The Innovate State Speaker Series brings both emerging and accomplished Spartans back to campus for a fireside chat-style interview. These 60-minute sessions offer the chance for guests to share their perspectives on a wide array of topics like innovation, startup life, investments, and career paths. Students get the opportunity to hear firsthand about the hard knocks of the entrepreneurship & innovation hustle to maintaining work/life balance

About Our Speaker

Mark F. Rieth, Entrepreneur and CEO, MFR Holdings, LLC and FÜL Beverage, LLC

Mark Rieth is a proven leader, both as a corporate employee and as an entrepreneur. His business track record is one of hard work, determination and innovative ideas backed by the leadership skills needed to compete and succeed in today’s ever changing business environment.

Mark is best known for his role with Atwater Brewery, the company he first invested in and later purchased in its entirety. During his two decades at the helm, Mark leveraged his automotive background to help Atwater grow into the fourth largest (of more than 350) craft breweries in Michigan, producing and distributing dozens of beers, plus award-winning hard seltzers, spirits and four unique taphouse destinations. In addition to managing all aspects of the operation and brand and product development, Mark was especially proud of Atwater’s deep commitment to, and support of, countless Detroit area non-profits, educational institutions and civic groups as well as serving as a catalyst for redevelopment efforts in the city’s historic Rivertown district.