Editor’s Note: This series profiles students at the Eccles School to highlight their achievements and to inspire their peers as they pursue different career paths and academic opportunities.
Trapper Roderick is a David Eccles School of Business student studying Entrepreneurship. Apart from being a 
full-time student, he also started his own company called True Gentleman Suit Supply, which makes custom suits for modern men.
Eccles School: Who inspires you?
Roderick: My grandfather inspires me. He started a very successful company years ago called Jacobson Construction, and I strived to be an entrepreneur since then. My grandfather is also very generous, puts an emphasis on education and most importantly a gentleman. These are the traits that I take from him and push as my own.
Eccles School: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Roderick: If things go to plan, I would like to take my business to all major cities in the U.S. Being able to influence men to dress like gentlemen on a high-end but more materialistic lifestyle. I also would love to go surfing every morning. Get out of bed and do my morning emails and phone calls to my sales reps and just be more self-sufficient with my schedule. Eventually, I would settle down, get married and have kids, but with a huge closet full of suits!
Eccles School: Any advice for future students?
Roderick: Have as much fun as you can, when you can in life. Life is not worthwhile unless you’re having fun. Also be sure to have an open mind. You never know what or who will spike your interests.
Eccles School: What is your favorite quote?
Roderick: “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people,” by Eleanor Roosevelt
Eccles School: How did you start True Gentleman Suit Supply?
Roderick: I had first received a custom suit, and after that I couldn’t go back to just buying department store style suits anymore. So, I was thinking in life that I wanted to be; I knew I wanted to work for myself and love what I do. I just combined the two, and it is what it is today.
Eccles School: Any advice for anyone founding a company?
Roderick: Always do the accounting books. From the beginning, I wish I would have hired a CFO to handle all of that. Accounting isn’t my strongest asset, so I struggled in the beginning. Find your strengths and then find others to help you with your weaknesses. Also, commit to whatever you do. Don’t let others tell you it won’t work out. Everyone has their doubts. Let people have them and then prove them wrong.