Founder and Operator of Onward Hound  

B.S., Materials Sciences and Engineering, 2019

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

I see myself as a builder-operator who enjoys turning ideas into real, working businesses. I’m most comfortable in the weeds - figuring out pricing, systems, and operations - and connecting those pieces back to brand and customer experience. My background in data analytics shapes how I make decisions, using numbers and patterns to guide what to build and how to grow. I’m drawn to the process of building, iterating, and figuring things out alongside other entrepreneurs.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

All four years of my time at Clemson were amazing. A big part of that was the friendships, football, and tailgates - especially since the team won two national championships while I was there. Freshman year, I ran a painting business in the spring, which taught me an early lesson in what hard work really looks like. As I progressed in my major, classes got harder, but the rooms got smaller, which made the academic experience more engaging and personal. Junior year, I got involved in Clemson’s entrepreneurship program and interned with the Spiro Institute, working on a project my best friend and I pitched in their Smackdown competition. But most importantly, senior year I met my now wife in bowling class - an extracurricular I added to my schedule just because.

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

I would not be where I am today if I had not been placed on a financial management project immediately after starting at Deloitte. It involved more work and responsibility than a first-year analyst is typically exposed to, but it created a foundational skill set that I have leveraged in everything I’ve taken on since. Ultimately, I found that a major corporation was not my ideal fit, and I transitioned into the startup world; first implementing software solutions for new clients and then progressing into Revenue Operations. Working for a late-stage, venture-backed business meant that goals were lofty and that you needed to learn fast to stick around. It also meant wearing multiple hats, which gave me a deep understanding of go-to-market (GTM) strategy and efficient revenue systems. This career of leveraging data and systems is what I attribute to the successes of Onward Hound and serves as the north star for building the vision I have for the company.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, I want to complete the renovations of our home in Greenville which was built in 1921 - turning it into a place our family can enjoy for years to come.

Professionally, I want to see Onward Hound become a household staple across the U.S. and beyond. 

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

Don’t lose sight of your grades, but find time to throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. Prioritizing experiences will pay off in ways you would not expect, and it’s important to practice this early.

What else should we know about you?

By no means do I have everything figured out, but I'm always happy to be a sounding board and offer opinions when asked. Reach out anytime.