Wade T. Brooks

Wade T. Brooks Email and Phone Number

Lecturer - Entrepreneurship and Management @ University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO, US
Wade T. Brooks's Location
Denver, Colorado, United States, United States
Wade T. Brooks's Contact Details

Wade T. Brooks personal email

n/a
About Wade T. Brooks

Mr. Brooks is a PhD (ABD) completing his dissertation in venture finance and entrepreneurship at the University of Denver, with an expected completion in May 2025. He holds a BSc and MBA from Willamette University, and executive education in finance from Harvard Business School. Mr. Brooks served as an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Willamette University's Graduate School of Management for eight years, where he earned the Faculty Member of the Year award in 2016. His research in entrepreneurship and venture investing has been published in esteemed academic journals, including the Journal of Business Venturing. Mr. Brooks founded the entrepreneurship program at Willamette University, elevating it to a top ten national ranking by Businessweek (2018), and developed the world’s first university angel investment fund. Inc. Magazine recognized his entrepreneurship class as one of the top 10 in the United States.Beyond academia, Mr. Brooks has amassed 25 years of executive leadership across various sectors, including technology and consumer packaged goods (CPG). He founded his first company during college, becoming the first Apple Computer Value-Added Reseller (VAR) in the U.S. He also led a dotcom to acquisition in 2001 and expanded a local CPG business into a national brand, with distribution in major retailers such as Costco, Whole Foods, and Walmart.His commitment to social impact and education extends to his role as one of the founding board members of the Greater Sum Foundation, where he supports non-profits with scalable missions, and as a strategic advisor to Schilling Hard Cider, a successful venture by his MBA students, and the second largest hard cider company in the US. Moreover, Mr. Brooks has shared his expertise internationally, serving as a visiting professor at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Economics and Finance in New Zealand, where he taught early-stage investing.

Wade T. Brooks's Current Company Details
University of Colorado Denver

University Of Colorado Denver

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Lecturer - Entrepreneurship and Management
Denver, CO, US
Wade T. Brooks Work Experience Details
  • University Of Colorado Denver
    Lecturer - Entrepreneurship And Management
    University Of Colorado Denver
    Denver, Co, Us
  • Sol 7
    President, Founder
    Sol 7 2024 - Present
    Sol 7 works with emerging companies on growth and capital strategies, leveraging our extensive background in industry practice and academic research.
  • Schilling Cider
    Strategic Advisor
    Schilling Cider Dec 2012 - Present
    Auburn, Washington, Us
    Schilling Cider is a pioneering craft cider company rooted in the Pacific Northwest and stands as the second largest cider company in the United States. We are driven by two core values: Innovation Culture and Entrepreneurial Mindset. Our vision is to craft world-class beverages that elevate life's everyday moments. True to this vision, we were the first cidery on the West Coast to introduce canned cider, breaking from the industry's traditional reliance on glass bottles and targeting high-end retail markets. We proudly produce all our ciders using fresh-pressed apple juice, fruit purees, and natural ingredients.
  • The Greater Sum Foundation
    Founding Board Member
    The Greater Sum Foundation 2016 - Dec 2023
    Jacksonville, Fl, Us
    The Greater Sum is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation dedicated to fostering innovation in the nonprofit sector. We support early-stage nonprofits with the potential for scalable, positive change by providing funding, subject matter expertise, networking, and professional development opportunities.
  • Vc Lab
    Cohort X
    Vc Lab Feb 2023 - Jun 2023
    Palo Alto, Ca, Us
    VC Lab is the leading venture capital accelerator, transforming venture capital into a force for good. Cohorts are 16-week programs for new and emerging fund managers globally, dedicated to creating top-performing firms. Their proven methodology and ongoing program enhancements help managers close on capital in an average of 5.7 months with less mistakes and less stress.
  • Livbar
    Ceo
    Livbar Aug 2018 - Mar 2022
    Salem, Oregon, Us
    Founded in 2012, LivBar® manufactures and sells USDA-certified organic, superfood nutrition bars. LivBars are available across the US in major retailers including Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods. All products are gluten-free, GMO-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. Each bar offers a unique blend of chewy and crunchy textures, complemented by distinctive flavor profiles.
  • Livbar
    Strategic Advisor
    Livbar Jan 2018 - Aug 2018
    Salem, Oregon, Us
  • Victoria University Of Wellington
    Visiting Professor
    Victoria University Of Wellington Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
    Wellington, 6140, Nz
    Visiting Professor specializing in early-stage finance at the School of Economics and Finance.
  • Willamette University Mba
    Associate Professor Of Entrepreneurial Practice
    Willamette University Mba May 2009 - May 2017
    Salem, Or, Us
    I developed the entrepreneurship discipline at the School of Business, elevating it from unranked to 9th in the US according to Businessweek (2018). I created and taught six courses in entrepreneurship, including the pioneering Willamette Angel Investment Fund, which Inc. Magazine ranked among the top 10 best entrepreneurship classes in the US. My achievements include:• 2016 Faculty Member of the Year• 2013 Meritorious Service to Students Award.• Teaching scores on all classes of 5 out of 5.Classes• Venture Investing I & II• Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development• Entrepreneurial Finance • New Ventures to Launch I & II• Integrative Management Project (MBA for Professionals program)
  • Willamette University Mba
    Executive Director, Angel Investment Fund
    Willamette University Mba Jan 2009 - May 2017
    Salem, Or, Us
    • Created, funded, and managed the first graduate school angel investment fund in the U.S.• Achieved an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 21% across all realized returns and 25% for direct investments, with respective multiples of 2.45x and 2.92x.• Taught a class centered around this fund, ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the "top 10 best entrepreneurship classes in the nation."• Successfully raised over $1M of donated capital for the fund.• Collaborated with university top management to establish a vehicle that educates students and holds portfolio assets for sustained growth and investment returns.• Assembled a high-profile board of directors with a focus on expertise and long-term financial support.• Initiated a bi-weekly speakers forum, attracting over 80 CEOs to share their experiences with students at no cost.• Partnered with twelve angel investment groups across California, Oregon, and Washington, embedding two students in each group to provide a unique educational experience and enhance deal flow for the fund.• Structured and managed thirty-two portfolio investments, serving as a board member and advisor to portfolio companies.• Served as a mentor and investor in four incubators, including Nike TechStars.• Delivered keynote speeches at numerous events, ranging from private accredited investor groups to large conferences with thousands of attendees.• Developed and secured approval for a university-wide entrepreneurship center from the President, Dean of Business, and Dean of Law, and initiated its fundraising efforts.
  • Willamette University Mba
    Director Of Development And Alumni Relations
    Willamette University Mba Jul 2008 - Dec 2011
    Salem, Or, Us
    • Directed all fundraising initiatives at the business school, closely collaborating with the Dean of Business and engaging in travel for out-of-region commitments.• Managed direct relationships with University board members to enhance development and garner support.• Played a key role in building and recruiting members for the business school's board of advisors as well as the University's board of directors.• Held dual reporting duties to both the University's Vice President of Development and the Dean of the Business School.• Developed and implemented comprehensive alumni outreach programs, including continuing education events.
  • Athletepath
    Board Member
    Athletepath Mar 2012 - Jun 2014
    A portfolio company of the Willamette Angel Fund, this business specialized in managing athletic race registrations, focusing on increasing participant numbers and enhancing engagement experiences for athletes. It was successfully acquired by imATHLETE.
  • Portland State University
    Adjunct Professor, Corporate Finance
    Portland State University Jul 2007 - Jul 2008
    Portland, Or, Us
    My inaugural teaching experience, BA 303 Business Finance. "Wade, this is about the best overall rating for a BA303 class that I have ever seen. You clearly know how to do this," - Dr. John Settle, Chair, Finance Department. The course outlined a decision framework for financial management, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. It covered topics such as financial health analysis, future financial performance planning, investment opportunity evaluation, and risk analyses. We also introduced discussions on financing firm growth and valuation. The curriculum integrated financial management concepts into a comprehensive approach to business decision-making, enhanced by relevant case studies.
  • World Travel.
    Retired
    World Travel. Jun 2005 - Jun 2008
  • Storepartners, Serverlogic, Softsource (Below)
    Multiple Acquisitions From 1999 - 2005
    Storepartners, Serverlogic, Softsource (Below) Feb 1999 - Jun 2005
    StorePartners was founded in 1999StorePartners was acquired by ServerLogic in 2001 A division of ServerLogic was acquired by SoftSource in 2004
  • Softsource Consulting
    Vp Strategic Planning
    Softsource Consulting Sep 2004 - May 2005
    Portland, Or, Us
    Initially, the acquisition of the company division was intended to position me as the CEO of the acquiring company after one year. However, nine months in, the founder decided not to proceed, leading to the departure of the management team.• Secured a $1M working line of credit upon arrival.• Grew the most lucrative part of the business, providing patent litigation support to Microsoft. • Expanded their customer base and created new consulting products.
  • Serverlogic
    Vp Sales And Marketing
    Serverlogic Jan 2001 - Aug 2004
    Portland, Or, Us
    ServerLogic acquired StorePartners, and the terms of the sale included a one-year employment contract. I managed the StorePartners division post-acquisition, later earning a promotion to build and lead a new company division. This division focused on Microsoft SharePoint and was subsequently acquired. Following my initial role:• Promoted to VP of Sales and Marketing, overseeing four offices in Portland, Beaverton, Seattle, and San Francisco.• Responsible for hiring talent, developing sales strategies, and managing production with P&L accountability.• Established and led a Microsoft SharePoint division that was also successfully acquired.• Promoted to VP of Sales and Marketing for the larger organization covering four offices: Portland, Beaverton, Seattle, and San Francisco.• Hired talent, developing sales, and overlooked production with P&L responsibility. • Built a Microsoft SharePoint division that was acquired.
  • Full Market Value
    Restructuring Ceo, President (On Contract From Serverlogic)
    Full Market Value 2002 - 2002
    CNF Ventures (the venture arm of Con-way Freight) contracted me to lead a turnaround after removing both the CEO and President. • Within 12 months, I transformed the company from a $1M loss to profitability.• I conducted a rapid business analysis, re-assigned tasks, and restructured the workforce.• I collaborated closely with the board of directors to align on strategic decisions.• I restructured vendor relationships, managed debt, optimized payables and receivables, and secured additional investors.
  • Storepartners
    President, Ceo
    Storepartners Feb 1999 - Dec 2001
    StorePartners specialized in developing e-commerce solutions for brick-and-mortar businesses, creating custom front ends for corporate websites, commerce shopping carts, and backend solutions for data management and inventory control.• Redefined the company’s vision and strategic direction.• Successfully secured two rounds of financing.• Constructed a state-of-the-art data center.• Achieved a year-over-year revenue increase of 100%.• Assembled a top-tier management team.• Expanded the company from 3 to 50 employees.• Prepared an S1 filing to take the company public.• Strategically positioned the company for sale.
  • Financial Partners Ltd
    Registered Investment Advisor Representative
    Financial Partners Ltd Jan 1997 - Feb 1999
    Hong Kong , Hong Kong Sar, Cn
  • Janus Interactive Software
    Sr. Vice President
    Janus Interactive Software 1995 - 1996
    This company was launched as a spin-off from Phoenix Digital Prepress (PDP) to develop three interactive CD-ROM products: "Licensed to Drive" and "Janus Interactive Sound Library" volumes 1 and 2. As the company's spokesperson, I was extensively trained by a prominent PR firm and led a national press tour. I managed all interactions with the local, national, and international press. My responsibilities included live appearances on national television and meetings with major media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and Fortune Magazine.
  • Brooks + Associates, Inc.
    President
    Brooks + Associates, Inc. 1989 - 1995
    I founded this company between my junior and senior years of college and successfully developed it into the first Apple Computer Value Added Reseller (VAR) in the United States. As a true bootstrapped startup, I was deeply involved in every facet of the business. Utilizing guerrilla marketing, word-of-mouth, and strategic planning, the company quickly became one of the premier Apple VARs in the region.• We serviced 20 of the top 25 advertising firms in Portland.• Additionally, 12 of the top 15 digital pre-press companies in Portland were our clients.• Our notable clientele included industry giants like Nike, PriceWaterhouse, and Wieden+Kennedy.

Wade T. Brooks Skills

Entrepreneurship Start Ups Strategic Planning Strategy Leadership Management Fundraising Public Speaking Business Development Marketing Strategy Data Analysis Venture Capital Program Management Marketing Project Management Executive Management Team Leadership Consulting Research Business Strategy Angel Investing E Commerce Social Media Market Research Nonprofits Sales Business Planning Social Media Marketing Non Profits Strategic Partnerships Due Diligence Social Networking Analysis Private Equity Cross Functional Team Leadership Investments Valuation Management Consulting Corporate Finance Competitive Analysis Leadership Development Analytics Team Management Organizational Development Managerial Finance Mergers And Acquisitions Integrated Marketing Finance

Wade T. Brooks Education Details

  • University Of Denver - Daniels College Of Business
    University Of Denver - Daniels College Of Business
    Management And Finance
  • Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
    Financial Management Program
  • Willamette University Mba
    Willamette University Mba
    Finance
  • Willamette University
    Willamette University
    Art

Frequently Asked Questions about Wade T. Brooks

What company does Wade T. Brooks work for?

Wade T. Brooks works for University Of Colorado Denver

What is Wade T. Brooks's role at the current company?

Wade T. Brooks's current role is Lecturer - Entrepreneurship and Management.

What is Wade T. Brooks's email address?

Wade T. Brooks's email address is wa****@****bar.com

What is Wade T. Brooks's direct phone number?

Wade T. Brooks's direct phone number is +150370*****

What schools did Wade T. Brooks attend?

Wade T. Brooks attended University Of Denver - Daniels College Of Business, Harvard Business School, Willamette University Mba, Willamette University.

What are some of Wade T. Brooks's interests?

Wade T. Brooks has interest in Saas, Corporate Training, Kids, Marketplaces, E Commerce, Fashion, Social Media, Meeting Software, Big Data, All Markets.

What skills is Wade T. Brooks known for?

Wade T. Brooks has skills like Entrepreneurship, Start Ups, Strategic Planning, Strategy, Leadership, Management, Fundraising, Public Speaking, Business Development, Marketing Strategy, Data Analysis, Venture Capital.

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