Our CEO, Jim Ruetz has spent 40 years in a leadership role in distribution. He has firsthand experience taking a business to the second generation, working with private equity investors, acquiring add-on businesses, selling the business, and developing strategic direction for a family business. Jim has made more than 30 sourcing trips to China, Taiwan, and many other SE Asian countries, as well as numerous sourcing trips to Europe.
Jim’s Background Includes:
- Sold two family businesses to Private Equity and created and rebranded a new role up company All Integrated Solutions (AIS)
- Created a roll up company made up of 5 independent distribution firms and rebranded them (AIS)
- Sold AIS to a strategic buyer (MSC Industrial)
- Licensed Culture Index coach
Education & Service Experience:
- MBA – University of Chicago 89’
- PhD Candidate – Oklahoma State University - Completion Date 2022
- Bachelor in Economic Geography – University of Wisconsin - Parkside
- Associate of Science Oceanography – University of Florida Institute of Technology
- Chairman of the National Fastener Distributors Association 2000 - 2001
- City of Oak Creek Alderman 2012 - 2015