What was your higher education journey like, and how did you discover the EMBA program at Bellarmine?

My higher education journey started from receiving several golf scholarships in which I initially studied History & Political Science at Western Kentucky University with plans to follow with law school. However, my growing interest in business inspired by business leader Ken Blanchard led me to Grand Canyon University, where I earned a Bachelor's in Applied Business Management.

 

After graduation, I gained corporate experience in cost containment for several Fortune 500 insurers. Nearly a decade later, I began to yearn for something more and sought to join or build a startup, leading me to Express Funeral Funding. As the company grew and transitioned to private equity ownership, working alongside Ivy League executives reinforced my decision to pursue an MBA from a top-tier university.

Choosing Bellarmine was an easy decision, influenced by a lifetime of exposure to its legacy. Growing up in Kentuckiana, I was constantly surrounded by successful alumni—C-suite executives, industry leaders, and key decision-makers. It seemed that everywhere I turned, I saw Bellarmine’s scarlet and gray woven into the fabric of corporate leadership in the region.

Growing up in Bardstown, I was struck by how many top distillery executives were Bellarmine graduates. My best friend’s father, the CFO of Heaven Hill, was one, along with industry leaders like Fred Noe of Jim Beam and Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve. The list extended across Brown-Forman, Barton Brands, Michter’s, Evan Williams, and more. Beyond the distillery world, Bellarmine’s impact was evident in the region’s largest corporations—GE, Ford, Toyota, and KFC—where countless senior executives were alumni. Seeing this influence at the highest levels of business, and later working alongside Ivy League-educated executives in private equity, I knew that to elevate my career, Bellarmine was the clear choice. It was a no-brainer!

What skills do you bring to your current role at your employer that you feel were shaped by your EMBA experience?

Completing the EMBA program has undoubtedly given me a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of business operations—from accounting and finance to developing operating models that drive efficiency. The program is structured to ensure a well-rounded grasp of every challenge a business may encounter.

During the first semester of the program I remember, tackling an intense analytics course. At the time, it felt challenging digging out old math skills I hadn’t used in years, but in hindsight, it was invaluable. The faculty did an exceptional job of breaking down the story behind the math allowing for deeper insights which I was quickly able to transfer to my own company. As a result, my team and I were able to build custom forecasting models, transparent customer portals, and operational efficiency dashboards to help optimize performance across the board.

More than anything, Bellarmine helped me crystallize the vision for where I wanted our company to go and equipped me with the tools to make that vision a reality.

What advice would you offer to professionals considering this program?

Before applying to the program, I would encourage you to take a step back and reflect on your career aspirations and what you are willing to sacrifice to reach your dreams. This is a challenging program but what in life of any significance comes easy. For me, I did not want to be not overlooked for the President’s position of our company and felt without having MBA or CPA next to my name, would more than likely be the case. The Bellarmine program gives you the right knowledge, business acumen, and prestige to be considered for high level executive positions or start your business from the ground up. As an avid reader, I strongly recommend immersing yourself in business literature to advance your career. However, many people I speak with either don’t know where to start or struggle with self-motivation. This program has a proven track record of success and will push you beyond your comfort zone, making it an excellent choice for anyone serious about professional growth.