As a McMaster commerce student in the late 1970s, Don Simpson found his escape in rock music, particularly the convention-breaking, eardrum-bursting sounds of the era’s punk bands.

But amid the angry arias of the Ramones and other groups, Simpson harboured a quieter, equally intense ambition — to build a richly diverse business career after graduation.

Little did he know he could combine both sides of his persona.

Today, he occupies one of the top live-entertainment jobs in North America, as executive vice-president, productions, for Madison Square Garden Entertainment, where he oversees the high-stepping Rockettes and Cirque de Soleil performances.

Read the full story on the DeGroote School of Business website.