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MBA Gives Harris Confidence to Launch Business People say timing is everything, but Stanley Harris doesn’t buy it. He doesn’t wait for the stars to align, for a sign or the perfect moment to make the next move. Despite lingering concerns about the economic recovery, Harris recently launched Mint Ventures LLC, an import/export and real estate business. He earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in international business from the University of St. Thomas Cameron School of Business in May. “There are a lot of ups and downs, but it took the confidence of earning a University of St. Thomas MBA to convince me that now is the time,” Harris said. A six-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves, Harris served in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and participated in the historic Iraq Vote of 2005. His contributions to our country have been recognized by the government, and Harris has received service medals for the Global War on Terrorism, Iraq Campaign and National Defense. After returning from service, he earned a bachelor of business administration-finance from Prairie View A&M University. A friend from the Marines, Gilbert Trevino, alerted Harris to a job opening in accounting at Arch-Con Corporation. Michael Scheurich, a 1999 UST alumnus and president of Arch-Con Corporation, took Harris under his wing. As Harris contemplated his options for local MBA programs, Scheurich suggested he explore UST. “There is a strong network of alumni at the Cameron School of Business, and they project a lot of pride about the school in the community. One of the main reasons why I came here was because of Michael’s recommendation.” While on a UST MBA study abroad trip to Prague, Harris’ lifelong dream of owning his own business suddenly became vividly clear. The study abroad experience planted the seed for Mint Ventures. “When I was in Prague, we met with several international companies and many interesting people. I concluded that I wanted to start my own international business,” Harris said. “Because of the way the economy is structured, I want to tailor my business to meet the needs of the global consumer.” In addition to the influential study abroad program, Stanley commended the Cameron School of Business emerging focus on entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is important. Universities often push students to get involved in the corporate culture, but for many others, owning one’s own business is a better fit. UST recognized the wisdom in implementing programs that foster and develop future entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurial spirit of the people is what makes this nation great,” Harris said. – Elise Marrion