Sigma Chi - University of Alabama

I f you would have asked the undergraduate version of David Kiger '85 what he planned to do after college, he never would have guessed he would be where he's at now. As a successful entrepreneur and investor, David credits Iota Iota Chapter for opening doors to learn, take risks, and excel. "Being in Sigma Chi certainly helped me get hired for my first job out of college," David began. "It turned out that the vice president of sales with American Hospital Supply Corporation was a Sigma Chi, so it set in motion the events that would take me to where I am today." In the mid-2000s, David started a company called Worldwide Express. Like many entrepreneurs can account, no business is smooth sailing all the time. The financial crisis of 2008 jeopardized the state of the company, creating devastation across the board; when one their largest clients left, Worldwide Express's sales dropped from $300 million to $150 million in six weeks. "I had to find a replacement or risk going out of business. So, after several feverish trips to meet with FedEx and UPS, I ended up signing a deal with UPS; in turn, this partnership saved the company. That contract is the bedrock of our company to this day," David elaborated. David recalls the experience of potentially losing something he worked so eagerly toward as brutal. "I hope nobody has to experience that type of stress," he added. Nearly 15 years later, however, Worldwide Express is thriving: "When I started this venture, I had no idea it would become a $4 billion company employing more than 3,000 people," he explained. Recently, David started a Bitcoin mining company, Blockmetrix.com. "We are the fastest-growing Bitcoin miner in the U.S., and we plan to go public in the next 12 to 18 months," David shared. He actively invests in companies, such as edge computing and insurance technology. Some of his Iota Iota brothers have invested in the venture as well. Taking advantage of opportunities has taught David what it means to excel in business, to root for the underdog, and especially to create meaningful interactions with peers. Being in a fraternity with a high reputation for producing a multitude of bold, upstanding gentlemen, David learned the importance of diversity and varying perspectives. "Engaging in interactions with people of different temperaments, talents, and convictions is something I learned early in my time at Iota Iota," David expressed. "I've kept that thought in mind as I've pursued entrepreneurial endeavors throughout my life." When he's not spearheading business strategies, David enjoys adding to his car collection, running, going to the gym, and prioritizing his well-being. Turning 60 this September ("I still feel at the top of my game!"), David has taken time to reflect on how his path led him here: "I thought I would be a lawyer like my father—which would have been just fine—but I took the path less traveled, and that made all the difference." To learn more about David and his vast experience as an entrepreneur, you can connect with him at davidkiger1@gmail.com. Put effort into friendships you create at Iota Iota—brotherhood lasts a lifetime. Utilize Sigma Chi's guiding principles as a foundation for your life after college. Take advantage of the time you have with brothers. DAVID'S ADVICE TO YOUNGER ALUMNI? SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | EST. 1876 SPRING 2022 C ongratulations to Brother Jack Pierson '22 right and his team for winning first place in the Edward K. Aldag Business Plan Competition and receiving $5,000! Jack is the Chief Financial Officer of Banded, a blockchain technology startup company. With more than 40 pitches total, Jack and his team were placed in the grand prize room flight, the highest level, after their initial pitch-to- pitch in person at the EDGE in front of a panel of judges, followed by a 15-minute Q&A. Banded is halfway through development and is expected to be finished by August. Congratulations, Jack, and keep up the good work! I ota Iota would like to congratulate Brother Joseph Tucker '23 (center) for being tapped into the 109th Class of Jasons Men's Honorary! Also pictured are Brothers Will Stiers '22 (right) and Ryan Shamblin '22 (left), members of the 108th class! Congratulations on this great honor—and thank you for representing us so well. TAKING THE PATH LESS TRAVELED Entrepreneur David Kiger '85 Commends Iota Iota for Kickstarting His Future

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