Upsilon Alpha Chapter Career Speakers - John Jennings '75 and Al Mueller '79

During our weekly chapter meeting, alumni brothers John Jennings ‘75 and Al Mueller ‘79 presented their career paths and gave advice to the undergraduate brothers about their future careers.

John Jennings is the CEO of CQR Technologies and was previously the CEO of Safeguard Security & Communications, the largest independent security company in the southwestern United States. John sold Safeguard in 2014 and now works with his daughter developing innovative products using technology to make visiting a secure location easier and more efficient.

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1979, Al Mueller went on to earn his MBA at UCLA after working at First Interstate Bank for three years. In 1984, he moved to New York to work for Morgan Stanley and eventually moved to UBS to lead the startup of the Global Executive Group serving CEO’s. Now, Al is the CEO of Excellence in Giving, a new approach to philanthropic advisory for UHNW families.

During their presentation to undergraduate students, both speakers emphasized the importance of starting a business with a solid plan and realistic expectations. They also spoke about their career paths and mentioned what helped them succeed. The speakers also advised students to thoroughly research their target audience, competitors, and industry trends to ensure that their business idea has potential for success. Additionally, they stressed the importance of building a strong team and establishing a clear vision for the business. Overall, the speakers provided valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and encouraged the students to pursue their passions while being mindful of the challenges and opportunities that come with starting a business.