Wake Forest Network Helps Alumnus Connect with Business Partner
Russ Kratzer (MBA ’18), Chief Operations Officer & Co-Founder, SupplyTrust Technologies
Wake Forest Network Helps Alumnus Connect with Business Partner
Describe your professional journey.
Following my undergraduate experience at Columbia University, I served in the Peace Corps, which sent me to China. I was so inspired by that experience that I pursued a master’s degree in Chinese after working in Washington, DC. Upon completing my degree, I found myself looking for job opportunities in the Houston, TX, area that involved my expertise in Mandarin. I ultimately found a job at an edamame importer; that experience, particularly learning from the owner himself, sparked my own interest in business.
A few years later, my wife took a job at Wake Forest Baptist Health, so our family relocated to Winston-Salem in 2011. As a result of that move, I found a position at Krispy Kreme to help establish the supply chains for new international markets. I also started my MBA in the Winston-Salem Evening MBA program. While a student, strategy professor Ben King introduced me to Retired Vice Admiral John Morgan, who was then the CEO of a defense-related company. John needed assistance with an academic analysis for a business proposal he was working on, and a WFU business school classmate and I helped him with the project, which included presenting our analysis to potential investors. After the project was completed, John and I stayed in touch and met occasionally to discuss supply chain issues, ideas on how we could help the military and the defense industry in general.
After earning my MBA, I transitioned to R.J. Reynolds to manage suppliers based in Asia which led me to take a position with Gong cha, a popular bubble tea brand in 2022. Later that year, John and I met another colleague who had a strong background in data analytics and shared our passion for supporting the armed forces. We began working on – what was at the time – our side project, which ultimately led to the founding of SupplyTrust, a company that focuses on mitigating supply chain risk. Late 2023, I took a leap of faith and left my job at Gong cha to focus full-time on SupplyTrust.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Evening MBA Program at Wake?
My main motivation for pursuing an MBA was to help me overcome the perception of being labeled as a supply chain professional. I wanted to pursue the degree to give myself the skills and tools to expand beyond supply chain and learn about marketing, finance and entrepreneurship. As a former political science major, I had no previous business education! The MBA program offered me the chance to get up-to-speed on relevant topics that I previously had no formal education on. At the time of my enrollment, I had two little kids, so I should also mention that I wouldn’t have been able to complete the program without the support of my wife and family!
In addition to the exposure to business topics and a solid business education, one of the biggest takeaways from my time at Wake Forest was the importance of the Wake Forest network. After all, I met my current business partner, John, through WFU connections!
How has your professional journey been impacted by your military ties?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation – and respect – for the military. My affinity for military service originated with my dad, who served in the Navy. I developed a passion for service, which first materialized during my stint in the Peace Corps that sent me to China. Following my time in the Peace Corps, I went to Ohio State to participate in a national security-related fellowship program and obtained a master’s degree in Chinese.
Today our company, SupplyTrust, is aimed at helping key U.S. Navy industrial base suppliers. We specialize in supply chain risk mitigation, which means that we help these suppliers gain a comprehensive understanding of their supply chains to identify where there may be vulnerabilities in the supply network and where there may be opportunities to improve efficiency.
Having had the privilege of working both with and for (current and former) military service members, I admire their commitment to each other and to the underlying task(s) at hand. Their commitment and work ethic is truly unmatched.
Only a small percentage of Americans find success as entrepreneurs. What aspect of founding SupplyTrust Technologies have you found to be the most challenging? And most rewarding?
The biggest challenge I have found has been navigating the unknowns that are part of starting a new business; for example, everything from “do we need an office” to “what kind of insurance do we need” to “how do we best make a positive impact for both the military and private clients.” The flip side is that these are the “good old days” for SupplyTrust, as a good friend and successful entrepreneur once told me. There’s nothing more professionally rewarding than seeing the results of your work and building the company alongside very talented and passionate business partners!
What advice do you have for current business students and alumni?
My advice for current students, in addition to focusing on your classes, is to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom. Network and go to the events where professors or practitioners talk about a particular topic or subject matter. Make an effort to participate in student groups too!
For alumni, I would encourage everyone to stay connected, even if you only have time for quick check-ins with fellow alumni. Try to attend networking events and alumni events whenever you can! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and go to an event, even if you don’t know anyone there. See networking as an opportunity to grow, as you never know who you might meet there – it may just be a future business partner!
Spotlight interview conducted by Alumni Council member Jordan Garside (’14, MSM ’15).
