Taking A Gamble Pays Off: Brad Wolk '95 BSBA (Finance)
Giving back to the Eller College of Management is something that was always in the back of Brad Wolk’s ’95 BSBA (Finance) mind. After donating to Eller for many years, he wanted to give more and started asking himself ‘What does Eller need?’ and that was when he and his wife, Linda learned about the need for new Bloomberg Financial Terminals and monitors in the Eller College Financial Markets Center.
“This is one of many projects we can hopefully help with over the years to come,” says Wolk. “I’m very proud of Eller and the quality programs that are in place. I want to see that continue so our donations are a direct reflection of that desire for Eller’s success to continue.”
The new Bloomberg terminals will be available to authorized users within the Eller College which include faculty members and both undergraduate and graduate students and will provide comprehensive quotes, financial data and news on numerous companies, as well as data on equity and debt securities and markets.
“The Wolk’s generous gift allows the finance department to continue to enhance the opportunities and resources available to our students,” says Kathy Kahle, Thomas C. Moses Professor of Finance and finance department head. “Our success depends in large part on the support of our loyal alumni. The Bloomberg terminals are a great resource to our students and faculty researchers, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to improve and expand their accessibility.”
Wolk is the owner of Dry Pak Industries—a manufacturer of packaged desiccants selling to the food, electronics, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, diagnostics, military and aerospace industries—where he oversees all operations, including production at their four factories, supply chain management and sales.
He started the company in 2002, when he was only 29 years old, knowing that leaving his current job of five years was risky—especially with a second baby on the way. “The confidence I needed to start my own business started with my education at Eller,” he says. “I knew I had it in me and I decided to gamble on myself and my abilities. Ultimately, it was the best decision I ever made in my professional career.”
Dry Pak Industries is now the fourth largest manufacturer of packaged desiccants in the U.S.
“I would strongly urge any student embarking on their college career to get comfortable being uncomfortable and to challenge themselves,” says Wolk. “And my biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to gamble on yourself.”