Welcome Wayne: Alumni Manager



We’re very excited to welcome Wayne Ramocan to our BUILD team as our new Alumni Manager! He’s a fellow 2013 BUILD graduate and a man of many talents who will strengthen our growing community of Builders. Get to know Wayne a bit more in this Q&A.

 

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Detroit.

What made you want the position of Alumni Manager at BUILD Institute?
There is a lot of small business activity in the city right now. BUILD plays an important role in preparing entrepreneurs to take their next step and it’s an honor to be a part of that.

What specifically brought you to BUILD

I graduated from BUILD Basics is 2013 and have been connected to the organization since then. I am interested in seeing how entrepreneurs are taking a side hustle and transforming it into their main gig. At the moment, BUILD has 800 graduates from its programs and I’ve gotten to know a number of them before taking the position. Being here gives me the opportunity to meet many more tenacious people and make a contribution to their growth.

What is your education background?
My parents were my first teachers. The city of Detroit has been the training ground. My formal education was at Wayne State University, where I majored in Communications Studies.

Do you own a small business?
Contributing to the culture of Detroit is my passion. In 2015 a fellow artist and I started The 48HR Experience to support early-career Detroit artists. During the 48 hours, artists are locked into an art gallery to create and express their craft alongside other artists. The 48HR Experience addresses a few concerns; limited resources for artist collaboration, spotlighting fresh talent within the city, and sustaining the culture of Detroit. The goal is to support artists in accessing their highest potential under extraordinary circumstances.

48hrWhat do you like to do in your spare time? You can find me at a music performance, art show, or on the west riverfront catching good vibes off the water.

What do you love about Detroit?
I appreciate the southern feel of this city. Detroiters have personable characteristics like southerners and the terminology they use sometimes overlaps. Also the one to two degrees of separation between people means you’re not too far from crossing paths with someone.

What is your favorite business-related quote or piece of advice?
Keeping the phrase “Done is better than perfect.” in mind has really shaped my life.

What do you think makes a successful leader?
I would say having a good team behind you and knowing what your weaknesses are are vital.

What are some of your goals for the future?
To spend Detroit winters somewhere else. (We feel you Wayne!)