Ryan Almonte, a graduate of URI’s One-Year MBA program in Strategic Innovation, has built an impressive career in finance and entrepreneurship. From working with global brands to founding Grocially, a platform connecting influencers with brands, Ryan’s journey highlights the transformative impact of a URI MBA and the opportunities it creates for ambitious professionals.

Personal and Educational Background

Ryan Almonte grew up in Rhode Island and pursued his undergraduate degree in Accounting at the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 2012. Recognizing the value of an advanced business education, he immediately enrolled in URI’s One-Year MBA program with a focus on Strategic Innovation, earning his MBA in 2013. His time in the program strengthened his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex business environments. The collaborative, fast-paced nature of the One-Year MBA program prepared him to tackle real-world challenges and seize new business opportunities.

Career Journey and Impact of URI’s MBA Program

After completing his MBA, Ryan began his career at CBIZ before transitioning to KPMG. At KPMG, he was placed on premier client accounts in the Northeast, notably working with Samsonite, the largest luggage retailer, assisting in their acquisitions. Ryan’s roles evolved from audit to deal advisory, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions. His ability to think strategically and adapt to high-pressure environments was honed during his MBA studies, making him a valuable asset in the corporate world.

Ryan’s career then took him from Providence to Boston and eventually to Miami. In Miami, he joined Benihana’s financial reporting team, contributing to the structuring of various high-value business deals. Later, his career flourished as he became involved with top nightlife and hospitality brands, working with renowned clubs, restaurants, and global artists. These experiences fueled his drive to leave the corporate world and establish his own business. The entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills cultivated during his MBA program played a pivotal role in this transition.

Grocially: Bridging Brands and Influencers

Grocially was founded to help live events secure sponsorships by connecting brands with influencers. It has since evolved into a full-service event and influencer marketing platform, reshaping how businesses find credible sponsors and collaborate with top content creators. The platform supports high-profile events, such as the Miami Festival, and has collaborated with TwitchCon in Las Vegas, bringing top creators from the gaming industry. Ryan’s strong connections with Live Nation executives have also been instrumental in expanding Grocially’s reach.

The idea for Grocially stemmed from Ryan’s realization that influencer marketing lacked transparency. While working on a campaign with a prominent content creator, he encountered skepticism due to the industry’s common pitfalls—lack of honesty and exploitative deals. He recognized the need for a platform that fosters genuine, mutually beneficial relationships between influencers and brands.

Ryan also observed how even small influencers could drive consumer engagement. He drew inspiration from his older brother, who frequently posted about a brewery’s new beer, influencing his circle despite having a modest following. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for better brand visibility strategies, as many businesses struggled to adapt.

Lessons from URI’s MBA Program

Ryan credits two major lessons from his MBA experience:

1. Employee Incentives: A professor emphasized that incentivizing employees isn’t just about financial compensation—it involves understanding individual motivations, such as flexible work hours or recognition, to build a strong organization.
2. Real-World Application: During his MBA, Ryan partnered with G-Form, a protective gear company, to pitch a product idea for repurposed shin pads made from recycled materials. Two years later, G-Form launched a commercial featuring Pelé promoting this
   new shin pad line, validating the entrepreneurial mindset fostered in the program and
   emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking in
   business.

Memorable Experiences in the URI MBA Program

Ryan was part of URI’s first One-Year MBA cohort, where he built lasting connections with classmates. The program’s dynamic workload encouraged students to collaborate and openly communicate with faculty, fostering a supportive and solution-oriented environment. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and adaptability. He also valued the program’s emphasis on communication styles and psychological assessments, which taught him how to work effectively with diverse perspectives. The structure of the MBA program, with its balance of technical skills and leadership training, prepared Ryan for the real-world challenges he would later face in his career.

Advice for Current MBA Students

• Network Organically: Ryan advises students to network authentically by engaging with peers from various disciplines. His expansive network has been crucial throughout his career and stems from the connections he made during his MBA.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Confidence comes from acknowledging gaps in knowledge and being proactive in seeking answers, a mindset reinforced throughout the URI MBA curriculum.
• Develop Adaptability: Different communication styles are essential in leadership, and understanding how to connect with different personalities is key to success. URI’s MBA program provided Ryan with numerous opportunities to refine these skills through group projects, case studies, and real-world consulting experiences.

The Impact of the URI MBA Alumni Network

Ryan highlights the support he has received from URI’s alumni network, noting that the guidance and willingness of its members to offer advice have been invaluable in his career progression. He emphasizes that URI’s alumni community genuinely wants to see graduates succeed and is always willing to help. The strong sense of community fostered within the MBA program continues to be a valuable resource in his professional journey.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on his journey, Ryan has no regrets about his MBA experience. He believes in taking life as it comes and making proactive decisions in the present. His experiences at URI laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking, and leadership approach, shaping him into the business leader he is today. The One-Year MBA program not only gave him the technical knowledge to succeed but also the confidence and connections to pursue his passion.