Founder, Sales And Business Development Director Martin House Brewing Company
David Wedemeier took a risk and left a management position at Nokia to start his own business. He put his own advice into practice, stepping outside his comfort zone and into a business-development role in a brand new venture. Wedemeier, along with two close friends, co-founded Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth. As a new-business owner and entrepreneur, he relies upon the skills and knowledge he accrued while pursuing his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Jindal School.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
A few highlights from my career include graduating from the Jindal School’s cohort [Full-Time] MBA program and starting my own business. After I finished my MBA, I accepted a position at Nokia in an executive trainee program. I quickly advanced in this role and was placed in a management position where I supervised several customer accounts. A few years later, I founded Martin House Brewing Company with several of my close friends. As an entrepreneur, my role at Martin House is all-encompassing. I am involved in just about every aspect of the company. I make strategic marketing decisions, am responsible for much of our accounting, help plan for future developments, seek new opportunities for growth, manage customer relations and keep the day-to-day business activities running smoothly. At Martin House, I have the ability to directly influence the future of the company. I would not have this ability had I not started my own company.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
I chose UT Dallas for my undergraduate degree because I had an extremely positive experience with the Enrollment Management division, specifically the staff in the Office of Admission and Enrollment Services. I chose to come back and get my MBA from the Jindal School largely because of the great experience I had as an undergraduate student, and I was awarded a scholarship.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
I had a great group of friends and participated in Greek life; I was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Most of my friends today are people that I attended class with at UT Dallas. More importantly, I met my future wife, Jennifer Dunn, BA’03, MA’05, while at UT Dallas.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
As a graduate student, my favorite class was Introduction to Marketing with Dr. Ram C. Rao, professor of marketing. As an undergraduate student, no contest, it was racquetball with Jim Gilbert. I use knowledge from both of these classes in my day-to-day life. I employ many of the tactics discussed in Professor Rao’s class at Martin House, and racquetball was a good reminder that it is important to keep a balanced life. I work hard, but I try to be well-rounded and take time away from the office to reflect and maintain my focus.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Free time is not really all that plentiful now that I am running my own business, but when I do, I play any sport I can at the YMCA and ride my road and mountain bike. And sample Martin House beer, of course.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
If you want something to happen, you need to show up for things and make an effort. It sounds dumb and overly simple, but being present and participating is really a large part of making things happen. Spend just as much time meeting people, maintaining relationships, exploring your field of interest, doing favors for others, as you do studying. To be honest, if you want to succeed, you are going to have to go outside of your safety zone.
What makes an effective leader?
A well-thought, clearly communicated vision usually is the prerequisite to leading anyone who is worth leading. After that, gaining consensus, being able to honestly evaluate yourself and take criticism, and involve people. Not to mention, a good attitude will go a long way.
