Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D.

Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship Founder, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program

Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D. is the Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University. He has taught for 32 years at 4 different universities, publishing more than 250 articles, books, presentations, and grants. Dr. Finkle is an expert on Warren Buffett...

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Dr. Todd A. Finkle

Contact Information

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

M.B.A., University of Wisconsin at Madison

B.S., Life Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Courses Taught

BENT 490: Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

BENT 491: Creating New Ventures

BUSN 491: Startup Accelerator

BENT 492: Technology Entrepreneurship

BUSN 494: Small Business Consulting

Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D. is the Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University. He has taught for 32 years at 4 different universities, publishing more than 250 articles, books, presentations, and grants. Dr. Finkle is an expert on Warren Buffett and Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Finkle has written two books. The most recent book is on Warren Buffett that was accepted by Columbia University Press. Todd also wrote a book on several famous entrepreneurs titled:  “Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Case Studies in Business and Entrepreneurship.” 

Todd created a personal relationship with Warren Buffett that has allowed him to bring six cohorts of students to visit him in Omaha, Nebraska. Like Buffett, Todd has a passion for investments and entrepreneurship, having invested for the past 39 years and founding 5 for-profit companies and co-founding a non-profit. The non-profit went on to win a national award.

Todd earned an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, which was ranked 17th best in the country at that time. To finance his way through school, he founded an entertainment company where he worked full-time while going to school full-time. Todd then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship with Minors in Marketing, International Business and Organizational Behavior. Todd has consulted with a wide variety of entities including countries and universities from all over the world, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, franchises, family businesses, and non-profits. Todd loves teaching and mentoring his students to achieve personal and professional success.

“SELECTED HONORS"

  • Gonzaga University was ranked the 21st best undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Entrepreneurship Rankings.
  • Gonzaga University was ranked the 37th best undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Entrepreneurship Rankings.
  • Warren Buffett Trips & Meetings: Took six groups of my students and fellow professors to visit Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. to attend a day of lectures and lessons about business, investments, values, ethics, and life in Omaha, Nebraska. One trip led to an article with pictures of students on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
  • Seven C.H. Barnes Faculty Fellowships.
  • Published and presented 250+ articles, books, grants, papers, and presentations related to entrepreneurship.
  • Invited keynote speaker to the University of Iowa College of Business to talk about Warren Buffett: Lessons Learned about Business and Life.  
  • Centioli Academic Excellence Award: The Centioli Award recognizes one faculty member for teaching effectiveness and intellectual contributions.
  • Awarded Tenure for the second time in my career at Gonzaga University. 
  • Loeken Academic Excellence Award: The award recognizes one faculty member for all-around academic contributions.  
  • Nominated for college and/or university teaching awards.
  • Invited to be on the executive board of Cascade Capital.
  • “Most Innovative Pedagogy for Entrepreneurship Education Award” at the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). 
  • First runner-up (EEC) “Most Innovative Pedagogy for Entrepreneurship Education Award” at USASBE. 
  • Sam M. Walton Enterprise Fellow for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).
  • Director, Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, College of Business Administration: Ranked in the top tier of regional schools in entrepreneurship education in Entrepreneur magazine’s rankings. The rankings placed the program in the top 100 programs out of over 825 schools.
  • Inducted as a MOOT CORP® Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society.
  • Inducted into Delta Sigma Pi Professional Honor Society.
  • Teaching Award Winner Lone Star Fraternity Faculty of the Year Award (Selected as the top faculty member at the University).
  • Academy of Management Entrepreneurship Division’s Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education Teaching Award: Honorable Mention: Teaching Entrepreneurship through the Integration of Academia, Government, & Industry.

“SELECTED” PUBLICATIONS"

Books (2)

Finkle, T.A. (2021). The Education of Warren Buffett: Wealth, Success, & Happiness. (Accepted at Columbia University Press). 1-300.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Instructor’s Manual for Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Cases in Business and Entrepreneurship. ISBN: 9781463797157.  Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Cases in Business and Entrepreneurship. ISBN: 9780615522777.  Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA.

Peer- Refereed Journal Publications (57)

Finkle, T.A. (2021). Jobs in the field of entrepreneurship. Journal of Management and Marketing Research. 25, 1-19.

Finkle, T.A. (2020). Is there a need for entrepreneurship faculty in higher education? Research in Higher Education Journal. 38, 1-18.

Finkle, T.A. & Olsen, T. (2019). Entrepreneurship in the digital era: Creating your own online business.   Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy. 2, 2, 1-27. 

Finkle, T.A., & Olsen, T. (2019). Instructor’s Notes for Entrepreneurship in the digital era: Creating your own online business. Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy.

Finkle, T.A. (2019).  Hottest time for entrepreneurship educators.  Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship. 29, 2, 59-85.

Finkle, T.A. (2019). Technology entrepreneurship: Creating your own online business. Journal of Technology Research. 8, 1-20.

Finkle, T.A. (2018). Entrepreneurial growth: Growing your online business in the digital era. Journal of Technology Research. 8, 1-20.

Finkle, T.A. & Katragadda, M. (2017).  An examination of faculty salaries between the fields of strategic management and entrepreneurship, Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 28, 2, 1-47.

Finkle, T.A. (2016).  An examination of job opportunities, candidates, and salaries in the field of entrepreneurship. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 19, 1, 39-52.

Finkle, T.A. (2016). A current look at salaries and faculty demand within the field of entrepreneurship. Journal of Applied Management & Entrepreneurship, 21, 2, 45-69.

Finkle, T.A. & Shrader, M. (2015). Creative achievement and intelligence in student entrepreneurs. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 18, 2, 1-17.

Finkle, T.A. & Shrader, M. (2015). Creativity exercises in the field of entrepreneurship. Experiential Entrepreneurship Exercises Journal, 1, 3, 35-41. 

Finkle, T.A. (2015). An examination of the job market for entrepreneurship faculty from 1989 to 2014.  Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 26, 3, 55-78.

Finkle, T.A. (2014).  Andrew Mason & Groupon, Inc. Journal of the International Academy of Case Studies, 20, 1, 33-43.

Mallin, M., Ragland, C., & Finkle, T.A. (2014).  The proactive behavior of younger salespeople: Antecedents and outcomes. Journal of Marketing Channels, (October) 21, 4, 268-278.

Finkle, T.A. (2013). AdRoll: A case study of entrepreneurial growth. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 16, 1, 48-51.

Finkle, T.A. (2013). Instructor’s Notes for AdRoll: A Case Study of Entrepreneurial Growth. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 1-7.

Finkle, T.A. (2013).  Job opportunities for faculty in the field of entrepreneurship. Journal of Applied Management & Entrepreneurship, 18, 3, 94-112.

Finkle, T.A. (2013).  Trends in the market for entrepreneurship faculty from 1989-2011. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 16, Special Issue, 59-76.

Buller, P.F. & Finkle, T.A. (2013).  The Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program: An innovative model of entrepreneurship education. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 16, 113-132.

Finkle, T.A. (2013).  Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Case of H. Wayne Huizenga. Journal of the International Academy of Case Studies, 19, 3, 71-85.

Finkle, T.A., Menzies, T.V., Kuratko, D.F. & Goldsby, M. (2013). An examination of the financial challenges of entrepreneurship centers throughout the world. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 26, 1, 67-85.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Cases in Business and Entrepreneurship. ISBN: 9780615522777.  Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Instructor’s Manual for Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Cases in Business and Entrepreneurship. ISBN: 9781463797157.  Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA.

Finkle, T.A. & Scoresby, R. (2012).  Larry Ellison & Oracle Corporation. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 18, 7, 111-125.

Finkle, T.A., Menzies, T.V., Kuratko, D.F., & Goldsby, M.G.  (2012). Financing activities of entrepreneurship centers in the United States. Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 23, 2, 48-64.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Silicon Valley: The Case of Google, Inc. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 36, 4, 863-884.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Note to Instructors for Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Silicon Valley: The Case of Google, Inc. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 36, 4, 885-887.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Wayne Huizenga: The tale of a classic entrepreneur. In Todd Finkle’s Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Case Studies in Business and Entrepreneurship. Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA. 95-114.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Instructor’s Notes for Wayne Huizenga: The tale of a classic entrepreneur. In Todd Finkle’s Instructor’s Manual for Lessons Learned from Leading Entrepreneurs: Case Studies in Business and Entrepreneurship. Finkle & Associates, LLC. Spokane, WA.  63-74.

Finkle, T.A. (2012). Trends in the market for entrepreneurship faculty from 1989 to 2010. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 15, 21-40.

Mallin, M. & Finkle, T.A. (2011).  Apple Inc.: Product Portfolio Analysis. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 17, 7, 63-74.

Finkle, T.A. (2011). Richard Branson and Virgin, Inc. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 17, 5, 109-121.

Finkle, T.A. & Mallin, M. (2011). Ethical considerations of sales channel selection in the field of entrepreneurship.  Journal of Ethics and Entrepreneurship, 1, 1, 27-40. 

Finkle, T.A. (2010). Warren E. Buffett & Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 16, 5, 61-88. 

Finkle, T.A. & Mallin, M. (2010). Steve Jobs and Apple, Inc. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 16, 7, 31-40. 

Thomas, A., Finkle, T.A., & Wilkinson, T. (2010). Timko export management company: The dynamics of international entrepreneurship. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 16, 1, 57-71.

Mallin, M. & Finkle, T.A. (2009). Social entrepreneurship & direct marketing. Reprint in Social Entrepreneurship: Concepts & Experiences. Icfai University Press.

Finkle, T.A., Soper, J.C., Fox, D., Reece, J., & Messing, J. (2009). Constructing an innovative model of entrepreneurship education through regional collaboration. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 12, 43-68. 

Stetz, P., Finkle, T.A., & O’Neil, L. (2008). A-1 lanes & the currency crisis of the East Asian tigers. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 32, 2, 369-384. 

Finkle, T.A. (2007). Trends in the market for entrepreneurship faculty from 1989-2005. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 10, 1-25. 

Finkle, T.A. (2006). Direct marketing & entrepreneurship. In A. Thomas’ Direct Marketing in Action: Cutting Edge Strategies for Finding & Keeping the Best Customers. Praeger, Inc.

Finkle, T.A., Stetz, P., & Mallin, M. (2007). Perceptions of tenure requirements & research records of entrepreneurship faculty earning tenure: 1964-2002. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 10, 101-125. 

Stetz, P., Finkle, T.A., & O’Neil, L. (2008). Instructor’s Notes for A-1 lanes & the currency crisis of the East Asian tigers. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 32, 2, 385-389.

Mallin, M. & Finkle, T.A. (2007). Social entrepreneurship & direct marketing. Direct Marketing: An International Journal, 1, 2, 68-77.

Finkle, T.A., Kuratko, D.F., & Goldsby, M. (2006). An examination of entrepreneurship centers in the United States: A national survey. 50th Anniversary Special Issue of the Journal of Small Business Management, 44, 2, 184-206.

Finkle, T.A., Blose, L., & Lamb, R. (2005). Insider trading around new drug approvals. Journal of Private Enterprise, 21, 1, 75-99.

Finkle, T.A. (2002). The Crowne Inn: The case of a family business under turmoil. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 8, 1, 51-64.

Finkle, T.A. & Lamb, R. (2002). A comparative analysis of the performance of emerging versus nonemerging industry initial public offerings. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 5, 1, 27-38.

Finkle, T.A. & Deeds, D. (2001). Trends in the market for entrepreneurship faculty during the period 1989-1998. Journal of Business Venturing, 16, 6, 613-630. (This article was the 6th most requested entrepreneurship article in 2001)

Finkle, T.A., Figler, R.A., & Dunning, K.A. (2001). West Point Market: Managing a challenge from the EEOC. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 25, 3, 71-88.

Finkle, T.A., Figler, R.A., & Dunning, K.A. (2001). Teaching Notes for West Point Market: Managing a challenge from the EEOC, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 1-29.

Finkle, T.A., Krovi, R., Kahai, P., Dunning, K., & Vijayaraman, B.S. (2000). Impact of E-Commerce on entrepreneurs & small businesses: Opportunities, changes, & strategies. Entrepreneurial Executive, 5, 57-82.

Finkle, T.A. & French, D.W. (2000). An examination of initial public offerings in the “high flying” internet industry. Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship, 12, 1, 19-30.

Finkle, T.A. (1998). The relationship between boards of directors and initial public offerings in the biotechnology industry. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 22, 3, 5-29.

Finkle, T.A. (1998). Beano’s ice cream shop. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 23, 1, 87-100.

Finkle, T.A. (1998). Teaching notes for Beano’s ice cream shop, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 1-24.

Finkle, T.A. & French, D. (1998). The performance of initial public offerings in the biotechnology industry. Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship, 10, 2, 51-59.

Finkle, T.A. (1997). Entrepreneurship at Blockbuster Entertainment. Case study in Albanese, Franklin & Wright's textbook Management, Dame Publications, Houston, Texas, 697-700.

Finkle, T.A. & Greenwood, P. (1996). Should I buy the Jerry's famous frozen desserts chain? Small Business Forum, 14, 1, 6-17.

Finkle, T.A. & Greenwood, P. (1996). Case study update: My advice on Jerry's famous frozen desserts. Small Business Forum, 14, 1, 49-65.

Klose, A. & Finkle, T.A. (1995). Service quality & the congruence of employee perceptions & customer expectations: The case of an electric utility. Psychology & Marketing, 12, 7, 637-646.

Finkle, T.A. (1993). Board effects on performance in emerging industries: The case of biotechnology. AAI9322794. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9322794