From Cornerback to CEO: Hudson Flom Hustles Beyond the Game

By Marissa Burian

Hudson Flom is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete at the University of North Dakota. As a cornerback and marketing student, he also runs his own business and actively serves the community. In this spotlight, Hudson shares insights on how he’s able to do it all, showing that dedication extends far beyond the field.

About Hudson Flom

Born and raised in Grand Forks, Hudson Flom has always had a vision for balancing big goals with hard work. Now a junior marketing major at the Nistler College of Business, he suits up as a cornerback for UND football while also managing life as an entrepreneur and community leader.

Hudson operates his own company, H2, in Griggs County and works alongside a former teammate at Cutting Edge Resources. Outside of academics, athletics, and business, he enjoys wake surfing, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Balancing It All

For Hudson, the key to balance is time management. Balancing football, classes, service, and business requires structure, and he’s learned to treat every hour like it matters.

“One of my greatest strengths is the ability to manage my time. Each day is limited to a certain amount of hours and I do my best to make the most of every minute throughout the day.,” he explains.

Whether it’s preparing for a game, finishing coursework, or planning a business project, Hudson approaches every task like a play in a playbook, tackling it strategically, deliberately, and with an eye on the end goal.

Commitment to Community

Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of Hudson’s UND journey. In just two years, he has completed nearly 300 hours of service, earning him the “Male Individual Community Service Award” for the 2024–25 season.

“The most rewarding part of being active in the Grand Forks community is the ability to give back to the community that raised me. Grand Forks is a great community that always comes together to support one another, that is the beauty of this city.” Hudson says.

He remembers growing up seeing UND football players active in the community or at fan events and wanting to be like them. Now that he’s in that position, he’s intentional about inspiring others and making a positive impact in the community he was raised in. 

Game Plan for Success in Business and the Classroom

For Hudson, the lessons from football carry directly into the classroom. Discipline, preparation, and time management have become the foundation of how he approaches academics and business. 

“Being held accountable in football has translated into my academic and work life,” he explains. “It’s about showing up and completing tasks at the highest level.”

Balancing his marketing coursework with running H2 and working at Cutting Edge Resources has taught him the value of consistency and flexibility. Just like studying a playbook, staying on top of assignments requires focus, patience, and attention to detail—skills Hudson continues to sharpen both on the field and in class.

Advice for Other Students

Hudson’s message to his peers is simple: take chances. He believes that real growth comes from trying new things, even if they don’t work out.

“Why not join a club, start a business, try something new? What’s the worst that happens? You fail? You don’t like it? Oh well, you learn from it. You can’t grow if you’re afraid to fail,” he says.

He encourages fellow students to seek out opportunities that push them, whether that’s in leadership, service, or personal hobbies, and to treat every experience as a chance to grow and improve.

Q&A with Hudson:

How would your teammates describe you in one word?

“Ambitious, they see that I am a very hard worker and determined to do better and succeed every single day.”

What’s your favorite restaurant in Grand Forks and what’s your go-to order?

“My favorite restaurant has to be Harry’s Steakhouse. I usually get a steak with truffle mac and cheese and smashed red potatoes.”

If you could spend the day with a business leader or professional athlete, who would it be?

This is a curveball, but I’d love to chat with Jimmy Donaldson aka Mr. Beast. He has mastered marketing and the understanding of social media algorithms. His ability to grow and understand so much would be so fascinating to hear and learn on how he did it and how I can do it as well. 

Cheer on Hudson and his teammates at the 59th Annual Potato Bowl game this weekend! The game kicks off at 6:00 PM on September 6, 2025, at the Alerus Center.