Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
How OpenVia’s founder completed his MBA while working full time
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Before he founded Birmingham startup OpenVia, Patrick Campbell worked in healthcare while tinkering with entrepreneurial ideas on the side. However, he wasn’t positive he had what it took to lead a company—until he decided to take the next step with his education.
Keep reading to learn more about OpenVia and how Patrick’s experience in Auburn University’s Executive MBA program gave him the knowledge, skills and experience to successfully lead OpenVia—without taking a break from his career.
Meet Patrick Campbell, CEO of OpenVia
Patrick is the founder and CEO of OpenVia, an early-stage venture-backed software startup based out of Hardware Park. A seasoned entrepreneur, Patrick previously worked on the Porch Pod—a technology-equipped storage container designed to keep delivered packages safe from tampering, theft, weather and more.
In 2020, Patrick expanded the idea of Porch Pod to his newest endeavor—OpenVia. Designed as an alternative to expensive upgrades for access or intercom systems, OpenVia is a platform that gives owners, residents and guests access to multifamily or commercial properties through their smartphone.
- OpenVia: 855.799.7479 | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn
- Location: 811 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Discovering a need for further education
Although he’s always been interested in entrepreneurship, Patrick spent several years in the healthcare sector before founding OpenVia. After eight years in his field, he decided it was time to continue his education.
“At a certain point in my career, I realized that if I wanted to take the next step, I needed to add further educational credentials to my résumé.”
Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO, OpenVia
Patrick began researching programs at several schools—including his undergraduate alma mater, Auburn University. Ultimately, he decided to apply to the Executive MBA at Auburn’s Harbert College of Business.
“Although I looked at similar programs throughout the Southeast, the Executive MBA at Auburn University seemed like an ideal fit for both my personal and professional goals. The flexibility of the program helped me balance work and life with the requirements of my education, and I loved that the cohort-based experience allowed me to learn alongside a small group of like-minded professionals throughout the entirety of the program.”
Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO, OpenVia
Designed with working professionals in mind
Designed for mid- to late-career business professionals, Auburn’s Executive MBA program blends the flexibility of online learning with the collaboration of peer-to-peer interaction in the classroom. With short on-campus residencies and a cohort of peers from diverse businesses and backgrounds, the Executive MBA program is ideal for professionals looking to grow their skills without pausing their careers.
“Although I was working a typical nine-to-five job, the Executive MBA made it easy to accomplish my weekly coursework during the evening, nights and any free time I had. The on-campus residences were planned months in advance, which allowed me to schedule work and life around the in-person requirements. Being able to turn in projects remotely really helped out, as well!”
Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO, OpenVia
Although Patrick didn’t study business during his time as an undergrad at Auburn University, he picked up a lot of experience during his healthcare career. The Executive MBA program helped Patrick formalize his understanding of those business concepts—which has been crucial in his leadership at OpenVia.
“The knowledge and training that I received from the Executive MBA program really helped me as a founder of a startup. The skills I learned helped me make informed decisions when it came to financing the company, raising venture capital funds, hiring employees and more. Beyond that, having pursued an MBA at such a wonderful school helped me gain the confidence I needed as CEO to talk to clients, raise capital and get OpenVia off on the right foot.”
Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO, OpenVia
Grow your skills with Auburn University’s Executive MBA
Looking to make a change in your professional career? Auburn University’s Executive MBA program could be the right call for you.
“When making any big decision, my advice would be to take a look at all the options and make a decision that’s right for you and your family. If you look at the virtues of the Executive MBA program at Auburn, I think you’ll find that it is a fantastic value for your money, an outstanding educational experience and an effective way to balance your personal and professional commitments.”
Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO, OpenVia
Schedule an appointment with the Harbert College of Business program admission advisor today to learn how the Executive MBA program can impact your career.
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