Rick Kraniak is internationally recognized as an investor with great instincts for commercially innovative and viable businesses, and for a long track record of growing successful companies. His entrepreneurial background includes launching a number of businesses in the media and entertainment, health, software, Internet, and technology verticals. In particular, his entertainment industry experience has informed a unique approach to strategy and creating value with diverse enterprises ranging from startup ventures and mature public companies to supporting social cause related organizations and charitable non-profits.
He began his professional career in 1970 while he was studying sociology at Eastern Michigan University, when he founded Diversified Management Agency. For the next several years, he booked personal appearances for legendary music artists such as Bob Seger, Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner, Iggy Stooge, MC5, Alice Cooper, and Ted Nugent. Following his success there, he founded Brass Ring Productions and produced over six thousand performances including concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, and many other artists. Starting in 1987, Brass Ring exclusively programmed the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit and produced tours with over 3,000 performances featuring Billy Joel, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, The Police, John Mellencamp, and Broadway Shows such as “South Pacific”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “David Copperfield”, and “Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber”. Kraniak was voted one of America’s top 10 promoters by Pollstar magazine.
Currently, he is an owner and CSO of Buz.FM, a leader in digital technology which is leveraging its unique enterprise software solutions for social search optimization and marketing to retail, consumer, and media brands. Kraniak’s personal fund maintains positions in 17 private and public companies representing his special interests in disruptive technologies  healthcare, software, and entertainment ventures.
In addition, he is dedicated to corporate social responsibility and has devoted time, energy, and funding to charitable organizations on five continents including Opportunities International, a microfinance institution. Mr. Kraniak is also a seasoned world adventure traveller whose trips have spanned 90 countries on all seven continents.