From school smarts to corporate finesse

It didn’t take long for Executive MBA Class of 2011 alums, Ben Grimes & Tim Ryan, to combine school smarts with corporate finesse.  Immediately upon the conclusion of their coursework, the pair hit the ground running with their recently launched business strategy and strategic communications venture – BRG Strategy Group.

Already, they have landed two Fortune 50 accounts, and are advising non-profit clients – all who have recognized the value in short-term strategy development by seasoned executives.  With a combined 40 years of experience in guiding and leading global business, BRG Strategy Group has found its niche in “putting together pieces of the business puzzle”.  BRG Strategy Group specializes in providing “Executive in a Box” services for those companies who need to revise or create a strategy that allows them to compete and survive in an ever changing market.  These early successes will allow BRG Strategy Group to bring in additional talent to support sales and technical demands by the end of 2011.

Assigned to the same study group, Ben & Tim quickly connected as colleagues with similar backgrounds in technology, and friends as they learned how to juggle the demands of the classroom with their busy corporate and family lives.  Over the 20-month program, they both realized that owning a business was something they wanted to accomplish, and shortly after their class international trip to India , the duo figured they could rely on each other’s strengths and grow “bigger, better, faster”  together.  A handshake and a shared vision, combined with lessons learned in accounting, finance, marketing and organizational behavior prepared them for the everyday challenges of running a small venture with big goals. 

Equally important are the lessons learned within the classroom. Tim encourages the incoming class of 2013 to embrace and establish a network circle immediately and take advantage of all the resources offered at the Mason School of Business.  By “opening yourself up to new experiences and opinions, you will gain multitudes more than you ever expected”, adds Ben. 

Join us in celebrating Ben & Tim’s early success, and support them by becoming a fan of “BRG Strategy Group” on Facebook.  In addition, check out their website – brgstrategygroup.com.