National Entrepreneurs Month: Celebrating Achievements by Pepperdine Graziadio Alumni

November 2020 is National Entrepreneurs Month, a celebration of trailblazers willing to chart new frontiers in business across the country and their impact on the business, science, and technology landscape. As part of this national observance, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is highlighting the achievements of the following six (6) alumni this month, wishing them continued success as they embody the values of “Best for the World” leadership:

Dat Do (MBA 2005)

Founder, Derivatas

Dat Do is the Founder of Derivatas, an end-to-end valuation solution for financial reporting, tax compliance, and deal analyses. Derivatas combines industry expertise with cloud-computing and data analytics for an advanced valuation platform. Since its inception in 2011, Derivatas has become one of the most trusted valuation service providers by some of the most prominent venture capital and accounting firms. Dat conceived of the idea after realizing there was an outstanding niche in the field that could be filled with the right mix of technology and financial expertise to make it an affordable solution for clients.

Dat received his MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business. He was formerly a valuation specialist/financial engineer at PwC, where he performed valuations on VC & PE funds, technology startups, and complex financial instruments.

Garrett Gilbertson (MS 2014)

Founder / Chairman, Startup Mavericks / Band of Angels LA

Garrett Gilbertson is the founder of Startup Mavericks, Maverick Investment Properties, and Chairman of the Band of Angels Los Angeles Group. He is an entrepreneur, investor, Afghan War veteran, and former USAF Captain, with cross-functional leadership experience leading DOD acquisitions, family offices, angel groups, and seed-stage funds. Currently, Garrett is an active angel investor through the Band of Angels, Tech Coast Angels, and Pasadena Angels. He also hosts monthly pitch events, where he vets early-stage opportunities. Garrett has been an investor and strategic advisor to a succession of successful early-stage companies, notably Brius, Champions Round, and UNest, where he sits on the Board of Directors. Recently Garrett became Chair of the Los Angeles Venture Association Angel Advisory Board and launched Maverick Investment Properties to acquire multi-unit properties in Southern California.

Garrett earned his M.S. at Pepperdine Graziadio and was the recipient of the George Award for “Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship.” He received his B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy.

Kathleen Grave (EMBA 2001)

Founder, InBOLD

Dr. Kathleen Grave is Co-Founder and CEO at InBold Inc. InBOLD Inc was formed in 2018 by a group of health and wellness executives, and medicinal product innovators looking for safe and reliable cannabinoid solutions. Their Lassen Labs product line delivers effective pharma grade, nano cannabinoid patent-pending formulas that provide quick and lasting relief. The brand is recommended by doctors and specialists globally.

Kathleen earned her EMBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. She currently serves as Board Member and Advisor to both private sector firms and non-profits, teaches courses on Strategic Management at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and mentors future public and private sector leaders in executive, fully-employed, and online MBA programs. Kathleen serves on the Graziadio Board and is the Co-chair of the annual Future of Healthcare Symposium.

Mark Koep (MBA 2005)

Founder & CEO, CampgroundViews.com

Mark Koep is the founder of CampgroundViews.com, which uses video, data, and photographs to provide tent and RV travelers with vital information to help them plan their vacations. Camping is booming, RV sales are at their peak, but people don't have any visual data on where they're booking. Today's consumer is more discriminating and wants more info. CampgroundViews.com is the solution for these consumers in the $6B camping industry by using 360 virtual campground tours with an augmented booking experience to empower campers to finally do what they want… see and pick their site.

Mark earned his MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business.

Quincy Newell (MBA 2012)

Chief Executive Officer, TwentyOne14 Media

After spending three decades shaping business, marketing, and distribution strategies, Quincy Newell launched TwentyOne14 Media in 2017. TwentyOne14 Media’s mission is to support the creation and delivery of resonant content and curated consumer experiences to targeted audiences. TwentyOne14 Media is designed to serve as a bridge between filmmakers and artists of color, consumer-friendly technology offerings, and underserved audiences. Quincy is also the principle attorney of Newell Law Firm, with practice areas including Media & Entertainment, Corporate, Intellectual Property, Talent Representation, and Development & Production law.

Quincy is a member of the Producers Guild of America and earned his MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, where he is also a board member. Quincy is a member of the Langston Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Producers’ Guild of America. Newell also sits on the Board of Directors of OTT.X.

Paul Smucker Wagstaff (MIB 1995)

Founder, Eagle Foods and Embassy Park

Paul Smucker Wagstaff is a recognized leader in the U.S. Retail Consumer Foods industry. Paul worked alongside his partners to create Embassy Park, where he currently serves a Managing Partner and Founder. Embassy Park is an investment and advisory firm whose principals have extensive experience in the CPG Food industry. The firm acts as both an investor and advisor to businesses in the manufacturing and or sales and marketing of branded, private label and co-manufactured food products.

Previously, Paul was president of the J.M. Smucker Company U.S. Retail Consumer Foods Division and led a $2.4 billion business in net sales with over $400 million in profit.

Paul earned his MBA in International Business from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and currently serves on the Board of Alphia (pet food manufacturer), Cyprium Partners (middle market private investment firm), and the University of Akron Foundation Board.

Congratulations to all of our alumni on their great achievements, and to our entrepreneurs for the difference they’re making in the world of business.