We often like to check in on our entrepreneur alumni to learn about the successes and challenges they’ve encountered in their own endeavors after they’ve left the classroom and are applying their experience in the real world. As we like to call it, it’s Acton in Action.

In this post, we speak with Jamie Sidey (’07) about launching Data Garden, and the growth that the firm he cofounded has experienced.

The blog highlights the success of Acton MBA graduates Kyle Davis and Tom Hull, who launched Charger Services LLC, a company specializing in construction for the oil and gas industry. They shared how they applied lessons from Acton to identify an opportunity, overcome fundraising challenges, and manage a growing company. Key lessons learned at Acton, such as the importance of people and prioritization, were crucial to their entrepreneurial success.

The Acton Blog highlights the experiences of alumni who transitioned from the US armed forces to the Acton MBA program. Featuring four distinguished graduates from different military branches, the blog explores how their military training enhanced their leadership, decision-making, and operational skills in the classroom and beyond. These veterans bring a unique perspective to entrepreneurship and business management, leveraging their disciplined backgrounds to excel in Acton’s intensive, hands-on learning environment. The alumni share their journeys, the impact of their military experience on their academic and professional lives, and offer valuable advice to fellow servicemen and women considering an MBA or entrepreneurial path at Acton.

At Acton, our alumni pursue businesses in a wide variety of industries—including technology, energy, fitness, and manufacturing—utilizing many different business models and structures well suited to each respective industry. However, a number of our alumni have found particular success with the franchise model, which can be applied across many business categories. Operating as independent franchisees of nationally branded businesses, they are able to create and steer their own businesses, while drawing from established branding, practices, and reputations.

“I chose Acton because it offered a ‘no fluff’ education in entrepreneurship. Acton focuses on teaching the fundamentals of planning, launching, growing, and ultimately selling a business.”

We recently caught up with three of our alumni, each having entered this critical industry in a different capacity. They shared their own unique perspectives on oil and gas, the larger energy industry, and how Acton has shaped their respective careers.

This blog post discusses the unique advantages that military members and veterans bring to MBA programs, highlighting their leadership, decision-making skills, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. It argues that an MBA can greatly benefit military personnel transitioning to the corporate world, reservists with business aspirations, and those seeking to further their military careers. The post emphasizes the value of a hands-on, action-oriented education for these students and outlines financial aid options, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help offset tuition costs. The piece concludes by encouraging interested military members to consider MBA programs that align with their goals and values, like Acton.