Gene Eidelman, cofounder of Azure Printed Homes and a Pepperdine University alumnus, pledged $1 million in Azure stock to support future entrepreneurs at Pepperdine, according to an April 16 announcement. The gift was revealed during the university’s 2026 George Awards.
The pledge is intended to help equip the next generation of entrepreneurs at Pepperdine. Because it is structured as a donation of company stock, its value could grow significantly if Azure’s business continues to expand.
Deborah Crown, dean of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, said, “Gene Eidelman’s generous pledge is a testament to the transformative power a Pepperdine Graziadio education has in creating entrepreneurs who lead with purpose and service.” Crown added that alumni like Eidelman demonstrate that “success is best measured by the meaningful solutions we bring to the world” and that his investment will empower students “to turn innovative ideas into world-changing realities.”
Eidelman said he was proud to give back: “I’m proud that we can give back in a way that supports the next generation of entrepreneurs. At its core, entrepreneurship isn’t about building companies—it’s about building solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Eidelman received the Waves of Service Alumni award from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School for his leadership and impact within communities. Reflecting on this honor, he said: “It’s truly meaningful to be recognized by my alma mater for work rooted in service. To me, service means applying innovation where it matters most—helping people rebuild, recover, and move forward more quickly. This recognition represents not just business success, but the real impact we’re making in communities during moments that matter most.”
Since founding Azure Printed Homes in 2022 after helping communities recover from wildfires, Eidelman has promoted new construction technologies such as modular systems combined with patented 3D printing processes aimed at faster and more affordable housing solutions. He explained: “If we can pair technology with purpose…we can solve problems that once felt unsolvable—especially in housing and disaster recovery.”
Azure has supported homeowners rebuilding after major fires by providing rapid-deploy housing options and scalable construction strategies focused on resilience.
The company operates out of Los Angeles but plans further expansion both nationally and internationally due to growing demand for its eco-friendly homes.
Eidelman also speaks publicly on innovation topics; his TEDx talk on future housing surpassed one million views. He authored From Ashes to Action: A Survivor’s Guide to Rebuilding After Wildfires.
“Receiving an award like this reinforces what we believe at Azure: the best companies are built not just for growth, but to be changemakers,” said Eidelman.