Derek Weber, goBrandgo

by Julia Paulus

The summer before Derek Weber’s senior year at Saint Louis University, he recognized a niche in selling customized apparel to fraternities, sororities and student organizations. “I figured I would do it until the end of my senior year and then I would get a real job,” says Weber.

“But my business grew throughout the year. By the end of my senior year, I was meeting with my marketing professors, the head of the entrepreneurship department, suppliers, friends, family and whoever would listen to see if I should make this a full time business.”

Weber reached a turning point when he read a Jim Collins’ article, “Leadership Lessons of a Rock Climber,” which made him realize the worst that would happen if he took the entrepreneurial leap and failed would be that he would be looking for a job – the same position he would be in after graduation. From there Weber focused on his clients’ needs to grow his business.

“Without a doubt the transition from product-based to full integrated target marketing with on and offline solutions was the smartest thing we’ve done,” says Weber. “We listened to our clients, which drove us to providing more well-rounded solutions. We’ve provided consistent experience by developing processes and systems.”

These processes have led to growth from continued customer referrals, the purchase and rehabilitation of a Benton Park office space and the hiring of six employees.