Consulting 101

Learn what it takes to become a successful consultant.  We will discuss the challenges faced when starting a consulting business.

Rich Kruse, Executive Vice President, The Intelligent Office of Garden City 

Rich Kruse is one of the most recognized and respected business leaders on Long Island, has played an integral role in the growth of Long Island as a center for business and technology. Through a combination of entrepreneurial savvy, networking, public relations and charitable goodwill, Mr. Kruse has been a driving force in developing alliances and business organizations that have helped distinguish Long Island as a dynamic place to live, work and play.

Mr. Kruse started his Long Island technology career in 1995 at Computer Associates International, where he managed strategic corporate clients in the marketing and sales division of the CA Unicenter software team. In 1996, Mr. Kruse joined a Long Island based consulting firm, where he formed computer networking and software divisions, and went on to become president.  In 2001, Mr. Kruse served in a multifaceted role at Long Island’s premier Internet & eSolutions Provider, Invision.com, as the president of their new venture, as well as being the "rainmaker" for the entire Invision corporation. He helped Invision become the top Internet Hosting and Web Development Company on Long Island, as well as making Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Tech companies. Invision went on to win Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  In 2003, he went on to do marketing and business development consulting.

Recently, Mr. Kruse joined The Intelligent Office of Garden City as Executive Vice President, where he is helping the small and mid-size business community gain a professional image and increase their opportunities, no matter where they are located.

Mr. Kruse is one of the six Co-Founder’s of the highly acclaimed organization – LISTnet  (The Long Island Software & Technology Network), which is an integral part of the Long Island technology, business and educational community, based at the Long Island Business & Technology Center. Started ten years ago, LISTnet  reached over 1000 member companies.

Mr. Kruse, in March of 04, started another not-for-profit business association called ExecuLeaders, of which he is the Founder & President.  In less than three years, ExecuLeaders has signed up 200 member companies, with 650 associate members & sponsors, including such companies as The NY Islanders/Dragons, Commerce Bank, Festo, RivkinRadler, Invision & Long Island Business News.