Epstein came to the Smith School with a breadth of knowledge and experience. He started his career as a business analyst at American Management Systems, a billion-dollar information technology consulting firm. From there he moved on to director of business operations for Exit1, which was a local e-commerce and Web development company. After that Epstein decided to team up with his brother and his father to create a company called SilentFrog. For two years he operated this Web-based microservices company, which helped to facilitate hiring for local tasks such as lawn-mowing, plumbing and car repair.

While at Smith, Epstein is working hard to demystify entrepreneurship. It is the Dingman Center’s mission to show students that the entrepreneurial process is not that complicated at a basic level; it involves taking ownership of an idea and implementing it. Epstein is also working on integrating the practical applications of entrepreneurship into the academic environment of the Smith School.

It is Epstein’s aspiration to work with talented people in a challenging environment where the energy level is high. Working at Smith, he has been able to realize these aspirations, and enjoys the energy and stimulation that can be found here. Two of the things he likes most about being part of Smith is being surrounded by so many people that are passionate about business and the opportunity to work with new students every year that bring with them fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

When Epstein is not fostering entrepreneurship he enjoys traveling, spending time his wife Julie, six-month-old daughter Dalia and a variety of immediate family members that still live in the area. He also enjoys time with his friends and reading. His favorite personal read is Exodus by Leon Uris and his favorite business book is Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. He says he enjoys both of these books because they are about the skills and patience required to undertake significant long-term tasks and being able to build them beyond the initial founder’s efforts over an extended period of time.

Epstein grew up in the area, so as a local he has some recommendations for the students here at Smith when they are in the mood to relax. If looking for an enjoyable afternoon outside, Epstein enjoys the two-mile Billy Goat trail at Great Falls in Potomac, MD. When looking for a bite to eat, Epstein enjoys the Parkway Deli in Silver Spring. He warns that it is not a fancy place, but it has great food and super friendly people.

Epstein has two pieces of advice that he would like to pass on to the students here at Smith. “One, I encourage students to take advantage of the fact that they are in a flexible learning environment and should embrace as many extracurricular activities as possible.” He points out that class and class work only take up 35 hours a week, leaving the 20-30 hours that make up a typical work week free to get involved in activities both on and off campus. “Embrace the flexibility you have now and expose yourself to as many opportunities as possible.” Epstein’s second piece of advice is to, “Understand where you are in the value chain. Your sales pitch when you are interviewing is relaying how you are going to create value for the company.”

Asher Epstein earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester in English and History, as well as earning a Certificate of Management Studies. He received his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

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Story by Lettie Goodridge, MBA Candidate 2008, Smith Media Group