Testimonial: This Clothing Brand Entrepreneur Found Connection, Growth & ROI In Purdue’s Online MBA
Ty Davis, founder of Detroit-based clothing brand DARE To Be Yer’self: The inspiration at Purdue’s Daniels School “is unmatched. You know you’re going to grow here, and if you dream big, you can achieve big. Daniels helps you do exactly that. If you’re considering an MBA, you will not go wrong with going to Purdue Daniels. If I did it, so can you.”
In a recent Q&A hosted by Steve Bush, senior program manager at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, entrepreneur and Purdue online MBA student Ty Davis — who is set to graduate with his MBA in May — reflected on his journey and the pivotal decisions that led him to where he is today.
“I was gearing up to go to law school,” Davis says. “Two months before, I decided not to go and instead, I launched DARE To Be Yer’self,” his Detroit-based clothing brand rooted in purpose, community, and unapologetic authenticity.
That leap of faith blossomed into a business that now features campaigns like Dare to Be Loved, which takes place each February, and Dare to Be Cured each October, built on partnerships with organizations like Ally Financial, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the American Cancer Society. “When you support DARE To Be Yer’self,” Davis says, “you support seven other small businesses. That’s how we build community, and without community, we are nothing.”
CONNECTION AND GROWTH AT DANIELS
Throughout their conversation, Bush commends Davis’s drive to create meaningful, lasting relationships. When asked about community engagement and brand partnerships, Davis says, “We don’t like one-off partnerships — we build relationships. When you go the extra mile for someone, they’ll go the extra mile for you.”
That idea of connection and growth is part of what drew Davis to Purdue’s Online MBA at the Mitch Daniels School of Business. The fully online, asynchronous program is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes analytical thinking, strategic leadership, and data-driven decision-making — all without requiring the GMAT or GRE. Designed for working professionals, it blends flexibility with rigor and connects students to a global network in over 135 countries.
Ty Davis chats with Steve Bush – courtesy photo
“Being a part of Daniels has amplified things for me,” Davis says. “I don’t have to call my attorney every time I need help anymore.” After taking a course on contract negotiations, Davis can now review documents, build spreadsheets, and speak a new language when it comes to business.
When asked how his business has evolved, Davis recalls a significant challenge — navigating a three-year lawsuit against a billion-dollar company. “Daniels has really helped me get through it. Professors met with me outside of class every week. They made sure my T’s were crossed and my I’s were dotted,” he says.
Story ContinuesGROWING SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP
That level of support hasn’t been a one-time occurrence. Davis gives a great deal of credit to his student success coaches, responsive tutors, and professors who continue to go above and beyond. “I’m a first-generation MBA,” he says. “And my grandmother always said, ‘closed mouths don’t get fed.’ At Daniels, I asked for help — and I got it.”
Even as a CEO, Davis says the MBA program continues to challenge and expand his understanding of leadership and build up his confidence in his own leadership abilities. “I used to think you’re either born a leader or you’re not — but I’ve learned there’s a huge difference between being a boss, a manager, and a real leader.”
Though the program is 100% online, students have the option to attend in-person residencies through opportunities like Daniels’s Leadership with Empathy course — an opportunity Davis took. “There’s nothing like building relationships with classmates in person,” he says. “I came back to grow and learn.”
Commenting on his journey, Davis says, “It may have started out bumpy, but I’m proud of what I’ve overcome.”
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR DAVIS
Davis has big plans on the horizon, starting with a new role at SAP post-graduation. After reaching out to a Purdue alum on LinkedIn, a single conversation opened the door to a new chapter.
“I didn’t know her, and she didn’t know me — but because of that interaction, I’ll be starting a job next month with SAP,” Davis says. “This just goes to show the ROI of this program. It wouldn’t have happened unless I was in the Daniels School of Business. It still feels surreal because SAP is such a fabulous company.”
Meanwhile, he’ll remain actively involved with DARE To Be Yer’self, focusing his efforts on leading the partnerships and collaborations side of the business.
Asked what he would like to share with future prospective online MBA students, Davis says, “Here at Daniels, they’re very innovative in everything that they do. The inspiration is unmatched. You know you’re going to grow here, and if you dream big, you can achieve big. Daniels helps you do exactly that. If you’re considering an MBA, you will not go wrong with going to Purdue Daniels. If I did it, so can you.”
Purdue Daniels recently announced a reduction to its online MBA tuition; those interested in applying for fall 2025 term have until August 1 to do so.
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