Recently, the Busch School of Business had the pleasure of welcoming Brian Hamilton, the founder of Sageworks and the Brian Hamilton Foundation, as part of its CEO Lecture Series. Hamilton shared with students his entrepreneurial journey, his experience founding Inmates to Entrepreneurs, and his belief that business can be a pathway to personal freedom and purpose.
He opened by sharing stories from his early life, reflecting on his experiences with poverty and the jobs he held as a teenager. He spoke about the importance of financial validation, recalling the moment he received his first $14 check from a bank, which, although small, was still a sign that his efforts were paying off. For him, that early success gave him the confidence and confirmation that his work had value.
Hamilton shared that he was diagnosed with ADD, and described how it has shaped his approach to problem-solving, calling it his “superpower.” He explained that while it can make explaining ideas difficult, it also enables him to think in multiple directions and see opportunities others might overlook. This unique perspective, he said, helped fuel his success as an entrepreneur.
Hamilton offered practical advice to students interested in business and leadership. He discussed the value of open-mindedness, hard work, and perseverance, reminding them that success often comes from long hours and dedication. “We are solving a problem out of a passion to help small businesses,” he said, “so, really, try to find something that you like to do.” Hamilton also encouraged students to surround themselves with successful people, noting that environment and mentorship are important for personal growth. When discussing his work with Inmates to Entrepreneurs, he shared one of his guiding principles: “If you can’t get hired, build something yourself.” He later explained that his mission is to help people build their own paths when traditional ones are closed off.
Brian Hamilton’s talk reminded students that success in business is less about profit and more about passion, perseverance, and using one’s talents to make a difference. He closed by reminding students that building a business takes persistence and vision, but also a desire to help others succeed.