Student Spotlight: A Passion for Creating the Products and Services of the Future
Kurt Kotz (MIIPS Online ‘26) has pivoted many times on his entrepreneurial product journey
By Hannah Brelsford
Kurt Kotz (MIIPS Online ‘26), served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years, primarily focused on research and development. After completing his military service, he became a Field Operations Supervisor in the defense and aerospace manufacturing industry. He later combined all of his experiences to create his own business.
Now Kurt is focused on pursuing his master’s degree at the Integrated Innovation Institute (iii) at Carnegie Mellon University, where he is enrolled in the Online Master’s degree program in Integrated Innovation of Products and Services (MIIPS).
“I have so many ideas for products. I want to be able to learn how to take an idea and make it something, make it tangible. Then I came across the CMU MIIPS program, and it met everything that I was looking for.”
The Fast Facts: A Summary of Kurt’s Time in the Online MIIPS Program
Finding a Master’s Degree 🔎
- Finding the best fit
- Looking for an online degree
Engaging in the Carnegie Classroom 📚
- Completed the Innovation of Services & Experiences course and the Designing for Production and Sustainability course
- Learning using new online tools
- Collaborating with peers all over the world from different backgrounds
Starting a Business 🚧
- Company Owner and Founder of Yes Man Construction
- Building off his entrepreneurial experience
What’s Next 🎓
- Building off his list of 50+ innovative ideas
- Connecting with the iii alumni network
- Leveraging his Online MIIPS degree to upskill within his career
Finding a Master’s Degree
When Kurt was exploring options for a Master's Degree, he was uncertain about where to begin. However, he had specific criteria for how and what he wanted to pursue in his future education. Having traveled extensively around the world during his previous career in the Navy and while working for a defense contractor, he understood the importance of having a degree that would be accessible to him while considering his family's location.
To determine which degree would be the best fit for him, he consulted with directors from his previous company and senior military members. He explained, "Here is my current situation, and here is where I hope to go." This conversation led him to discover the MIIPS program.
Additionally, he had just started his own business and needed a degree that would allow him to pursue it simultaneously. When he found the Online MIIPS degree, he realized it offered the flexibility he needed to balance his family life and business commitments.
“Having a full-time business, I could not afford the time for a fully in-person degree.”
Kurt had previously gained valuable experience from his time at Thomas Edison State University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering Technologies through online studies. This prior academic experience has helped him adjust to online learning seamlessly. Attending school online was essential for him, and he has found that this degree supports his future aspirations of creating innovative products and services.
When he applied to the program, he noticed a consistent voice from the iii. Unlike other programs he contacted, which would connect him with different representatives each time, CMU stood out. “When I reached out to several schools about their graduate programs, every time I called, I spoke to someone different. Except for CMU. I appreciated having a single point of contact, which made it easier to connect with the school.” This sense of continuity reinforced his feeling of being part of a community even before the program began.
Engaging in the Carnegie Classroom
Now in his second semester at the iii, Kurt has completed the Innovation of Services & Experiences and Designing for Production and Sustainability courses. These courses are part of the Product Design Innovation Certificate and Technology for Product Management Certificate, respectively.
His experience in the MIIPS online degree has been much different than his previous online learning experiences. Here, he actually feels connected to his peers in the classroom. The program connects students globally through various platforms (Miro, Zoom, Slack), enabling students to work together synchronously and asynchronously.
Kurt finds his Master’s Degree more rewarding and exciting than any of his previous academic experiences. He notices that every student in the program is committed to learning. "There is a lot of student interaction. Everyone in the program is eager to be there and learn."
Kurt’s dedication to learning in the classroom has led him to gain much more knowledge than he had anticipated. One of his favorite aspects has been the critiques and feedback he has received from his classmates. “I enjoy the critiques in the program; they stand out as a significant experience for me.” Instead of merely assigning grades, the MIIPS program emphasizes development, innovation, and constructive feedback that help students progress. While students still receive grades, the feedback provided offers deeper insights into their growth.
And with a global community of peers across many different disciplines, Kurt doesn’t have to limit his perspective on problem-solving.
Starting a Business
Owning a business, having a family, and being a master’s student can be challenging to balance.
“There are definitely challenges, but anytime I get frustrated, I just think this is what I wanted. Nobody is forcing me to do this. This is what I want to do.”
When Kurt decided to start his own business, Yes Man Construction, it was a seamless transition for him to become his own boss. Previously, he had managed a team and always had plans to develop and work on various projects.
Starting his business was a trial that allowed him to find the right balance between leadership and flexibility in his life.
Yes Man Construction specializes in small residential and renovation projects, focusing on making meaningful differences in its customers' lives. Unlike large corporations that often overlook individuals and overwork their employees, Kurt’s company is dedicated to providing personalized service.
He operates in a niche market that prioritizes the unique needs of his clients. “I once received a call from someone asking, ‘Can you put a golf simulator in my home?’ I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s figure it out,” he said.
No matter the project, Kurt and his company are focused on delivering quality experiences to their customers, no matter the demands. Through running his own business, Kurt has gained valuable insights into requirements and certifications, as well as how to build relationships essential for business growth.
He has always viewed this business venture as a temporary endeavor, and he looks forward to applying the knowledge he has gained in his next career path. If he decides to stay with the company, it will be in a management role, as he is ready to pursue new opportunities.
What’s Next
Kurt's next steps begin with his list of over 50 ideas. These ideas are currently stored in a notes application on his phone, but he is looking forward to the day when he can transform them into real products that people can purchase in stores. MIIPS is assisting him in achieving that goal.
To help get those ideas started, he wants to leverage the iii alumni network and connect to those who have been part of the program to learn from them.
In the meantime, he will be learning how to transform one or more of the ideas from this list into real products and solutions that can make an impact in the industry. One thing is certain: he understands that his career will change in the future.
He believes that his Online MIIPS degree will help him reach his goals and fill any gaps in his current knowledge. Outside of the classroom, he is actively working to engage with his community and spend quality time with his family.