Alan Tsao, MBA '21, B.S. '11, is the founder and owner of the Tsao Baltimore luxury watch company, he and others in the University of Baltimore community were selected by the Baltimore Business Journal's 2025 "40 Under 40" list.
The local entrepreneur envisions his watches as more than just timepieces; he sees them as a signature product of Baltimore, embodying the city's unique blend of tradition and modern sensibility. This commitment to his hometown was powerfully showcased recently when Tsao announced the release of a limited-edition watch crafted with steel salvaged from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. In a remarkable act of solidarity, 100 percent of the profits from this special timepiece are being donated to the victims' emergency fund.
Not stopping there, he also has engaged in partnerships for a branded watch with the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and the iconic "Natty Boh" brand.
“As I’ve worked to turn my passion for vintage watches into a viable business, I’ve had to develop strategies for manufacturing, distribution and growing my company. I have established both a production and retail presence in Baltimore and around the state. My MBA program gave me great information and ideas about best business practices. But I also learned about being an entrepreneur, about creating innovative opportunities and being willing to take a leap.”
Tsao is also an adjunct professor in the Merrick School of Business teaching entrepreneurship courses.
Congratulations to Alan on this well-deserved recognition!
The School of Business offers the Flex MBA two ways—the more "traditional," in-person, evening classes with online classes as an option -or - our fully online program, where you never have to come to campus (unless you want to). This 39-credit program has ten Core Courses and three additional courses that you choose.
UBalt students and alumni benefit from the resources offered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.