Braden Schlosser
Entrepreneur and law student aptly describes Braden Schlosser.
When Apple Inc. introduced its second generation iPhone, the 3G, Braden was captivated by the possibilities of its platform for third-party applications. So, at the age of 16 he hired a talented coder and started his own company, Apptitude Studio, LLC. At age 17 his company launched a cyber security. Several smaller development projects followed and Braden enrolled in college.
An invitation to a family wedding prompted him to order a custom suit from his brother’s tailor. Braden regards his brother as “very stylish” but found himself disappointed in the suit, “It lacked the quality that went with the price,” he says. And then it hit him, “I can do it better.” Braden founded his second company, Hubris Reed Clothiers, an online Made to Measure suit platform marrying “classic bespoke tailoring with modern technology.” Using funds earned from his first business, Braden raised capital for this new enterprise in a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign.
His initial plan was to target college-aged men needing inexpensive suits for interviews and first jobs. The market that developed trended slightly older, in the 25-to-30 range, and included lawyers and men in the insurance and finance industries. “What great networking opportunities for a future lawyer,” comments Braden. To meet the needs of Hubris Reed’s diverse client base he expanded the company’s offering to include products of even higher quality and with additional customization options.
“Law school made good sense for me,” reflects Braden, who determined a ceiling for his business and a need for him to expand his horizons. “A JD is a versatile degree in that I can use it to practice law or to advance my career in other areas, such as business,” Braden expounds. “I will always be an entrepreneur. A law degree will distinguish me from others and the way law study trains one to think will give me additional advantages in business. Lawyers analyze problems differently than any other group or profession. That ability, coupled with a formal legal education, is immensely valuable.”
The time requirements of law school have forced Braden to ease up on his business for now. “The concierge service I provide demands at least two hours consultation with a client,” he states, “so for now, focusing on academics and being a student is my job.” Ken Lewis, Braden’s first-year Legal Research and Writing professor, made a great impression on him. As Braden recounts, “He led his class like a partner working with associates, and created excitement about our future in the practice of law.” Braden was so inspired by this class, that he not only enjoyed the oral argument competition but won an award for his litigation skills.
This led to a summer internship with a criminal defense firm where Braden had the opportunity to work on a murder trial. “It was a terrific experience, but made me realize that my interests lie elsewhere,” Braden says. Like many law students, he is still uncertain as to the path his career with take but is confident it will have a business and entrepreneurial focus. Braden is adamant that, “with my business acumen and JD, I will have the tools I need to not only build a business, but to leave a legacy.”