one of my cousins after moving to Los Angeles (lol). Ultimately, it has influenced my professional journey because sports and teams bring people from different backgrounds together to meet your ultimate goals. Football is the consummate team sport. It teaches resilience and selflessness, which is something I bring with me professionally. 

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?  

Read the autobiographies of entrepreneurs, champion caliber athletes, world renowned artists. After that, read philosophy and books like Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. These resources will provide a deep understanding that what you’re trying to accomplish is possible (many of the people will discuss traumatic hardship in their early years) as well as the shared mindsets, levels of determination, and personality traits that make these same people successful. Biographies and philosophy are like historical playbooks of how to create your own success and all the traits are transferrable to any industry or field.   

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

My go to karaoke song is “I’d Rather Be with You “by Bootsy Collins. Classics never fail. 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I’m passionate about my family. In addition to the family I grew up with in Kansas City, I am now married and have daughters. Family is everything to me. My wife, Alexandria, is an entrepreneur and licensed therapist, and is the founder of HerHealing LA. My oldest daughter, Sadie, will be turning 4 this summer and is killing it at school. And Stella, the 5-month-old, has already done multiple modeling gigs…very LA lol. 

Ashley is focused on delivering an accessible and affordable alternative to chemotherapy to the general public and is leading Torigen’s growth to meet this need. With a team of 18 employees, Torigen has treated nearly 500 cases this year alone, with over 1,000 animals treated with the VetiVax treatment since its inception in 2017 (with limited side effects). Treatment is offered through veterinary oncologists as well as general vet practices at a fraction of the cost of chemotherapy. 

Along with providing hope to pet parents, Torigen is also collecting valuable data from these tumors and tracking trends, which has resulted in a new product backed by new patented technology. The company recently completed a series A round funding and has a goal to raise $10 million by year-end. 

 

A Calculated Risk Taker 

Entrepreneurship was always the plan for the Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Ashley graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2012 with an undergraduate degree in Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences and went on to complete her master’s at the University of Notre Dame, where she came up with the idea for Torigen as part of her thesis to develop a viable business plan. She was offered a job at a medical device company but turned it down to pursue Torigen.

“I like to build. That’s why entrepreneurship has always appealed to me. I like to see a project from start to end and wear multiple hats. Entrepreneurship is about being able to put your elbow grease behind something, knowing that work can change the world.”

Ashley moved back to her home state of Connecticut where she had access to resources that would help shape the future direction of the company. “I’m a risk taker but it’s calculated risk taking,” said Ashley. “I didn’t pay myself a salary and lived with my dad because I knew Torigen had the potential to be so much more. So I went all in.”

Torigen received initial funding from Angel Investors and the UConn Innovation Fund, along with others. Through the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP), Ashley has dedicated laboratory space, access to unique research and development facilities, and advice from business experts and investors that has helped grow the company.

Torigen was on the cusp of closing fundraising in March of 2020 and had just hired a sales director when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “Investors pulled back funding and we had to scale down operations,” said Ashley. “Everything I worked for was slipping between my fingers. But these challenges made us work harder. We went back to the lab and focused on product development, filing a patent in the summer from data and research done in the spring. Because things were a lot slower, we had the time to understand the future direction we wanted to take the company and be more nimble. People were at home with their pets more and able to see when things were wrong, which led to the vet industry booming. We were able to ride that trend but also had this new data that combined, helped us grow faster.”

“Mentorship is the best tool to understand and see through some of the emotion change can bring from people who have been through it,” she said. “The Werth Institute is helpful for building that UConn network. There are so many different areas and resources for help, mentorship, investment dollars and being able to find great avenues to grow. Werth is the first steppingstone to get to that next level by showing you the financials, how to develop a business pitch and a business plan, how to have a profitable business and how to pivot when you need to pivot.” 

So what’s on the horizon for Ashley? 

“I love being an entrepreneur and definitely see myself being a serial entrepreneur. I also like venture capital quite a bit and think that by being an entrepreneur and seeing the struggles from start to finish, not only can I be a great mentor for early-stage companies but can put together potentially a nice fund one day.” 

What sparked your interest in 2D animation?   

I grew up loving Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Ren & Stimpy and art in general. The way you could tell any sort of story with any sort of character was always amazing to me.  

  

Can you describe your experience as a mentor as part of the NetWerx program? What motivated you to become a mentor?  

I got invited to be a guest at a couple classes in the Art Department and loved seeing the students’ work and their thought processes. It was also great just helping students to try and navigate school or the transition from school to a job environment.   

  

What specific skills or insights do you aim to impart to your mentees?  

What to expect for life after school. Going from a regular job, to freelance, to running a company. The skills required for staying motivated and organized. 

   

In your mentoring role, have you encountered any common challenges or obstacles that students face when entering the field of 2D animation (or the workforce in general) and how do you help them overcome these challenges?  

I think a common problem is a broader working knowledge of animation software. It’s not an easy thing to try and tackle – but being more aware of Toon Boom, Animate, Procreate, After Effects or even things like Premiere. Knowing more about what these programs can offer, how they operate or how they fit into an animation pipeline. I feel like the more a student knows the full process of the pipeline and what software would be a good fit for each section, the more prepared or well-rounded they are for an animation position. 

  

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today?   

Oddly enough, UConn didn’t really have an animation program when I was there, so I taught myself the ins and outs. But one of the best opportunities was my Independent Study course with Cora Lynn, where I produced a couple episodes of a web series. That prepared me for learning all the steps in the process and being held accountable more than a regular assignment.  

  

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?  

Biggest risk was leaving my regular job (Graphic Designer) with a steady paycheck to do freelance animation and not knowing if I would be able to make enough on a regular basis. It took a ton of hard work, but paid off  

  

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why?   

Everyone deals with imposter syndrome all the time. Several years ago, I sold a show to Disney, and we were in development with them for a couple years. During that time, I’d be in creative meetings with executives and higher-ups at the company and I was able to contribute some meaningful ideas and saw a positive response. That was a very reassuring moment and helped me realize that I can do this.  

  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?  

I had a bunch, but probably seeing my first comic strip “The Nature Show” in the Daily Campus. I got so excited I just got up and left class without realizing it.  

  

What are you passionate about outside of work?  

Being creative is such a big part of what I do every day and it’s really what I enjoy at all times. So, if I’m not at work, I’m usually trying to think of ideas for shorts. Or I like to go running, and of course just relax with my wife and our cats.   

How is ‘Merican Mule changing the canned cocktail industry?

As a cocktail, the Moscow mule, made traditionally with vodka, ginger bee, and lime, has consistently ranked as a top searched cocktail on Google for many years.  You can’t miss the copper mug vessels at your local gastropub. ‘Merican Mule has been served as an upper echelon option for customers, crafted with in a variety of styles with premium spirits.  

Having founded the company in 2015, the brand is now viewed by many as one of the original canned cocktails to pave the way for the space. We continue to evolve every day and stive to provide the best in quality, taste, and experience. 

In comparison to the competition, ‘Merican Mule is the first to focus on delivering a slew of mules for both lovers of the cocktail and first-timers, using its proprietary ginger base. They are commonly described as balanced, smooth and refreshing. We make “Mules for the Masses,” including a Moscow mule with vodka, a Mexican Mule with tequila, a Tropical Mule with rum and pineapple and a Southern Mule with bourbon whiskey, as well as our seasonal Pumpkin Mule with vodka. No matter the customers' preference in liquor type and flavor profile, there is something for everyone. 

This year we launched a Mule Variety 8 Pack – the first canned cocktail to do so with four different liquor bases in one package, a huge point of differentiation versus seltzers and other canned cocktails that use the same liquor in their variety packs.

Where do you see yourself and the company in the next year?

The company expects to grow exponentially, outperforming growth numbers for the canned cocktail industry, as it has since inception.  As more individuals try the liquid, they become lifelong supporters of a brand that delivers a superior and highly differentiated taste and continue to spread ‘Merican Mule via word of mouth.  In 2021, we had exciting announcements to share including the expanded availability of our products in upwards of nearly 20 states.  We will also announce brand new Mules dropping early in the year, to further evolve our customer reach. The goal is to continue to make ‘Merican Mule a household name in each market that we are sold. 

How did UConn prepare you for your entrepreneurial path? 

UConn was a special place both socially and academically during my time.  Some of my best friends came out of my time during school, friends that have been at my wedding and continue to be meaningful people that have truly supported my entrepreneurial endeavors.

It’s so important to learn from your relationships and apply your personal experiences to how you approach building a business. It’s also important to have trustworthy outlets that you can rely on to share ideas and test the waters on whether an idea is worth pursuing. In terms of academics, the UConn School of Business provided a nice portfolio of core tools from finance to marketing, but even more interestingly, courses such as real estate and business law have helped when evaluating leasing office space or negotiating contracts.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

Hard to pick a favorite but rushing the court (and field) after some UConn basketball and football wins is a top contender.  Just seeing the enjoyment of all my fellow Huskies coming together when victorious is something that lasts for a short period of time, but the rush is incredible.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

Growing up, my family, including my parents and my brother, really pushed me.  They are so talented in each of their own ways and I wanted to prove that I could do something that could make an impact on the world.  Building an alcohol brand has so many benefits, from job creation to providing enjoyment in people’s lives.  Today, I am married myself, with an amazing wife, a 2-year-old, and a daughter on the way.  My inspiration has definitely shifted to continuing to learn so that I can be a role model for my kids and help them understand that they too can make an impact on the world if they work for it.

Describe a time you took a risk. Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

In 2015, ‘Merican Mule started as a hobby after drinks at the bar.  Eventually as the brand continued to grow, the demands became greater and greater.  It required more focus and attention to make sure it was successful.  

The risk of leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a business that was started on the back of a napkin will likely be one of the greatest risks of my life.  When speaking with aspirational entrepreneurs, I think this is a question that comes up often.  When is the right time?  

I believe that everyone had their own journey and that the answer will find them in time and determination. You need to be able to invest your full self to what you are building to give it the greatest chance for success. 

Did my risk pay off? I am learning more about business and frankly life than I ever could have imagined.  The opportunities, challenges and memories will forever change my perspective.

You recently hosted a dinner for students involved in the Stamford Startup Studio (S3) program. What advice do you have for today’s students or aspiring entrepreneurs? 

You might have heard of this thing called the 80/20 rule, which universally applies in many situations in life and business. When it comes to entrepreneurism, I find this rule to be of great importance. Many try to get a product or idea to 100% completion before a launch; however, I find it smarter to get to 80% completion. The reality is that you will learn a lot from your customers; finding out what they like and don’t like. This focuses your attention to tweak and make changes to your approach.  Anyone can have an idea, but entrepreneurs act on them.  

Do you have a professional moment you are most proud of and why? 

I’ve had a few that I am most proud of.  Anytime that I hire someone and end up learning something from that hire that I didn’t know before, it’s a proud moment.  You go into managing people thinking that you need to teach them everything.  In reality, your people learn your mission, they can teach you more than you can teach them. I think inspiring my own team and helping them realize what they’re capable of has been the most rewarding part of building a brand, and culture.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 

I’m all about the School of Google.  You can basically learn anything you want, just use the internet.  It’s going to come down to your motivation to pursue what you’re truly passionate about.

What sparked your interest in the medical device and technology field? 

 

It all started with a referral from a friend who had recently entered the field, a few years after graduation. I’ve now been in healthcare for over 15 years, and I can’t see myself doing anything else professionally. The combination of the quality of the people you work with, the intensity of the problems you’re partnering to solve and the impact that innovation in this field can have on the patient and our world -- it's incredibly rewarding.  

 

You are part of a group of generous alumni matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives. Why did you choose to support The Werth Institute, and how does its mission resonate with your experiences and values?  

 

I’m in awe, frankly, of what David and the entire team at the Werth Institute have built and are growing. The common knock on Connecticut, and specifically entrepreneurship or innovation in this state, is a tendency to think too small. Everything that The Werth Institute stands for is larger-than-life but what makes it special is how practical and hands-on the work is. You have this program meeting students where they are and giving them resources and access to mentorship, all wrapped around this incredible education at a Top 10 public university in UConn. Having spent some time with many of the students coming through The Werth Institute over the past few years, I know we’re in a position to leave that knock behind.   

I hope to be in a position someday where I can be philanthropic to the University at a larger scale. In the meantime, I’m looking for opportunities to sort of “lever up” donations by trying to be helpful to students, being an advocate for the University, and just staying connected as an alum. The Werth Institute and its mission provides a unique venue for that.
 

Why is giving back important to you, both personally and professionally? 

 

I’m lucky and grateful to have a number of mentors in my life, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Giving back to the community, and to the University in particular, is about honoring them and giving others access to the same opportunities that people have given to me.  

 

How has your entrepreneurial mindset influenced your approach to leadership? 

 

I think I’ve built a strong appreciation and empathy for what it takes to exist in an entrepreneurial environment. I see my leadership role as keeping the heads and hearts of the team in shape to take on the challenges and opportunities that come our way. I’m always working towards being able to consistently do what former Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally put as—lead with a compelling vision, comprehensive strategy and relentless execution plan.  

 

As a startup mentor working with companies through CTNext and UConn, what advice do you share with young entrepreneurs?  

 

At least recently, I’ve been talking a lot about two things.

First, find comfort in the questions. We’re wired to seek answers to everything. I’m not particularly good at this yet myself, but I think it’s important to spend more time in the unknown as an entrepreneur and to really break down big questions into sets of smaller questions before we try to construct the perfect answer. There’s a lot of value in those next levels of thought. If we immediately try to put a nice clean answer around the first question

The second is around entrepreneurship through acquisition, or ETA. Being a startup or zero-to-one entrepreneur isn’t the only path and there might be unique opportunities in a more buy-then-build type approach.  

 

Can you share an instance where you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn from the experience? 

 

I suppose it was a bit of a risk to move from the big companies and relative safety of the medical device sales career I was in for nearly a decade and make the leap to a startup. Though it didn’t feel like it. I’m happy with that decision, it’s opened up a world of opportunity and the journey has been gratifying.  

 

What’s your favorite UConn memory and how has your connection to the university influenced your professional journey?

Last fall we lost a great man and teacher with the passing of Charles (Pete) Peterson, who founded and built up the Program for Sales Leadership which has since become the Professional Sales Leadership minor in the School of Business. Pete had such a positive impact on the lives and careers of everyone who went through his program. I’ll always cherish the fond memories of Pete, his courses, his friendship, and how intensely he cared about helping people be their best.  

 

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?  

 

If you’re an entrepreneur in Connecticut, I recommend building a relationship with Connecticut Innovations. 

 

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

 

Mr. Big “To Be with You” 

 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

 

Spending time with my family, rooting on the UConn Huskies and playing golf.  

What got you interested in working with startups/venture capital (VC)?

I actually got into VC by accident. I was contacted by a recruiter for an operating role at an accelerator in the video/broadband industry and learned about VC through that job - I had never heard of it before that! Since then, I’ve come to love the passion that early-stage founders have and how the job allows me to spend my day being curious and asking questions.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I’m always really impressed by founders who worked in an industry, saw something missing, and decided to fix it - their nuanced understanding of the space, whether shown in unit economics and pricing or sales strategy - is so impressive to watch.

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? 

UConn gave me the freedom to conduct research on an area of interest to me (the sociology of education as it relates to war-torn societies). I don’t work in that space anymore, but the freedom given to me allowed me to carve my own path in the following years, leading me to where I am today.

What’s your favorite UConn memory? 

Walking around campus on the weekend in the fall! I love autumn in New England. Also study abroad - I had the fortune of going abroad twice (Granada and Maastrict) and loved both experiences.

What advice do you have for today’s students or emerging entrepreneurs? 

Invest time into getting to know yourself and those around you - a strong network is important, but that starts with understanding your own strengths and desires and leaning into those!

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why? 

Probably getting into Columbia Business School - it’s one of the few moments when it’s been very obvious to me how much effort and energy I put into something and seeing it all pay off in a calculated way.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 

Make yourself a good to-do list in any form that works for you - whether that’s Inbox Zero or a piece of paper. Especially in entrepreneurship, where you’re juggling so many balls, it becomes easier and easier to drop them - figure out a way that works for you that keeps that from happening.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love houseplants and have dozens of them. I’m also a big fan of technical driving roads - I recently did a really fun road trip along the coast of Italy!

How did you become interested in working as an investor?

I was always interested in how finance worked. I think that was the starting point – taking business courses, joining clubs and learning more about the world of investing. It was not something I knew much about growing up, so I wanted to learn and really understand it. After working at Citi and getting even more exposure to equity investing, I knew it was something I wanted to do.  

What role does entrepreneurship play in your career? 

I speak with company founders every day in my current role. I have a strong appreciation for entrepreneurs – their drive, work ethic and creativity. 

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

I decided to move to the west coast because I wanted to focus on technology in my career. All of my family and friends at the time were in the NY/CT area. I love living in SF and this move ended up leading to my current role. 

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? UConn gave me the building blocks for a lot of the work I do today. The classes, especially accounting, were critical. SMF, UCG and other groups helped me prepare technically for a lot of work that I do. The UConn Alumni network has also been key. 

Tell us about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor? 

I really enjoy speaking with students and being available to give them advice, opportunity ideas or just listen. I participated in the Werth Mentoring program, am a mentor in the UConn Consulting Group and was an advisor for one of their recent projects. I also act as a mentor/advisory member for Hillside Ventures. I went to an insurtech conference for work and got to meet some UConn students in person – it was great to see them get this experiential learning! 

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why? 

Pitching at a client meeting – it was still very early on in my career, and I had the opportunity to travel with seniors and meet potential IPO clients in person. I was proud that my managers trusted to put me in front of the client.  

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?

Excel! (Just kidding that’s a joke). I am a big fan of videos and guides that teach you how to do things. Example (Ezra Okon – UConn alum) has YouTube videos on financial modeling that walk you through every step. Also, LinkedIn has been very important in my current role in building relationships with companies and founders.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

Cornell Stock pitch competition – we drove up to Boston. 

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Passionate about human rights/ESG improvement efforts/international relations. I am also a big fiction reader. 

What sparked your interest in a career in finance?
I always enjoyed working in fast paced, constantly changing environments and working with people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. 
I found interest in working with companies as they grow and fund their business.

Why is entrepreneurship and innovation important to you? 
Constantly bettering myself and hard work have always been important to me, personally and professionally – entrepreneurship allows you to directly see the results of the work put in.

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?
Launching our fund at the end of last year. Going from a large, established firm with robust infrastructure to a small start-up team has been a tremendous learning experience. Although early days, it has already paid off from a personal development perspective. 

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? 
The networking and alumni base I was exposed to while at UConn allowed me to truly refine my interests and equipped me with the skillset to be successful in this industry.

Tell us a little about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor? 
Mentors and alumni I met during my time at UConn were critical in shaping my path post graduating. Being a mentor allows me to give back and help guide undergraduate students as they realize their career ambitions.  

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 
The best resource is people in your industry of interest and your peers. Gaining knowledge and varying perspectives is the best way to prepare you for success, particularly at the start of your career. 

What’s your favorite UConn memory?
Watching the (multiple) basketball championships on campus. 

What are you passionate about outside of work?
Activities with friends such as golfing, skiing, and fishing. I also enjoy reading and listening to podcasts.