Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship-UW Madison

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Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship-UW Madison

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We are a resource for graduate and undergraduate students interested in entrepreneurship.

The Weinert Center at the University of Wisconsin School of Business is dedicated to teaching, research, and service pertaining to entrepreneurial management and enterprise development Students from across the campus take classes in entrepreneurship and other related topics in preparation for roles as business owners and managers, corporate intrapreneurs, or consultants to smaller businesses. We are proud to have been named one of the top entrepreneurship programs by the Princeton Review, Financial Times and the United States of America Small Business Entrepreneurship (USASBE). This level of excellence provides students with skills to be successful throughout their career. It has also resulted in almost 1,000 student projects with local firms where the students gain hands-on experience.

10/09/2026

COMING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH IS OUR

Come hear Therese Merkel share how she walked away from a project management career to launch Tricky Foods, turning a pandemic charcuterie side-hustle into an award-winning Madison powerhouse with 100,000+ customers and a national venture, SNAXI. Whether you're curious about taking career risks, creating an unforgettable brand, or turning your own side passion into a thriving business, you won't want to miss her real-world playbook on making the leap.

Come and join us in welcoming her!

We highly encourage to RSVP! Please click on the link below to read more and sign up!

https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erqW4YrKCwkNMjk

10/07/2026

This week Reena Vokoun, Founder and CEO of Passion Fit, shared her story at our Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch Program.

Reena shared her experience building Passion Fit and her career in leadership and wellness, drawing on her time at organizations including Google, Yahoo, Reebok, GE, and CNET. She discussed the importance of finding balance, prioritizing wellbeing, and creating habits that support success both personally and professionally. She also highlighted the importance of being open to all opportunities and bringing passion into both your professional and personal life!

Thank you, Reena!

10/02/2026

COMING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH IS OUR

Reena Vokoun, is the founder and CEO of Passion Fit and former leader at companies like Google, Yahoo, and Reebok, combines real‑world business experience with a passion for helping people thrive in their work and lives. She has honest insights about starting a business, navigating career paths, and growing as a leader.

Come and join us in welcoming her!

We highly encourage to RSVP! Please click on the link below to read more and sign up!

https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eLOcqWLW1pLsJb8

09/30/2026

This week Steve Goldberg, Co-Founder and Chairman of Benchmark Securities, shared his story at our Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch Program.

Steve Goldberg discussed his experience building and growing Benchmark Securities, sharing insights from his career in financial services and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of working hard and taking advantage of all opportunities. He also shared advice on the value of strong communication and mastering both the art and science of entrepreneurship in order to be successful.

Thank you, Steve!

09/24/2026

COMING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH IS OUR
(https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/distinguishedentrepreneurlunch/?hl=en)

Steve Goldberg is a proud University of Wisconsin alumnus. Following a 30-year career at Edward Jones, where he became one of the firm’s youngest General Partners, Steve went on to launch Benchmark Securities and helped build it into a successful fixed income trading firm. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating opportunities for growth and success.

Come and join us in welcoming him!

We highly encourage to RSVP! Please click on the link below to read more and sign up!

https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0V8NcxnCRh9E9xk

09/23/2026

This week Dan White, Co-Founder and CEO of Filament Games, shared his story at our Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch Program.

Dan discussed his experience building and growing Filament Games, highlighting the importance of innovation, product-market fit, and adapting to challenges in entrepreneurship. He also shared advice on learning from failure, asking for forgiveness rather than permission, and making sure to have fun throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Thank you, Dan!

09/17/2026

COMING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD IS OUR

Meet Dan White, Co-Founder and CEO of Filament Games. Dan is a seasoned entrepreneur recognized for building innovative technologies at the intersection of gaming and education. Drawing on 20 years of leadership experience, he combines strategic insight, operational expertise, and a strong track record of driving sustainable growth in competitive markets.

Come and join us in welcoming him!

We highly encourage to RSVP! Please click on the link below to read more and sign up!

https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_001XlNpP319ewsu

09/16/2026

This week Drew Hykes, President and CEO of Okami Medical, shared his story at our Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch Program.

Drew shared his experiences in the medical device industry, as he was previously CEO of Inari Medical, discussing his career path, leadership experiences, and lessons he’s learned throughout his journey in entrepreneurship and business. He also highlighted how taking risks and embracing challenges can help drive growth and success.

Thank you, Drew!
Wisconsin School of Business

09/10/2026

COMING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH IS OUR

Meet Drew Hykes, President and CEO of Okami Medical. Drew is a leader recognized for developing strong teams, expanding innovative technologies, and guiding organizations through critical periods of growth and change. He combines strategic insight, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to enhancing patient care through the use of better technology.

Come and join us in welcoming him!

We highly encourage to RSVP! Please click on the link below to read more and sign up!

https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2ob4pMbD1Ouql2S

09/09/2026

This week Dana Guthrie, Managing Partner, and Lamarr Banks, Associate, at Gateway Capital Partners, shared their story at our Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch Program.

Dana and Lamarr shared their experiences in venture capital and entrepreneurship, discussing their career paths, what they’ve learned along the way, and their perspectives on the industry. They emphasized the importance of building relationships, taking risks, and being willing to learn and adapt throughout your career.

Thank you, Dana and Lamarr!
Wisconsin School of Business

Address

975 University Avenue
Madison, WI
53706

Telephone

+16082632882

Website

http://bus.wisc.edu/centers/weinert

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