Thomas Logan

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Curious and objective, I love learning about the world and speculating on the future.”

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I’ve played 85 unique disc golf courses in the past year and a half.

Undergraduate School and Major: BS/MS Chemical Engineering from Stanford University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Full time: E. & J. Gallo Winery – Supply Chain Planning Manager

This summer I am advising on strategy and supply chain processes at my college roommate’s eCommerce startup, Aestuary.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Chicago Booth’s flexible curriculum was a big draw. The last seven years of my career have taught me two things. First, it has shown me where I can grow personally and professionally and second, it has reminded me that there is still a lot I don’t know. Booth’s flexible curriculum allows me to gain the skills I will need in a targeted way while allowing enough flexibility to be intellectually curious.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Chicago Booth, and why? The Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) course excites me most. I’m looking to pivot from a corporate to an entrepreneurial role, and I see ETA as somewhat of a bridge between the siloed structure of an established business and the flexible ambiguity of a new venture. I’m excited to contribute from the perspectives of both an established CPG company (E&J Gallo) and a rapidly growing eCommerce aggregator (Aestuary) while learning how to apply new concepts myself.

What has been your first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? My first impression of the students has been that they are supportive and hospitable. The “pay it forward” culture was evident from my first interactions with alumni as I was exploring Booth at my “First Day” experience. Despite how busy some of the students I spoke to were, they were eager to take the time to share their experiences, grounded perspectives, and one even went as far as to invite me into their home so I could see where many of the current students lived.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? The students and the faculty make the great experience and opportunity that is Chicago Booth. Outside of that, the integration of student life with the city is great for an MBA student and a standout among other MBA programs. Chicago is also home to many offices of companies across almost every industry. The abundance of good food and affordable activities, only a short walk away from where most of the students live, makes it the ideal place to get to know your peers.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I started as the Supply Chain Manager at the world’s largest winery in January 2020. In February 2020, my company adopted SAP and in March the pandemic hit. I was able to lead my team and the site through this difficult time without any major supply chain disruptions while pulling off the complex harvest to date.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I’ve wanted to start a business since I was a kid. I joined a rotational program out of school to understand how a large successful business works. Now it’s time to fill in the gaps and a flexible MBA with rich student resources will do that for me. After graduation, I plan to start my own venture with the goal of increasing access to sustainable and nutritious food.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I was feeling unfulfilled at work and had taken the GMAT years ago. I read Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck and the messages in this book solidified my conviction to pursue an MBA. The book got me thinking about what I truly wanted out of my life and opened my mind to pivoting into a new career that would make me feel more fulfilled. I want to have a broader and more powerful impact on people’s lives.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Stanford and Yale

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program? Be authentic and be personable. It’s easy to get caught up on scores, but your personal experiences are what contributes to a diverse class and a rich student experience. Coming from a CPG production background, I was intimidated by students with more traditional backgrounds you find in MBA programs. I soon found that people were really excited to hear about my work and some were even looking to pivot into my previous area. Just be open and ready to share about your unique experiences and how they have shaped you and moved you towards your goals.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2024