ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT THE CARUTH INSTITUTE

Caruth Graduate: Felipe Mendoza, Cox MBA ’02

As a holder of four U.S. patents, Felipe Mendoza, Cox MBA ’02, knows a thing or two about turning ideas into reality. That innovative spirit, coupled with the experience of working at several new companies that were acquired by larger companies, drove Mendoza back to graduate school to study the ins and outs of entrepreneurship.

Why did you choose the Cox School?

I wanted to expand my knowledge from the engineering sciences to business, but I didn’t want to leave Dallas or I quit my job to go back to school full time. The Professional MBA Program at SMU’s Cox School was the best choice for me.

Why did you take entrepreneurship courses?

I had a strong interest in entrepreneurship after working at several new companies – both large and small – that had been acquired during my employment with them. The excitement, pace, and skills you learn at new companies is addictive.

What was your favorite Caruth course?

The Caruth courses I took helped frame the knowledge I had acquired in the core MBA classes in a real-world sense. TheMBA Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Caruth Institute was the most rewarding experience,as it enabled me to draw upon much of what I had learned in all my Cox classes.

How are you applying what you learned from the Caruth Institute?

I’m currently wearing two hats at Silver Creek Ventures, both of which allow me to apply on a daily basis the skills and knowledge I acquired during my Cox Professional MBA Program. As associate, I help track deal flow, perform due diligence, and assist our existing portfolio companies. I also work with the general partners and venture partners to evaluate potential startups’ market size, leadership team, and technology. As the CFO at Silver Creek, I oversee all the back-office duties, from cash management, budgeting, and payroll to financial statements and reporting for the venture funds.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Learn all you can by reading about new companies and talking to other entrepreneurs. And don't be scared to start or to fail. They’re both necessary steps to success.

Education

BS in mechanical engineering, Texas Tech University

MBA, SMU Cox School of Business

Before Cox Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Flextronics

Caruth Courses

1) International Entrepreneurship

2) Planning & Control for Growing Businesses

3) Venture Financing

4) Law of Financial Transactions for Entrepreneurs

Today Associate and CFO, Silver Creek Ventures