Mr. Kruse brings over 30 years of management experience including executive management in large and start-up companies. Prior to joining UGA SBDC, Mr. Kruse was an account executive with Bearcom Wireless in Atlanta, where he was responsible for developing a new customer base from prospects in the Atlanta market. His areas of specialization are business and market development, program management, strategic account planning and general management.

Mr. Kruse has worked in small businesses that focused on site leasing, Wi-Fi ‘HotSpots’, corporate network management and accounting software solutions.  He has experience working in the healthcare, hospitality, telecommunications, utility markets and with internet-based services including SaaS.

Education:

• Master of Business Administration, University of Kansas
• Bachelor of Science (Engineering with Distinction), Iowa State University

Experience:

• Account Executive, Bearcom Wireless, Atlanta, GA
• Regional Sales Executive, Powerplan, Atlanta, GA
• Independent Business Development Consultant
• Customer Engagement Manager, Alcatel-Lucent/Reachview, Atlanta, GA
• Management Consultant, Rocketlauncher, Inc., Atlanta, GA

Accomplishments:

• Sprint President’s Club
• Licensed Professional Engineer- Kansas and New Jersey

Mr. StaRomana provides coaching and guidance to small- and medium-sized businesses in all stages of the business life cycle, from start-up to exit. His areas of specialization are strategic planning, business process improvement, and marketing & sales.

Prior to joining UGA-SBDC, Mr. StaRomana founded and operated a management consulting company that was awarded the grand prize of Gwinnett County’s 2011 Amazing Entrepreneur competition. Mr. StaRomana offers clients his management and professional experience from more than 20 years working with Global 100 companies as well as small, rising companies.

Helen serves as the administrative assistant for the UGA SBDC in Gwinnett office. She provides day-to-day staff support and takes great pride in having the office run smoothly. Helen is the first point of contact for clients and resource partners – she ensures that all inquiries are either satisfied or directed to the appropriate internal resource. In addition to providing scheduling and administrative support – Helen also provides assistance with the recruitment for and execution of all UGA SBDC in Gwinnett seminars, continuing education classes and special events at the center.

Experience:

• Helen has been with the SBDC of Gwinnett for thirteen years. Prior to joining the SBDC – she worked in various roles ranging from inventory control, retail support to office administration.