Thomas Hines IV ’23MBA and Alfredo Dooley-Hernandez ’23MBA didn’t set out to start a business when they enrolled in UCF’s executive master’s in business administration (EMBA) program, but that’s exactly what happened.

What began as a shared desire to grow as leaders and elevate their careers evolved into something much bigger — FDTH Imports, a company dedicated to bringing ethical, sustainable products to the U.S. market. Their venture is a testament to the power of connection, global perspective and the real-world impact of a UCF education.

From the EMBA Program to the Market

Before joining the EMBA program at UCF’s College of Business, Hines and Dooley-Hernandez had already built successful careers in their respective fields. Hines, now assistant vice president of claims strategy and innovation at Zurich North America, began as a firefighter and EMT before transitioning to the insurance industry in 2012. Dooley-Hernandez, a senior portfolio accountant at Second Avenue LLC, had built his career in finance and accounting with a keen eye for strategic growth.

Though their paths were different, both recognized that stepping into the next chapter of leadership meant deepening their knowledge and broadening their perspectives. The UCF EMBA offered exactly what they needed — an education designed for seasoned professionals ready to lead change.

“The program didn’t just challenge us academically — it made us think bigger,” Hines says. “It gave us the space to reflect on the kind of leaders we wanted to be.”

A Business Idea in Prague

The spark for FDTH Imports came during the EMBA’s global business experience, an international residency in Prague. While visiting Steiner & Kovarik, a chocolatier known for its ethically sourced, sustainably produced chocolate, something clicked.

Dooley-Hernandez says he and Hines listened intently and really resonated with the quality.

“I leaned over to Thomas,” Dooley-Hernandez says, “and said, ‘I think there’s a business opportunity here.’ ”

And just like that, the idea took root. Back in the U.S., they launched FDTH Imports with a mission: to connect American consumers with sustainably produced, ethically sourced products from around the world — starting with chocolate.

Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

More than just a business venture, FDTH Imports is a vehicle for social good. The company exclusively partners with producers who prioritize fair labor, environmental stewardship and transparency across their supply chains. Through their partnership with Steiner & Kovarik, they learned about the darker realities of the chocolate industry — child labor, deforestation and lack of regulation.

“I knew that that’s where it sunk in for me that this is more than just a business opportunity,” Hines says. “This is a chance to do the right thing, by helping others who are doing the right thing.”

Steiner & Kovarik’s chocolate is sourced from family farms in Latin America, where production standards are stricter and sustainability is a core value. That kind of commitment aligns perfectly with the values Hines and Dooley-Hernandez brought into the EMBA program — and the ones they sharpened through it.

“Our mission is simple: conscious imports for a better world,” Hines says. That mission statement is at the heart of everything Dooley-Hernandez and Hines do.

Lessons in Leadership

Launching a startup while balancing demanding careers and a rigorous graduate program wasn’t easy. But the lessons learned in the EMBA classroom paid off immediately.

“I think within the EMBA, there’s a ‘fail fast’ mentality,” Dooley-Hernandez says. “Let me give this a try. If I’m not good at it, raise my hand, ask a professor, try and get some help.”

More importantly, they leaned on each other — and their cohort.

“Put the work in and make sure you establish good relationships with your cohort,” Dooley-Hernandez says. “And remember, that it is not a competition. You guys are not competing with each other. You guys are literally there to help each other. It’s a symbiotic relationship, so approach it that way.”

The Future of FDTH Imports

With FDTH Imports gaining momentum, Hines and Dooley-Hernandez have their sights set on growth. They’re exploring additional products and envision expanding into a multifaceted marketing and distribution company.

Their recent pitch at the Rhode Island Go Global Awards earned them recognition for innovation — a moment that confirmed they were on the right path.

“We have the luxury of being able to make sure we do things the right way at every step,” Hines says. “Just like Petr and Silvie [co-owners of Steiner & Kovarik] did and just like all of those other business owners when they carefully crafted their supply chains to make sure that no one is suffering and making their products.”

Words of Wisdom for Future Knights

For aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, both alumni have the same advice: Don’t wait.

“My advice would be: Don’t think about it, just do it,” Dooley-Hernandez says. “A lot of the things that you don’t think are necessary, or you don’t understand, are actually very usable skills.”

“Jump in and do it. You won’t regret it,” Hines adds. “Do your best. And remember, you’re not competing with everyone else in the room. You’re only competing with yourself.”

From EMBA classmates to co-founders, Hines and Dooley-Hernandez are proving that business can be a force for good — and that with the right program, a clear mission and a lot of heart, Knights can lead the way in creating a more just, sustainable world.