If you live in Fargo, North Dakota and haven’t checked your mail this week, well, you might just open up your mailbox to see this guy greeting you with wide-open arms (literally.) A few weeks ago, our CEO, Ryan Fritz, had the chance to sit down with the folks over at Fargo INC! and talk about all things entrepreneurship, CEO life, small business ownership and family life. (You can read it all here!) So, in honor of this months Fargo INC! cover, we wanted to feature Ryan for this weeks Friday Feature. So without further ado, get to know the man behind the scenes….or better yet, the man behind the signs.
Name: Ryan Fritz
Position at OSC: CEO
Tell us a little bit more about what this entails? For me, being a CEO still involves wearing many hats – I still love Marketing and I still love to create and design. I try my best to be a leader – I set the bar high and try and get out of the way. There are still nights that I don’t get much sleep, but I also have 2 year-old. Some people think I’m a Grandpa, but I’m just a Dad. There’s quite a few decisions to make each day – that’s why I wear the same clothes, like Zuckerburg himself, – aw heck, read about it here.
Being a CEO means a lot. I’m sure there are areas where I’m under-serving my team, but I make up for it in other areas. Lots of them. Until you’ve had to do it, give your CEO a break, they’re trying!
Where did you go to college? I have a degree in Commercial Art – from Northwest Technical College.
Where did you start your career? I started my career at McDonald’s. Some may laugh, but man, I learned how to work there. Back in the day, before we had machine to warm up everything, we cooked, cleaned, took orders and didn’t stop. I had great ideas, like “Hey we should use McRib sauce with out chicken nuggets, its delicious” – but nobody listened. That’s why I try to listen to everything my teams asks and says. So speak up, team. I want to hear from you. I still miss the McDLT.
How long have you been with OSC? I’ve been with OSC for coming up on 10 years. Better let the Marketing team know we have a rather large landmark coming up around August of 2018….
Favorite thing about OSC? My favorite thing about OSC – there’s many thoughts here, but it has to be the amount I have learned over the years. Also, seeing good people stick around for three, four or five years. We have some solid people, many of them I truly love as people.
Favorite OSC tradition, event or work perk? I do love the OSCars. Especially this coming year with our revamped OSCars award. Some are memories like winning the Beer Pong Championship with then employee, Emma. Were were an unlikely duo and destroyed any participants in our path that night. Plus I got tackled by Marc and I’ve never messed with him since – haha. I’m starting to think the team always lets me win. I mean, there’s the whole OSC Olympics Champion Gold Medal thing…I also have fond memories of cooking. We used to cook a lot – but we’re bringing that back!
Favorite thing about Fargo / Moorhead? There’s a lot to love about the FM area. I like that we can get anywhere in 5-10 minutes. I hope it doesn’t grow too much. I like the size. I feel safe here.
When I’m not at OSC you can find me….Running after my young daughter, painting or working from home.
Favorite place to travel to? I love traveling to San Diego.
Favorite restaurant in town? Rustica in Moorhead.
Favorite sports team? I enjoy following the Dallas Cowboys, have since I was a kid. I lucked out that they have a bunch of champion rings to go along with their history.
What advice would you give to younger people trying to get into your profession?Anyone young or old that wants to be a CEO, go for it. A little bit of life experience goes a long way. Be great at what you do today, even if you don’t like. All of your today’s become the building blocks for your tomorrow. Put that on my tombstone…
Written by: Ryan Fritz
CEO at Office Sign Company
Contact: ryan@officesigncompany.com
Follow: @RyanFromOSC
CEO at Office Sign Company
Contact: ryan@officesigncompany.com
Follow: @RyanFromOSC
