Get to Know MS in Entrepreneurship Student: Scott Damon

The MS in Entrepreneurship program is made up of a diverse group of students who come from various backgrounds and experiences. We love to highlight students from the current cohort, so read on to hear more about Scott’s journey to the program!

Please tell us your name.

Scott Damon

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Salt Lake City, UT, where I spent much of my time skiing in Park City and exploring the great outdoors. However, I’ve grown to love Seattle for its vibrant entrepreneurial scene, diverse culture, and abundance of outdoor activities like skiing in the Cascades.

What did you do before entering this program?

My journey began at a bank, where I kickstarted my career while simultaneously pursuing a professional freestyle skiing career and exploring international travel for leisure. However, my passion for creativity led me to obtain licenses as a cosmetologist and esthetician, adding a touch of beauty to my professional repertoire. Eager to expand my horizons, I embarked on my undergraduate journey while holding a corporate position at Intermountain Healthcare (Select Health). Balancing academics with my corporate responsibilities, I delved into the world of healthcare administration, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Transitioning from healthcare to the hospitality industry, I then worked at Sodexo, where I immersed myself in providing exceptional service and satisfaction. Later, I ventured into the dynamic environment of Black Diamond Equipment, combining my diverse skill set with a passion for outdoor adventure, contributing to the company’s success while broadening my own horizons. Throughout these experiences, I’ve embraced every opportunity for growth and exploration, paving the way for my journey into entrepreneurship at the University of Washington.

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Did you have any entrepreneurship experience before entering this program?

My journey into entrepreneurship began during my days as a professional freestyle skier, where the need for a convenient travel toothbrush became apparent during my extensive travels. Whether navigating long flights, layovers, or exploring new destinations, I found myself longing for a compact solution to maintain oral hygiene on the go. This realization sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, igniting a passion to create a practical solution to address this common challenge. As I transitioned into the corporate world, working in various roles in the healthcare sector, the idea continued to simmer in the back of my mind. I observed how small innovations could streamline processes and enhance customer satisfaction, further fueling my entrepreneurial aspirations. However, it was during my tenure in the outdoor gear industry that my entrepreneurial vision gained validation. The outdoor gear sector showed keen interest in my travel toothbrush concept, recognizing its potential utility for outdoor enthusiasts. This validation from industry professionals solidified my determination to turn my idea into a reality and propelled me further along the path of entrepreneurship.

Tell us why you are excited to be a part of the current cohort for the MS ENTRE degree program?

I’m thrilled to be part of the current cohort for several reasons. Firstly, I’m eager to develop crucial skills and knowledge necessary for scaling a company, mitigating risks, and propelling success. I believe this program will provide invaluable insights and strategies to boost my chances of entrepreneurial success, while also allowing me to diversify my beliefs and perspectives. Additionally, I’m excited about the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of individuals from all over the world. The perspectives and backgrounds of my cohort members are incredibly valuable, particularly when it comes to understanding how to best serve customers with my own products and company. So far, my favorite part of the program has been the support and guidance from our professors. Their expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in refining my pitch and product, leading to small but significant successes along the way. Moreover, living in Seattle has been an incredible experience, with its vibrant community, thriving entrepreneur ecosystem, and proximity to flagship companies adding to the excitement of this journey. Furthermore, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and mentors who have shared their insights during events and classes. Their expertise and real-world experiences have been both inspiring and invaluable as I navigate my entrepreneurial journey.

What advantages do you see to opening a business now?

Launching a business like Roam Travel Toothbrush in today’s market offers several advantages. Firstly, there’s a growing demand for convenient and innovative products that cater to modern lifestyles. Roam’s unique design and toothpaste tablet cartridges meet this demand effectively. Moreover, there’s an increasing focus on sustainability, and Roam’s eco-friendly approach aligns well with this trend. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and digital marketing provides ample opportunities to reach a broad audience at minimal cost. Leveraging these platforms allows Roam to engage with customers globally. Furthermore, today’s entrepreneurial landscape is characterized by a culture of innovation and support. With access to resources like incubators and networking events, entrepreneurs have the tools needed to bring their ideas to fruition.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself successfully leading a company while also giving back to the community. I’ll continue to travel and explore new experiences. If not running my own business, I aim to work for a startup or larger company where I can apply my skills and passions effectively if my own company does not work out.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love skiing, traveling, yoga, meditation, reading, hanging with friends and family, volunteering, and live music.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about applying to the MS ENTRE degree program?

My advice for those considering the MS ENTRE program: Embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. This program offers invaluable academic and hands-on experience, along with access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Be open-minded, ready to challenge yourself, and eager to learn from professors, professionals, and peers. The connections and networking opportunities provided have been truly remarkable, propelling my startup tremendously and changing my perspective along the way. It’s a chance to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and network necessary for success in entrepreneurship.

Learn About MS in Entrepreneurship

• Sign up for the MS in Entrepreneurship email list
• Watch the MS in Entrepreneurship On Demand Info Session
• Visit the MS in Entrepreneurship website

This post is part of a series where we ask current students to answer questions about their experience at Foster. Explore the 11 questions tag for more interviews.