Alex Schmidt

Alex Schmidt Already Has Owned Two Businesses

Business Administration, emphasis in entrepreneurship | Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Graduation Year: 2015

Where is UMKC taking you?

UMKC is taking me to the resources I need for my businesses. I am currently working on my second business. The first was in the healthcare industry and the second one is in the pet industry.

Tell us a little more about your businesses.

A business partner – a nurse – and I started Informed Health Solutions. We’d meet with discharged cardiac patients in a group setting once a week for four weeks, and gave them educational tools on how to better manage their health and stay out of the hospital.

My pet-industry business was inspired by my black Lab, Lucy. I moved into a condo, where space is vital. This is an end-table-size piece that organizes the stuff you need for your pets. It’s in the prototyping stage.

“[I am an] Entrepreneur. I always try to seek out a solution to a problem and capitalize on that.”

What led you to UMKC?

I transferred from Johnson County Community College with the desire to complete my degree in business.

Are you a first generation college student?

For a bachelor’s degree, yes. My dad has an associate degree.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I’ve learned that hard work and dedication are crucial for success in anything.

What is one word that best describes you?

Entrepreneur. I always try to seek out a solution to a problem and capitalize on that.

On the subject of entrepreneurs, you’re a UMKC E-Scholar. Tell us about that experience.

It was the main thing that got my businesses going. The resources the program offers are invaluable. There are a lot of people who have E-Scholars to thank for their businesses. Without the program, the failure rate would be a lot higher.

What excites you?

I enjoy riding motorcycles. I have had three different brands – Harley, Honda and a Suzuki – and will probably change brands again.

You’re graduating this month. What are your job prospects?

I’m going to take a health care consultant position. My dad and my grandparents passed away when I was young, and I have experience taking care of them. I enjoy taking care of people, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction.

What motto do you live by?

The best way to change the future is to create it.