Executive Management Team
Our executive team leads by example. Passionate and experienced, they spent years at MC Group and ICON respectively before merging in 2019. Learn more about our leadership team below.
Tim Eippert
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Eippert purchased MC Group in 1994. Over the next 25 years, he built MC Group into one of the leading brand implementation companies in the United States. Post-merger, Tim serves as the CEO of Stratus, providing strategic guidance as we expand our operations and continue serving our customers around the world. He is a graduate of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Kurt Ripkey
Chief Commercial Officer
Kurt Ripkey joined ICON in 1991. Kurt’s work throughout departments such as project management, product development, and national sales led to him joining the executive leadership team in 1998. As a growth focused pioneer, Kurt was responsible for implementing customer behavior and product strategies leading to major account success. In 2007 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer to provide direction for the company’s continued advancement. After the 2019 merger, Kurt took on the role of President and Chief Revenue Officer of Stratus and now Chief Commercial Officer in 2022. He is a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.
Bryan Hartnett
Chief Operations Officer
Bryan joins Stratus from Vixxo, an integrated facilities management company, where he served as SVP of Customer Operations after a decade as President of their East Division. Prior to Vixxo, Bryan was CEO and founder of National DCP, the Dunkin’ Brands Supply Chain Cooperative supporting the supply chain and distribution needs of all franchisees of Dunkin’ Brands. As Chief Operating Officer, Bryan will lead Stratus’ Customer teams (Signage, Refresh/Remodel, Energy, Facility Maintenance), along with Manufacturing and Sourcing. He and his teams are focused on Customer Focus, Customer Care, and delivering quality service and products throughout the Stratus offering. Bryan is a graduate of Assumption University
Mike Loftus
Chief Brand Environments Officer
Mike Loftus joined Stratus in 2021. Mike founded MLE in 2002 and for 19 years grew the company to over 130 employees in the Chicago area. When MLE was acquired by Stratus in September 2021, Mike took on the role of Chief Brand Environments Officer. In this position, Mike concentrates on the continued growth of permanent and semi-permanent interior branding and temporary exterior branding. Mike attended Winona State University in Minnesota.
Ryan Goldberg
Chief Customer Officer
Ryan has been with Stratus since 2009. Instrumental in the creation of Stratus’ Energy Division, he has had significant experience in operations, business development, and sales. Ryan has built his career around growing the organization through process, systems, and a passion for the customer’s experience. Ryan has an undergraduate degree in Finance and English from the University of Rochester as well as an MBA in Marketing and Sustainability from Case Western Reserve University.
Christine Palazzo
Chief Strategy Officer
Christine Palazzo joined Stratus in 2021. She brings over a decade of experience in Strategy, Business Development & Innovation, and Human Resources. Christine has an extensive and diverse background having worked in a multitude of industries including retail, Special Operations Forces Support, content services, and nonprofit organizations. Today she serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Stratus where her efforts are focused on business transformation. She is a graduate of Purdue University and holds Bachelor’s of Science Degrees in Management and Accounting.
