Richard Stromback
Encyclopedia
Richard Stromback is a former professional hockey player (OHL
, ECHL
), Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur. In 1997 he founded Web Group, a technology staffing and search firm and served as its CEO and President until 2003. During this time Web Group ranked 189th on Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the 500 fastest growing companies. In 2003, he shifted his investment focus to clean technology, acquiring the research firm, Ecology Coatings.
Stromback has been referred to as “Ultimate Davos", primarily due to a large number of influential contacts, in reference to the annual meeting of the world’s elite in Davos, Switzerland. His 40th birthday received media coverage for both its excess and attendees from billionaires and royalty to political figures, and leaders of corporate and financial world. He was named a Technology Pioneer and Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
and one of the top "40 Under 40" business leaders by Crain's Business.
. He is of Finnish, Swedish and Scottish
heritage/descent.
during a fight. During those years he played in the Ontario Hockey League
and the East Coast Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials
, Belleville Bulls
, Cornwall Royals
, Erie Panthers
and the Johnstown Chiefs
of "Slap Shot" the movie infamy.
Stromback’s reputation was as an enforcer and he had fights with such notables as Tie Domi
, Bob Boughner
and Dennis Vial
.
Stromback Ventures is a mentor capital firm founded by Richard Stromback. The firm offers mentors and guidance to support the development and commercialization of early-stage technologies.
Stromback Global Advisors
Stromback Global Advisors is a consultancy firm that develops strategic business relationships for its clients. Their efforts are aimed at connecting their clients to global leaders and decision makers in the fields of business, finance and politics, from around the world.
World Leader Summits
Richard Stromback is a regular name on the guest list of many major international gatherings of world leaders. Considered as one of the most well-connected people in the world, Stromback is a frequent visitor to global events such as the World Economic Forum
, the Milken Institute
as well as the Clinton Global Initiative. Recently he has started hosting exclusive gatherings of leaders who are focused on addressing climate change. In March 2008, he served as co-host of the Ecology Summit
with good friend Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island
.
Stromback is renowned for his gatherings that are extravagant on arrangements as well as on guest lists that include the who’s who of today’s political, financial and business world.
40th Birthday
Richard Stromback hosted his 40th birthday bash in Davos, Switzerland in January 2009, in line with his nickname, “Ultimate Davos," filling the Piano Bar with over 100 guests, including: Larry Page
(Google
), Sir Richard Branson (Virgin
), Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
, Prince Friso and Princess Mabel Van Oranje
of the Netherlands and Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone
). Other notables in attendance included, Thor Bjorgolfson
, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (EasyJet
), Chad Hurley
(Youtube
), Jimmy Wales
(Wikipedia
), Scott Brison
(Canadian MP), Aaron McCormack
(BT Group
), Aditya Mittal
(Arcelor-Mittal
) and Robert Forbes
(Forbes
).
--Ecology Summit, Necker Island 2008
"Nothing can be achieved if people don’t work together… and you can’t get people to work together if they cannot form strong relationships"
--Richard Stromback, at Davos 2009
Initiatives
The Stromback Foundation has devoted a significant amount of time and effort towards the use of Green Building Standards in New Orleans after the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, and is a vocal supporter of contributions to the discussions on Green Energy.
, whose contents were surrounded in controversy during the nomination process of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.
to persons with outstanding contributions towards the promotion of designing and developing new technologies.
In 2007, he was named a Young Global Leader which identifies leaders from all over the world under the age of 40, for their outstanding contribution to corporate and social efforts worldwide.
In 2008 Stromback was the recipient of Crains Business ’40 Under 40’ award, given to individuals demonstrating phenomenal performance and contributions to their organizations and career. Stromback was recognized for his award-winning success with Web Group as well as his endeavours with Ecology Coatings.
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
, ECHL
ECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
), Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur. In 1997 he founded Web Group, a technology staffing and search firm and served as its CEO and President until 2003. During this time Web Group ranked 189th on Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the 500 fastest growing companies. In 2003, he shifted his investment focus to clean technology, acquiring the research firm, Ecology Coatings.
Stromback has been referred to as “Ultimate Davos", primarily due to a large number of influential contacts, in reference to the annual meeting of the world’s elite in Davos, Switzerland. His 40th birthday received media coverage for both its excess and attendees from billionaires and royalty to political figures, and leaders of corporate and financial world. He was named a Technology Pioneer and Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
and one of the top "40 Under 40" business leaders by Crain's Business.
Early life
Born to Jessie Alinda Stromback and Theodore David Stromback in Redford, Michigan, he left home at the age of seventeen to pursue a professional hockey career. Stromback has five siblings, three brothers and two sisters. His brother Doug Stromback was also a professional hockey player, drafted by the Washington CapitalsWashington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
. He is of Finnish, Swedish and Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
heritage/descent.
Hockey career
Rich Stromback played professional hockey from 1986 through 1990 when he suffered a blowout fracture of his left orbitOrbit (anatomy)
In anatomy, the orbit is the cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated. "Orbit" can refer to the bony socket, or it can also be used to imply the contents...
during a fight. During those years he played in the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
and the East Coast Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials
North Bay Centennials
The North Bay Centennials were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, who played from 1982–2002. The team was based in North Bay, Ontario.-History:...
, Belleville Bulls
Belleville Bulls
The Belleville Bulls are a junior ice hockey team, founded in 1981 based in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. The team plays in the Eastern Division of the Eastern Conference of the Ontario Hockey League.-History:...
, Cornwall Royals
Cornwall Royals
The Cornwall Royals were a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1969 to 1981 and the Ontario Hockey League from 1981 to 1992. This team should not be confused with other Cornwall Royals teams that played in the QSHL, MMJHL, or OHA-B.-History:From 1961 until 1969, the...
, Erie Panthers
Erie Panthers
The Erie Panthers were a professional hockey team, and one of the founding members in the East Coast Hockey League. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1988 to 1996, they were one of the most prolific teams in the ECHL. The Panthers were known for their ability to score goals quickly and often, as...
and the Johnstown Chiefs
Johnstown Chiefs
The Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed...
of "Slap Shot" the movie infamy.
Stromback’s reputation was as an enforcer and he had fights with such notables as Tie Domi
Tie Domi
Tahir "Tie" Domi is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. During a sixteen-year NHL career when he was known for his role as an enforcer, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets....
, Bob Boughner
Bob Boughner
Robert Boughner , nicknamed The Boogieman, is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman and was an assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2010/11 season...
and Dennis Vial
Dennis Vial
Dennis Vial is a retired professional hockey player who played in NHL with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators...
.
Web Group
In 1997, Richard Stromback founded the Web Group, an IT staffing and search firm, and assumed the role of CEO and President. Web Group saw a period of outstanding growth between 1997 & 2002 and in 2002, was ranked 189th on the annual list of 500 fastest growing companies by Inc. magazine. In 2002, Richard Stromback sold Web Group to Arrow Strategies for an undisclosed amount, which was later rumored to be $20 million.Ecology Coatings, Inc.
In 2003, Richard Stromback bought controlling interest in Ecology Coatings, Inc., a clean technology research and development firm. He assumed the role of the CEO and guided the company from being a research lab to product commercialization. Richard Stromback focused on corporate strategy to build upon the momentum generated by the company since it was founded.Business Ventures
Stromback VenturesStromback Ventures is a mentor capital firm founded by Richard Stromback. The firm offers mentors and guidance to support the development and commercialization of early-stage technologies.
Stromback Global Advisors
Stromback Global Advisors is a consultancy firm that develops strategic business relationships for its clients. Their efforts are aimed at connecting their clients to global leaders and decision makers in the fields of business, finance and politics, from around the world.
World Leader Summits
Richard Stromback is a regular name on the guest list of many major international gatherings of world leaders. Considered as one of the most well-connected people in the world, Stromback is a frequent visitor to global events such as the World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
, the Milken Institute
Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is an independent economic think tank based in Santa Monica, California that publishes research and hosts conferences that apply market-based principles and financial innovations to a variety of societal issues in the US and internationally.The mission of the Institute, founded...
as well as the Clinton Global Initiative. Recently he has started hosting exclusive gatherings of leaders who are focused on addressing climate change. In March 2008, he served as co-host of the Ecology Summit
Ecology summit
In March, 2008, led by green entrepreneur, Richard Stromback, and Virgin group owner, Richard Branson, some of the biggest names in the world of business and science decided to get together to find a way to resolve the persistent problem of climate change and global warming...
with good friend Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island
Necker Island (British Virgin Islands)
Necker Island is a small island in the British Virgin Islands just north of Virgin Gorda, located at . All of the land on the island is owned by Sir Richard Branson, famous for his Virgin brand, and it is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties...
.
Stromback is renowned for his gatherings that are extravagant on arrangements as well as on guest lists that include the who’s who of today’s political, financial and business world.
40th Birthday
Richard Stromback hosted his 40th birthday bash in Davos, Switzerland in January 2009, in line with his nickname, “Ultimate Davos," filling the Piano Bar with over 100 guests, including: Larry Page
Larry Page
Lawrence "Larry" Page is an American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur who, with Sergey Brin, is best known as the co-founder of Google. As of April 4, 2011, he is also the chief executive of Google, as announced on January 20, 2011...
Google
Google Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
), Sir Richard Branson (Virgin
Virgin Group
Virgin Group Limited is a British branded venture capital conglomerate organisation founded by business tycoon Richard Branson. The core business areas are travel, entertainment and lifestyle. Virgin Group's date of incorporation is listed as 1989 by Companies House, who class it as a holding...
), Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway is the heir apparent to the throne of Norway. On birth he was named Prince Haakon Magnus but it was stressed in the announcement that he would go by the name Haakon. He became Crown Prince Haakon when his father ascended to the crown as Harald V in 1991...
, Prince Friso and Princess Mabel Van Oranje
Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau
Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau is the wife of Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau ....
of the Netherlands and Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone
Blackstone
-Businesses:*Blackstone Group, U.S. private equity and asset management firm*Blackstone Career Institute, online training institute*Blackstone & Co, a farm implement and engine manufacturer in Stamford, Lincolnshire until absorbed by Lister in 1937-People:...
). Other notables in attendance included, Thor Bjorgolfson
Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson
Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson , known internationally as Thor Bjorgolfsson, is an Icelandic businessman and entrepreneur, and former chairman of the financial firm Straumur-Burðarás and chairman of investment firm Novator Partners.He has been declared "Iceland's first billionaire", and was ranked as...
, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (EasyJet
EasyJet
EasyJet Airline Company Limited is a British airline headquartered at London Luton Airport. It carries more passengers than any other United Kingdom-based airline, operating domestic and international scheduled services on 500 routes between 118 European, North African, and West Asian airports...
), Chad Hurley
Chad Hurley
Chad Meredith Hurley is an American co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the popular video sharing website YouTube. In June 2006, he was voted 28th on Business 2.0's "50 People Who Matter Now" list...
(Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
), Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Donal "Jimbo" Wales is an American Internet entrepreneur best known as a co-founder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia and the Wikia company....
(Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative, multilingual encyclopedia project supported by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. Its 20 million articles have been written collaboratively by volunteers around the world. Almost all of its articles can be edited by anyone with access to the site,...
), Scott Brison
Scott Brison
Scott A. Brison, PC, MP is a Canadian politician from Nova Scotia, Canada. Brison has been the Member of Parliament for the riding of Kings-Hants since the 1997 federal election. Brison was originally elected as a Progressive Conservative but crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party in 2003...
(Canadian MP), Aaron McCormack
Aaron McCormack
Aaron McCormack is a former leader of the Youth Wing of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland who more recently has been a business leader and CEO in the IT sector - most notably as CEO of ....
(BT Group
BT Group
BT Group plc is a global telecommunications services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is one of the largest telecommunications services companies in the world and has operations in more than 170 countries. Through its BT Global Services division it is a major supplier of...
), Aditya Mittal
Aditya Mittal
Aditya Mittal is a CFO, Responsible for Flat Americas, Mergers and Acquisitions , Investor Relations, Strategy and Communications of the world's largest steel firm ArcelorMittal, which is controlled by his father Lakshmi Mittal, who was ranked the fifth richest person in the world by Forbes in...
(Arcelor-Mittal
Arcelor-Mittal
ArcelorMittal S.A. is a global steel company headquartered in Avenue de la Liberté, Luxembourg, Luxembourg. It is the largest steel producing company in the world and is the market leader in steel for use in automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging. It holds sizeable captive...
) and Robert Forbes
Robert Forbes
Robert W. "Bob" Forbes was an American football player and coach. He was a first-team All-American end for Yale University in 1906 and was the recipient of one of the most significant passes in the first season in which the forward pass was legalized...
(Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
).
Statements
"In James Bond movies, evil-doers meet in exotic settings to plot the destruction of the planet, but the people here were plotting to save the planet."--Ecology Summit, Necker Island 2008
"Nothing can be achieved if people don’t work together… and you can’t get people to work together if they cannot form strong relationships"
--Richard Stromback, at Davos 2009
The Stromback Foundation
Founded by Richard Stromback, The Stromback Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to the advancement, understanding, development and application of sustainable green technologies for the removal and control of environmental risks to human health in impoverished communities.Initiatives
The Stromback Foundation has devoted a significant amount of time and effort towards the use of Green Building Standards in New Orleans after the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, and is a vocal supporter of contributions to the discussions on Green Energy.
Politics
Stromback’s name is on the list of donors to former U.S President Bill ClintonBill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, whose contents were surrounded in controversy during the nomination process of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.
Awards and achievements
In 2006, Richard Stromback was the recipient of the Technology Pioneer Award for his work with Ecology Coatings. The award is given by the World Economic ForumWorld Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
to persons with outstanding contributions towards the promotion of designing and developing new technologies.
In 2007, he was named a Young Global Leader which identifies leaders from all over the world under the age of 40, for their outstanding contribution to corporate and social efforts worldwide.
In 2008 Stromback was the recipient of Crains Business ’40 Under 40’ award, given to individuals demonstrating phenomenal performance and contributions to their organizations and career. Stromback was recognized for his award-winning success with Web Group as well as his endeavours with Ecology Coatings.
Internet Articles
- New York Times
- CNET
- Inc.
- Inc 500 Award
- Necker Island Summit
- 40th Birthday Bash
- Bill Clinton’s famous donor list
- 40 under 40 Award
- World Economic Forum Young Global Leader Award