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For
many
Baldwin
Wallace
alumni,
their
time
at
BW
means
much
more
than
simply
earning
a
degree.
It's
an
experience
that
shapes
them
personally
and
professionally
through
a
close-knit
community.
Such
is
the
story
for
BW
alumnus
Gerald
Hwasta
'91,
who
has
enjoyed
a
successful
career
in
operating,
advising
and
investing
in
technology
businesses.
Currently, Hwasta is the chairman and CEO of 24/7 Software, a leading provider of operations management software solutions. He says, "24/7 Software is a rapidly growing SaaS (software as a service) company that serves large properties such as commercial properties, corporate, sports and public entertainment venues. Our customers include 80% of North American sports teams and venues. Our solutions are the de facto system of record for operations personnel in managing both events and day-to-day property management."
During his time at Baldwin Wallace, Hwasta discovered a unique sense of community, which he credits with helping to form him into the person he is today. As a student, he built a foundation early on in the computer information systems and business administration programs, which enabled him to transition through several roles in finance.
He says, "Between liberal arts, computer science and business courses, my education was well-rounded and allowed me to move throughout my career within different roles with finance, Silicon Valley tech companies and Sand Hill Road investing."
Beyond classes, Hwasta was motivated by the support of his professors, fraternity brothers and teammates. He says, "One professor and mentor opened up possibilities for me by teaching about the realities of the business world, showing me a path to an MBA and connecting me with prominent alumni. In addition, my fraternity brothers and football teammates provided a disciplined but fun environment."
Hwasta also found support from the BW community during a difficult time in his life. Just before the beginning of his senior year, his mother died in an accident. He says, "The entire BW community was there for me, including friends, teammates, President Malicky, Coach Packard and board trustees."
Through that experience, Hwasta discovered the things that really matter in life. He says, "I learned at this time that the health and lives of friends and family are the things that really matter, and everything else in life is just window dressing. As a husband and parent now, I remember my time at BW as something that shaped me as a person and helped me to prioritize the right things in life."
While
Hwasta's
life
and
career
have
allowed
him
to
travel
to
40
countries
around
the
world,
his
YJ4L
spirit
inspires
him
to
stay
involved
with
the
BW
community.
He
says,
"I
reached
out
to
Dr.
Charles
Campisi
when
I
realized
Baldwin
Wallace
had
a
sport
management
major.
He
and
I
had
a
great
conversation,
and
after
he
learned
about
our
software,
he
recommended
that
I
reach
out
to
Dr.
Andi
Lyons."
Hwasta talked to Lyons' sport management class and also saw an opportunity to give back by helping the students with a case study using one of 24/7 Software's clients. Students were given a case study about the use of the software for an NFL stadium and team, as well as an overview of the platform.
Hwasta says, "Students gathered in groups to answer questions on how to use our solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were impressed as each group presented their ideas. Seeing how the platform is used to operate facilities allowed the students to put themselves in the shoes of venue management. They learned the activities they need to perform through recording and communicating through our software, utilizing both computer and mobile solutions."
