Blaine Beckman (Alumnus)

Meet Blaine Beckman ’15, ’17—alumnus, executive, family man and singer.

Blaine Beckman grew up in Fallbrook, California, where his family farmed avocados. At an early age, Blaine was taught that the key to achievement is hard work. So, as a teenager when a family friend offered Blaine a free car, his father immediately said, “No.” If Blaine wanted a car, he had to work for it. Little did he know; his father’s stern decision would be the jumpstart to his career.

To pay for the car, Blaine was tasked with assisting that family friend with the construction of their home, which he didn’t know how to do. He had to learn the basics of framing and construction to complete the work. While gaining hands-on knowledge, Blaine learned the value of a dollar and that he had a passion for construction.

After earning the car through hard work, Blaine left for college to play football at a private university in Virginia. During a school break, Blaine suffered an injury that rendered him unable to return to school and participate in the following season. Jolted by this realization, Blaine decided to stop attending school altogether and focus on a career in construction.

In 2006, Blaine moved to San Antonio for a career opportunity. In his new hometown, Blaine met his girlfriend (now wife), Mimi Morrison ’11, who praised her alma mater and convinced Blaine to return to school.

After a nudge from Mimi, Blaine researched Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) and realized that the variety of classes it offered would work for his schedule. He applied, was accepted and enrolled in high-flex evening courses while maintaining a full-time job.

After earning a Bachelor of Business Management in 2015, Blaine immediately enrolled in A&M-SA’s Master of Business Administration program. Less than two years later, he became a dual alumnus and was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Business Development at F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor.

Blaine looks back on his time at A&M-SA with appreciation. He’s grateful for the professors he had and how understanding they were. In addition, the skills and knowledge he acquired at A&M-SA continue to be useful in his daily job assignments.

“There isn’t a day that goes by without a situation that is solved by something I learned in my business classes,” he said.

The San Antonio Business Journal recently recognized Blaine for his business acumen and service to the community, selecting him as one of its 2018 “40 under 40.” Blaine is grateful to the San Antonio Chapter Executive Vice President of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Doug McMurray, who nominated him for the award. He feels honored and fortunate to have received such an accolade.

When Blaine isn’t working or completing community service, he is usually at home with his wife and children or performing with his band, Our Waking Hour. He is the lead vocalist for the local,

alternative rock band. Their cover of the Adele song, “Set Fire to the Rain,” has more than two million views on YouTube.

Between work, home, community service and the band, Blaine stays busy. But, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He knows that the life lessons his mother and father taught him were spot-on. If you want something, you have to work for it.

Q: What advice would you give to prospective students interested in attending A&M-San Antonio?

A: Press on. At times it’s difficult. All the studying, late nights and the sacrifices are going into achieving your end goal. When you walk the stage and hear all the clapping after you completed everything, it’s worth it.