"I had Professor Kratz for numerous classes and graduated in 2001. My buddy Bongo and I always had him at 7:45am, usually on Fridays after Thirsty Thursday at the old Tap Room or Grandmas. I just remember him getting a kick out of us dragging ourselves in on Friday morning after a late night in college. In 2001, at the graduation ceremony at the DECC, after having a few adult beverages in the parking lot prior to walking, the first person Bongo and I saw when we walked into the venue was Professor Kratz. He just laughed, shook his head, and said "Congrats guys... going out the way you came in" haha I don't remember many of my professors from college 20 years later, but we still remember Professor Kratz. Congrats on retirement!!"
"Wish you the best in retirement and thank you for always supporting my growth as a student and as a graduate! You are one of a kind and your impact to the Duluth community and sales profession is unmeasurable! Thank you for being you!"
"Seeing the younger version (photo) of John in the invite brought back memories that are now 20 years old. I will honestly say that he has aged well and looks like a sophisticated academic type now--glasses and a nice grey beard! This is, of course, relative to the image I had of him back then as a savvy businessman that decided to pursue academic endeavors instead of chasing revenue targets at Land O’ Lakes. Twenty years later, and John is still a memorable icon in my mind related to what I learned at UMD and in the Marketing Department. We have stayed in touch over the years, which is a testament to both his passion for teaching and his passion for his students and their futures. John was a gift to his students, and everyone should be thankful that they had an opportunity to learn from him."
"One day John came walking out of the SBE restrooms shaking his head and says "All that tuition you guys pay and all they have is 1-ply!" Congrats on your retirement John and may God Bless you as much as you have your students."
"I first met John Kratz in 2003 when enrolled in his sales course at UMD. It was apparent early on that he was not only a remarkable teacher, but a caring human being dedicated to the success of each of his students. I can recall sitting in his office on numerous occasions discussing anything from business development strategies, the latest best-selling business book, to bird hunting. Little did I know that nearly twenty years later we would still be having those discussions. Over the years, he has continued to be a great mentor, advocate, and friend. He is one of the rare collegiate teachers who has truly been able to "bridge the gap" between the classroom and the boardroom. The most precious commodity we have, most would agree, is time. With the abundant regard he shows for the continued success of his students, John has shown his generous nature."
"I seem to remember a pretty extensive collection of multi-color sweaters. Possibly a different one for every class. Some people refer to them as "Cosby sweaters" made famous by Bill Cosby because it's what his character Dr. Huxtable wore on the TV show. I had Kratz as my teacher in the early 2000s but he was hanging onto that 90s Cosby sweater look long after the 90s ended."
"I remember John telling us if we had part time jobs, that we might as well quit them now because the semester project in his Business to Business Marketing class was going to make staying employed impossible. There would be no free time outside of this project. It was a slog, but I learned a ton. He was pretty surprised when I took his Business to Consumer Marketing class next semester (which had the same warning) as only one of these slog-fests was required to graduate. 10/10 - would recommend."
"You always kept it real and honest. Two traits that I have found over the years to be rare in an individual, even as stand alone traits let alone combined. You pushed us students to challenge the status-quo and to be quick on our toes. I never could escape a class session without you spontaneously calling on me for at least ONE question. Being a girl who was terrified of public speaking coming into college, I initially dreaded when you did this. However, I quickly found that this participation gravitated me in deepening my roots in my studies, broaden my connections with my peers, and led me to amazing experiences like ADMAR. Your unparalleled mentorship gave me confidence in my voice and sparked a passion for Business. I still use your fundamental sales tactics in my every day interactions and credit your guidance to many successes in my career. Cheers to one of the best! Enjoy this much deserved next chapter!"
"Oh man! I can't believe this guy is retiring. How will the next generations learn to find their groove/niche in the business world. I enjoyed having Kratz for a B2B professor and all the knowledge he shared. He helped us "Fire" a team member before the days of "You're Fired" were a thing. I hope you continue to share your stories and that you enjoy whatever the next chapter of life has to offer!"
"The year was 2005. The ADMAR Club had gathered in one of those amazing basement-level classrooms in the former SBE Building on a chilly Duluth winter night. There was an excitement in the air that can only be compared to a child anticipating the arrival of that chubby, home-invading elf. We were anxiously waiting the announcement we'd been waiting for: the unveiling of the cutting-edge product for which we would pour hundreds of hours into. You see, we were to develop an end-to-end integrated marketing plan and present at the regional meeting--pitted against our peers from across the upper midwest. We would be up against some of the most illustrious schools--Carlson, St. Thomas, those Johnnies Characters. Finally, the moment arrived.
We tuned into the online announcement virtually (pretty wild for 2005!) and saw executives from the biggest and best marketing firms speak of the importance and exposure this would grant us. Surely one of our future employers were talking to us! We wondered, "Is that my next boss??!" We knew this was our ticket to that six-figure salary and "the good life."
The lights went down low. The camera zoomed into the curtains as they began to rise. It was only a mere moment now! We would soon see this exciting, cutting-edge product. Undoubtedly, it would be something that resonated with college kids. Maybe it was a new life-saving medical device. Or a piece of tech that only our wildest dreams could imagine. Maybe it was a new platform that would change the world as we knew it! Then, in all it's glory, we saw it standing in the shadows--smoke flowing around it; lights flashing to build excitement. It was Proud. Triumphant. Regal, even. Was is it??! We could not stand it!!
As the lights drew up, it was finally revealed: a damn mailbox. [Cue the sad trombone]. John stood there in front of the 50+ eager students aghast. His mouth hung open. He was shocked. Then, as if to awaken from the spell cast by a cheesy stage-hypnotist, he realized this was his time to rally the troops. With a quick shake of his head, he directed his gaze to his disciples. With that all-too-familiar "John Kratz Smirk" (you know the one) he said, "Alright, folks! Let's get excited about identity theft!"
In the end, despite finish near the settlement at the bottom of the barrel, we had a blast. We built relationships that have lasted 15 years. We earned real-world experience. We learned that even mailboxes are worthy of our attention. We learned that clients are clients regardless if they are selling mailboxes or sexy sports cars. Thank you, John, for teaching me about mailboxes."
"I hope the fish bite in retirement! Thank you for being an advocate for students with interest in sales. With many of my teams, and especially when I worked closely with people new to the workforce, I always share one piece of advice that you shared with us. It was something along the lines of having a great career. First, find a growing industry, then find a growing company, then find a growing department - those ingredients mixed with passion, hardwork, and continued learning and development will lead to success. I've had to share that with 100 people already as they begin their journey in software sales at Jamf. I'll make sure I stay connected as time goes by."
"Kratz was a great mentor leading those students into sales prior to sales degrees being offered, in addition to the importance of storytelling"
"One of my favorite things about John Kratz is how compassionate a teacher he was to his students. He was always present and seemed to truly care about each one of us, which drove me to be the best student I could be in return. My story: It starts as a sadder story, but looking back, it was a clear showcase of his character...After receiving a text that my childhood dog passed away, I choose to take my phone out to respond (without even trying to hide it). Kratz called me out on being focused on my phone, but after I mentioned to the class the purpose of my disturbance, Kratz fell back into his chair in complete sympathy. In the end, he forced me to leave the room to contact my family. Looking back at that story, it's evident the EQ that John has developed over his years in the field, and it showed in that moment. He felt my pain along side me, and I'm grateful for that memory and example. Thank you!"
"Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement! You truly made LSBE a wonderful place and pushed your students to be better business people."
"I have great memories of the beginning of the 3M/UMD partnership and Kratz's dedication to 3M and the opportunity for UMD students. When I was one of the first UMD students to participate as a 3M intern, Kratz introduced himself to me and congratulated me saying 3M was a great company - fun to look back on now that I have worked there for almost 4 years! We also had a great time representing UMD at the 3M Frontline Conference at Texas State in 2019 - the Kratz/Boyd/Schultze combo + our 6 UMD interns (Charlie's Angels) were a FORCE! So much energy and definitely a talented group of bulldogs. :) Thank you for everything - best wishes!"
"I wanted to let you know how thankful I am to have found your intro to marketing class my sophomore year. You are by far the most impactful professor I ever had and you really showed me the true nobility of sales as a profession. Thank you for your commitment to exposing students to real world knowledge and opportunities."
"You've always had an awesome and motivating, yet laid back attitude. I think it resonates extremely well with students. Thanks for all you've taught us and the advice you gave me to work at 3M! I wish you the best in your retirement."
"Oh man, Kratz. You were my professor in my second to last semester at UMD for social media marketing class! What an amazing course it was. I was inspired by your storytelling and the way that you pushed me - and everyone - to produce their greatest story. I specifically remember being chosen to tell my “green card/white card/blue card/red card” story in front of the entire class and I was SO incredibly nervous, but it went much better than expected! Thank you for your contributions to my college career, as well as everything you’ve done for the Labovitz School of Business and Economics! You’ve definitely left your mark in my mind. Congratulations on your retirement - you absolutely deserve it."
"I would just like to know who “sold” you on retirement? Can’t believe I had you as a professor. You’re one of the greats from k-12 on up to high Ed for me."
"Look, I understand my name is hard to pronounce with it's funky spelling (Lewi, pronounced like "Howie" but with an "L"). I've never heard anyone butcher it with the fervor and class quite like Kratz. My favorite had to be the time he called me up to speak in front of the Social Media Marketing course he taught and ended with, "Thanks for your contribution, Rari." Like I was some Italian sports car."
One word I will never say in a sales call or presentation after taking a class with Kratz: AWESOME! *in Kratz’s annoying girl voice*
Enjoy your retirement Professor Kratz. I would have taken Fundamentals of Selling twice if I could!
Kratz has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me confident in my selling abilities. Kratz is inspiring students to reach their potential and is creating successful business people.
He is great for the Bulldog community and helps students reach a higher potential.
Kratz impacted me from day one when I had him as my Principles of Marketing Professor. His classes are truly the only classes where I am pushed to think outside of the box and step out of my comfort zone and into my learning zone.
He is a professor unlike any other I have had before in LSBE. He cares deeply about us students and provides us with so many opportunities that helped me so much. He is a professor, friend, and mentor to so many.
He inspires so many individuals... He brings that attitude to constantly push you, challenge you, and bring the best out of you. He is a valuable member of the bulldog community!
He is the most personable professor I have ever had in LSBE and treats students like we are in an internship and teaches us everything we need to know about the industry.
His honest and objective view on the world is refreshing in contrast to a majority of professional's idealized views I have dealt with in the education field.
He's a great teacher and an even greater man. He is one of the best teachers I've had!
John Kratz is the most influential and impactful professor that I have had at UMD. Most of my professional development has been thanks to John Kratz’s teachings in class or mentorship through Sales Club and as my advisor. He knows how to lead students while allowing them to advance their own leadership and professional skills. He really cares about his students and their success and growth.
He is passionate about sales and marketing and has a way of teaching that shows his passion which in turn is transferred to his students. That is so valuable and hard to come by.
Hands down one of the most influential professors I’ve learned from at UMD. Makes learning enjoyable and interesting!
John in my opinion is one of the most valuable professors I have had thus far in college and he has many very important connections that offer opportunities for students to succeed in their future careers. He has the amazing ability to connect with students and inspire them to do their best. He cares a lot about his students and sales as a profession and it shows. He is able to connect students to real life selling situations and uses his time in every lecture to deliver value to students.
Kratz is an incredible teacher and an aspiration to all of his students. He has made an impact on me personally by all ways believing in anything I want to accomplish and being there to help me with any questions.
Professor Kratz has a tremendous impact on every sales student who walks through his doors. His energy and leadership have helped so many students find the path they want to walk down after college.
John Kratz is one of the finest teachers the business school has to offer. He teaches real life sales and marketing concepts and also gives students the opportunity to excel in their career post-graduation.
Kratz is the heart and soul of UMD. He is one of the most influential figures in LSBE. I do not know of any other person that brings so many students together and also brings so many opportunities for his students.
He is by far one of the best professors I have ever had and has made my college life and business career explode further than I have ever thought possible. Really challenged me to dig deep in myself to work hard and achieve more for what I am worth in this world.
Kratz is a huge reason I had an internship and now a full-time offer at Land O Lakes! One of the biggest takeaways I had from Kratz was about setting myself apart from others. Whether it be at a networking event, or during an interview, I always feel confident and prepared thanks to lessons I have learned from Kratz.
Kratz has made me feel like I am capable of reaching my career goals. He pushes his students to be the best they can be and truly inspires confidence in his students.
John Kratz has made me love sales. He taught me how to be of service to others and the importance of meeting new people and being good to them. He has the best interests for UMD students, including myself, he's a role model and I look up to Kratz for how I should act as a sales professional.
In my early college days, Kratz pushed me to become a professional. I will never forget how he told us that some people are "Business Students" aka those who just show up and do the minimum. He said others are "Students of Business", who study their craft and look to maximize their time in school. Since the day Kratz said this, my mindset has been flipped on how I approach my classes. Kratz also inspired me to pursue a career in sales.
He also has helped me nail literally every single interview I have ever had and secure countless informational interviews.
He has helped me to place high in the RNMKRS competition and connect with employers regarding internships. These experiences have opened so many doors for me and they would not have been possible without him.
He has put into words that in order for one to engage in a selling activity of any kind, you are effectively selling yourself. You sell yourself in so many different ways and Kratz has only but opened up the doors to allowing me to find out what all of those ways are. Kratz has impacted me by caring enough to think about what insights a student like me in this day and age cares about. Kratz has impacted me by sharing his genuine can-do, confident attitude as he not only depicts vivid examples of success through his incredible story telling ability (which he also showed me how to do), but he also has enlightened me as to the models of how one might acquire a similar level of success within their own selves.
When I took Social Media Marketing with John Kratz my group worked with Bernick's the beverage distributor, after we presented our final project to Bernick's they were not overly pleased with our findings. Professor Kratz stood up for us and made us still believe that we did a good job despite the fact that we felt terrible after our meeting with Bernick's. He reassured us that we did a good job and helped us to see the positives from this experience. Also, John Kratz has connected me with a mentor in the hospitality industry. No one else at UMD has listened to me when I said that this was my interest and helped me with it in any way besides John Kratz. He has a vast network and is well respected in many influential circles. John Kratz simply cannot be replaced.
He helped me decide what I want to do with my life and hone in on the career aspirations I have in a way that no one else ever has.
He has changed the way I thought about salespeople as a whole.
He has impacted me tremendously. He has allowed me to discover my passion for sales and connecting with people in a way I never knew before. John Kratz, taught me how to be of service to others, be passionate, and overall to be yourself. He is a unique character that I will always look up to as I continue to work my way through college and beyond.
I took his professional selling class and he helped me to get out of my comfort zone. He really helped me grow my skills.
He has impacted me by encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.
He has shown me the importance of selling in every aspect of life.
He's just a great man who I truly have respect for. I have learned so much from him and he makes class fun, interesting, and entertaining. He makes me want to go to his class everyday. I have learned so much from him.
Gave me a lot of confidence in myself and made me a better person all around.
John Kratz has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in classes and in sales that has given me the confidence to grow personally and professionally. He has been a useful connection for networking and job searching as well as providing outstanding recommendations for myself and all of his students.
When I arrived at college I thought I wanted to do Accounting. I soon realized that accounting was not for me. I was stuck on what I wanted to do after I realized that. But then, John Kratz spoke to my Principles of Marketing class and I was convinced that I wanted to do Sales. I am very glad I chose Sales as a major and if it was not for John Kratz, I don't know what I would have done.
As my advisor and my professor, he has been an incredible guide for me both professionally and personally. He goes out of his way to connect you with people and he shows you real world skills that are so necessary to have after college. He has single handedly set me down the professional path I am on right now, and it is one I am so excited about. I am so thankful for all the advice he has given me over the years, no other professor has impacted me like Mr. Kratz has.
Mr. Kratz has always been someone that I wanted to be proud of and my future success and has driven me to try my absolute hardest to be successful.
Kratz continues to push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow as a sales person. He is readily there to give me any advice necessary to help me prepare for my future. I can say he is honestly the teacher that has impacted me the most at UMD.
Professor Kratz was a great resource for my summer internship last year. He helped get me in touch with the employer that ended up being my boss!
Kratz has made me look at Sales in a whole different perspective. It’s not a job. It is not a career. It is a way of life. Sales can make any part of your life easier. I had no interest in pursuing a Sales job. After being his student, I have now accepted a Sales internship.
He has made me get outside my comfort zone. I have grown and thrived more in my business major this year than all 3 years previous combined because of him. I love the way he teaches as well as how I am able to connect with him. John Kratz's goes above and beyond when it comes to providing content for students to use on homework, job searching, or just in life as a whole. He genuinely cares about his students and wants them to succeed in this world. I can't say that about many other professors I have ever had in my lifetime.
John Kratz’s help and lectures on sales has brought me into the reality of sales. I believe his class, the fundamentals of sales, has created an immense impact on me and countless others. I refuse to deny that kind of knowledge from students to come including myself.
Kratz got me interested in a sales career. Without his help I would not have received a full time offer out of college in the industry. In addition he helped me succeed last semester by placing 8th in the country in the national RNMKRS sales competition.
Kratz has made me feel like I am capable of reaching my career goals. He pushes his students to be the best they can be and truly inspires confidence in his students.
All that I know is, whether Kratz retires or not, one day I would like to have a cold, refreshing draft ale on some back patio somewhere and really crack into what's in his mind. He's such an insightful guy, I really do benefit from his teachings every class period. Kratz challenges and empowers us to be better learners and at the end of the day, he's a very talented Professor and is really good at what he does.
Pat Graiziger, General Manager, Kemps LLC
"I was One if John’s college roommates at UMD, and wanted to congratulate him on a great career. I witnessed his initial beginnings of story telling and public speaking. I came home from class to our apartment and found John standing on a chair in the living room with the record player blaring imitating Winston Churchill’s famous speech during the war. Following that we both decided to participate in the AmWay layered sales organization and drew circles to enlist new sales members to our organization. We had some really fun times together."
Celeste Hughes, Frontline Program Manager, 3M
"John, I am so very sad to see you go. I love hearing the students talk about how you have positively impacted their lives. Or that you are the reason for where they are at today! Your passion around the program is AMAZING to see and so contagious. You will be greatly missed John. Enjoy your new adventures!"
Josephine Jarecki, Sales Recruiter, Paycom
"John, thank you for being such an incredible partner for Paycom! Every time we chat is such a treat. Your students are so lucky to have you and your passion and commitment to the sales program is amazing. Cheers to retirement and a continued partnership!!"
Laura Manardo, Senior Experience Manager, Packback
"I've worked with John Kratz through Packback (a supplemental discussion tool) and he has lifted me up for the past year and a half! I spoke with him in my first week at the company I am with. He is the best!"
Steve Norenberg, Retired, MW Commercial Properties
"I had the opportunity to hire a number of John's students as well as speak in his class a few times. My memory is how much he was loved and respected by the students and it seemed everybody had a "Kratz" story. He he left UMD better than he found it and I wish him well in his next chapter."
Graham Sievers, Regional VP/Upper Midwest, Fastenal Company
"Congrats on a great career, Kratz! You have impacted many careers, including mine through your passion for sales and your students. Always a standup guy and someone I admire greatly!"
Aurorasa Sima, Emotional Intelligence Specialist, The Goulston Group/Aurorasa Coaching
"John demanded that the breakout rooms at his retirement roast are called "A Leads" "B Leads" and "C Leads.""
Christopher Swanson, CEO, Puredriven/Headcoach, Garage Starts/Two Harbors Mayor
"Honest to God, I kid you not, and stories stories stories. The time John and I got on a role play of sales via zoom with his class observing and both forgot it was role playing. I think John bought whatever I was selling."
Brian Warden, Sales District Operations Manager, 3M
"You candor and real world expertise will be missed. My sincerest congratulations to you and I wish you all the best in your retirement - very well deserved!"
Barb Welinski, Productions Manager, Meteorological Products Inc.
"John is a great story teller and can be extremely captivating when he turns into a giddy, little boy describing his student's accomplishments, especially the latest advertising competition."
Denni Arli, LSBE Assistant Professor of Marketing
"Thank you for inspiring us with your passion and humility, you are a legend! You cannot retire John!"
Suzanne Anderson, LSBE Senior Development Officer
"Great times working with John on raising funds for the Sales Program!"
Stephen Castleberry, LSBE Professor of Marketing & Business Ethics
"You have made such an incredible positive difference to our university, college, department and the sales program, John! You will be missed!!"
Tom Duff, LSBE Former Acting Associate/Dean
"I enjoyed many informal chats with him in various LSBE areas and events over the years. Based on my interactions with him he seemed to be a likable and good guy. Also, as I recall, I reviewed his teaching evaluations from time to time when I was SBE associate dean; and I believe they were always above average, so the students liked him and indicated they felt positive about their experiences in his classes."
Kjell Knudsen, LSBE Former Dean
"John, thanks for sharing your invaluable professional experience with LSBE students for all these years. What a gift you have been to the School!"
Amy Hietapelto, LSBE Dean
"It has always been a pleasure interacting with John. I will miss him. We have bonded over the years on our mutual love of sales. I truly hope John is still in our orbit in the future and continues to play an advocacy role in LSBE's success, as he done so admirably during his time with us."
Sara Pitterle, LSBE Former Retail Marketing Analytics Director
"John's enthusiasm and encouragement of his students was amazing. He was not afraid to try new things and to encourage his students to do the same."
Amin Rostami, LSBE Assistant Professor of Marketing
"Memory: Our awesome and load conversation at Sara's table!"
Jon Pierce, LSBE Morse-Alumni Distinguished Professor of Organization & Management - recently joining the retired club!
"It past time for sharing a bottle of brandy and telling fishing stories (all of which are somewhat overblown)."
Kristi Schmidt, UMD Corporate Relations Officer
"I've known John for 25 years. He used to have me speak to his marketing classes about writing news releases and working with the media. For the past two years, I've been lucky enough to work with him at UMD. I'll miss working with him - every day! He and I live close to one another so, after COVID is over, I look forward to getting together for a beer with him on his dock and then on mine. I wish him the VERY best in this next chapter! I just hope he doesn't drive Liz crazy! HAHA ;)"
Steve Sharkey, LSBE Consumer Insights & Analytics Director
"Thank you for being such a great partner over the years John! Appreciate you."
Angie Soderberg, LSBE Internship Director
"John and I have worked together a lot over the years. We have collaborated on many employer events. In fact, I would argue that John helped to double my workload. He has always been a great supporter and partner with our company day programming. I will miss his enthusiasm and partnership, John. Best of luck on these next chapters in your life. I am sure our paths will cross again."
Sharon Torrison, LSBE Former Student Affairs Director
"John, it was always a pleasure to work with you when I was part of LSBE - now about 13 years ago. Your dedication to students was apparent and your lively approach to teaching! LSBE is fortunate to have had your contributions. I wish you the best in retirement and hope you have some lovely plans."
Carlee Williams, UMD Coordinator of Special Events
Former Department of Marketing Executive Administrative Specialist extraordinaire
"I worked with John for 8+ years in the Department of Marketing. Everyday, when he would get to the office I'd say "Good morning John- how are you?" And everyday he'd answer "better than I deserve" with that teasing grin. It's been 4 years since I worked with him and I still miss that.
In the department, my desk sat right outside of his office. I overhead many of the conversations that John had with his students. I would say that he perfected the "tough love" concept. He was never afraid to tell them exactly where they were lacking, but he also always provided suggestions on where (and how) they could improve. I think that most his students deeply respected and loved him for that. They sought his candid opinion and advice in all areas of their lives. The classroom and the students won't be the same without John.
When I worked with John, he was always very appreciative of the help I provided. I'm certain that Georgina can also attest to this but at the end of every semester, he'd make sure he thanked me for the "adult supervision." It always made me chuckle but if I'm being completely honest, sometimes he needed it! :-)
John, I wish you all the best in your retirement. On behalf of anyone that's ever met you, thanks for being you. Warm regards (and virtual hugs)!"
Lynne Williams, UMD Marketing & Public Relations Director
"John, I remember being your student and LOVING that you gave the class real-life examples of working in marketing. You inspired a spark in me to pursue a career connecting the consumer with their desire. I was thrilled to come back to campus to work in a marketing capacity and have you as a colleague, continued advisor, and friend. Thank you for making a different in so many lives. You are one of the best and we will miss you!"
Carolyn Zanko, LSBE Former Administrative Director
"Congratulations—enjoy retirement. Every day is Saturday!"