Local Firm Hires New President

Ron D'Andrea thought his career would be focused on teaching people things they need to know to succeed. He was right.

D'Andrea taught in the Greenwich, Conn., school system after getting his graduate degree from Columbia University. He hasn't moved far from those roots, even as he takes over as president of Larkspur-based BayGroup International.

BayGroup is a business solutions company with an international client list that includes Hershey, Oracle, GE, UPS and Exxon-Mobil. D'Andrea will remain based in Connecticut, though he expects to travel to meet with some of BayGroup's clients.

"We're working to building profits for organizations. We have the right skills for building a plan," D'Andrea said. "We can offer clients sales solutions. We can negotiate more sustainable and profitable agreements. I want to ensure we're bringing the best possible solutions to the customer."

The tough economy is creating greater competition and forcing D'Andrea to work harder.

"The business is harder today than it ever was. Can you prove that your solution meets the needs that exist for the customer?" D'Andrea said. "The business has gotten harder that way, but when you develop credibility, the customers are trustworthy and loyal."

Following his career as an educator, D'Andrea took a job with a consulting firm. He was on the road and away from his young family most of the time. It was during those travels that he met BayGroup CEO Gregg Crawford. D'Andrea has been with BayGroup for 20 years and sees the next phase in his career merging with a new phase of growth for the company.

"One of the biggest challenges is to help customers see that this type of investment is critical. When you're working in an uncertain economy, people see us as insurance policy," D'Andrea said from his office in Connecticut. "Maintaining a high level of quality is always a challenge. We want to be perceived as the best. Nothing stands in the way of the quality of service."

“We are excited about expanding our organization’s global reach and technology leadership by promoting Ron to lead our executive team," according to Crawford, who founded BayGroup in 1980. "He brings a unique blend of sales, training, consulting, and management experience to his new position. As our business continues its rapid growth domestically and internationally, we are confident that Ron will bring high levels of innovation to our organization, and to our clients.”