When CollegeIQ.com founder and entrepreneur Andrew Allemann had his start at The University of Texas at Austin, he found that the Canfield Business Honors Program (Canfield BHP) is more than just a degree—he found a launching pad for his career in entrepreneurship, specifically in online media and technology. Andrew says, “I always knew I wanted to study business. BHP stood out as the best way to challenge myself.”
While he graduated with a degree in finance, his path quickly diverged from the traditional corporate route. One of Andrew’s more notable ventures—a podcasting platform he built from the ground up—grew to over 40,000 users and was acquired a few years ago. For the past two decades, he’s also run a trade publication and domain name investment business.
Now, he’s turned his focus to a new challenge. He noticed just how fragmented and frustrating the college search experience could be. This business came from a personal need: helping his kid through the college search process. This experience showed him how fragmented and overwhelming college information can be. “I built CollegeIQ.com to bring everything together.”
“It’s a tool I wish we had,” he explains. “CollegeIQ pulls from both public and private sources to help families find the right college—unless, of course, they’re already dead-set on becoming Longhorns.”
With a background in tech and entrepreneurship, he approached the problem not from a technical lens, but a human one.
“Running a business demands versatility. One day, you’re making high-level decisions; the next, you’re troubleshooting tech or refining copy. BHP taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve real-world problems.”
It’s that real-world thinking that’s helped him thrive in roles that require both independence and adaptability.
“When you work for yourself, you own both the wins and the losses. That accountability drives me. One sign I’m in the right place: I look forward to checking my email each morning to see what new opportunities have landed overnight.”
When he’s not working on his business ventures, you can find Andrew on a pickleball court in his new hometown of Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of pickleball, just outside of Seattle.
When asked about current Canfield BHP students, Andrew says, “I’m always happy to connect with current Canfield BHP students or fellow alumni. I’ve learned a lot by doing, and I’m glad to share what I can.”
From a finance major to a founder of multiple businesses, Andrew’s story is a reminder of the winding, rewarding paths Canfield BHP can support—and the meaningful impact that can come when personal need meets entrepreneurial vision.