When the members of the IMBA #13 class assembled for graduation ceremonies, they expected to share fond farewells and re-live great memories.  Instead they discovered their classmates and coursework likely would remain a big part of their collective consciousness. 
     In photo, Dean Moyer spoke with graduates during the first annual IMBA graduation dinner. Pictured: Dean Moyer (left), graduate James Mudd (right) and his wife Lindsay.

     “These two years were incredible,” said IMBA graduate Lewis Bertolucci, a technology consultant for Humana.  “It was a 360-degree learning experience.  One I’ll never forget.”
     Bertolucci was one of 21 students in the 13th edition of the two-year, cohort-based program.  IMBA is the college’s entrepreneurship MBA.  It’s designed for working professionals who want to invent new companies or help re-invent the organizations where they currently work.
     Bertolucci plans on starting his own business in three to five years, but says what he learned in the IMBA program will help him in his corporate position as well.
     “Corporations are looking for people a cut above the rest, people who think entrepreneurially,” he said, “and that’s exactly what this degree teaches you.”
     Todd Skaggs, facilities manager at Linens-N-Things in Kentucky, admitted he was surprised by what—and how—he learned.
     “It was things you can’t learn out of a book:  how to deal with different people, how to face challenges and difficulties in business and how to avoid burning bridges when change occurs,” he said.
     Skaggs was one of 12 IMBA students chosen to compete in business plan competitions, a rigorous team process that requires development of new business concepts and presentations before judges representing potential investors.   Skaggs and his team developed ShaBamm, an on-line gift card purchasing concept focused on customer convenience, product choice and affordability.
     “At first I thought all the things our professors were hounding us about were too petty,” he said. “But when we faced teams from top universities from around the country, we realized we were more prepared than they were.”
     He and another class member plan to continue the business venture. “Although I can’t say who, we’re very excited about some growing interest from a local company.”
     David Anstey, who operates Pocsol, Inc., an information technology consulting firm, chose the IMBA program to help build a business mindset.
     “I knew technology, but didn’t have a business background,” he said. “I wanted to learn a new piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle.”
     In the process, Anstey also discovered the value of teamwork.  “I had confidence in my ability to work independently, but there is value in not being in charge,” he conceded.  “Learning the dynamics of a group, learning from each other and experiencing the human element of business are vital.”
     Skaggs has no doubt the experiences shared and lessons learned will have staying power.
      “I’ve formed bonds with the people here, they’ve become like family really, and I think these friendships are the kind that will transcend careers and jobs,” he said.
     The IMBA program initiates a new class each May.  Information sessions about the program are held monthly.  For a schedule or more details about the program, visit business.louisville.edu/IMBA

Link to IMBA Graduation PHOTO PAGE 

Posted 6-03-08