Originally from Olomouc, Czech Republic, Daniel graduated from the Rowe School of business at Dalhousie University in 2014.

Daniel was a talented athlete and a three-time Academic All-Canadian for varsity hockey. He competed at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship and was named the 2007 -2008 Campbell’s WHL Scholastic Player of the Year for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Before attending Dalhousie, Daniel earned an invitation by the New York Rangers to compete at their main pre-season hockey camp in 2009. In addition to his athletic achievements, Daniel was a Dean’s List recipient and the 2011 Winner of the Scotiabank Interview Competition. He was also a recipient of the Black and Gold Athletic Award and Dalhousie In-course Scholarship Award.

While in his 3rd year at Dalhousie, Daniel co-founded Sage Mixology (later known as Iconic Brewing) and turned his focus to entrepreneurship. He and his business partners appeared on CBC’s Dragons Den in 2015 and 2017. Since founding in 2013, Iconic has established one of Canada’s top national RTD brands, Cottage Springs. In 2020, Daniel was the President and COO of Iconic when it merged with Ace Hill to form Ace Beverage Group creating one of Canada’s largest privately owned beverage alcohol companies.

Q: Describe how your time in the commerce program at Dalhousie lead you to where you are today?

A: I met my future business partner while studying commerce at Dal which ultimately led to us starting several operating businesses over the span of 8 years that followed. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for my time at Dalhousie.

Q: What was the most important lesson you learned from a professor during your time at Dalhousie?

A: Use your customer as a compass when making decisions about your business – Ed Leach

Q: What was your favourite class in the commerce program and why?

A: Intermediate Economics, Comm 2401 Marketing and Starting Lean

Q: Any advice for students in commerce that are unclear on what major/ career path is best for them?

A: Reach out and talk to people that have done it before you to see what worked for them and why.