Young Entrepreneur Shares His Success Story with Students

Alex Lieberman wasted no time diving into the world of entrepreneurship. As a 20-year-old junior at the University of Michigan in 2014, he started a side project writing a daily newsletter to simplify the business world for classmates. That relatively modest undertaking would grow into Morning Brew, a company with more than $75 million in revenue and a wide variety of online content for its many loyal followers. The “long, winding, nonlinear path to get there” was the main topic of discussion when Alex joined the Canterbury Business Association (CBA) and other students for a Zoom presentation in the Steers Center. 

Today, Morning Brew Inc. produces 10 newsletters, five podcasts, a YouTube channel featuring a personal finance show that just reached a million subscribers, and various other video and audio resources delivering quick and insightful updates about the business world each day. How did Alex go from his modest one-person newsletter to co-founding such a successful communications business with fellow Michigan alumnus Austin Rief?

“I had begun working for Morgan Stanley, so starting Morning Brew was risky,” he told students. “Austin and I talked about it and decided to go all in and quit our jobs. Having a co-founder was important because that person understands the full emotional journey you are going through, and it is helpful to be able to talk through challenges with someone.”

Alex also shared that entrepreneurship makes you more self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses. He discovered that he enjoys the early stages of building a business more than the management piece once it becomes established. “I love bringing an idea to life, finding those initial customers, and building a team,” he said. “I started four new companies in the last two years, and the only way to make it work is to have partners and CEOs whom I trust deeply to run them. I realized I did not have to be great at everything. I spend time on the things that I love and am good at and delegate tasks I do not enjoy as much to those who do love them. I get to grow and work with some very smart, talented people.” 

CBA Vice President Grayson Mengold ’26, who brought Alex to campus through a personal connection, appreciated the opportunity to learn about what it took to launch a successful business at such a young age. “What stood out to me was when he talked about following your passions and having no regrets in life,” Grayson said. “It was inspiring to hear about someone following their dreams, and that motivates me to be more willing to try new things.” 

Named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” in 2018, Alex is currently the Executive Chairman of Morning Brew and hosts its Founder’s Journal podcast that offers an insider look at building businesses. He stressed to students the importance of elevating your reputation at each step in your career. “Where you go to college may play a role in landing your first job, but after that, every job you get is more a result of your proven hard work, determination, and ability to build relationships with people.” 

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your experiences and insights with our Saints.