A passion for entrepreneurship
by Michelle Mondo
Ben Hodge’s growth as an entrepreneur has roots in his family tree that has branched into his second year as a student in the Online MBA for Professionals program at the St. Mary’s University Greehey School of Business.
His entrepreneurial journey began in 2006, when Hodge, began working at bars to earn money while he worked his way through his undergraduate studies. One night, a band dropped out of a performance, and Hodge had the contacts to fix that problem, beginning his career in live entertainment. He earned an associate’s in Physical Therapy Assistance and a bachelor’s in Anthropology along the way.
He later moved to San Antonio to care for his ailing grandfather. During that time, he managed his family’s 300-acre ranch in Kingsbury, along with other real estate properties owned by his family. Aside from taking care of cattle, the experience taught him about tax and business structures.
“I was giving shots and vaccines to the cows in the morning, stripping hardwood floors in the afternoon, and researching corporate management and trusts in the evenings,” said Hodge, who is president of Hodge Family Holdings. “Entrepreneurship is very hands-on.”
That hands-on business training took off when Hodge’s job booking music acts for bars in Waco and San Antonio sparked an idea for a booking service, which he named EEVET Inc. He learned statistics and software development with the goal of matching bands with venues. In 2017, he was invited to pitch at Collision Conference in New Orleans and then was accepted to the Project Music accelerator in Nashville. EEVET, for which Hodge is CEO, was awarded $40,000 in financing and another $350,000 in sponsorships.
Subsequently, he cofounded a data-driven marketing and consulting firm called Thyme Digital. As he began working for a variety of clients across industries, he realized that a standardized framework and knowledge base about business could improve his performance and his clients.
Experiential learning
He decided it was time to go back to school. In 2023, Hodge began the St. Mary’s Online MBA for Professionals program with a concentration in Data Analytics. He chose the program because it fits well into his work schedule and family obligations as a father and husband.
He gained opportunities he never expected. Sergio Palacios, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management and Interim Director of Graduate Programs, called those “value-added events.”
“The Online MBA Program has been extraordinarily experiential,” Hodge said.
His latest opportunity was attending an on-campus event with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. He has also met former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson and his son, David Robinson Jr., and other business leaders, such as Lisa Sequino, Supergoop! founder and CEO.
“St. Mary’s MBA program is special; this experience could have just been night school,” he said.
Palacios nominated Hodge for the Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Texas Business Legend Award. Palacios first met the man who would become his student years earlier “in the San Antonio entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
“I quickly recognized his drive and passion for innovation,” Palacios said. “Ben is deeply committed to serving our community, always striving to make a positive impact. His dedication to creating a better world, combined with his remarkable adaptability and willingness to embrace change, truly embodies our Marianist values.”
Hodge’s next year in the program holds even more promise. He received the Legend Award of $15,000 to be used on business expenses or tuition for his outstanding achievements and commitment to making a difference in his community.
“The Online MBA Program has been extraordinarily experiential.”
— Ben Hodge
Hodge wants other entrepreneurs who may learn something from his own path to remember that even setbacks have a purpose.
“Be passionate about it,” Hodge said. “After meeting extraordinary people at St Mary’s, I’ve noticed they all have the same advice. … Don’t give up on what you want.”
