Ben Doornink, MBA '08
Business Manager
Far West Agribusiness Association
www.fwaa.org

"Coming from a large state college, I have found the educational atmosphere at GU to be very condusive to learning. The small class sizes have allowed for significant discussions. My favorite aspect of GU has been the instructors; they have all been highly involved and always concerned about the student's comprehension and education."

Ben finished his MBA in December 2008 with the new Health Care Management emphasis. He took a job as the Business Manager of Far West Agribusiness Association, a non-profit trade organization that advocates for agriculture businesses in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and Utah. He manages all financial, organizational and technical business processes at Far West. "My most challenging task was presenting next year's proposed budget before the Board of Directors only three weeks into the job! Thankfully, a quality education and an outstanding faculty helped prepare me for the challenge."

While finishing his degree, Ben had the opportunity to partner in a business venture: a coffeehouse here in Spokane, INDABA Coffee, which opens this fall in the West Central Neighborhood on East Broadway. INDABA's goal is to support local businesses and artists, promote the neighborhood's social and economic development, and provide the highest quality coffee "I got involved because I see it as a way to use the knowledge and skills Gonzaga gave me in a way that would give back to the community." For more information about INDABA, visit the website at www.indabacoffee.com.

Want to catch up with Ben?
Email him at: ben@indabacoffee.com