Growing up on a ranch in Twin Bridges, Carl Shaw never thought about going to college.
Nobody in his family had gone to college, but when Shaw was in high school his parents encouraged him to go.
He researched his options and was impressed with the high job placement rate at the University of Montana’s College of Business. He made the decision to attend UM, which happened to go against how he was raised as a Montana State Bobcats fan.
“My whole family are Cats fans. I grew up a Cats fan but that got old,” Shaw said. “I got tired of it. I wanted to come over to UM and it was the best decision I ever made.”
This Saturday, Shaw will be the first in his family to graduate from college. He will receive a bachelor’s degree in management information system, among the highest-earning degrees at UM.
“My parents always taught me if you are going to do something, go all the way,” Shaw said.
Shaw made the most of his time in UM’s College of Business. Over his four years, Shaw was on the Dean’s List every semester and even started and sold several businesses. He credits much of his success to the support from faculty who helped him refine his business plans.
“There is no chance I would be where I am today without the opportunities and the relationships the College of Business provides,” Shaw said.
Erik Guzik, assistant clinical professor of management and entrepreneurship in UM’s College of Business, said Shaw is one of the only students in the history of the John Ruffatto Startup Challenge to reach the finals two years in a row with two entirely different startup ideas. Shaw finished in the top four in the event with Safe Haven Home Services, a company that allows elderly people to age in place. He succeeded again at the competition with an AI car scanning application.
Shaw also recently launched a third business idea, Confluence Cattle Co, a direct-to-consumer beef company. The company found success and now Shaw plans to sell it.
“Carl has demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurial initiative and ability as an undergraduate,” Guzik said. “All faculty hope their students will take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world after graduation. Carl didn’t wait for a degree.”
Shaw relied on his work ethic that he developed while ranching on his family’s land running 200 head of cattle. That work ethic carried over to his time in Missoula, where he also had jobs outside of the classroom. He worked all four years as the equipment manager for the Griz football team and worked as a server at Texas Roadhouse.
Shaw grew up with a passion for entrepreneurship. He was raised watching his parents work as entrepreneurs on their ranch and wanted to gain the skills to work for himself.
“It was always my mindset growing up,” Shaw said. “There is work to be done and no one is going to do it unless you do. Or you don’t get paid.”
Shaw plans to stay in Missoula and look for opportunities for other business ventures. In the meantime, he is working for LineHaul Logistics, a freight brokerage, and selling health insurance. He knows the skills he learned from the College of Business will prepare him for wherever his career takes him.
“I have no doubt Carl will enjoy great success in whatever he chooses to do after graduation,” Guzik said.
Looking back at his college career, Shaw feels like a completely different person than the one who step on campus four years ago. As he grew as a person, he noticed the campus also transformed. He appreciates how he was a student when UM built several new additions such as the Lodge Dining Center, Montana Museum of Art and Culture and the Grizzly Indoor Practice Facility. There are also plans for a new residence hall and other improves around campus.
“I firmly believe that a building campus is a growing campus. If there are construction projects, you are doing something right,” Shaw said. “The University of Montana is on the up-and-up, and I can really appreciate that. It reaffirms this is a good spot and I made the right decision.”
By Kyle Spurr, UM News Service