{"id":45870,"date":"2026-01-28T15:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/business\/?p=45870"},"modified":"2026-02-04T15:16:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T20:16:55","slug":"ryan-almonte-spotlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/business\/ryan-almonte-spotlight\/","title":{"rendered":"Ryan Almonte \u2013 URI One-Year M.B.A. Alumnus & CEO of Grocially"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ryan Almonte, a graduate of URI\u2019s One-Year M.B.A. program<\/a> 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\u2019s journey highlights the transformative impact of a URI M.B.A. and the opportunities it creates for ambitious professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal and Educational Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s One-Year M.B.A. program with a focus on Strategic Innovation, earning his M.B.A. 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 M.B.A. program prepared him to tackle real-world challenges and seize new business opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Career Journey and Impact of URI\u2019s M.B.A. Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After completing his M.B.A., 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\u2019s 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 M.B.A. studies, making him a valuable asset in the corporate world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryan\u2019s career then took him from Providence to Boston and eventually to Miami. In Miami, he joined Benihana\u2019s 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 M.B.A. program played a pivotal role in this transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grocially: Bridging Brands and Influencers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s strong connections with Live Nation executives have also been instrumental in expanding Grocially\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea for Grocially stemmed from Ryan\u2019s realization that influencer marketing lacked transparency. While working on a campaign with a prominent content creator, he encountered skepticism due to the industry\u2019s common pitfalls\u2014lack of honesty and exploitative deals. He recognized the need for a platform that fosters genuine, mutually beneficial relationships between influencers and brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryan also observed how even small influencers could drive consumer engagement. He drew inspiration from his older brother, who frequently posted about a brewery\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons from URI\u2019s M.B.A. Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ryan credits two major lessons from his M.B.A. experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Employee Incentives:<\/strong> A professor emphasized that incentivizing employees isn\u2019t just about financial compensation\u2014it involves understanding individual motivations, such as flexible work hours or recognition, to build a strong organization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Real-World Application:<\/strong> During his M.B.A., 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 Pel\u00e9 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Memorable Experiences in the URI M.B.A. Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ryan was part of URI\u2019s first One-Year M.B.A. cohort, where he built lasting connections with classmates. The program\u2019s 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\u2019s emphasis on communication styles and psychological assessments, which taught him how to work effectively with diverse perspectives. The structure of the M.B.A. program, with its balance of technical skills and leadership training, prepared Ryan for the real-world challenges he would later face in his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Advice for Current M.B.A. Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n