Craig Opdycke

I am an 11-year Navy veteran with multiple skills in different business fields—a recent W.P. Carey School of Business graduate with a BS in Business Management.  

As a Senior Sales Associate, my responsibilities included customer service and assisting the Store Manager with a variety of store operations such as scheduling, loss prevention, opening and closing procedures, planogram implementation, training, cash handling, inventory management, waste disposal, and compliance with OSHA regulations. Within two weeks of joining, I took on the store manager's duties and became an expert in Autozone parts. Additionally, I supported the commercial department by overseeing deliveries and managing business accounts as needed.

As a Support Equipment Technician, I was tasked with planning and executing maintenance procedures for support equipment in accordance with the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAVAIR). My responsibilities encompassed a range of equipment including mobile electric power plants, tractors, utility and salvage cranes, fire trucks, nitrogen and oxygen systems, hydraulic units, air conditioners, trailers, towbars, aircraft sanitation and cleaning carts, and overhead cranes. During my tenure in the Navy, I held various positions such as building manager, supply manager, tire and wheel manager, work center supervisor, training and licensing officer, Lean Six Sigma yellow belt team member, cross-cultural leadership, hydraulics manager, safety manager, collateral duty inspector, quality control team member, firefighter, watchstander, issue and receipt clerk, logs and records keeper, ship rehabilitation leader, financial counselor, mentor, and aviation warfare specialist.

A Bachelor's degree in Business Management from W.P. Carey School of Business offers a robust foundation in theoretical and practical aspects vital for the complex business world today. The program aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of fundamental business areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, coupled with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Experienced faculty deliver the curriculum through real-world case studies and projects, preparing graduates to address global market challenges effectively. The school's commitment to ethical decision-making and sustainable practices promotes responsible leadership. In essence, a degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business not only advances academic and professional credentials but also develops a mindset geared towards sustained success in the ever-evolving business management arena.