We Are Smith: Adam VanWagner

Adam started his bug business with a mini fridge.

As a Cupid’s Cup winner, Adam VanWagner ’11 knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship. Adam spent his days at Smith coaching startups to success, including the 2015 Cupid’s Cup champion, and is now taking his entrepreneurial energy to Amazon.

We embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. We are Smith.

What career achievement makes you most proud?

The career achievement that makes me most proud is jumping into my new role at the Dingman Center as Student Programs manager, where I am able to work with students in the Fearless Founders and Pitch Dingman programs. These programs provide a tangible resource for students to start their own business and work on something they are truly passionate about. Helping students accomplish this with programming, resources, mentors, and advising, makes me very proud.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

Abe Lincoln; what a fascinating time in our country’s history.

What is the most interesting thing you have in your office?

A picture of my brother and I taking a selfie with Kevin Plank after Cupid’s Cup 2014.

What drives your passion for Smith?

As a student at Smith, I had a lot of opportunities both in my classes and extra-curricular activities to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and a professional. Having returned as a staff member, I am passionate about creating and managing programs that continue to expand upon opportunities I had when I was a student.

If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

Be proactive, explore every opportunity that comes your way, love your family and friends (and be willing to do anything for them), and have fun along the way.

You have a completely open weekend – where are you and what are you doing?

Ocean City, Maryland playing volleyball and cornhole on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My brothers and sisters are my heroes in real life. They are ALWAYS there for me and inspire me in each of their own way.

If money were no object, what one project would you tackle at Smith?

I would like to increase awareness about Smith programs to the rest of campus. We have a LOT of programs that are extra-curricular and open for students who are not in the Smith School to participate in, but they just don’t know about the opportunity.

If you were to die and come back as a thing, what would it be?

I would be a fridge.

You have a lunch meeting at Ledo’s – what’s on your pizza?

BBQ Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Smith?

My favorite memory from my time at Smith was as a student when I won Cupid’s Cup with my twin brother Eric VanWagner in 2011.

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?

I would buy a house on the beach. I love the beach!

The We Are Smith campaign highlights the dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Each person featured fits into one of Smith’s four brand pillars: world-class faculty and research; entrepreneurial spirit; experiential learning; and collaborative community. #WeAreSmith @SmithSchool on Twitter.