Meet David “Brew” Brewer: retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, serial entrepreneur, and Lecturer here at the Center for Entrepreneurship. Brew brings a one-of-a-kind blend of hands-on leadership and creative problem-solving to CFE (and to every student lucky enough to take his classes!)
“I teach two courses at the Center for Entrepreneurship: Innovation for Impact: Defense and Security and Space Entrepreneurship,” Brewer says. “Both classes bring together students from across the university and academic disciplines to explore how innovation and technology can solve complex, real-world challenges.”
Whether you’re majoring in business, engineering, or the arts, Brew’s classes show there’s space for everyone to create, contribute, and really make things happen.
Living Life Curiously
Long before Brew became a lecturer and mentor at CFE, he was driven by curiosity and a knack for seeing things from a different perspective.
“As far back as I can remember, I tend to think outside the box,” he explains. “As a result, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of ideas and the impact critical thinking can have on people.”
After 29 years in the Air Force, Brew learned firsthand that innovation extends far beyond building new and innovative technology.
“Innovation is about people, integrating diversity of thoughts and experience, adopting processes that optimize human performance, and delivering meaningful results.”
As Program Director of AIM-HI, Brew watched diverse teams tackle “problems that seem impossible” once given the freedom to experiment and collaborate.
From Gutters to Galaxies
Brew’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19. Not in a fancy boardroom, but with a ladder, a pickup truck, and a handful of flyers.
“While my methods were traditional, the business quickly turned into something much bigger…after about a year, I added a new division as the first LeafFilter distributor in the U.S. That product line transformed my small service company into a multi-stream operation.”
What did he learn? Taking a leap, rather than waiting for the “perfect plan,” is what brings growth.
“Owning a business is not about having a perfect plan, but rather, seeing an opportunity, acting on it, and learning as you go. Entrepreneurship takes guts!”
Or as Brew loves to say: “Entrepreneurs are the only people who work 80 hours so they don’t have to work 40.”
Brew brought this same creative energy to military innovation, launching six organizations, leading space operations, and bridging technological advances to real-world missions.
Today, he’s still building from scratch, leading InnoTECH Research & Consulting, where his team focuses on “artificial intelligence, space systems, and innovation management centered around the idea that great concepts are only as valuable as their ability to be implemented.”
Finding Purpose in Teaching
Brew’s path to CFE began after the AIM-HI program, when he was asked to create an academic experience for Michigan students that combined entrepreneurship with defense innovation.
“Together, we co-designed what became Innovation for Impact: Defense and Security…empowering students to work directly on national-level problem sets.”
Students love the hands-on approach. As Brew shares, “They appreciated how it blended entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and mission-driven innovation into something tangible and relevant.” You’ll leave with portfolio projects, executive-level skills, and confidence for the next big leap.
When it was time for something new, Brew launched Space Entrepreneurship to open the commercial space sector to students from any background.
“We wanted to demonstrate that space isn’t just for engineers and astronauts; this class is a new sector for entrepreneurs, investors, and creative thinkers.”
Mentorship That Matters
For Brew, teaching is a way to shape mindsets and create impact.
“Without question, I enjoy the mentoring. Teaching at Michigan gives me the chance to do more than share content and academic concepts. I find it very rewarding to shape how students think, how they collaborate, and how they tackle uncertainty.”
His classroom is an “innovation lab,” where every perspective matters. Brew believes this investment pays massive returns: “The ideas we shape at the University of Michigan today will influence how these students lead, create, and solve tomorrow’s problems.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What’s Brew’s #1 advice for students? Don’t wait for perfection. Just jump in!
“Start before you’re ready! Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to opportunities. Too many people wait for the perfect idea, the perfect moment, or the perfect level of confidence. Entrepreneurship doesn’t work that way.”
He’s quick to encourage students to engage, build, question, and create. “CFE is one of the best launchpads for that journey. Students don’t just attend CFE classes. They are encouraged to engage. Ask questions. Offer ideas. Build something small and see where it leads.”
Above all, Brew wants you to remember that entrepreneurship is for everyone, not just startup founders.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a company. It’s a way of thinking about solving problems, creating value, and turning ideas into outcomes. If students are curious, committed, and willing to learn by doing, CFE is exactly where you should be.”
Life Beyond the Classroom
When he’s not inspiring students, Brew finds joy and balance with his family, including his high school sweetheart and three daughters.
“They constantly remind me what perspective, patience, and purpose really mean.”
He’s happiest outdoors: cycling, kayaking, hiking, or relaxing at the family lake house, soaking up “the stillness that comes with a beautiful Michigan lake.” Faith is central to his journey, keeping him grounded through life’s adventures.
Ready to dive in? Explore Brew’s courses, Innovation for Impact: Defense & Security and Space Entrepreneurship, and join a community that encourages you to think boldly, act courageously, and turn ideas into impact.