Austin Wright is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, bringing years of experience from the military, politics, business, and seminary formation to aid in the variety of organizations and businesses that he is engaged in. He is the Cofounder and CEO of MDKeller, which he cofounded with his best friend and business partner, three-time Super Bowl Champion Kicker Harrison Butker.
More than a businessman, Austin is a man of faith and mission. His journey—from the U.S. Navy to the corporate world to Catholic leadership—has shaped him into a dynamic voice for purpose-driven living, virtue-based leadership, and faith in action. Whether speaking to business leaders, students, or faith communities, Austin challenges audiences to pursue success rooted not in status, but in stewardship and service.
Through MDKeller, a holding company committed to long-term, values-driven stewardship, Austin and Harrison lead a growing family of businesses, including Shepherd’s, Clear Cut Brands, MDK & Associates, MDK Talent, and The Arimathea Group. Each company operates independently but shares the same guiding mission: “shared values, shared success.” Their work together stands as a witness that faith and excellence in business not only can coexist—but can transform entire industries.
Before launching MDKeller, Austin served as President and Chief Operating Officer of a technology company and later as Director of Advancement for the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, overseeing fundraising initiatives for the Church’s mission across Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. A natural connector, he has advised U.S. senators, representatives, and Church leaders, helping bridge the worlds of faith, business, and public service.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Austin served eight years as a Marine Combat Skills Specialist, including active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignments brought him into collaboration with top military officials—including the Secretary of the Navy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—and earned him numerous commendations for service and leadership.
Austin holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and completed additional studies at the Pontificia Università della Santa Croce in Rome. He also studied Political Science at Northern Illinois University and Philosophy at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and was a Leonine Forum Fellow in Los Angeles.
Outside of his professional life, Austin is a passionate traveler who has visited more than 30 countries, deepening his understanding of faith and culture around the world. Today, he speaks with authenticity and conviction on topics such as faith in leadership, virtue in business, and living courageously for Christ in a challenging world—calling others to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and use their gifts for God’s glory.
