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What Type of Entrepreneur Are You? Asset Fox, Bootstrap Tortoise or MBA Hare?

Discover the business archetype you tend to follow. Learning more about you will help you in your entrepreneurial journey.

    So . . . You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?

    Discover what it takes to successfully start a business and grow it to the point of harvest in our exclusive Acton article.

    Download here.

      Acton Blog

      Alumni Voices: Acton after the Armed Forces

      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.

      Alumni Voices: Going to Acton after Practicing Law

      Whether they are looking to reshape their law practice, adapt the role that the law plays in their careers, or change career directions entirely, entrepreneurially-minded attorneys have been drawn to Acton for its efficient, hands-on approach to teaching, and its promise to prepare them to take that next step.

       

      And once they are in the Acton classroom, students with legal backgrounds prove to be particularly valuable. They often shed light on some of the more practical obstacles to business, spot especially well-hidden opportunities, and share real-world experience relevant to the case at hand. And they often tell us that, given the rigors of law school and the demanding schedules of most associate-level attorneys, the rigorous discipline required by Acton’s curriculum comes more naturally to them than it might for some of their classmates.

       

      The MBA Experience: after the Military

      The values, insights, and perspectives that men and women in uniform bring to MBA programs is something that heightens the entire learning experience—not only for the students of business MBA programs—but also for the professors, mentors, and instructors.

      Chris Shonk, Kyle DeHaas and Joseph Kozusko headshot

      Alumni Voices: Franchise Businesses after 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.

      Patrick Collins, Austin Swift and Chase Nall headshots

      Alumni Voices: Going into Oil and Gas after Acton

      “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.

      The MBA Experience: after the Military

      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.

      Valeri Tkeshelashvili

      Valeri Tkeshelashvili and His Road to Acton

      Learn How to Live a Life of Meaning Companies cannot survive unless they make money, but life is about more than just maximizing your cash flow. Throughout your journey at Acton, you’ll learn to juggle the demands of family, business, and community while working to discover your calling in business and in life.

      Do You Know What You’re Working for as an Entrepreneur?

      Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is challenging not only for you but also for your spouse and family. It demands a significant investment of resources—both monetary and time.

      At Acton, we often emphasize the importance of starting with the end in mind. Understanding the ultimate goal makes the entire process more bearable for everyone involved, especially if the rewards justify the risks and sacrifices that are necessary.

      Acton in Action: Sprinting with Apex Fun Run

      Acton in Action: Sprinting with Apex Fun Run

      While enrolled at Acton, our students are run through the trenches, stepping into the shoes of real entrepreneurs as they dissect, decide, and debate hundreds of real-life business cases. But no matter how many great lessons you can take from a good case discussion, it’s always most exciting to check in with our alumni and learn about the real businesses, jobs, and value that they’ve created since graduating from Acton.

      We recently caught up with Scott Donnell (’09) who founded Apex Fun Run about eighteen months after graduating from Acton. He related his company’s successes, some surprises, and talked about how the firm is the realization of both market needs and his pursuit of his own passion and calling.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey,
      a Podcast by Acton MBA at UFM

      In this podcast you’ll go on fascinating exploration of the entire business cycle - from identifying opportunities to launching, growing, and ultimately reaping the rewards of a successful enterprise. Tune in and gain invaluable insights from a diverse range of accomplished entrepreneurs for various industries who share practical tips and lesions to help you chart your own path, whether you’re starting out or looking to scale your business. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative podcast that is guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to pursue your entrepreneurial calling.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 7, Marce Fitness part 2

      Marce Fitness⁠ isn’t just your average online fitness coach; she’s a beacon of motivation and a trailblazer in the entrepreneurial world! Beyond sculpting bodies and transforming lives, ⁠Marce⁠ has carved her path as a savvy…

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 5, Marce Fitness part 1

      Discover how she transformed her passion for fitness into a thriving business venture, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. 

      Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable entrepreneurial wisdom from a successful industry leader.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 6, Karla Cofiño

      Karla is a globally recognized entrepreneur and leader, having been invited by President Barack Obama and the White House to speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016 at Stanford University. She was also selected as one of five women worldwide to receive the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award in 2015. 

      Karla's contributions to innovation have been acknowledged by institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank, which recognized her as one of the ten innovators in Latin America in 2014. Her company, Milk N Cookies, was honored as one of the eight WSIS+10 Global Champions at the World Summit Awards at UNESCO, further highlighting her commitment to building knowledge societies for peaceful and sustainable development.

      Join us at out virtual open house as Karla delves into how a holistic approach to life can fuel entrepreneurial success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned professional, or simply curious about unlocking your full potential, this webinar promises to be an enriching experience.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 4, Stephany Zelaya

      Discover from Stephany Zelaya the reality of becoming an independent musician. Stephani is a Guatemalan singer and songwriter who has been named “Musician of the Year”.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 3, Simon Junker

      Join us on this captivating podcast episode as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Simon Junker. From music and television to co-founding Networks Ventures and being VP at Actimo America, he shares valuable insights on building enterprises.

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 2, Adelle Archer

      Join us on the inspiring podcast episode as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Adelle Archer, CEO and co-founder of Eterneva. After losing her dear friend and mentor to pancreatic cancer in 2015, Adelle embarked on a mission to turn ashes into diamonds, giving birth to Eterneva. 

      The Entrepreneurial Journey Podcast

      T1 Episode 1, Jeff Sandefer

      When the pandemic hit, we launched a series of open conversations with our top entrepreneurs, both teachers and alumni. Among these enlightening discussions, one stands out - a captivating conversation with Jeff Sandefer, an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of the Acton MBA program.

      Alumni Stories

      Speaker Series with Jon Gray

      Jon Gray’s career is a testament to entrepreneurial excellence. As one of the founding employees of HomeAway, he played a crucial role in the company’s growth from 2004 to 2017, leading it to a US$3.9…

      An Architect’s Journey into Real Estate Tech Entrepreneurship by Gabriela Mena.

      The Acton’s Speaker Series connects you with extraordinary entrepreneurs in a conversation about work and life. Learn about the entrepreneurial journey of Gabriela Mena, an Acton MBA alumnus! Gabriela is an accomplished entrepreneur, mom, and marathon runner who…