Ronia Kruse, President and CEO Named to Crain's 40 Under 40, Class of 2006
from Crain's Detroit Business
by Andrew Dietderich
The post-Y2K dot-bomb, 9-11 and an overall depressed economy weren't enough to slow Ronia Kruse down from her goal of owning her own business, even if it was arguably the worst time to start a tech company.
But after starting her information-technology consulting business called Optech LLC in 1999, those obstacles were all things she had to deal with.
It paid off. In 2005, OpTech had revenue of about $7 million and 68 employees.
Before striking out on her own, Kruse served as a lecturer at Wayne State University and as a senior tax consultant from 1995 to 1999 at Deloitte & Touche LLP. She graduated from Wayne State University with a master of science degree in taxation in 1994.
OpTech clients include DTE Energy Co., Comerica Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Wayne County, the state of Michigan and the federal government.
Kruse, who worked more than 70 hours a week when she started OpTech, said her company's success is due in large part to her faith in others.
"I was not able to continue working more than 70 hours a week after I had my second child, so I took a major financial risk by recruiting some of the best talent in the industry to help me get OpTech to the next level," she said.
Roland Odeleye, vice president of info service for Comerica Bank in Auburn Hills, said OpTech brings personal service that sets it apart from others, and he says it's because of Kruse.
"She just knows what she wants and where she's going," he said. "Her approach to her business is what's going to distinguish her from most other businesses."
