CEO and Co-Founder, Von Vascular, Inc.

B.S., Marketing, 2003

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

I lead Von Vascular, a neurosurgery medical device company focused on making ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke treatment faster, simpler, and more effective. I spend most of my time navigating regulatory hurdles, working with IP attorneys, building relationships with surgeons, and getting our technology funded and into the field. I also try to give time back to early-stage founders and commercial leaders, especially in the med tech space, because I know how isolating this journey can be.

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

Late nights at “Club Cooper” library before a test I probably should’ve started studying for earlier. Obviously, Tiger football, even when we weren’t that good. Spending time with my friends and fraternity brothers at Pi Kappa Alpha, where I served as treasurer and then president. Also, a few professors who didn’t just teach the class, they taught mindset. That stuck with me.

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

One early inflection point was realizing I wasn’t going to learn entrepreneurship working for large companies where I was getting bored. I left a traditional path to pursue medical device startups and learned from the best. There, I found key mentors, who taught me taking a chance and betting on myself was the special ingredient. Years later, launching Von Vascular and developing a portfolio of neuro products that will help surgeons in the OR…that’s a whole new level of impact.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, trying to be present for my family, my team, and our mission. The calendar gets full, but presence is what makes it meaningful.

Professionally, build a company that delivers real clinical value and that people are proud to be part of. If we can move the needle for stroke patients and create a strong culture along the way, that’s success.

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

As I tell all young people in college: Get involved!!! Try everything and anything Clemson can offer. Use all their resources. Find your people, the ones who challenge you and support you. And if you have time, try to build something small that matters to you, even if it fails. You’ll learn more from that than from any textbook.

What else should we know about you?

I’m co-chairing the Med Device Symposium this Friday, Sept 19 at the Launchpad. It’s an extraordinary chance for students and alumni to engage directly with leaders from a range of med tech companies, from early-stage startups to Fortune 50 firms. Whether they’re interested in business development, medical device sales, or entrepreneurial ventures, this event offers a great opportunity to make real connections and explore potential career paths. Come check it out!