Imagine the Possibilities

john roa: leader, learner, donor

His story

John Roa can be called many things: visionary, successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, serial problem solver.

The 33-year old is the founder of several technology startups, selling his most recent firm, ÄKTA, to one of the largest fortune 500 companies in San Francisco, Salesforce.

But before Roa was defining his own success and having others come to him for business advice, he was a student in the Haworth College of Business—a student who struggled with being successful in a traditional classroom environment.

“I realized in middle school that my brain is simply wired differently,” says Roa. “I am sure there is a scientific explanation for this, but basic functions that lend themselves to traditional classroom settings—memory, theory, simulation—are some of my weakest.”

Yet this was the same student who taught himself programming at age 13 and had a knack for coming up with viable business concepts. This guy was smart—really smart.

This disconnect between ability and learning environment led to years of struggles in Roa’s formal education. When he began attending WMU, it was his third university, as he searched for a place that would feel like home and would provide a hands-on learning environment that dealt with real-world problems—aspects of education that excited Roa and pushed him to excel.

He found that home in the college’s sales and business marketing program, which is known for a highly immersive curriculum. Roa had discovered over the years that he learned best when he could put himself into a situation where he had to learn by doing. “I like to dedicate my energy to learning everything about subjects that I am passionate about,” says Roa. “Once I entered the sales and business marketing program, I felt for the first time in years like I was somewhere I could truly grow and thrive.”

Roa describes his learning style this way: “I learn by jumping off a cliff and building wings on my way down. Application and practice are what work for me, and I have to want to learn.”

His drive and ingenuity have served him well in business. Whether he had to rapidly teach himself how human resources is supposed to work at an enterprise-level to manage explosive growth or learn a new array of financial skills required to execute a sale to Salesforce—one of the most experienced acquirers in San Francisco—Roa constructed those wings on the way down, and then he soared.

Philanthropy

An unflinching capitalist who believes that fiscal success leads to professional and personal freedom, Roa is a philanthropist who invests in causes that matter to him.

“I have always dedicated a lot of my energy toward philanthropy and doing my part to make this world even a slightly better place,” says Roa. “I started a nonprofit organization, Digital Hope, seven years ago as a vehicle to raise money for global humanitarian organizations that do not have the infrastructure to do it themselves through technology.” The nonprofit has been able help execute projects with amazing results all over the world such as delivering thousands of bottles of water and personal care items to Joplin, Missouri, following the 2011 tornado that devastated the area or providing textbooks to a school in Costa Rica. Roa calls the work one of the most fulfilling callings in his life. “I believe that growing a great business can allow you to spend your time giving to causes that change the world.”

And changing the world of WMU students is Roa’s latest philanthropic venture.

“Aside from a very generous but quickly depleted financial aid package from my late grandfather, I had to put myself through college,” says Roa. “Given my struggle to get good grades in a traditional classroom, I did not meet the basic GPA eligibility for any scholarships. I understand why this is—scholarships are designed to benefit students with the most capability. However, I do not think GPA should be a barrier to students who can demonstrate their ability in other reliable ways.”

So, Roa worked with WMU development and the college of business to create a scholarship in his name that focuses on students who may be in a situation similar to his: students requiring financial aid, with strong entrepreneurial ambitions, who may not be as naturally capable in a traditional educational environment. A holistic evaluation of students’ capabilities will guide awards.

“I want to help students who have great potential to complete their degrees and go on to do amazing things in their own unique ways,” says Roa.

Scholarships 101

Scholarships help business students to succeed

In the 2014-15 Academic year, 1,729 full time undergraduate students' financial needs were fully met—out of a total of 13,740 who applied for financial aid.

• Scholarships can be endowed or annual. Endowed scholarships are given in perpetuity, generating a payout stream from a principal investment, which supports future funding of the scholarship. Annual scholarships require yearly or regular gifts to ensure funding is available to make awards. Both are valued and needed by the college.
• Any scholarship, endowed or annual, may be named for an individual or group.
• Donors will get to know their student recipient through correspondence and may meet the student or students at a college event if desired.

For information about establishing a scholarship, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (269) 387-8700.

Roa often takes photos as he travels. This is one of his images.

It's in the details, more about John Roa

Success

“I define success in three ways. First, you have the freedom to live your life exactly how you wish and aren’t forced down any path that isn’t fulfilling. Second, you are able to dedicate a significant amount of your energy towards projects or causes that are inherently bigger than you. Third, you set a good example for the people coming down the path after you and are able to always take care of people you love.”

Biggest ‘Aha’ Moment

“The most challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur is the lifestyle it demands to be successful. It is a lesson in self-sacrifice that no one is there to teach you. During the height of any business, you are putting that business before anything else—relationships, relaxation, physical and mental health, family—you name it.”

Giving back to WMU

“I have always enjoyed giving back to WMU, whether it be speaking at a student organization event or connecting with students in other ways. There is an energy that people pursuing their dreams have, and college is a great place to connect with others on that journey.”

Photography

“I mentioned that I learn by doing. I found I had a passion for photography and at least a small natural knack for it. I then proceeded to shoot tens of thousands of photos. I would try, guess and fail and then try again until I had it down.”

What’s next?

“My goal for the future is to achieve balance and not give 24 hours of my day to work, focusing on meaningful projects that drive me.”