By Joyce L. Carroll
Special to Delaware Business Times

Dr. Dan Young admittedly eats, breathes and sleeps marketing. While he used to channel that energy in a corporate setting, he decided to prioritize academia after listening to a TEDx talk by Sir Ken Robinson. The topic: Do schools kill creativity?

"I wanted to be a part of the education solution as opposed to an adviser," Young said.

Robinson's message would guide Young's approach as he inspired students at Wilmington University, the University of Delaware, Temple University and Goldey-Beacom College. He recently created the first online doctorate program at WilmU, and he promotes TEDx talks - previously at WilmU and currently at Goldey-Beacom.

The latter institution has now called upon him to build the college's Doctor of Business Administration program from the ground up. By autumn, he hopes to have 25 C-Suite level executives enrolled. Months ago, he began the process of hiring faculty and crafting programming.

And while Young is busy these days, he remains committed to his own entrepreneurial pursuits. He owns Young Consulting Group, and he is the co-owner of Varsity Motorcoach and the National Tailgating Association.

"It's a good way to make sure I don't forget the basics," he said, referring to balance sheets, financial statements and the like.

When asked about his proudest moment, Young instead points to moments. "I'm proud to work in a position that allows me to create some really strong bonds with my kids," he said, adding that all four have had the opportunity to learn through his marketing experiences, and each also possesses the entrepreneurial bug.

"I tell them for each hour of consumption, you must produce two hours," he said.

Before leaving behind corporate financial advising, Young held positions at Ameriprise Financial Services and
American Express. Young said his beliefs in the power of marketing came from his own college days.

"It's all about understanding the power to effectively communicate, inspire, and mobilize others to follow a vision," he said.