University of Kentucky MBA and UK Football alumnus Edward "Ed" Berry did not always envision that he would end up where he is today. With a dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL), he got his start playing football at a very young age. Little did he know; his future career would grow from this passion. Graduating from UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics in 2013 with bachelor’s degrees in management and marketing, Ed also minored in communication with a focus on international studies. A year later, Ed then attained his One Year MBA from Gatton. 

Ed's MBA emphasis was in new product development, supply chain management and growth strategies. He also received in Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma, managed a global rebranding project for Lexmark through the Project Connect internship experience, obtained his certifications in Global Commerce and Strategy along with Ethical Leadership. 

Today, Ed can be found as an agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), traveling across the country to represent his clients and building professional relationships. CAA represents many of the most successful and innovative professionals working in film, television, music, video games, theatre, and digital content, and provides a range of strategic marketing and consulting services to corporate clients. CAA is also a leader in sports, representing more than 1,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and golf, and works in the areas of broadcast rights, corporate marketing initiatives, licensing, and sports properties for sales and sponsorship opportunities.

Ed represents an array of football players, most notably Green Bay Packers’ star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the person he calls his best friend, Cobb, formerly with the Packers and now a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Former Wildcat defensive standout Avery Williamson, now with the New York Jets, is also a Berry client.

As for advice to future business professionals, Ed believes that success begins first with a great college education, work ethic and the people in your network. 

“The successful businessperson works harder, stays longer and is a genuinely good person,” added Ed. 

Ed is very grateful to the University of Kentucky and the Gatton College of Business and Economics for the experiences that have helped shaped his life. Above all Ed, a deeply religious person, said he owes everything to his strong faith.

This story originally appeared on UKNOW.