When he started his own business several years ago, J.D. Clockadale says he operated like a lot of new entrepreneurs, “learning on the fly.”

Though he made the business a big success, eventually profiting from its sale, Clockadale wishes he knew then what he’s learning now in Georgia Tech College of Management’s Executive MBA in Management of Technology (MOT) program.

“This program fosters the entrepreneurial spirit by providing a formal framework to drive it,” Clockadale says, noting that he’s gained valuable knowledge about such areas as risk management and organizational behavior since beginning the 19-month program in May 2007.

Entrepreneurial Itch

After earning his BS in mechanical engineering from Tech in 1997, Clockadale developed a taste for entrepreneurship while working six years as a financial representative for Prudential Financial, where his duties included sales and consulting on new product strategies.

In 2004, Clockadale decided the time was right to go into business for himself. After evaluating different business concepts, he and a partner negotiated ownership of two Moe’s restaurant franchises, scouted for Georgia locations in Rome and Snellville, oversaw construction, and led a team of 25 people.

“We took the business through the whole life cycle, creating a great deal of value for our shareholders as well as ourselves,” he says. “We sold it in 2006, even earlier than we planned, after getting the right offer while we were developing a third location.”

EMBA  Advantage

After that deal, Clockadale decided he wanted to enter the corporate world and recognized that an MBA would help him reach his desired heights of success. What appealed to him about Tech’s EMBA-MOT program was its focus on managing innovation.

“Today technology is pervasive in every business, and everyone is an entrepreneur in some form or fashion,” he says. “It’s up to you to make your job happen.”

Designed to prepare leaders to excel in the fast evolving world of high-tech business, the EMBA-MOT program attracts both technical and business professionals who are ready to transition into upper management and strategic leadership roles. Beyond MBA core courses, students learn how to leverage technology for sustained competitive advantage.

They meet for classes on Fridays and Saturdays every other week and complete the program with an international study trip.

Making a Difference

When not studying, Clockadale dedicates himself to a community service-oriented venture he started call Fit Kids Training Company. Through this business, he is doing his part to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity by consulting with families about positive lifestyle habits.

“I’ve seen absolutely amazing changes in families that work hard to change their lifestyles,” says Clockadale, who’s competed in multiple marathons and several “Iron Man” triathlons.

Now expecting his first child, Clockadale has years of experience working with kids as a volunteer at the AFLAC Cancer Center for Children at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta.

While he’d like to continue lifestyle consulting with some families after graduation in December 2008, Clockadale plans to devote himself full force to a corporate position in corporate finance or management consulting.

“My MBA education will help me add value in a larger context,” he says. “My goal is to grow into a director-level leadership role at a big corporation.”