Eric Winton, left, and Robby Riggs stand in front of the Sooner Schooner inside Oklahoma Memorial Union.
Alumni Spotlight
ROBBY RIGGS
Job Title: Co-Founder
Employer: The Bridge
City and State: Manlius, New York
Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
OU Degrees: B.B.A. Management, '08
ERIC WINTON
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Employer: The Bridge
City and State: Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
OU Degrees: B.B.A. Management Information Systems, '96
From colleagues to business partners and acquaintances to marathon training buddies, Robby Riggs and Eric Winton exemplify the enduring bond formed between fellow Price College alumni. Their journey began over a decade ago when Eric recruited Robby right out of OU. This fateful encounter sparked a mentor-mentee relationship that has thrived for 16 years and counting.
Since then, these Sooner-born and bred alums have been busy building businesses. Though their professional paths have diverged at times, these Tulsa natives have maintained their connection. They are now teaming up again to rapidly scale The Bridge, a full-service strategy and consulting firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Price College caught up with this dynamic duo during Business Week to learn their unique story and their exciting new venture:
Can you tell us about your Price College experience and how you came to work together?
Riggs: “I always knew I wanted to be in business. I came to Price and had an awesome experience here. During my last year, I was president of the Student Business Association. I got to work closely with Dean Evans and got to know President Boren. I was also part of the JCPenney Leadership Program and made a ton of great relationships there.”
Winton: “I took a systems class early on, and I really liked it. I understood the whole data aspect of it and ended up majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS). At that time, we were the second-largest MIS program in the country.
I was also in the first Integrated Business Core (IBC) cohort. It’s crazy to see what that program has become. That first year, we were just trying to figure out a business. At the time, I was a bartender and waitstaff at O'Connell's and Liberty D’s, and I also worked at New York Bagel off Lindsey [Street]. My IBC group came up with the idea of doing a coffee cart outside of Dale Hall.
O’Connell’s hooked me up with coffee and a microwave, and New York bagel gave me a deal on bagels. We set up our coffee cart outside of Dale Hall, complete with a jam box, and people came.
After about three days, the university didn't love it, but they gave us some leeway. We eventually realized that managing a company with employees and perishable inventory wasn’t the best business model for students on campus. It was a valuable experience, though, and I drew on it extensively when I interviewed at the big consulting firms.”
Riggs: “The best part of my coming to OU, of course, was meeting Eric Winton. Eric hired me out of college 16 years ago, which is crazy. He was leading campus recruiting for a consulting firm, and that's where we met. So, Price College of Business and the University of Oklahoma truly changed the trajectory of my career. At the time, I didn't know or understand that, but when I look back, I have these how-did-I-get-here-moments that all trace back to Price.”
You both have a remarkable mentor-mentee relationship. What has made that so successful?
Riggs: “Eric was the reason I wanted to join Hitachi Consulting, the company that he hired me into. I saw in Eric what I wanted to be. The first week I started, I went into Eric’s office and said, ‘Hey, I want you to be my mentor.’
From that point on, I was constantly asking questions. Eric, at the time, held the distinction of being the youngest vice president in the company's history. I told him, ‘I'm going to break that record, and I need your guidance to achieve it.’ Eric was wonderful at putting up with my unbridled enthusiasm and relentless quest for knowledge.
Our relationship evolved when we both relocated to Boston to launch a regional office for another consulting firm. Not only did I get to witness Eric’s skills in selling, talent development and office culture creation, but I also became his working partner. That was unbelievable for me.
As luck would have it, we also trained for and ran the Boston Marathon that year. Our countless hours of training together strengthened our bond from professional acquaintances to friends. Eric was and still is incredibly generous with his time.”
Winton: “Early in my career, I was fortunate to encounter a few individuals who valued my potential over my experience or age. They granted me valuable opportunities that accelerated my career growth. As I ascended to leadership, I was inspired to do the same.
Robby was tenacious in seeking advice and chances to grow. We also have a lot in common and striking alignment in our personalities, as many can confirm. In fact, at one of our previous consulting firms, they dubbed him ‘Little Winton.’”
Riggs: “It was a huge compliment. I was very appreciative.”
Winton: “When we opened the market in Boston, the position we entrusted to Robby was more substantial than his tenure or experience might suggest, but I knew he could do it. And he proved me right. Over the years, we maintained our connection despite pursuing opportunities with different companies.”
Riggs: “Working together again with Eric has been incredibly gratifying and nothing short of awesome. Our foundation at OU and Price College bridged the decade between us with a shared experience. We’ll always have those common roots to connect us. That bond eased the early mentor-mentee dynamic because we could always default to OU football! We could not be more grateful for the bond OU and Price College enabled.”
Can you tell us about The Bridge and your growth goals for the next 3-5 years?
Riggs: “My co-founder, Ken Wilkins, and I started what was originally Sana Sano Consulting.
As we expanded the firm and reached a global team of 50, we quickly recognized that what got us here won't get us there. We knew we needed fresh expertise to propel us forward. That's when we reached out to Eric.
A couple of months ago, we rebranded to ‘The Bridge,’ and the response has been outstanding. We’re a full-service strategy and technology consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations transform.”
Winton: “I’m taking on the role of partner and CEO, entrusted by Robby and Ken to lead the next wave of growth. Our goal is to establish our headquarters in the Dallas market and expand our teams. We’re on track to move into our permanent headquarters within the next two to three months.
As a strategy and advisory business consulting firm, we specialize in helping companies define their business and technology strategies, optimize employee experience and enhance client services. Central to our approach is driving organizational change.
We intend to expand into two or three more physical markets. We have employees all over the United States, and we're still hiring. We’re growing rapidly, and we’re very excited to start our college recruiting program here at OU Price College.”
What advice would you give current business school students or aspiring consultants pursuing a similar career path?
Riggs: “Have the courage to seek advice or mentorship from individuals at levels above you. Communicate your aspirations and inquire about the steps to achieve them. It takes courage, but don’t be afraid to take the initiative to drive your own career growth.
Also, embrace hard work and do what’s necessary to add value. The best advice I was given out of college was from my father, who told me, ‘Do everything you can to make your boss's life better. Make him or her look great, and you’ll be successful.’ That's what I did.”
Winton: “Have an open mind and be curious. The first few years are about gaining experience, providing value and learning the work ethic needed for you to be successful.
Before stepping into a job interview, consider how you will differentiate yourself from other candidates. Consider highlighting your unique experiences, whether that’s the JCPenney Leadership Program, IBC, balancing a 20-hour workweek with your studies or showcasing internship achievements. Leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Also, understand that making VP in three years is unlikely. Robby wanted to, and he thought he was ready. While ambition is admirable, patience is equally crucial. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I thoroughly enjoy engaging with junior professionals who are ambitious and eager to advance in their careers.”
